Your T-shirt looks simple. You put it on, wash it, fold it and wear it again. But behind that basic piece of clothing sits a long chain of farming, water use, processing, manufacturing, transport and waste.That matters because we are making more clothes than ever.
Textile Exchange reported that global fibre production reached 124 million tonnes in 2023, up 7% from 2022. If current growth continues, production could reach 160 million tonnes by 2030.So the real T-shirt problem is not just what your T-shirt looks like. It is how it is made, how long you wear it and what happens when you stop wearing it.
The real cost of an everyday T-shirt
A conventional cotton T-shirt can use a surprising amount of water before it reaches your wardrobe. WWF estimates that producing the cotton for one conventional cotton T-shirt can take up to 2,700 litres of water.The wider textile industry also has a major environmental footprint. UNEP estimates that textiles account for 2% to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and use the equivalent of 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools of water each year.
And cotton is not the only concern. Synthetic fibres bring another problem because polyester and other fossil-based fibres rely on petroleum-based materials. In 2024, virgin fossil-based synthetics remained the dominant part of global fibre production, while less than 1% of the global fibre market came from recycled pre- and post-consumer textiles.
The fabric you choose changes the story
Not every T-shirt has the same footprint.
Organic cotton gives you a natural fibre option without the same reliance on synthetic agricultural chemicals. Roar For Good’s Organic Cotton Collection includes everyday T-shirts in breathable organic cotton, including crew neck, V-neck, polo and Henley styles.Hemp offers another route. It grows quickly, needs relatively little water and produces strong fibres. That durability matters because a garment you keep wearing for years avoids the need to replace it repeatedly.
You can see that approach across the Hemp Collection, where hemp shirts and everyday pieces focus on long-term wear rather than short-lived trends.As UNEP’s Elisa Tonda puts it, “Consumers have a tremendous amount of power” when they choose more circular options.
A cheap T-shirt becomes expensive when it does not last
Price alone does not tell you whether a T-shirt is a good purchase.
Think about cost per wear instead.
A T-shirt that costs less but loses its shape, fades quickly or develops holes after a short period can send you back to the store several times. A better-made T-shirt that stays in rotation for years can reduce the number of replacements you need.The same principle applies to sustainability. The most responsible T-shirt is not automatically the one with the most impressive label. Material, construction, durability and how often you actually wear it all matter.
That is why you should look beyond the word “sustainable” and check the fabric, certifications, construction and care instructions.
What should you look for in your next T-shirt?
Start with the fabric. Choose natural or recycled fibres where they make sense for your needs. If you want everyday cotton, organic cotton T-shirts give you an alternative to conventional cotton.Then check how the garment is made. Strong seams, a stable neckline and fabric that can handle regular washing matter more than a trend that lasts one season.
Finally, look after what you already own. Wash clothes only when necessary, use cooler cycles when suitable and avoid unnecessarily harsh drying. Every extra wear helps spread the environmental cost of making the garment across a longer useful life.If you want to start with one everyday piece, the Organic Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt is made from 100% organic cotton and designed for everyday wear. For something beyond cotton, the Hemp Half Sleeve Cuban Collar Shirt uses hemp, a durable natural fibre suited to regular wear.
The T-shirt problem starts with how we think about clothes
The answer is not to stop wearing T-shirts. It is to stop treating them as disposable.
The EU generated about 6.94 million tonnes of textile waste in 2022, equal to around 16 kg per person. The European Environment Agency also reported that about 85% of household textile waste was not separately collected that year.The better approach is simple. Buy fewer pieces. Choose fabrics carefully. Wear them longer. Repair what you can. Pass them on when you no longer need them.Your T-shirt is a small part of a huge industry. But every purchase still sends a signal about what you expect from that industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is organic cotton better than regular cotton?
Organic cotton avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers used in conventional cotton farming. Look for recognised certification when you want stronger assurance about how the fibre was produced.
What is the most sustainable material for a T-shirt?
There is no single best material for every situation. Organic cotton and hemp are useful natural-fibre options, while recycled fibres can help reduce reliance on virgin materials. Durability also matters.
How much water does it take to make a cotton T-shirt?
WWF estimates that producing the cotton for one conventional cotton T-shirt can require up to 2,700 litres of water.
How long should a good T-shirt last?
A good T-shirt should stay in your wardrobe for years when you choose suitable fabric and construction and care for it properly. The goal is to maximise wears rather than replace clothes every season.
Are hemp T-shirts better for the environment?
Hemp can be a lower-impact fibre because the plant grows quickly and generally requires less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton. Its durability can also support longer garment use.
How can you make T-shirts last longer?
Wash them only when needed, follow the care label, avoid excessive heat and repair small problems before they become bigger ones.