Organic Cotton in Short Supply

Because it’s grown without pesticides, organic cotton is considered preferable to the conventional kind.

Certified organic cotton is in short supply, representing less than 1% of total production. Some companies use just a tiny percentage of it in their garments or use uncertified organics. To be certified organic, cotton must grow in soil that has been chemical free for three years, the U.S. Agriculture Department says. Dyes used to color the fabric may contain toxic substances, though.

Ask manufacturers, or check their Web sites, to see if their cotton is certified organic, what portion of it is organic and what kind of dye was used. The label won’t necessarily say.