Welcome to the
True Cost Calculator
Discover the real impact of your fashion collection on people and the planet, and start making informed, sustainable choices today.
The True Cost Calculator is a free online tool for fashion professionals to measure, compare, and minimize the environmental and social impact of garments throughout the entire lifecycle.
The True Cost Calculator is a free online tool for fashion professionals to measure, compare, and minimize the environmental and social impact of garments throughout the entire lifecycle.
The science behind this calculator
The True Cost Calculator uses a scientific model to measure the environmental and social costs of a garment.
These often hidden external impacts are converted into monetary values using a method developed by VITO.
These often hidden external impacts are converted into monetary values using a method developed by VITO.
Start a calculation
Ready to uncover the true cost of your garments?
Start a new calculation now to see the environmental and social impact of your products.
Start a new calculation now to see the environmental and social impact of your products.
Map the entire lifecycle, step by step
General info
Some basic information about the garment is needed to get started, such as type, colour, fit, weight and stock location.
Garment manufacturing
The process of cutting and sewing fabrics to create the final piece of clothing. Share details about where and how the garment is made, including information on how it is packaged and transported, and whether any finishing treatments are applied.
Fabric production
The creation of fabric from yarns by weaving or knitting. Describe the characteristics of the fabric, including the production location, density, weight and values of fabric quality tests.
Yarn production
The process where fibres are spun into yarn(s), which are used to create fabrics. Provide information on the fibre types, yarn count and production location.
Fibre Production
The creation of raw materials, either natural or synthetic, which are spun into yarn. Detail the source location, transport type, and whether any certification labels apply.
Distribution & retail phase
This phase involves transporting the finished garment to stores and selling it to customers. Provide information on the sales channels, geographical market, return rates and packaging.
Use phase
The active use time of the garment while the consumer maintains it. Provide information on the advised washing program and temperature.
End of life phase
What happens to the garment after it has been (re)used and finally reaches its end of life. Indicate if a takeback scheme is in place and if recycling efforts are being done.