When it comes to sustainability, it is important to question your own consumption of fashion and to start with what is probably the most popular and most used essential: the t-shirt. The white T-shirt belongs in every minimal wardrobe and can be combined with everything.
But the production of a conventional T-shirt uses more than 1.500 liters of water. More and more brands are therefore offering sustainable T-shirts that environmental protection and combine ethics with a modern design aesthetic.
What are sustainable t-shirts?
Sustainable t-shirts differ from conventional ones because they are made in a way that respects both nature and human rights. Accordingly, they consist of natural materials such as organic cotton or sustainable alternatives, which are produced using innovative processes such as Recycle or upcycle be won.
In this way, companies also ensure that the manufacturing process runs without the addition of harmful chemicals. This not only protects the environment, but also the health of consumers and manufacturers. In general, brands for sustainable t-shirts value treating and rewarding their partners fairly along the value and supply chain.
Seal for sustainable t-shirts
In order to demonstrate the integrity of all these commitments and to counteract aggressive greenwashing, many companies emphasize for Fair Fashion their commitment with the help of recognized seals and certificates. Here is a brief overview of the most relevant seals:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard is a certification system for textiles that ensures the use of organically grown cotton and compliance with strict environmental and social standards. If a t-shirt carries the GOTS seal, this means that it is 95% made organic cotton consists. In addition, consumers can assume with a clear conscience that the entire supply chain is verifiably sustainable and ethical.
Fairtrade
The Fairtrade seal stands for fair working conditions and reasonable wages. This also means that there is a zero-tolerance policy for child labor.
bluesign
The bluesign seal ensures that a t-shirt is made from sustainable materials and is non-toxic. It sets strict environmental and health standards for the textile industry.
Cradle to Cradle
The Cradle to Cradlecertificate distinguishes sustainable T-shirts that are not only environmentally friendly, but also recyclable at the end of their life cycle. In terms of the circular economy, the seal stands for efficient end-of-life management and counteracts the throw-away mentality and the waste problem.
Top 10 sustainable t-shirts with an impact factor
- Patagonia
- The Classic T Shirt Company
- October
- Dedicated
- Brunello Cucinelli
- outerknown
- ArmedAngels
- Mr. Porter
- Honest Basics
- KOHR
1. Patagonia
With or without a print: the large selection of sustainable T-shirts from the well-known outdoor brand Patagonia offers something for every style. In addition to bluesign, the shirts also bear the Fair Trade and Responsible Wool Standard seals. An award that highlights the ethical treatment of sheep and the environment.
Location: USA
Price Range: 35-80 €
Source & Copyright by Patagonia
2. The Classic T-Shirt Company
The Classic T-Shirt Company donates 1% of the proceeds from each sale to an NGO. Either to protect the seas, to clean the water or to plant trees. The shirts themselves are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, which ensures that they are sustainable and fair.
Location: USA
Price Range: 45-100 €
Source & Copyright by The Classic T-Shirt Company
3 Octobre
The sustainable t-shirts from Octobre are made from 100% organic cotton - also GOTS-certified. They stand for environmental friendliness and ethics Made in Europe. In the spirit of a holistic approach, the packaging is also made of recycled and sustainable fibers.
Location: France
Price Range: 35-80 €
Source & Copyright by Octobre
4.Dedicated
Dedicated offers a wide variety of styles. However, the basics have one thing in common: They are made of 100% organic cotton, which is confirmed by the Fair Trade Cotton seal. Other seals and certificates that Dedicated carries are GOTS, PETA, GRS, SA8000 and WRAP. These mark the responsible use of materials, but also fair, cruelty-free and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Location: Sweden
Price Range: 29-60 €
Source & Copyright by Dedicated
5. Brunello Cucinelli
Essential fashion meets traditional, high-quality craftsmanship. According to the holistic sustainability agenda of Brunello Cucinelli the t-shirts of the Italian luxury family business are also sustainable. To be more precise, 100% organic cotton is processed by hand in Italy under fair conditions.
Location: Italy
Price Range: 300-500 €
Source & Copyright by Brunello Cucinelli
6. Outerknown
Also the sustainable T-shirts from outerknown are made from 100% organic cotton from Peru. The seals from the Fair Labor Association and FairTrade confirm the environmental friendliness and fair working conditions of the label. Regenerative Organic Certified® also confirms that cotton farming practices are sustainable.
Location: USA
Price Range: 45-115 €
Source & Copyright by Outerknown
7. Armed Angels
The sustainable t-shirts from “Armedangels” are made from 100% organic cotton. And are certified with the GOTS and PETA seals. Means: They are both sustainable and vegan. It is also particularly worth mentioning that the brand repair options as well as a second-hand and resellerarea offers.
Location: Germany
Price Range: 30-60 €
Source & Copyright by Armed Angels
8. Mr. Porter
The material of the sustainable t-shirts from "Mr Porter" consists of 100% organic cotton, which is certified with the GOTS seal. The company wants to support environmental protection as well as wellbeing and philanthropy. To this end, it cooperates with various charities that help men in particular to lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.
Location: UK
Price Range: 60-110 €
Source & Copyright by Mr Porter
9. Honest Basic
The sustainable t-shirts from "Honest Basics" are made from 70% organic cotton and 30% recycled cotton. Their manufacturing process is also fair and transparent - all aspects of production in India can be traced with regard to nature and people.
Location: Germany
Price Range: 15-30 €
Source & Copyright by Honest Basics
10. COHR
“KOHR” offers a wide range of sustainable t-shirts with a modern aesthetic. These are made of durable organic cotton that is GOTS and Fair Trade certified. Even the embroidery on some shirts is made from pure organic cotton.
Location: UK
Price Range: €150-200 Avg.
Source & Copyright by KOHR
Choosing a shirt with big impact
Sustainable t-shirts are therefore often made from high-quality materials and are therefore more durable than conventional t-shirts. This means they don't fade or get out of shape as quickly, so they can be worn longer. In addition, materials are less harmful to skin and the environment. In summary, wearing sustainable t-shirts is not only more eco-friendly and ethical, it can also be more durable and healthier.
