Organic cotton is grown with much the same care as organic bell peppers, allowing the cotton to retain its natural softness instead of using harmful chemicals in the growing process (which also require chemical softeners afterward). Companies that make organic clothing are also less likely to use strong dyes. Softer, nature-based dyes are not only better for the environment, they lend themselves better to clothing that is designed by nature.

A Shot in the Arm

It’s interesting that the choice of 100 percent cotton should seem like the “newest” thing in fashion, when in fact it was just about all that our grandparents ever knew. Much of our farming heritage (in all sectors of agriculture) has been mechanized and computerized to the point where the family farmer is all but extinct. With its focus on organic cotton, the increase in organic clothing’s popularity could provide a much-needed boost to small farms – and small farmers – across the country.