While summer fades into memory, the chill of reality beckons, signaling the transition from sun-drenched days to winter’s icy embrace. This means it’s time to talk about outerwear, the cornerstone of your winter wardrobe. If you love to sport and play with all kinds of outwear like me, you’ll know that a jacket not only provides warmth but also elevates your look while helping you be prepared and practical.
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But when it comes to choosing the perfect winter jacket, the process of scrolling through website after website and trekking from store after store can be grueling. However, before we unveil our Gent’s Approved recommendations to aid you in this process, let’s confront a pressing issue: the environmental toll of fast fashion and disposing of old outerwear.
Alarmingly, nearly 93 tons of discarded clothing end up in landfills every year, where they occupy space for years—sometimes decades—allowing harmful greenhouse gasses and chemicals to leach into the surrounding air and soil. So, if your current coat has seen better days and you’re contemplating a new purchase, there are a few things you should consider to help guide you in making a practical and sustainable decision for your next purchase.
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First and foremost: Here are 6 things to consider before buying outerwear:
When it comes to outerwear and sustainability there’s six considerations you should be mindful of that will help you pick a product that is right for you.
1. Material matters
The first and most critical consideration when buying sustainable outerwear is the choice of materials. Look for brands that use eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, and Tencel. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which are derived from non-renewable resources and take centuries to break down.
2. Insulation
Opt for eco-friendly insulation materials like recycled down or plant-based alternatives such as Thinsulate™ EcoMade. These materials not only keep you warm but also reduce the demand for new resources.
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3. Durability
Sustainable outerwear should be built to last. Choose high-quality pieces that can withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Look for reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers.
4. Ethical production
Consider the brand’s production practices. Brands that prioritize fair labor practices and ethical manufacturing are more likely to produce sustainable outerwear. Look for certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp, which indicate a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
5. Water and energy usage
Sustainable outerwear should be manufactured using processes that minimize water and energy consumption. Brands that prioritize reducing their carbon footprint during production are better choices for the environmentally conscious consumer.
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6. Multi-functional pieces
Look for outerwear that serves multiple purposes. Versatile pieces can be worn in various seasons and weather conditions, reducing the need for a closet full of specialized garments
For those who can’t be bothered with the quest for the ultimate winter coat, we’ve done the dirty work. Sure, if you’ve got that one killer coat, rock it. But if you’re on the hunt for a fresh vibe, then check out these five brands that are flipping the script on sustainable outerwear.
Gent’s Approved: Here are 5 sustainable outwear brands worth buying
With that being said, here’s our recommendation for the 5-brands that offer what our gents approve–in no particular order.
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1. Adhere to Studios
Founded by Alexandra Dean, Adhere to Studios is a Canadian, female-owned brand designed to transcend gender boundaries and unite fashion, function, and sustainability within the outerwear industry. Every piece is meticulously crafted with purpose, featuring 100% recycled materials, ethical production practices, and an eco-friendly supply chain. Their jackets utilize a cutting-edge 3-layer high-performance fabric, boasting impressive waterproof capabilities with a windproof rating of 10k/15k. They’ve also distinguished themselves from the outerwear crowd by their commitment to using Re:Down—certified down that is entirely recycled, renewed, and rejuvenated from donated items.
2. Patagonia
Patagonia is a brand that needs no introduction. However, just in case, you may not know that Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign in 2011 made waves across the globe by encouraging consumers to repair, reuse, or recycle before buying new clothing. The brand prioritizes sustainability by using organic materials or recycled polyester and ensuring fair labor practices in their factories.
Since fall 2018, all Patagonia wool products have been RWS certified. They also adopted the Traceable Down Standard for virgin down in 2014 and achieved certification under the Global Traceable Down Standard in 2017. As of fall 2022, 87% of the brand’s garments now use recycled materials, including the acclaimed Nano Puff Jacket.
3. Tentree
Taking inspiration from their commitment to planting 10 trees for each product sold, Tentree is a certified climate-neutral brand specializing in jackets and coats tailored for all your outdoor escapades. Many of Tentree’s jackets are constructed from recycled polyester and feature a PFC-free waterproof coating, along with a BlueSign certified lining, devoid of harmful chemicals. What’s more, we admire their dedication to reforestation initiatives with every purchase and their Climate Neutral certification.
4. Bedi
Handcrafted in Canada to endure freezing temperatures as low as -30°C, BEDI’s outerwear collection delivers exceptional warmth. They employ a unique selection of materials, including upcycled seat belts, retired airline seats, salvaged furniture, and ECONYL® to create a line of functional jackets and coats that provide ample room for layering. This impressive material is stretchy when woven, relatively tough, and easy to weave into tightly knit garments and industrial textiles. Not only does it come from sustainable sources, it is also infinitely recyclable. Bedi also offers an extended line of vests, coats, bags and more.
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5. Fjällräven
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Fjällräven’s identity, not merely a buzzword. They have received recognition as the industry’s most sustainable brand for four consecutive years according to the Sustainable Brand Index. Their commitment extends to ethical and transparent down production, a wide range of sustainable and traceable wool products, and a firm stance against fluorocarbons. These actions exemplify Fjällräven’s unwavering dedication to reducing its environmental impact and championing sustainable practices. We also love their outer shells, which feature a trademarked G-1000® Eco fabric, which is composed of 65% recycled polyester and 35% organic cotton.
