Short answer: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles that have been tested for harmful substances, from yarn to finished product; you verify it by entering the certificate number in the OEKO-TEX Label Check. Pantone is a colour reference system; for fabric, use the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors references (TCX cotton, TPG paper or TSX polyester), not the C and U codes used for print. Eliian does not currently hold an OEKO-TEX certificate; if you need certified fabric, ask at quote stage. Every custom order can be colour-matched to Pantone references and approved on a physical sample.
What OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certifies
According to OEKO-TEX, every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label has passed safety tests for harmful substances, and every thread, button and accessory is tested against a list of over 1,000 substances. Certificates are issued for one year. The standard works in modules: if every component of a garment is already certified, the finished garment does not need to be tested again.
| Product class | Covers | Example in sportswear |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | Babies and children up to 3 years; strictest limits | Baby and toddler items |
| Class II | Direct skin contact | Jerseys, shorts, base layers, leggings, sports bras |
| Class III | No direct skin contact | Outer jackets |
| Class IV | Home textiles and decoration materials | Not usually relevant to teamwear |
What the label does and does not tell you
- It does tell you the certified material or product was tested for harmful substances against the class limits.
- It does not make a fabric organic or recycled; those are separate standards.
- It does not measure performance such as wicking, colour fastness or pilling; ask for a fabric test report for those.
- It is not a factory audit; working conditions and quality systems are assessed by other schemes. Our own third-party check is a TÜV Rheinland onsite supplier assessment, described on our factory profile.
- It is specific: a certificate covers named articles or materials from a named company, not everything that company sells.
How to check a certificate in two minutes
- Ask the supplier for the certificate number and the name of the certified company.
- Enter the number in the OEKO-TEX Label Check, or scan the QR code on the label.
- Check the certificate is in date; certificates run for one year.
- Check that it covers the material you are buying, for example the jersey fabric, and the right product class (class II for skin-contact sportswear).
- Keep a screenshot with your order file.
If your club or brand requires OEKO-TEX
Some school districts, retailers and brands require OEKO-TEX certified materials. We do not hold an OEKO-TEX certificate ourselves and we do not use the OEKO-TEX label on our garments. If you need certified fabric, tell us when you ask for a quote: we confirm whether a certified fabric is available for that style and what it costs before you order, and you can check the fabric supplier’s certificate number yourself in Label Check. Fabric test reports for our standard fabrics are available on request.
Pantone for sportswear: which reference to use
| Pantone reference | Material | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| TCX | Cotton swatches | Specifying textile colours; the most common textile reference |
| TPG | Paper chips | Specifying textile colours on paper, for example in a tech pack |
| TSX | Polyester swatches | The closest physical reference for sublimated polyester kits |
| C / U (Pantone Matching System) | Coated and uncoated paper | Logos and printed paper, not the best reference for fabric |
See Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors and the Pantone polyester swatch card for the official references.
How to specify team colours so the kit comes back right
- Give a code, not a name. “Navy” means different things to different people; a TCX, TPG or TSX code does not.
- Send a physical reference if you have one: last season’s jersey, a swatch or a sticker in the club colour.
- Name the main colours first. Two or three colours carry the design; secondary shades in a pattern matter less.
- Approve on the sample, not the screen. Screens and printers do not show textile colour reliably. Our physical sample takes 5–7 days for jerseys.
- Check in daylight. Colours can look different under shop or gym lighting, so compare the sample and your reference side by side in daylight.
- Keep the approved sample. It becomes the colour standard for bulk and for reorders, which we charge at the same price.
Why sublimated colours can differ from the chip
Sublimation turns dye into a gas that bonds with the polyester fibre, so the colour becomes part of the fabric and does not crack or peel. The same process means the result depends on the fabric: a colour measured on cotton (TCX) or paper (TPG) can look slightly different on polyester mesh or interlock, and very saturated or very dark shades are the hardest to hit. That is why we match to your reference and you approve the colour on the physical sample before bulk. More on print methods: sublimation vs screen printing vs heat transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eliian OEKO-TEX certified?
No. We do not hold an OEKO-TEX certificate at present, and we do not put the OEKO-TEX label on garments. If your club or brand requires certified fabric, tell us at quote stage and we confirm whether a certified fabric is available for that style before you order. Fabric test reports are available on request.
Which OEKO-TEX class applies to sports jerseys?
Jerseys, base layers and leggings touch the skin, which corresponds to STANDARD 100 product class II (direct skin contact). Items for babies and children up to 3 years fall under class I, which has the strictest limits.
How do I check an OEKO-TEX certificate?
Enter the certificate number, or scan the QR code on the label, in the OEKO-TEX Label Check on oeko-tex.com. Check that the certificate is in date (certificates are issued for one year), that it names the right company and that it covers the article or material you are buying.
Which Pantone book should I use for sportswear?
For fabric, use the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors system: TCX cotton swatches, TPG paper chips or TSX polyester swatches. Pantone C and U codes are for printing on paper and are not the best reference for fabric.
Why does my sublimated jersey look different from the Pantone chip?
Sublimation dyes the polyester fibre, so very bright or very dark colours, and colours measured on cotton or paper, can look slightly different on mesh or interlock. Approve the colour on the physical sample, in daylight, before bulk production.
Sources
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
- OEKO-TEX Label Check
- Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors colour guide
- Pantone polyester swatch card (TSX)
Checked 30 October 2026. OEKO-TEX® and Pantone® are trademarks of their owners; Eliian is not affiliated with either organisation.