Closet Horror: 10 Scary Facts Fast Fashion Doesn’t Want You to Know
Behind the racks of trend-led bargains and rapid delivery lies a side of fashion that often goes unseen. Fast fashion may be affordable, but its true cost reaches far beyond the checkout page—impacting both the planet and the people who make our clothes.
Curious what’s really behind your £3 tee?
Here are 10 important facts that might change how you shop.
1. Fashion Produces More Carbon Than Planes and Ships Combined
The industry emits more greenhouse gases than all international flights and maritime shipping together. That low-cost item has a much bigger footprint than it lets on.
2. One Garbage Truck of Clothes is Wasted Every Second
Over 92 million tonnes of textile waste are dumped or burned every year—often after just a few wears.
3. It Takes 2,700 Litres of Water to Make One Cotton T-Shirt
That’s enough drinking water for one person for nearly three years—used for a single garment.
4. Only 1% of Clothing Gets Recycled into New Garments
Despite growing awareness, most old clothes still end up in landfills or incinerated.
5. Many Garment Workers Earn Less Than £3 a Day
Low prices are often made possible through underpaid labour in unsafe working conditions, especially in the Global South.
6. Toxic Chemicals Are Still Common in Dyeing Processes
These substances can pollute rivers, harm wildlife, and pose risks to local communities—and sometimes to wearers too.
7. Polyester = Plastic = Microplastics in Our Waterways
Washing synthetic fabrics like polyester releases tiny plastic fibres into oceans, where they can enter the food chain.
8. 85% of All Textiles End Up as Waste
From overstock and returns to tossed-out impulse buys, the scale of waste is staggering—and unsustainable.
9. New Trends Drop Weekly, Not Seasonally
Some brands release fresh collections every week, encouraging constant consumption and throwaway habits.
10. Greenwashing is a Growing Problem
Buzzwords like “eco” and “conscious” don’t always mean what they claim. Transparency matters more than catchy labels.
We’ve all made fast fashion purchases—for convenience, cost, or a quick style fix. But being informed means we can start making better choices that align with our values.
At Cardinal Sin, we believe fashion should empower—not exploit. We stand for fewer, better things made with care.