Natural fiber clothing under $100

Not the basics. Tees, tanks and simple knits in organic cotton, hemp or linen regularly sell under $50, because the fiber is only part of the price. Dresses and outerwear are where the gap opens up, since a lined or tailored piece in a natural fiber costs more to make than the polyester version.

Polyester is made from petroleum and costs less than cotton, linen or wool to produce, so it is the easiest way to hit a low price. It also blends into almost anything, which is why a garment sold as soft or stretchy is often part polyester, nylon or elastane. Reading the composition is the only reliable way to tell.

Start with the fiber. A single natural fiber, like 100% organic cotton or linen, gives the chemistry the fewest places to hide. Then check for GOTS or OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, which test the dyes and finishes and not only the field. Skip wrinkle-free, stain-resistant and anti-odor finishes, which are chemical treatments applied to the fabric.

Fiber content is what touches the skin. Toxome reads each garment's composition and rates it, so the score reflects what the clothing is made of, not a brand's marketing.