Sustainability is a buzzword in almost every industry, and it’s a trend that’s influencing travel clothing for the better. From popular name brands to smaller eco-conscious labels, here are 15 sustainable clothing companies that also make great gear for travelers.
Coalatree
Sustainability Win: Most of Coalatree’s products are made from recycled or repurposed materials like coffee grounds, discarded yarns, and plastic. The brand also uses tree-friendly packaging.
Editor Pick: Trailhead Pants
prAna
Sustainability Win: prAna is the first North American apparel brand to make Fair Trade Certified clothing, meaning both the product and facility are certified for ethical and sustainable initiatives. Shop the Fair Trade women’s and men’s collection.
Editor Pick: Jola Dress
Athleta
Sustainability Win: By 2020, 80 percent of Athleta’s materials with be made with sustainable fibers, and 25 percent of products will be made with water-saving techniques.
Editor Pick: Sutton Romper
Toad & Co.
Sustainability Win: Toad & Co. produces eight different types of fabric, from Tencel to wool, that are either organic or recycled, which reduced the brand’s emissions by 51 tons last year.
Editor Pick: Earthworks Wide Leg Pant
Jungmaven
Sustainability Win: Jungmaven focuses on select fabrics like hemp, a natural fiber that doesn’t require irrigation, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers for production. Additionally, all Jungmaven items are hand-cut and made in the U.S.
Editor Pick: Baja Pocket Tee
United by Blue
Sustainability Win: In addition to using recycled and organic fabrics, United by Blue pledges to remove one pound of trash from oceans or waterways for every product sold.
Editor Pick: Manse Chambray Button Down
Patagonia
Sustainability Win: Patagonia shares many resources about its environmental impact. Educating consumers about the environmental impact of specific fabrics is a huge step in changing consumer behavior.
Editor Pick: Better Sweater Zip 1/4 Zip Fleece
Zanni
Sustainability Win: ZANNI’s mission is to create classic, practical pieces for women that are made with durable and comfortable fabrics so they last a lifetime. This way clothing never ends up in a landfill.
Editor Pick: Drawstring Skirt
Sarah Liller
Sustainability Win: All products from Sarah Liller are made in San Francisco, and the brand’s fabrics are milled in the U.S., which means a smaller carbon footprint.
Editor Pick: Leila Wrap Top
Amour Vert
Sustainability Win: In addition to using exclusive, eco-friendly fabrics, Amour Vert also plants a tree in North America for every T-shirt purchased. Read more on Amour Vert’s sustainability initiatives here.
Editor Pick: Gardenia Jumpsuit
Smartwool
Sustainability Win: Merino wool, the core fabric of Smartwool, is a hero fabric that doesn’t need to be washed after every wear, thanks to its bacteria-absorbing superpowers. Less washing means less water and energy use. What’s more, Smartwool constantly evaluates its wool supply chain with an eye toward animal welfare and environmental impact.
Editor Pick: Merino 250 Base Layer Crew
Bleusalt
Sustainability Win: All of Bleusalt’s products are made from beechwood, which is vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable, since beech trees propagate by themselves and don’t need artificial irrigation or planting. Bonus: beechwood is one of the softest fabrics you can purchase.
Editor Pick: The Wrap
Royal Robbins
Sustainability Win: Royal Robbins constantly updates a list of toxic and forbidden chemicals in collaboration with the Chemicals Group. The brand is also a member of the Sustainability Apparel Coalition, and has a goal to become carbon neutral by 2025.
Editor Pick: Dixie Plaid Shirt
Mack Weldon
Sustainability Win: The brand Mack Weldon has a program that lets you recycle your worn basics, like underwear, socks, and tees. Instead of ending up in a landfill, they’re either put to reuse in over 50 countries (if in good condition) or broken down by a fiber recycler.
Editor Pick: Ace Sweatpants
ADAY
Sustainability Win: Founded with the concept of simplicity, ADAY’s capsule collection clothing is meant to be long-lasting and trans-seasonal, meaning the pieces never go out of style or show wear. Plus, many styles are made with recycled materials.
Editor Pick: Something Borrowed Shirt
More from SmarterTravel:
- 60 Green Travel Resources Every Traveler Should Know
- 9 Comfy Jumpsuits Perfect for Travel
- 5 Unique Travel Fabrics That Are Soft, Breathable, and Ethically Sourced
Women’s Sustainable Jumpsuit Outfit
Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.
Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.
Editor’s note: All prices were correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
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