Organic bedding is in high demand, from sheets and comforters to mattresses, pillows, and more. Why? Well, most people assume organic means the product is healthier to sleep on and less harmful for the environment. While that's true in some cases, the reality is that the term "organic" is loosely used, and sometimes can be downright misleading.
I've been testing and reporting on bedding in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for four years, and in that time I've seen firsthand that just because bedding is made with an organic component doesn't necessarily mean the final product is organic. When we have doubts, we ask brands using organic claims to submit proof during our review, but not all have the certification or data to back up their organic claims.
That being said, there are plenty of bedding brands that have certified organic products you can trust. In fact, I've seen the manufacturing process and final products up close and personal through my visits to organic bedding factories. To ensure you're getting the real deal, here's my number one tip to spot truly organic bedding.
First and foremost, check for GOTS certification
In the GH Institute's Textiles Lab, we reference the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS). GOTS is a certification by an independent, non-profit organization that requires organic textile products to meet strict standards throughout the supply chain—from manufacturing to dyeing fabrics to packaging the final product. While the USDA regulates the term “organic” for agriculture, there are limited federal regulations for organic textiles. With GOTS certification, however, the final product must be made from at least 70% organic material and cannot include a range of prohibited substances.
For products containing latex, we also reference Control Union's Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). This is another third-party certification that ensures products made with latex, like mattresses and toppers, are derived from natural rubber latex rather than synthetic. It also addresses criteria for any other materials used in the production process, along with supply chain traceability.
Next, look at the fiber content to ensure it's not questionable
In addition to looking for the term “GOTS,” it’s important to check the fiber content as a way to avoid misleading labeling. The bedding should be made entirely from natural materials like cotton, linen, hemp, silk, wool, or latex. If you see more than 30% synthetic or regenerated cellulose materials in the mix—such as polyester, viscose, or memory foam—then it can’t be considered truly organic. This is a helpful way to spot obvious mislabeling, but keep in mind: Natural fiber names alone aren’t a guarantee that the final product is organic, since those fibers can still undergo chemical processing during manufacturing.
If you're unsure, you can verify with GOTS
GOTS offers a free public database that allows you to look up a brand and confirm whether it’s actually certified. Most brands with GOTS certification will also list their license number on the product page—typically in the description or near the product details. You may also find it included as part of the GOTS label. You can enter that license number into the GOTS database to verify that the product is truly certified organic.
This step is especially important because false “GOTS” claims are nearly as common as misleading “organic” ones. For example, a brand may sell a sheet set made from a cotton-viscose blend and claim the cotton is GOTS-certified because it was sourced from a certified facility. However, GOTS certification applies to the entire finished product—not individual components—so this would be a misuse of the label.
The bottom line
If you check the fiber content for natural materials and confirm GOTS certification, you’ll be better equipped to cut through misleading claims and make informed purchasing decisions.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine is a home and apparel reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, she was a lecturer who taught textiles and fashion courses. Since joining the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022, Constantine has evaluated and tested a variety of bedding products, including dozens of sheet sets and comforters. For this article, she consulted with textiles lab associate director Emma Seymour and also worked with representatives for the Global Organic Textiles Standard for further information and verification.
