Did you know it takes up to 2,720 litres of water to produce one cotton T-shirt? That’s the equivalent of about 34 baths or three years’ worth of drinking water.

This is even more shocking considering cotton is typically grown in some of the most water-scarce parts of the world.

Conventional cotton production is said to use up to a third of the world’s agri-chemicals, as well as having history of child labour and unjust payment for local farmers.

What can you do?

1 – Buy organic

Cotton production does not have to be chemically or water intensive. Organic cotton can require up to 91 per cent less water than conventional cotton cultivation and supporting organic production is a significant contribution to many aspects of sustainable development.

Choose brands with organic certification like the stylish pieces from Thought, Seasalt and Mudd and Water at The Sporting Duchess and the range at Olive and Rosy.

2 – Consider innovative or alternative materials Great new fabrics include Tencel/Lyocell, a plant-based fibre derived from wood pulp/bamboo from responsibly managed forests. Look out also for regenerated or recycled fabrics.

Both the above shops also stock contemporary clothing made with some of these alternatives.

Consider European linen, which uses a quarter of the amount of water. Flax thrives in temperate climates, is irrigated well by rainfall and is a resilient plant requiring few fertilisers or pesticides. Kanya also has a good range of linen pieces.

3 – Start with simple switches

Start small with socks and underwear which tend to have a shorter lifespan due to regular use. The Emporium has a selection of socks from Thought. Begin to phase in other more sustainable basics when you next need them.

4 – Buy less, buy better

Be prepared to pay a little more in consideration of the true cost. The production of cheap clothing, by necessity, can mean cutting corners further back in the supply chain.

Rachel Louise Millington