Did you know that the average shirt travels over 10,000 kilometres from factory to wardrobe, spewing carbon emissions along the way? At CARPASUS, they’re slashing that to mere hundreds by crafting every piece in Europe, proving that style and sustainability don’t need a globe-trotting passport. As part of inspiring European consumers to buy local for a sustainable Europe, this Swiss-born brand is redefining menswear one ethical stitch at a time.

The Roots of CARPASUS: From Reflection to Revolution

Nestled in St. Gallen, Switzerland’s historic textile heartland, CARPASUS was born in 2015 from a moment of stark realisation. Founders René Grünenfelder and his team, fresh from witnessing the devastating environmental toll of fast fashion—like the Aral Sea’s desiccation from pesticide overuse and the Rana Plaza tragedy—vowed to create something better. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, eco-friendly men’s shirts that ticked every box for style, comfort, and conscience, they embarked on a quest. They scoured suppliers, chatted with potential customers, attended trade fairs, and journeyed to raw material origins and production sites to uncover the true stories behind the seams.

Today, CARPASUS designs its collections in St. Gallen, drawing on centuries-old Swiss precision to blend modern aesthetics with enduring appeal. Every shirt, knit, sock, and trouser is produced across Europe—primarily in family-run factories in northern Portugal near Porto, with specialist finishing in Bosnia-Herzegovina and touches from Austria. This keeps transport routes whisper-short, slashing emissions while preserving Europe’s rich tailoring heritage. With a mission to empower wearers to “do better for the planet and the people who make them,” CARPASUS sources premium, low-impact materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled blends from European mills. No wonder their pieces aren’t just clothes—they’re quiet acts of integrity.

[For more on their journey, visit the CARPASUS Story page.]

Do better for the planet and the people who make them

A Tale of Threads: The CARPASUS Odyssey

Picture this: It’s 2014, and René Grünenfelder stands amid the ruins of unchecked fashion excess, haunted by images of polluted rivers and exploited workers. “We couldn’t find a single shirt that married impeccable style with genuine ethics,” he recalls in a reflective nod to the brand’s origins. That epiphany sparked a pilgrimage—from the misty fields of organic cotton farms to the humming looms of Portuguese weavers. What emerged wasn’t just a label, but a movement: menswear that whispers of authenticity, not shouts of disposability.

Fast-forward to today, and CARPASUS thrives under René’s steady hand, with collections now gracing boutiques from Zurich to Stockholm. Their secret? Relentless transparency. “We trace our shirts back to the raw materials where we can, building bonds with partners who prioritise fair wages and humane conditions,” René shares. In Portugal’s family ateliers—where women artisans, many with decades of expertise, stitch under GOTS standards—fabrics are dyed, woven, and tailored with care. Bosnia’s Maglaj facility, home to 220 skilled hands since 2005, handles bespoke dress shirts with surgical precision. And in Austria, final flourishes ensure that heirloom-worthy durability.

This isn’t faceless production; it’s a tapestry of lives. One Portuguese mill, employing over 500, weaves CARPASUS’s linen-like blends from recycled cotton, turning waste into wardrobe staples. “Our clothes are designed to be worn for a long time,” René emphasises, “because quality isn’t a luxury—it’s a legacy.” By shunning trends for timelessness, CARPASUS invites men to wear their values: confidence in their skin, integrity in every fibre. It’s a story that resonates, proving one thoughtful collection can ripple into real change—fewer landfills, fairer futures, and wardrobes that last. As René puts it, “Wear CARPASUS and become part of our journey towards a more sustainable fashion industry.” In a world of fleeting fads, this is menswear with soul. (

What CARPASUS Crafts: Heirloom-Quality Menswear, European-Made

CARPASUS specialises in men’s shirts, knits, socks, and trousers that transcend seasons, built for the man who invests in pieces as enduring as his principles. From crisp dress shirts to versatile casuals and foundational basics, every item champions organic, recycled, and natural fibres—sourced and sewn in Europe for unmatched traceability and reduced impact. Here’s a spotlight on their core offerings, each a testament to why EU production shines:

• Dress Shirts: Tailored from GOTS-certified organic cotton in subtle stripes or solids, these are the boardroom heroes that breathe easy and iron effortlessly. Made in Portugal, Bosnia, and Austria, they boast non-toxic finishes (no formaldehyde or heavy metals), ideal for sensitive skin. Benefit: European craftsmanship ensures precise fits that endure 20+ years, cutting waste and celebrating tailoring traditions passed down generations—true heirloom status.
• Casual Shirts: Linen-like blends of organic and recycled cotton, like the Campo Copper, offer a soft, season-spanning texture without the creases. Woven in northern Portuguese mills and stitched by family-run teams, they’re versatile for desk-to-dinner transitions.
• Knitwear : Think Virgin Wool Sweaters in navy or forest green, or GOTS organic cotton polos—luxuriously soft yet structured for everyday sophistication. Knitted in Portugal’s Guimaraes since 1985, with 70 dedicated artisans.
• T-Shirts and Polos : Everyday essentials from 100% organic cotton, garment-dyed for rich hues that fade beautifully over time. Produced end-to-end in Portugal for minimal transport. Benefit: Recycled elements reduce water use by up to 90%, and European quality control means pieces that wash well and wear on—building a wardrobe of quiet luxury.
• Socks : Merino wool or organic cotton blends in neutral tones, designed for all-day comfort and breathability. Crafted in Portuguese family workshops with reinforced heels for longevity.
• Trousers (£129–£179): Slim-fit chinos or relaxed wool blends from recycled fibres, perfect for elevated casual looks. Tailored in Bosnia’s specialist facilities for a custom-like drape.

What sets these apart? EU production isn’t just geography—it’s a promise. Fabrics from Europe’s finest mills arrive fresh, unmarred by ocean voyages; artisans earn fair wages in safe spaces; and the result? Garments with a carbon footprint a fraction of global imports, plus that intangible glow of local pride. As CARPASUS notes, “To keep transport routes short, our fabrics and items are manufactured in Europe.” It’s sustainability you can feel—timeless, transparent, and triumphantly European.

[Explore the full range on carpasus.com/.]

Why You Should Choose CARPASUS: Elevate Your Wardrobe, Empower Europe

In a sea of synthetic fast fashion, CARPASUS stands as a beacon of thoughtful menswear—because choosing European-made isn’t just smart, it’s transformative. These shirts, knits, socks, and trousers aren’t disposable; they’re durable companions, crafted to last decades with materials like organic cotton that biodegrade gracefully and wool that regulates naturally. By opting in, you slash your fashion footprint, support fair wages for over 500 European artisans (mostly women in Portugal and Bosnia), and nurture skills that might otherwise fade. It’s local pride in every thread: shorter supply chains mean fresher fabrics, lower emissions, and a nod to the heritage keeping Europe’s textile soul alive.

This aligns perfectly with our vision at inEurope.eu—mapping passionate EU makers to build a responsible, united continent. By spotlighting brands like CARPASUS weekly through these blogs, you’re not just dressing better; you’re voting for a Europe where quality trumps quantity, and sustainability is woven in. Feel the difference: confidence from clothes that fit your ethics as well as your frame.