Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Our Organic Clothing

If you’re new to Blue Canoe clothing or simply want a clearer picture of who we are, what we make, and how our clothing is created, you’re in the right place. This friendly guide brings together answers to the most common organic cotton clothing FAQs and sustainable clothing questions we hear from customers every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Canoe Organic Clothing 

From our fabrics to our fit, from our made-in-the-USA production to our commitment to sustainability — here’s everything you’ve wanted to know about Blue Canoe.

1. Who is Blue Canoe?

Blue Canoe began in 1994 when Laurie Dunlap set out to create organic clothing made in the USA that fit the way women truly lived. As a women-owned and operated company, we design clothing we want to wear ourselves: comfortable, elegant, simple, and effortlessly flattering.

Based in San Francisco, we make every piece with real life in mind — thoughtfully designed silhouettes, natural fabrics, and timeless styles that feel good from morning to night.

2. What fabrics does Blue Canoe use?

We believe clothing should feel good on your skin and be gentle on the planet, which is why we use only natural fiber clothing from plant-based sources.

Organic Cotton

Soft, breathable, toxin-free, and grown without pesticides. Ideal for sensitive skin and everyday wear.

Organic Bamboo (Eco Rayon)

A renewable, fast-growing crop that requires no pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation. Bamboo drapes beautifully, wicks moisture, and feels silky-soft.

(Note: Bamboo — like all rayon — undergoes chemical processing early in production. These chemicals do not remain in the final fabric, and Blue Canoe closely follows sustainability innovation in this area.)

3. Why does Blue Canoe use spandex in some pieces?

This is one of our most common organic clothing FAQs — and a great question.

Organic cotton alone doesn’t offer the stretch needed for:

• Bras

• Yoga wear

• Leggings

• Fitted tops

A touch of spandex provides:

• Support (especially in bras without underwire or synthetic elastic)

• Shape retention

• Comfortable movement

• Longer wear without sagging or bagging

By combining organic cotton with a small percentage of spandex, we create high-performance garments that remain natural, breathable, and durable — and still far more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.

4. Why avoid synthetic fabrics?

Unlike natural fiber clothing, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon:

• Are derived from oil, contributing to fossil fuel extraction

• Require energy-intensive production

• Are treated with toxic chemicals

• Are non-biodegradable

• Release hazardous substances (like antimony) when heated in dryers

These materials dominate the apparel industry, but they don’t align with our values — or our customers’ health.

5. Where is Blue Canoe clothing made?

Every piece of Blue Canoe clothing is designed, cut, sewn, dyed, and even knit in the USA.

This ensures:

• Ethical labor standards

• High-quality craftsmanship

• Shorter supply chains

• Lower transportation emissions

• More responsive production and inventory

American manufacturing supports communities, increases transparency, and ensures fairness at every stage of production.

6. How does Blue Canoe support sustainability?

Sustainability is woven into everything we do:

Organic agriculture

Organic cotton uses up to 91% less water than conventional cotton, prevents chemical runoff, and protects soil health.

Water-conscious production

We use low-water fiber-reactive dyes that generate less waste and contamination.

Plant-based fibers only

No polyester. No nylon. No fossil fuel dependency.

GOTS-aligned processing

We partner with U.S. fabric mills that follow the Global Organic Textile Standard for safe, eco-friendly production.

Long-lasting design

Timeless silhouettes reduce wasteful fast-fashion cycles. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword for us — it’s our foundation.

7. Are your dyes safe?

Yes. We use fiber-reactive dyes, the safest and most eco-friendly dye option for natural fibers.

Benefits include:

• Lower water usage

• Less chemical waste

• No toxic runoff

• Long-lasting, vibrant color

You get beautiful colors made with environmental responsibility in mind.

8. Is Blue Canoe clothing allergy-friendly?

Many of our customers have chemical sensitivities, allergies, or skin conditions — and we take this seriously.

Most of our styles are:

• Free of toxic dyes

• Free of harsh finishes

• Made from natural fibers

• Thoughtfully designed with minimal synthetic components

• Latex free

Some trims — like elastic or molded cups — cannot currently be sourced in cotton, but we always use the purest, safest options available. Check out all of our allergy information here.

9. How do your clothes fit?

Blue Canoe is known for clean, classic silhouettes and comfort-first design.

• Tops: Generally true to size with soft drape

• Bras: Supportive, wire-free, and gentle on the skin

• Leggings/Yoga Pants: Stretchy, breathable, and never constricting

• Lounge & Everyday Wear: Relaxed and easy to move in

If you prefer a roomier fit or fall between sizes, going up one size is usually a good choice.

10. How do I care for natural fiber clothing?

To keep your garments looking beautiful:

• Wash on cold

• Use mild or fragrance-free detergent

• Tumble dry low or air dry

• Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or high heat

Natural fibers last longest with gentle care — and they reward you with years of comfort.

11. What Is Blue Canoe’s Return Policy?

We gladly accept returns within 30 days of delivery on unworn, unwashed, unstained items with original tags attached.

Final Sale Items:

• Clearance items 50% off or more

• $25 items and clearance 60% off or more

These items cannot be returned or exchanged—no exceptions.

Non-Returnable Items Include:

• Panties

• Worn, washed, altered, stained, or scented items

• Bras with deodorant marks

If there’s an issue with your order (such as a defect or wrong item), please contact us within 10 days of delivery.

Please do not wash garments before returning them. Purchasing a return label at checkout does not override our return policy.

12. What makes Blue Canoe different from other sustainable clothing brands?

Three things:

1. Natural Fibers Only

No synthetics. No greenwashing. Just pure plant-based comfort.

2. Made in the USA

Ethical production, transparent supply chains, and exceptional quality.

3. Designed by Women, for Women

We create clothing that moves with you, flatters your body, and simplifies your day.

Customers tell us all the time: “I live in your clothes.” We take that to heart.

We Want You To Feel Good in What You Wear

We hope this guide answered your most common sustainable clothing questions and helped you get to know Blue Canoe better.

If you’re ready to experience clothing that supports your skin, your comfort, and the planet:

Explore the newest Blue Canoe styles made from organic and natural fibers.