Most of us assume that if a product is on the shelf, it’s safe to use. But in today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, cost-cutting often comes at the expense of quality, especially when it comes to materials used in everyday items like bedding, towels, or clothing.
That’s where independent certifications like Oeko-Tex® play a critical role. They help consumers identify products that have been tested for harmful substances and meet internationally recognised safety standards.
If you’ve ever wondered what is Oeko Tex and why it matters, this article will walk you through what the certification means, how to read its different labels, and why it’s especially important when it comes to the materials we sleep on every night.
What Is Oeko-Tex?
Oeko-Tex® is a globally recognised certification system that tests textiles for harmful substances. Established in 1992 by independent research institutes in Europe and Japan, the goal was simple: give consumers confidence that the fabrics they bring into their homes are safe for human health.
When a product carries the Oeko-Tex label, it means every component—from threads and buttons to zippers and dyes—has been tested for substances that could pose a risk. This includes known irritants like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and certain pesticides, as well as hundreds of other potentially harmful chemicals.
Unlike general marketing terms like “eco-friendly” or “non-toxic,” Oeko-Tex certification is based on strict laboratory testing and scientific standards. It’s not just a label, it’s a guarantee that the product has passed one of the most thorough textile safety tests in the world.
The Different Oeko-Tex Labels and What They Mean
Not all Oeko-Tex certifications are the same. Each label focuses on a different aspect of safety, sustainability, or production. Here are the four most common ones you’ll see—and what they tell you:
STANDARD 100 by Oeko-Tex
What it means: Every part of the product (threads, buttons, fabric, etc.) has been tested for harmful substances.
Where you’ll see it: Clothing, bedding, towels, and other finished textiles.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants peace of mind that what touches their skin is safe, even for babies.
MADE IN GREEN by Oeko-Tex
What it means: The product is not only tested for harmful substances (like STANDARD 100), but also made in environmentally friendly facilities under socially responsible working conditions.
Where you’ll see it: Higher-end or eco-focused textile brands.
Who it’s for: Buyers looking for both safety and ethical, sustainable production.
LEATHER STANDARD by Oeko-Tex
What it means: Leather products have been tested for chemicals commonly used in tanning and dyeing.
Where you’ll see it: Shoes, bags, belts, upholstery.
Who it’s for: Anyone buying leather goods who wants to avoid heavy metals and other toxic residues.
ORGANIC COTTON by Oeko-Tex
What it means: The cotton is grown organically and verified to be free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and harmful chemicals throughout processing.
Where you’ll see it: Bedding, baby clothes, towels, and other cotton-based products.
Who it’s for: Shoppers looking for true organic materials with verified safety.
Quick Tip: The most common label for bedding and sheets is STANDARD 100 Oeko tex®. If you’re shopping for items that come into close contact with your skin, this is the one to look for first.
Why Oeko-Tex Certification Matters for Bedding
Your bed is where your body spends a third of its life. For many people, especially those with sensitive skin, allergies, or respiratory issues, what you sleep on really does matter.
Sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers are in direct contact with your skin and nose for hours at a time. If these fabrics contain harsh chemicals or residual toxins from manufacturing, you may end up breathing them in or absorbing them through your skin night after night.
Oeko-Tex certified bedding removes that worry. It ensures that no harmful substances are lingering in your sheets, no formaldehyde, no pesticides, no heavy metals, no questionable dyes. Just clean, safe fabric that won’t irritate your skin or trigger sensitivities.
This peace of mind is especially valuable for:
- People with allergies or eczema
- Parents choosing bedding for babies or children
- Sleepers with asthma or sensitivities to synthetic smells
- Older adults with delicate skin or compromised immune systems
Oeko-Tex certification isn’t about luxury, it’s about safety and trust. You shouldn’t have to wonder what’s in your sheets.
Letto’s Commitment to Certified Safety
Letto’s products are proudly OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring every fabric is free from harmful chemicals and safe for sensitive skin.
From sheets to mattress covers, we prioritise your health by using environmentally friendly materials tested to the highest standards.
For those seeking peace of mind and quality sleep, Letto offers trusted bedding that supports your well-being every night.
Letto x Oeko-Tex: the Key to Healthier, Safer Bedding
Oeko-Tex certification means your bedding isn’t just soft—it’s safe. It guarantees that every material meets strict standards, free from harmful chemicals and irritants.
Choosing Letto’s Oeko-Tex certified products means you’re investing in healthier sleep and peace of mind, especially if you have sensitive skin or want to avoid toxins in your home. With Letto, safer, cleaner bedding is always within reach.
Explore Letto’s full range of OEKO-TEX® certified sheets, mattresses, mattress covers, and pillows designed for comfort and peace of mind.
Look for the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label on every Letto product—your guarantee of toxin-free quality you can trust.