Cotton is one of the most used fabrics in the world. It’s soft, breathable, and endlessly versatile, found in everything from t-shirts to bed sheets. But, as more people think about where their materials come from, organic cotton has become the fabric of choice for those wanting something a little kinder (both to their skin and the planet). Here's why.
Regular cotton is grown using synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and often is modified to produce more crops. It’s efficient, affordable, and widely available. But this approach comes with a price: heavy water use, chemical exposure, and long-term damage to soil health.
While it’s practical, it’s not always the best choice for your skin or the environment.
Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown naturally. It skips the synthetic chemicals entirely, using methods like crop rotation and composting to keep the soil healthy and the plants strong.
Farmers rely on natural processes, which take more time but lead to a purer, softer fibre. Organic cotton is also certified by standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which ensures the entire process meets strict environmental standards.
The difference comes down to more than just how it’s grown. Organic cotton will almost always feel softer and smoother because the fibres aren’t tampered with chemicals. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, making it perfect for people with sensitive skin or those who sleep hot. Regular cotton is generally more accessible in price, but organic cotton lasts longer when cared for properly, thanks to its strong fibres that are untreated.
Below is a small list of pesticides and chemicals used in conventional cotton farming:
- Thiamethoxam
- Propargite
- Acephate
- Glyphosate
- Endosulfan
- Buprofezin
- Methoxyfenozide
- Bifenazate
- Chlorine
- Imidacloprid
- Acetamiprid
- Malathion
- Aldicarb (dangerous for human health)
- Phorate (dangerous for human health)
- Ethylenediamine tetra-acetate (EDTA)
- Alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO)
- Dinotefuran
- Pendimethalin
- Paraquat
- Hydrogen peroxide
Scarily, the list could go on (and on). It doesn't take a neuroscientist to work out that these may not be the greatest chemicals to be sleeping under.
Cotton is one of the most used fabrics in the world. It’s soft, breathable, and endlessly versatile, found in everything from t-shirts to bed sheets. But, as more people think about where their materials come from, organic cotton has become the fabric of choice for those wanting something a little kinder (both to their skin and the planet). Here's why.
Organic vs Regular Cotton. What's The Difference?
-
Regular Cotton
Regular cotton is grown using synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and often is modified to produce more crops. It’s efficient, affordable, and widely available. But this approach comes with a price: heavy water use, chemical exposure, and long-term damage to soil health.
While it’s practical, it’s not always the best choice for your skin or the environment.
-
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown naturally. It skips the synthetic chemicals entirely, using methods like crop rotation and composting to keep the soil healthy and the plants strong.
Farmers rely on natural processes, which take more time but lead to a purer, softer fibre. Organic cotton is also certified by standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which ensures the entire process meets strict environmental standards.
The difference comes down to more than just how it’s grown. Organic cotton will almost always feel softer and smoother because the fibres aren’t tampered with chemicals. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, making it perfect for people with sensitive skin or those who sleep hot. Regular cotton is generally more accessible in price, but organic cotton lasts longer when cared for properly, thanks to its strong fibres that are untreated.
Below is a small list of pesticides and chemicals used in conventional cotton farming:
- Thiamethoxam
- Propargite
- Acephate
- Glyphosate
- Endosulfan
- Buprofezin
- Methoxyfenozide
- Bifenazate
- Chlorine
- Imidacloprid
- Acetamiprid
- Malathion
- Aldicarb (dangerous for human health)
- Phorate (dangerous for human health)
- Ethylenediamine tetra-acetate (EDTA)
- Alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO)
- Dinotefuran
- Pendimethalin
- Paraquat
- Hydrogen peroxide
Scarily, the list could go on (and on). It doesn't take a neuroscientist to work out that these may not be the greatest chemicals to be sleeping under.
Organic Cotton Is Best? Right?
It depends on what matters most to you. If cost and convenience are top priorities, regular cotton might make more sense. But if you’re looking for comfort, sustainability, and a fabric that’s better for your health and the planet, organic cotton is the clear winner.
When it comes to bedding, that difference matters even more. You spend a third of your life between the sheets, so what they’re made from directly impacts how well you sleep. Organic cotton sheets are naturally breathable and soft, helping to regulate body temperature and wick away moisture. They feel calm and fresh night after night.
At Bonny, our sheets are made from certified organic cotton because we believe in doing things right — for your sleep and for the planet. Each piece is designed to last, with a buttery soft feel that gets even better with time.
Quick Reasons Why Organic Cotton Is Better.
- Hypoallergenic due to being grown without harsh chemicals, resulting in fibres less likely to cause irritation.
- Durable, resilient and longer lasting fibre.
- Highly breathable, promoting air circulation and helping to regulate body temperature.
How Is Organic Cotton Grown?
-
Picking The Seeds
It all begins with selecting non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) and untreated cotton seeds. These are chosen specifically to be catered to a local climate's soil, so the plants can thrive naturally.
-
Preparing the Soil & Planting
Farmers prepare the soil using compost, manure, and crops. Doing this naturally without synthetic fertilisers promotes long-term soil health. Then, seeds are sown when the soil is warm & moist (This is why warmer climates are generally
-
Naturally Managing Weeds and Nasty Stuff.
Instead of chemical herbicides and pesticides, organic farmers will make use of crop rotation, beneficial insects, and manual weeding to maintain a balanced ecosystem & healthy plants.
-
Harvesting & Cleaning
Cotton is hand-picked or mechanically harvested when the bolls are fully open. Unlike conventional methods, no toxic nasties are used as the leaves fall naturally.
After harvesting, the cotton is cleaned and separated from seeds. The processing follows organic standards, ensuring the cotton remains free from synthetic chemicals.
Build Your Combo
Your bed, your way. Built in seconds.
