We dive into the world of cotton and ask the question, what’s the REAL difference between organic cotton and regular cotton...  

Cotton production hasn’t always had the cleanest track record, and at Streamline, we’re not shying away from that. We’re actively choosing better—offering organic cotton alternatives across our core ranges. But what are the real benefits for choosing 100% organic cotton?  

The fundamental difference – Production  

The fundamental difference between organic cotton and regular cotton is in the production process. Organic cotton is grown without using synthetic pesticide, fertilizers or GMO’s.  

Synthetic additives in the process damage and degrade the soil, reducing yield and altering the soil structure, as well as being harmful to wildlife and even infiltrating water supplies. Synthetic hard chemicals and fertilizers, find their way through the soil and into groundwater posing a serious risk for rural communities.  

Organic cotton is also typically rain fed, reducing water consumption in the cotton growing process by up to 91%. 

The health impacts of synthetic fibers in regular cotton  

PFAS and similar synthetic compounds are highly stable and resist decay or natural degradation. This means they accumulate in the environment and in human bodies over time. 

Research shows that health effects include: 

  • Liver and kidney damage 

  • Hormonal disruption 

  • Increased risk of cancers (e.g., testicular, kidney) 

  • Developmental issues in children 

  • Immune system suppression 

Rural communities are particularly vulnerable as they have limited infrastructure and are typically based in close proximity to agricultural or industrial sites.  

Strong on values and soft on skin 

As well as being kinder to the planet, reducing soil degradation and pollution of water also means a softer product for your skin. Organic cotton tends to be softer and more breathable due to the intact fibers and feels soft on the skin due to the absence of chemical residues and synthetic additives used in the manufacturing process. This is less likely to cause a reaction to sensitive skin, making it suitable for everyone.  

The upside of regular cotton?  

Regular cotton is more durable however this can also be seen as a problem. In the fashion world, garments never retain their value to the user forever, even if as a synthetically altered product, it may not biodegrade for centuries. Sooner or later the garment will be discarded after its ‘useful’ lifecycle. By contrast, organic cotton is a natural product that biodegrades over a more reasonable timeframe, for example within a persons lifetime, as opposed to synthetic fibres which can take centuries.  

From Use to Reuse  

Organic cotton can be easily upcycled into new textiles or composted without releasing toxins and synthetic materials back into the environment. It also supports circular fashion goals by reducing landfill waste and supporting your environmental goals making it a fantastic sustainable material.