We were thrilled to receive an invitation from Rui Fino, CEO of RTG Textiles, to tour their factory in Portugal—home to the Colorful Standard brand. It was a Saturday afternoon, a non-production day, but a team was buzzing with activity. RTG, owned by a Dane with its commercial hub in Denmark, emphasizes ethical production using 100% organic cotton for timeless basics like T-shirts, tanks, and hoodies.

Workers were prepping a new staff dining and relaxation area with sofas for the 60 employees. RTG shortened lunch breaks to one hour, letting everyone head home by 5 PM—instead of the traditional Portuguese two-hour break ending at 6 PM. This change is a hit, boosting morale. Rui has been there from the start, alongside 20 original staff members (minus retirees), speaking to strong company-employee bonds.

We love sharing the story behind a T-shirt: it’s crafted by skilled hands, not just machines. RTG produces for various brands but shines with their own Colorful Standard line, which has grown to 8 European stores and distribution networks across Europe and the USA. Production is mostly in-house, but they partner with nearby Portuguese firms for specialized tasks—keeping everything regional and supporting the community.

What sets them apart is their unique dyeing process: shirts are sewn in natural off-white cotton using cotton thread (not polyester). A local dyeing company colors the finished garments, including stitches and labels, allowing dozens of vibrant shades without prints. This enables small-batch flexibility and constant stock availability. As a GOTS-certified operation, they prioritize organic materials and responsible practices.

RTG’s efficiency shines through in their automated pattern-cutting machine, which optimizes fabric use to minimize waste. Colorful Standard scraps are sent to a nearby recycler for true upcycling into new fabrics—not downcycled. Other brand remnants become furniture filling. Every piece is hand-ironed, inspected under lightboxes for flaws, trimmed, and repaired if needed. Post-dyeing, colors are verified against Pantone standards. Shipments go direct from Portugal to stores or customers, cutting intermediaries and emissions.

Designers work at versatile stations with three machines each, unlike single-task setups for others. We spotted a massive 10-meter automated folder that stacks garments perfectly—a dream for efficiency. Rui’s pride was infectious; the factory integrates deeply with the local area, where all workers live nearby. Last year, a German film crew spotlighted RTG after they won two awards for T-shirt excellence—one for Colorful Standard and another for a client brand they produce.

This visit reinforced why buying European matters: sustainable, ethical production that supports local economies over distant Asian or American alternatives. Colorful Standard proves timeless quality can be vibrant, organic, and responsibly made—without trends or sales hype.