Fabric sits against your skin all day. Dyes, finishes, and performance treatments are where the real exposure lives — not the fibre itself.
“Wrinkle-free,” “stain-resistant,” and “antimicrobial” are chemical finishes, often formaldehyde-based resins or PFAS. Azo dyes are a second concern on cheap fast fashion.
GOTS certification covers both the fibre and the processing, which is why it is the label worth paying for. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests the finished garment for harmful substances and is a reasonable minimum.