Staying warm during colder months is important, which makes sustainable coats a must-have for wardrobes this winter. Here’s everything you need to know.
Each year, 85% of clothes and other textiles in the US get sent to landfill. Only 15% of clothing is reused or recycled. Considering such a large portion of our garment waste ends up in the dump, it is more important than ever to shop sustainably. Sustainable winter coats are a great place to start.
To shop sustainably, look for clothes made from upcycled or waste fabrics. You can also keep your eyes peeled for items using renewable materials like hemp, linen or silk. While GMO cotton arguably has its benefits, it also has disadvantages that could be detrimental to the environment. For example, genes can escape from a crop into other plant relatives and create ‘super weeds’. If you have your heart set on cotton, opt for 100% organic.
While your clothes are important, so are the workers who make them. Try to purchase from brands that pay their workers properly and treat them fairly.
Winter coats are an essential clothing item throughout much of the country. Are there any ethical and sustainable coats available? Let’s take a look.
1. Culthread
Culthread is a UK-based brand that ships worldwide, offering a wide range of ethically and sustainably sourced fashion items. Their clothes use 100% recycled materials, including 100% recycled polyester, vegan recycled fiber-down insulation, rescued designer “dead-stock” materials, and recycled zippers.
They aim to be ethical and sustainable for all living things — including the planet. They make everything from bags to coats and jackets, so you have plenty of options.
To assess their products’ sustainability, they have added a cultruth scale for consumers to see. The scale grades each product against crucial sustainable criteria, like impact on the planet, people, and animals. It even shows if workers are paid a fair wage.
Furthermore, they use recycled and reusable packaging and shipping methods that impose the least environmental harm possible.
2. Patagonia
Patagonia sells a range of sustainable coats made from recycled materials. These items are designed for maximum warmth, durability and comfort while you’re on the move. Their range also features tops, socks, dresses and swimwear.
Overall, 87% of Patagonia’s line is made using recycled materials, as well as being Fair Trade Certified sewn. They also make sure that the workers who produce their items are fairly paid.
As an eco-friendly brand, Patagonia also installs ethical and environmentally friendly practices wherever it can within its business operations. For example, they use renewable energy and impose an Earth Tax on the items they sell. The earnings go towards funding environmental organizations. These organizations aim to better the planet and make a positive impact.
They offer a wide range of sustainable coats, perfect for the casual wearer and those who love the outdoors. There is something for everyone.
3. Whimsy + Row
Based in Los Angeles, Whimsy + Row has become a go-to for fashion-conscious shoppers. They ship internationally and offer a range of clothes, including sustainable coats in various styles and designs.
The brand uses sustainable materials, including deadstock and low-impact fabrics like linen, certified organic cotton, TENCEL™, silk and cupro. They also use upcycled materials. These materials are kinder on the planet when compared to non-sustainable materials, as they biodegrade faster and take less energy and water to produce.
Whimsy + Row also aims for zero waste. They recycle wherever they can during the production process, using excess waste to create new products. Even more impressive, they have prevented 7,793 pounds of trash from going to landfill as of the time of writing.
4. Mini Rodini
Mini Rodini offers great sustainable coats for children and babies. As with the others on this list, Mini Rodini prides itself on using sustainable materials.
The materials they use include:
- Organic cotton
- Organic wool
- ECONYL YARN
- BIONIC-FINISH ECO
- Upcycled materials
- Recycled polyester
- Tencel Lyocell
They also actively support their workers and pay them a living wage rather than a minimum wage. A living wage covers basic needs like food, clothes, housing and education while leaving some for saving or pleasure. While they haven’t achieved this goal at 100% of their production factories, their long-term aim is to do so for all workers at their sewing units.
Mini Rodini doesn’t disappoint with style or design, either. On their website, you can see their range of quirky and fashionable designs that will help to keep your younger ones warm this winter.
5. Outerknown
Outerknown is a US-based brand that sells men’s and women’s clothing. They are committed to protecting the environment and supporting fair labor. They are also fair trade certified and partnered with the Fair Labor Association.
So far, Outerknown has prevented over 1,300 clothing items and counting from going to landfill. By 2030, they aim to make 100% of their products circular, meaning that the materials are reclaimed and reused, preventing them from ever ending up in a landfill.
Their sustainable coats range from warm, snug puffer jackets to stylish blazers.
6. Reformation
Reformation is another sustainable clothing brand based in California. While they’re on the pricier side, they offer stylish yet classy designs — perfect if you’re going for a more sophisticated look.
Each item is ethically made using sustainable and deadstock materials, such as recycled cotton and TENCEL. They are a carbon-neutral brand and provide eco-friendly packaging, which is a must for any sustainable brand.
What makes this brand stand out from the crowd is the fact that they have their own factory in LA dedicated to clothes production. They’ve set this up so they can support their workers properly and avoid terrible working conditions. They hire people from all around the world.
To reflect their beliefs, they are partnered with the Fair Labor Association, an international organization network that promotes human rights in the workplace.
7. Pact
Pact is a great option for sustainable winter coats for those with a smaller budget. They use organic cotton, which is GOTS certified. The aim of GOTS is to ensure the organic status of textiles that are used in the production process, from harvesting through to production. It also ensures that a company’s manufacturing process is environmentally and socially responsible.
As a GOTS-certified brand, Pact’s cotton is manufactured responsibly with the least chemical input, so customers can be assured that they are buying a quality product.
Their clothing is also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, which likely means workers are supported well and not exploited.
Pact is fair trade and carbon neutral and uses only organic materials. So far, they have saved 160 million gallons of water and support practices that are kind to both people and the planet.
They offer several styles of coats and jackets, so you’ll never be short of choice. You can also rest assured that what you’re wearing is kind to the planet and sustainably sourced.
If you’re interested in further expanding your wardrobe, look at these 8 sustainable activewear brands. They’re great for anyone who loves to keep fit while supporting the planet.
Buying sustainable clothes is a simple way to be greener in your day-to-day life, reducing your carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly materials.
Read more:
- Sustainable Travel: The 8 Best State Parks in California
- Kid’s Clothes: The 8 Best Organic Brands for Kids and Toddlers
- What to Do With Old Clothes: 10 Impactful Ideas
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