Why We Use Organic Cotton (and Why That’s Political)

Why We Use Organic Cotton (and Why That’s Political)

When most people think of clothing, they think about comfort, style, or maybe the brand. Rarely do we pause and ask, “What’s my shirt really made of — and why does it matter?” At Cloth Politica, we ask this question every day. The short answer: we use organic cotton. The longer answer: it’s about much more than fabric.

Organic cotton isn’t just gentler on your skin — it’s gentler on our planet, on farm workers, on communities, and yes, on democracy. Choosing organic is a political decision. Before you roll your eyes at that word, let’s unpack what it really means.

The Problem With Conventional Cotton

Cotton is everywhere: in t-shirts, jeans, socks, sheets, towels. But behind that familiarity hides a high cost. Conventional cotton is often called the “dirtiest crop” because of its heavy dependence on chemical inputs.

  • Cotton covers only 2.5% of global farmland but accounts for 16% of global insecticide use (Forbes).
  • It takes about 2,700 liters of water to make a single cotton t-shirt — enough for one person to drink for almost three years (The Guardian).
  • Cotton farming exposes workers and nearby communities to toxic chemicals that impact their health for generations.
  • The cotton industry also has a long history tied to forced labor, exploitation, and environmental destruction. From slavery in the American South to modern-day sweatshops overseas, cotton has always been political because it has always been about power — who grows it, who profits, and who bears the cost.


Why Organic Cotton Matters

Organic cotton flips the script. It’s grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMO seeds, and uses methods that serve people and the planet.

  • Healthier for farmers & communities
    No toxic chemicals means fewer health risks for farmers and families. Communities near fields aren’t forced to deal with poisoned water supplies or pesticide drift.
  • Better for the planet
    Organic cotton can use up to 91% less water than conventional cotton (The Guardian). It produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, helps restore soil fertility, and supports biodiversity.
  • Safer for you
    Your skin is your largest organ. Organic cotton is hypoallergenic, free from harsh chemicals, and simply feels better.
  • Supports fairer labor
    While not perfect, organic supply chains often emphasize transparency, certification, and fairer labor practices. Choosing organic supports businesses that respect both people and the planet.


Why That Choice Is Political

The environment is shared

The health of our soil, air, and water doesn’t belong to one person — it’s a public good. Chemical-intensive farming affects ecosystems and people far beyond the field.

Labor is justice

Politics is about how we treat people, how work is valued, and who is protected. The cotton industry has historically exploited farmers. Organic cotton means rejecting systems of unfairness.

Consumer power is civic power

Every purchase is a vote. When you choose organic, you’re voting for ecosystems, fair labor, and a future where sustainability is normal.

Cotton has always been enmeshed with political realities — from the cotton gin and slavery to colonial trade policies, land rights debates, and modern supply chain ethics. Ignoring that is ignoring history. Embracing it is wearing awareness with dignity.


But Isn’t Organic More Expensive?

Yes — organic production is more costly. But the “cheap” garments in fast fashion don’t come without a cost — that cost is often borne by the most vulnerable: farmers, communities, ecosystems. When you pay more for organic, you’re covering the true cost rather than outsourcing it.

That’s a political decision: refusing to let others carry your burden.


From Brand to Movement

At Cloth Politica, we don’t just make t-shirts. We make statements. We believe clothing is a canvas for conversations about justice, democracy, and belonging. Choosing organic cotton is part of that mission.

Wear our shirt, and you join a community of people who care not only about style — but how the world works. You wear more than fabric. You wear care — for soil, for people, for the future.

 

References:

Back to blog