The Price of Sustainable Fashion: What Are You Really Paying For?
We all want high-quality, well-cut clothes made under good conditions. But when we see a price tag that seems "too high," we hesitate. We look for a cheaper alternative—even if it means turning a blind eye to what’s behind it.
I can’t say this was ever a real dilemma for me. I come from a fashion family—my grandfather was a tailor. For me, the question was always: How can a T-shirt cost less than a sandwich? But like everyone else, I still bought from Zara—until the day I truly understood what goes into the cost of clothing:
A €5 T-shirt? That often means a worker earning mere cents for hours of exhausting labor, with the garment traveling thousands of miles before reaching us.
A €20 pair of jeans? That could mean an ecological disaster—liters of water wasted, chemicals dumped into nature, entire villages suffering from disease and deformations.
💰 So, what should a quality, ethically made T-shirt actually cost?
Take Patine, a brand that prioritizes transparency:
👉 Their iconic T-shirt costs €55. Why?
✅ Certified organic cotton, grown without pesticides.
✅ 100% European production, ensuring fair wages and real craftsmanship.
✅ Thoughtful, small-batch production—far from the wastefulness of fast fashion.
🔎 An easy start : Check the Labels
They reveal key information:
✔️ Country of origin: "Made in Portugal" or "Made in France" often means better working conditions.
✔️ Fabric composition: A 100% organic cotton T-shirt lasts longer than a synthetic blend.
✔️ Certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade—these labels ensure better standards.
How Can We Make Better Choices?
✅ Choose quality over quantity—better to own three great T-shirts than ten that lose shape after two washes.
✅ Support brands like Patine that are upfront about their costs and values.
✅ Buy second-hand to balance budget and sustainability.
Since changing how I shop, my wardrobe is more minimal—but I don’t feel the urge to constantly replace items. Every piece truly reflects my style.
Because fashion isn’t just about trends. It’s about choices that have an impact.
💬 Would you pay €55 for a T-shirt that meets all ethical and sustainability standards? Why (or why not)?
You can subscribe to my Substack for free here.
Our press coverage
