Overview graphic of four key sustainable fashion certifications: GOTS, Fair Wear Foundation, PETA-Approved Vegan, and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 — as featured by NEW WORLD GUARDIANS

What Sustainability Labels Really Mean: A Guide to Conscious Fashion Certifications


At NEW WORLD GUARDIANS, we believe that transparency is the foundation of conscious living. When it comes to ethical fashion, sustainability certifications help consumers make better decisions. But what do these labels really mean? In this guide, we decode four key certifications found across our sustainable marketplace and our own vegan collection: GOTS, Fair Wear Foundation, PETA-Approved Vegan, and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.


1. GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard

GOTS is one of the most trusted international labels for organic textiles. It ensures that clothing is made from at least 70% certified organic fibers and that the production process meets strict environmental and social criteria.

Why it matters:

  • Organic materials only (no GMOs or synthetic pesticides)

  • No toxic chemicals or dyes

  • Fair wages and safe working conditions

  • Full traceability from farm to final product

Many of the products on the NEW WORLD GUARDIANS marketplace use GOTS-certified materials, including our textile partner for our own NEW WORLD GUARDIANS Conscious Line.


2. Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)

FWF focuses on improving labor conditions in garment factories, particularly in regions where labor rights violations are most common. It is not a product label but a brand commitment to human rights.

What it guarantees:

  • Safe and fair working conditions

  • No child or forced labor

  • Living wages and regular audits

  • Transparency and continuous improvement

We feature products made by brands that are Fair Wear Foundation members. It's our way of supporting fair fashion at every step.


3. PETA-Approved Vegan

This label by PETA ensures that no animal-derived materials are used in a product, and that no animal testing is involved. It's a clear sign for vegan and cruelty-free fashion lovers.

Key benefits:

  • 100% animal-free materials

  • No animal testing

  • Covers clothing, footwear, and accessories

  • Certified by PETA, the world’s largest animal rights organization

At NEW WORLD GUARDIANS, we only offer vegan fashion. Brands, including 8000Kicks and the textile Partner for our own Collection, carry this trusted label.


4. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certifies that a product has been tested for over 1,000 harmful substances. It applies to all stages of production, from raw fiber to finished item.

Why it’s important:

  • Strict chemical safety standards

  • Protects all age groups, including babies

  • Complies with REACH, US CPSIA, and more

  • Builds consumer trust through independent lab testing

Products with this label help ensure your clothing is safe for skin and the planet.


Shop Sustainably with NEW WORLD GUARDIANS

We created NEW WORLD GUARDIANS to empower conscious consumers with vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-responsible fashion. These labels are more than symbols – they are proof of our commitment to transparency, ethical production, and sustainable materials.

Join the movement for conscious fashion.
Explore our certified collections and make a difference with every purchase.

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