The numbers don't lie. The clothing industry is responsible for 10% of all global CO2 emissions — more than all international flights and shipping combined. And it's only getting worse.
The Problem in Numbers
Every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck of clothing is burned or dumped. The average European buys 26 kilograms of textiles per year and discards 11 kilograms. Let those numbers sink in.
In 2000, we produced 50 billion garments worldwide per year. In 2025, that number exceeds 150 billion. The world population hasn't tripled in that time — our consumption has.
Why Has Clothing Become So Cheap?
The reason you can buy a T-shirt for five euros is simple: someone else is paying the real price. That's the workers in factories in Bangladesh, Myanmar, or Ethiopia earning starvation wages. It's the environment absorbing chemical dyes and microplastics. And ultimately, it's you — because cheap clothing doesn't last, so you keep buying again.
Fast fashion brands release new collections weekly. The goal isn't to make clothing you'll wear for years. The goal is to get you back in the store as quickly as possible. It's a business model built on throwaway culture.
The Hidden Costs of a Cheap T-shirt
Let's take a concrete example. A basic T-shirt for five euros at a fast fashion chain. Here's where your money goes:
That €0.50 for production and labor. That covers hours of work by real people. The quality of the material and finishing? The absolute minimum to survive one wash.
What Can You Do?
The good news: you don't have to change your wardrobe overnight. Small, conscious choices already make an enormous difference.
Buy less, choose better. This is the simplest and most effective step. Before buying something, ask yourself: will I wear this at least 30 times? If not, leave it on the rack.
Invest in quality. A hoodie that costs €89 and lasts five years costs you €17.80 per year. A hoodie that costs €25 and falls apart after six months costs you €50 per year. Quality is cheaper.
Choose local and transparent. Know where your clothing comes from. Ask brands about their production process. The shorter the chain, the better you can verify what happens.
Maintain your clothing. Wash at 30 degrees, air dry, repair small tears. Your clothes last longer than you think when you take care of them.
Second-hand is not a shame. Vintage and thrift stores are goldmines for unique pieces. And it's the most sustainable way to buy.
Why We Do Things Differently
At MOSE, we produce locally in Groningen. Not because it's cheaper — it absolutely isn't. But because we want to know who makes our clothing, under what conditions, and with what materials.
Our hoodies, T-shirts, and caps are designed to last for years. No seasonal collections you'll forget after three months. No artificial scarcity to pressure you. Just honest clothing that fits well, looks good, and lasts.
It's not the cheapest option. But it is the most honest one.