TSOTM Oct 2025: Power and Resistance

Our T-Shirt of the Month for October 2025, made of 100% organic cotton, and supporting grassroots labour unions in South Asia. Outside the US, this design is available here a shirt made by a workers' cooperative.

This month's design references French philosopher Michel Foucault, who was born in October 1926. Foucault’s quote, “Where there is power, there is resistance,” encapsulates his theory that power and resistance are inherently linked. He argues that power is not a static force imposed from above but exists within relationships, networks, and structures. Resistance is an integral part of these power dynamics, emerging wherever power operates. This resistance can take many forms, from subtle non-compliance to overt rebellion. It suggests that power is never absolute and is always met with some level of opposition. Foucault sees power as a relational dynamic tied to human structures and interactions. It’s contingent and contestable. His logic also suggests that resistance is the most natural response to oppression. And history has proven this time and again. 

Noteworthy is also Foucault’s critique of liberal democracy. Rather than being modern, rational and transparent, he suggested that libral democracy is actually characterised by all kinds of methods of controlling people’s behaviour, particularly through subtle methods that do not involve force. 

Designed by illustrator and musician Conny Ochs.

• 100% organic combed ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 5.3 oz./yd.² (180 g/m²)
• Regular unisex fit
• Set-in sleeves
• 1 × 1 rib at collar
• Double-needle topstitch on the sleeves and bottom hems
• Self-fabric neck tape on the inside of the back
• The fabric of this product holds certifications for its organic cotton content under GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OCS (Organic Content Standard). Stanley and Stella Fair Wair Foundation-made
• Supports grassroots labour unions in South Asia through ExChains
  
• Learn more about our 'T-Shirt of the Month' collaboration with dna merch here
  
• Printed individually just for you, with no overproduction or waste
• Global shipping from the US

Size guide