As winter fast approaches, colder temperatures demand us to bundle up in heavy-duty outerwear. It’s time to shop for those ethical jackets and coats. But what if we told you that you could stay warm, look stylish, and make a positive impact on the environment? It’s true – you can do all of that by choosing to buy from brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most commendable UK brands that make their outerwear from recycled and organic materials. From Patagonia’s renowned range to lesser-known but equally commendable brands, we’ve got it all covered.
Patagonia: A Pioneer in Sustainable Outerwear
Patagonia needs no introduction when it comes to sustainable outdoor clothing. Known for their strong ethical stance, they have been a trailblazer in the industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in sustainable fashion.
The brand is renowned for their extensive range of high-quality, durable, and functional outerwear for both men and women. Made from mostly recycled and organic materials, Patagonia’s line of jackets and coats offer superior comfort, warmth, and protection against the winter elements.
One of their most popular items is the Nano Puff Jacket, made from 55% post-consumer recycled content. Not only does it offer excellent insulation, but it also packs down small, making it highly versatile and suitable for varying winter conditions.
Finisterre: Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Next on our list is Finisterre. Originally focused on creating better products for UK’s cold-water surfers, they’ve grown to provide a broad range of outdoor apparel. Their strong commitment to sustainability and innovative use of recycled fabrics sets them apart.
Finisterre’s outerwear collection includes a wide variety of styles for both men and women. Their Nimbus jacket, for example, features an insulation made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s not only warm and lightweight but also quick-drying and highly breathable, making it perfect for wet and windy British winter.
The brand also prides itself on its transparency, providing detailed information on the materials and suppliers they use, allowing consumers to make fully informed, ethical purchasing decisions.
TOAST: Crafted with Care and Consciousness
TOAST is a UK brand that combines contemporary design with ethical manufacturing processes. They believe in slow fashion and creating pieces that will last for years, striving to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Their outerwear is crafted from sustainable materials like organic cotton and wool, and recycled polyester. They also use natural dyes, which are less harmful to the environment than synthetic ones.
TOAST’s winter coat range includes timeless, versatile designs with an emphasis on comfort and durability. The Wool Cashmere Double Faced Coat, for example, is a chic and luxurious piece that offers superior warmth and comfort.
Finlayson: Scandinavian Inspired Sustainable Fashion
Finlayson, a UK brand with Scandinavian roots, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. They produce a broad range of ethical clothing, including stylish, functional and sustainable outerwear.
Their jackets and coats, available in styles for both men and women, are made using recycled or organic materials. One of their popular winter items is the Reilu Down Jacket. Made from recycled polyester and filled with ethically sourced down, it offers excellent thermal properties and durability.
WAWWA Clothing: Fashion That Makes a Difference
Last but certainly not least is WAWWA Clothing. This brand goes the extra mile in their commitment to sustainability. They create their apparel from recycled or organic materials, and for every item sold, they plant a tree.
Their outerwear range includes jackets and coats that are not only stylish and comfortable but also highly functional and durable. The 2º Coat is a standout piece, made from recycled plastic and lined with a thermal insulation that reflects heat back to the body.
In conclusion, these UK brands show that it’s possible to create high-quality, stylish and warm winter outerwear that is also sustainable. By choosing to shop from these brands, you’re not only investing in a product that will serve you well throughout the winter but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Know The North Face: Outdoor Clothing with an Ethical Edge
A brand that’s a staple for outdoor enthusiasts, The North Face has been providing performance gear for over 50 years. More recently, the brand has taken notable steps towards sustainability, earning a ‘Good’ rating in brand ratings assessing environmental impact.
In line with their pledge to reduce environmental footprint, their outerwear collection incorporates eco-friendly practices, utilizing recycled materials while ensuring PFC-free, high-performance weather protection.
One standout item is the ThermoBall Eco Jacket. What makes this winter coat special? It’s insulation is made entirely from recycled polyester equivalent to approximately 15 plastic bottles. This winter coat offers a high fill power, ensuring excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, ideal for the chills of winter weather.
With a wide price range and sizes rating that caters to a diverse body range, The North Face ensures accessibility for all. Not only this, but this brand also ships internationally, making it a global player in sustainable winter outerwear.
A Closer Look at Ecoalf: Transforming Waste into Fashion
Ecoalf is a brand that truly stands out for its commitment to sustainability. Their mantra “Because there is no planet B”, perfectly encapsulates their approach. Ecoalf utilises recycled materials to an impressive extent, transforming waste into high-quality fabrics for their outerwear.
Ecoalf’s winter coats are not only warm and stylish but also eco-friendly. The Oslo Padded Jacket, for example, is made from 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles. This winter coat is noted for its durability and warmth, making it a staple for those colder months.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Ecoalf also takes fair trade seriously. They ensure transparency in their supply chain and make a conscious effort to improve labour conditions in their factories.
Ecoalf, like The North Face, has received a ‘Good’ rating in brand ratings for their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
Wrapping It Up: The Takeaway
As we’ve seen, there are numerous commendable UK brands offering sustainable outerwear for winter. These brands are challenging the status quo, demonstrating that it’s possible to create stylish, high-quality coats jackets that are also kind to our planet.
Whether it’s Patagonia’s trailblazing efforts, Finisterre’s innovative use of recycled fabrics, TOAST’s focus on slow fashion, Finlayson’s Scandinavian inspired sustainable fashion, WAWWA Clothing’s tree-planting initiative, The North Face’s eco-friendly performance gear, or Ecoalf’s transformation of waste into fashion, these brands are leading the way in sustainable winter apparel.
By choosing to support these brands, you’re making a statement about the kind of world you want to live in. A world where fashion and sustainability coexist. A world where every winter coat purchased contributes to a greener future.
So, as the cold winter months approach, remember that the choices you make matter. Make your winter wardrobe a reflection of your commitment to sustainability. After all, staying warm doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet.