You have probably heard about the organic food movement, which is now fully recognized by the USDA but may not be aware that organic certification is given to a wide variety of products. In fact, the Department of Agriculture certified organic cotton and other materials for their production methods as well as the labor standards. As a result, you can buy ecologically friendly, comfortable clothing for a premium by buying organic.

Organic women’s fashion is generally high priced as a reflection of its higher cost of production. Most apparel makers source their green apparel from organic farms and ensure the supply chain is environmentally friendly. There are some caveats to the process, as organic sourcing is generally a global process; the result is that there are high transportation (carbon) costs associated with organic products that partially offset the benefits from better agricultural methods. It’s best to balance buying domestic and local brands as well as looking at the product sourcing details.

Many people find that organic fashion is much more comfortable – high quality organic cotton is quite comfortable and breathes particularly well. The combination of higher quality and improved environmental benefits makes it an attractive option for many clothing buyers. Keep in mind that there are several factors which go into environmental quality, including the general practices of the company – always research to ensure the company’s entire product line is consumer friendly, in addition to the particular garment you are buying. There is a chance that only a segment of their apparel line is eco-friendly.

While organic clothing won’t save the environment, it can provide a wealth of benefits in terms of more sustainable agricultural and labor techniques. Consumers can help established a higher quality supply chain by focusing on the origins and quality of the products that they buy – the result will be higher quality goods at fair prices for both consumers and workers.