How to Shop for ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

"Organic [0] cotton" may sound like an easy way for clothing stores to charge an extra twenty bucks for an otherwise ordinary T-shirt, but the truth is organic matters as much in what you wear as it does in what you eat.

Some experts [1] say a quarter of the insecticides in the United States and a tenth of all the world’s pesticides are devoted to dousing cotton. Of these pesticides, seven of the top 15 are either known or suspected to be carcinogens. First, think about what those chemicals could be doing to your skin, and what toxins you may be inhaling every time you put on a new tee shirt.

Then think about what those chemicals are doing to the land and the water in the area that the cotton was grown. Not a pretty sight. If you’re still not sure that organic cotton is worth the extra cash, think about what those chemicals are doing to the cotton. Have you ever noticed that shirts that are made out of traditionally-grown cotton don’t feel anywhere near as soft as… well, cotton? The chemicals that treat traditional cotton, during growth and during the process of making a shirt, can have the effect of not only making the material feel slightly rougher or firmer, but also weakening the natural fiber, causing a decrease in durability.

In other words, organic cotton tees are better for the environment, better for your body, and just generally better—softer and more durable. We may not all be able to rush out and spend a bundle, but in this instance it is worth it to pay the extra cash when we can.

ORGANIC T-SHIRT CHEAT SHEET
	I'm Organic - Unisex Tee $25.00 Soft and comfy… tends to "hug" or cling. Features environmental messaging on the front, such as, "I'm Organic," or "Healthy Crops. Healthy Craps." Find it: Online [2]
	Loomstate - King Fisher $65.00 Comfortable. Very stretchy. Stylish graphic on front. Breast pocket. Material feels thin, but is quite strong. Find it: "High end" clothing stores such as these locations [3]
	American Apparel - Organic Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V Neck $17.00 Works better than others as an undershirt. A bit heavier, but soft and graphic-free. Despite wide availability and mass-manufacturing, American Apparel shirts are made in a sweatshop free factory in downtown Los Angeles. Find it: Online [4] or at these locations [5]
	Jonano ecoKashmere - Short Sleeve Fine-Combed Shirt $25.00 The softest T-shirt we’ve ever encountered, and quite possibly the most durable—perhaps because they sneak some organic bamboo into the mix. Not technically 100% cotton, but a darn fine shirt. Find it: Online [6]
	Patagonia - Men's T-Shirt (Various Designs) $29.00-$35.00 Very comfortable. Thick enough to protect from mosquitos. Thickness adds weight and takes away a bit of softness, but makes it nearly impossible to tear. T-shirts come in various graphic designs or solid colors. Find it: Online [7] or at a Patagonia store [8]
	Ts Designs Prices Vary The maker of LIME’s own T-shirts. They focus on printing and wholesale needs. You won’t necessarily find them in department stores, but if you need to place an order for your business or personal interest, they’re the folks to call. No sweatshop labor, no pesticides, no plastic prints, no harsh resins, all water-based inks. Find it: Online [9]

More LIME's Guide to Buying [9]