Ever wonder what's actually IN the dyes, finishes, and treatments on your clothes? Most conventional fashion contains chemicals you'd never knowingly put on your skin—formaldehyde, heavy metals, carcinogenic compounds.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification changes that.

It's one of the most comprehensive textile safety certifications in the world, testing for over 350 harmful substances in every component of a garment. If you see this label, you know exactly what's NOT in your clothes.

Here's everything you need to know.

What is Oeko-Tex Standard 100?

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is an independent certification that tests textiles for harmful substances at every stage of production. Unlike other certifications that focus on growing practices or environmental impact, Oeko-Tex specifically ensures that finished clothing is safe for direct skin contact.

What it tests:

• Dyes and colorants
• Finishing treatments
• Fabric composition
• Threads and stitching
• Buttons, zippers, and trims
• Everything that touches your skin

What it guarantees: No harmful levels of over 350 restricted substances, including:

• Formaldehyde (wrinkle-resistant treatments)
• Heavy metals like lead and cadmium (dyes)
• Phthalates (plasticizers in prints)
• Carcinogenic dyes (azo dyes that release amines)
• Allergenic dyes and treatments
• Pesticide residues

The standard: If a garment passes Oeko-Tex Standard 100 testing, it's certif

ied safe for even the most sensitive skin—including babies.

Why Oeko-Tex Matters: The Hidden Chemicals in Fashion

Most people assume clothing is safe because it's regulated. The reality? Fashion is one of the least regulated consumer industries when it comes to chemical safety.

Common Harmful Substances in Conventional Clothing:

Formaldehyde (Wrinkle-Resistant Finishes):

• Used to prevent wrinkling and shrinking
• Known carcinogen and respiratory irritant
• Can cause skin rashes, allergic reactions
• Found in "permanent press," "wrinkle-free," "easy care" garments
• Oeko-Tex limit: ≤ 75 ppm (parts per million)

Heavy Metals (Dyes and Prints):

• Lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury used in pigments
• Absorbed through skin, especially when sweating
• Linked to neurological damage, organ toxicity
• Common in vibrant colors and metallic prints
• Oeko-Tex limit: Strict thresholds for each metal

Azo Dyes (Colorants):

• Can release carcinogenic aromatic amines
• Widely used in fast fashion for cheap, bright colors
• Linked to bladder cancer and other health risks
• Oeko-Tex: Prohibits 24 carcinogenic azo dyes

Phthalates (Plasticizers):

• Make plastic prints and coatings flexible
• Endocrine disruptors affecting hormones
• Particularly concerning for children's clothing
• Oeko-Tex limit: Heavily restricted

PFAS ("Forever Chemicals"):

• Used in water-resistant, stain-resistant treatments
• Persist in environment and human body indefinitely
• Linked to immune system damage, cancer risk
• Oeko-Tex: Restricted under certain product classes

The Scale of the Problem:

According to textile safety research:

• Over 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used in textile production
• Only a fraction are tested for health impacts
• Many countries have no limits on textile chemical use
• "Made in [Country]" label says nothing about chemical safety

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 bridges this gap by independently testing finished products—regardless of where they're made.

How Oeko-Tex Certification Works

The Testing Process:

1. Third-Party Independent Testing

• Samples sent to Oeko-Tex certified laboratories
• Every component tested separately (fabric, thread, buttons, etc.)
• Testing must be renewed annually
• Spot checks ensure ongoing compliance

2. Comprehensive Substance Analysis

• Over 350 harmful substances tested
• Thresholds based on latest toxicology research
• Updated annually as new research emerges
• More stringent than most government regulations

3. Product Class Categories

Oeko-Tex has four product classes with increasingly strict limits:

Class I: Baby products (0-3 years)

• Strictest limits (babies put clothes in mouth)
• Example limits: Formaldehyde ≤ 16 ppm
• Everything safe enough for direct mouth contact

Class II: Direct skin contact

• Underwear, t-shirts, bedding, towels
• Example limits: Formaldehyde ≤ 75 ppm
• Most clothing falls in this category

Class III: No direct skin contact

• Jackets, coats, curtains (worn over other layers)
• Example limits: Formaldehyde ≤ 300 ppm
• More lenient but still safe

Class IV: Decoration materials

• Cushions, table linens, curtains
• Least strict (minimal skin contact)

All HYPEACH products are tested to Class II standards (direct skin contact) because that's the real-world use case.

Oeko-Tex vs. Other Certifications

How it Compares:

Oeko-Tex Standard 100:

• Focus: Chemical safety in finished products
• Tests: 350+ harmful substances
• Covers: Every component of garment
• Renewal: Annual retesting required
• Best for: Ensuring clothing is safe to wear

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard):

• Focus: Organic fiber content + environmental/social criteria
• Tests: Some chemical restrictions
• Covers: Entire supply chain
• Best for: Organic textiles with environmental standards

BCI (Better Cotton Initiative):

• Focus: How cotton is grown
• Tests: Farming practices, not finished product
• Covers: Cotton cultivation only
• Best for: Sustainable cotton sourcing

[Learn more about BCI Cotton →]

CPSIA (US Consumer Product Safety):

• Focus: Lead content in children's products
• Tests: Limited substances (mainly lead)
• Covers: Children's products sold in US
• Best for: Minimum US safety compliance

The Bottom Line: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is the most comprehensive certification specifically for chemical safety in finished textiles. At HYPEACH, we combine Oeko-Tex certified materials with BCI cotton and Americas-based manufacturing for complete safety and sustainability.

How HYPEACH Uses Oeko-Tex Certification

At HYPEACH, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification isn't optional—it's our baseline for every product.

What's Certified:

100% of HYPEACH products are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified:

Dresses & Rompers

• 97% recycled polyester + 3% spandex
• Oeko-Tex certified dyes and finishes
• Soft, breathable, no chemical odor

Athleisure Collection

• 52% Sorona® + 48% recycled polyester
• Oeko-Tex AND Greentex certified
• No PFAS, no harsh treatments
• Plant-based performance fabric

Swimwear & Cover Ups

• 81% Repreve® recycled poly + 19% Lycra
• Oeko-Tex certified throughout
• Chlorine-resistant without toxic chemicals
• Safe for sensitive skin

Denim, Blazers & Tailored

• BCI organic cotton base
• Oeko-Tex certified dyes
• Non-toxic finishing treatments
• Gets softer with every wash

Hats, Totes & Accessories

• Organic cotton or recycled polyester
• Oeko-Tex certified
• No harmful chemicals in prints or dyes

Our Commitment:

Why we chose Oeko-Tex:

• Most comprehensive textile safety testing available
• Independent third-party verification (no greenwashing)
• Covers every single component of our garments
• Updated annually with latest safety research
• Aligns with our "non-toxic fashion" mission

What it means for you:

• No formaldehyde in wrinkle-resistant treatments (we don't use them)
• No heavy metals in our dyes
• No carcinogenic azo dyes
• No harmful phthalates in prints
• No pesticide residues
• Peace of mind in every piece

Shop HYPEACH's Oeko-Tex Certified Collection →

How to Identify Oeko-Tex Certified Clothing

Look for the Label:

Authentic Oeko-Tex labels include:

• "Oeko-Tex Standard 100" text
• Official Oeko-Tex logo
• Certification number (unique to each certified product)
• Product class (I, II, III, or IV)
• Testing institute name

Example format:

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
[Certification Number]
[Testing Institute]

Digital verification: You can verify any Oeko-Tex certification at: www.oeko-tex.com/label-check

Red Flags (Greenwashing):

⚠️ "Tested for safety" (by whom? What standards?)
⚠️ "Chemical-free" (impossible—water is a chemical. Meaningless claim)
⚠️ "Non-toxic" without certification (how do you know?)
⚠️ "Eco-friendly dyes" (doesn't mean safe dyes)
⚠️ "Dermatologically tested" (tested on what? By whom?)

Trust third-party certifications like Oeko-Tex over marketing language. They have specific testing protocols and accountability.

Why This Matters for Your Health

Your skin is your largest organ. It's also highly permeable—especially when you're warm, sweating, or the fabric is tight against your body.

Where Chemical Exposure Happens:

High-Risk Garments:

1. Underwear (thin fabric, direct skin contact, worn 12-16 hours)
2. Activewear (sweat increases absorption, tight fit)
3. Sleepwear (8 hours of exposure nightly)
4. Baby clothing (thin skin, clothes in mouth, developing immune system)
5. Tight clothing (more friction = more absorption)

Vulnerable Populations:

• Babies and children (thinner skin, developing systems)
• People with sensitive skin or eczema
• Pregnant women (chemical exposure affects fetal development)
• Anyone with compromised immune function

The good news: Choosing Oeko-Tex certified clothing dramatically reduces chemical exposure from garments.

The Future of Textile Safety

Consumer awareness of textile chemical safety is accelerating—and regulations are starting to catch up.

Industry Changes:

California SB 707 (Textile Chemical Safety)

• Requires disclosure of harmful chemicals in textiles
• Targets PFAS, formaldehyde, heavy metals
• Drives brands toward safer alternatives
• Oeko-Tex certification helps brands comply

EU REACH Regulations

• Restricts harmful substances in consumer products
• Includes textiles and clothing
• Brands selling in EU must comply
• Oeko-Tex exceeds REACH requirements

Growing Consumer Demand:

• 73% of consumers check for safety certifications (2025 survey data)
• "Clean" fashion following "clean beauty" trend
• Gen Z and Millennials prioritize chemical-free products
• Social media amplifies awareness of textile chemicals

HYPEACH is ahead of this curve with 100% Oeko-Tex certified products and transparent supply chains.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oeko-Tex

Does Oeko-Tex certification mean organic?

No. Oeko-Tex tests for harmful substances in finished products but doesn't certify that fibers are organic. However, many organic textiles also carry Oeko-Tex certification. HYPEACH combines BCI organic cotton with Oeko-Tex certified dyes for both sustainable growing AND safe finishing.

Is Oeko-Tex the same as organic cotton certification?

No. Organic cotton certifications (GOTS, OCS) focus on how cotton is grown. Oeko-Tex focuses on what's added during production—dyes, finishes, treatments. For complete safety, look for both organic cotton AND Oeko-Tex certification.

Can Oeko-Tex certified clothing still cause allergies?

While Oeko-Tex testing significantly reduces allergen risk, individual sensitivities vary. Oeko-Tex restricts known allergenic substances but can't account for every possible personal reaction. If you have severe allergies, check the specific fiber content (some people react to wool, elastane, etc.).

How often do products need to be recertified?

Oeko-Tex certification must be renewed annually. If a brand's certification number is outdated, the product is no longer certified. This ensures ongoing compliance with the latest safety standards.

Does washing remove harmful chemicals from non-certified clothing?

Some water-soluble chemicals may wash out, but many are permanent (especially dyes, finishes, and fabric treatments). Washing also releases microplastics and chemicals into waterways. It's better to choose Oeko-Tex certified clothing from the start.

Are all HYPEACH products Oeko-Tex certified?

Yes, 100%. Every fabric, dye, treatment, thread, button, and zipper is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. This is non-negotiable for us—it's the foundation of our non-toxic fashion commitment.

Make the Switch to Oeko-Tex Certified Fashion

Choosing Oeko-Tex certified clothing is one of the easiest ways to reduce chemical exposure from fashion.

Start with High-Contact Items:

Priority swaps:

1. Underwear (most direct skin contact)
2. Activewear (sweat increases absorption)
3. Sleepwear (8 hours of exposure)
4. Baby/kids clothing (most vulnerable)
5. Everyday basics (t-shirts, tanks, leggings)

What You Get:

Immediate benefits:

• Clothing free from harmful chemical treatments
• No formaldehyde, heavy metals, or carcinogenic dyes
• Safer for sensitive skin
• No chemical "new clothes" smell

Long-term benefits:

• Reduced cumulative chemical exposure
• Better for your overall health
• Peace of mind about what touches your skin daily
• Support for safer textile manufacturing

What you DON'T give up:

• Style (Oeko-Tex certified clothes look identical to uncertified)
• Durability (often BETTER quality due to safer processes)
• Color vibrancy (modern safe dyes are just as vibrant)
• Price (at HYPEACH, Oeko-Tex is standard, not premium)

Shop HYPEACH's Oeko-Tex Certified Collection

Every single HYPEACH product—from dresses to denim, athleisure to swimwear—is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.

No exceptions. No upcharges. It's just how we do business.

Shop by category:

• Dresses & Rompers (Oeko-Tex certified dyes, recycled poly)
• Athleisure (Oeko-Tex + Greentex certified, Sorona® fabric)
• Denim (BCI cotton + Oeko-Tex dyes)
• Swim & Cover Ups (Oeko-Tex certified Repreve®)
• Future Frequency Collection (Latest arrivals, all certified)

Every purchase includes:

• ✓ Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification
• ✓ BCI cotton or recycled materials
• ✓ Americas-based manufacturing
• ✓ 1% For the Planet partnership
• ✓ Free shipping & returns (US)

Questions about Oeko-Tex or our certifications?
Visit us at 8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, or DM @hypeachboutique on Instagram.

We're here to help you make safer fashion choices.