Posts in Fashion Three
The Best Sustainable Winter Boots for Dry, Warm & Happy Feet (2024)
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through & make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in! Thank you for supporting the brands who are working to make the fashion industry a better place!

Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Winter Boots for women

BECAUSE COLD FEET CAN RUIN A GOOD TIME…

Stay warm and eco-friendly this winter with our best sustainable winter boots selection. Whether hiking in the snow or strolling through the city, these boots are designed to keep your feet cozy while minimizing your environmental impact. Our carefully curated collection features eco-conscious brands that prioritize sustainability without compromising on style or performance.

You'll find options made from recycled materials, natural fibers, and innovative technologies that reduce waste and carbon footprint. These boots are not only built to last but also provide exceptional insulation and traction, so you can confidently venture outside this winter. There's something for everyone, from vegan-friendly options to brands dedicated to fair trade artisan crafts. Make a positive impact this winter by choosing boots that prioritize both your warmth and the planet's well-being. Stay warm, stylish, and eco-conscious this season!

Need a pair of boots for men? Check out this post - here -

WHAT MAKES A SHOE SUSTAINABLE?

When it comes to sustainable shoes, there are many things we look for - Who makes them? What are they made from? Can we wear them for years to come? Seeing transparency within the supply chain is very important to us at Sustainably Chic. We want to ensure the person making the shoes is treated well and makes a fair wage.

Now, Our Top Picks for Sustainable Winter Boots:

code: FREESHIPSC for Free Shipping

1. All-Weather Amalia Boot

Brand | Nisolo

Price | $260

Nisolo is a certified B Corp and Carbon Neutral company known for making ethical shoes. They have been leading the way in paying living wages and creating an ethical work environment. They publish their wages and are very transparent about who makes their products and where. This classic combat boot is designed to provide stability and structure in style in just about any environment - and it comes in 4 different colors!


2. The Weekend Boot

Brand | Thesus (Vegan)

Price | $198

I own a pair of their rainboots, and I haven’t bought a new pair for several years, now. They are my go-tos!

I’ve noticed recently they have a new boot called the Weekend Boot & it comes in over 10 different colors. It’s a 4-in-1 hiking boot that will be your new outdoor staple. Each pair is vegan, cruelty-free and made with recycled ocean plastic.


3. Caturi

Brand | Cariuma (Vegan)

Price | $129

The CATURI boot from Cariuma is water-repellent and crafted for total warmth - even the insoles are lined! They are inspired by classic mountaineering shoes and handcrafted using high-performance vegan suede and an ultra-plush vegan shearling lining made from recycled materials. Plus, for every pair purchased, they plant two trees!


4. Insulated Dock Boots

Brand | Will’s Vegan Store

Price | $132

These have been one of Will's Vegan Store's most popular boots since they launched in 2015.

The Insulated Dock Boot comes with ankle support, padding around the collar, and lace hooks to tighten them up. They are all made in Portugal, are certified carbon neutral, and can be returned to be recycled at the end of their use.


5. High Boots

Brand | Lanius

Price | $182

Made from vegetable-tanned leather, this classic boot is soft with a thin lining of wool fleece. An inside zipper makes it easy to take on and off, and the thick rubber sole makes the boot a perfect companion for wind and weather. Lanius has been creating fair & organic fashion since 1999!


6. Sea Shepherd Ankle Boots

Brand | Nae (Vegan)

Price | $123

These timeless ankle boots are free from environmental toxins and cruelty-free. They are made from piñatex, a vegan material created from pineapple leaves waste. There is also a cushioned lining made of organic cotton that is warm, breathable, antimicrobial, and prevents suffocation and bad odors.


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
15 Sustainable Jewelry Brands to Add Some Ethical Sparkle To Your Outfit (2024)
 

Image: illi

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Bario Neal, Valley Rose, Truvai & Aiden Jae. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Ethical & Sustainable Jewelry

People have adorned themselves with jewelry and decoration for as long as 75,000 years. Today though, some jewelry is made at a significant cost to both the planet and the people making them. So, how can we continue to accessorize with sustainability and ethics in mind?

The jewelry industry is stepping up to the challenge in a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainability. Sustainable jewelry is not only exquisite and beautiful but also carries a profound purpose. With a commitment to social and environmental causes, sustainable jewelry brands are positively impacting communities. Their efforts contribute to fair trade practices, support local artisans, and promote eco-consciousness among consumers. This article delves into the brands leading the way in sustainable jewelry, highlighting their unique designs and the stories behind the pieces. Discover how sustainable jewelry is not just about adorning oneself but also about making a meaningful difference in the world. Join the revolution of conscious consumers who appreciate the beauty of jewelry with a purpose!

What Makes This Jewelry Sustainable?

When it comes to sustainable jewelry, there are many things we look for - Who makes it? What is it made from? Can you wear the piece for years to come? Transparency within the supply chain is so important to us. We want to make sure the person creating the jewelry is treated fairly and the planet is kept in mind during the entire process.

What Sustainable Materials Should Jewelry Brands Use?

There are also several materials we like to look for, like recycled metals and lab-grown gems. We have enough gold and silver circulating on this planet to reuse and not mine for more, and these brands are taking advantage of that! Also, the mining of precious gems is full of unethical practices, so sustainable brands are starting to create their gems in labs, reuse old gems or work with Fairmined sourcing (as well as other sustainable certifications).

You can read more about ethics and sustainability within the jewelry industry here.

Also, click to check out all of our favorite earrings!

Many minimalist designs below are perfect for any outfit, and you can feel confident they are easy on the planet and fair to the makers.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Jewelry Brands:

1. Bario Neal

Price: $130-$5K

The team at Bario Neal was inspired to create pieces of jewelry representing deeply felt experiences, loves, and losses—armor, glitter, and vessels for meaning and value. But from the very start, they were committed to doing things in a way that’s better for the earth, the people and communities within the supply chain, and their customers. An industry leader in ethical sourcing and mindful production, Bario Neals’s jewelry reflects individualism, gender and marriage equality, and conscious values rooted in ethical origin from mine to market.


2. Valley Rose

Price: $98 - 1,820

This stunning jewelry is designed and handcrafted by Northern California-based designer Brittany Groshong. Each design is made with a technique called lost-wax casting. Valley Rose uses the highest quality and ethical materials like Fairmined gold and traceable conflict-free gemstones. The mystery and beauty of the cosmos inspire the collection. Their new zodiac constellation pendants make for the perfect everyday necklace!


3. Truvai

Price: $80-411

Truvai is a conscious, luxurious jewelry brand that creates micro-batch collections handmade by master artisans around the globe.

Pronounced /tro͞oˈvī/, Truvai means a lucky find; a chance encounter with something wonderful — and their pieces are just that! The brand was founded by Canadian designer Jenny Lillian, who works with artisans in Kenya, Indonesia, and Afghanistan using traditional handmade techniques.

Truvai focuses on creating the maximum positive social impact while using environmentally conscious & locally sourced materials. Their collections unite in a commitment to sustainability, empowerment, and cultural preservation — offering artisans a pathway out of generational poverty in Kenya, supporting Afghan jewelers affected by conflict, and preserving traditional Balinese techniques in Indonesia. If you love pearl earrings, we suggest checking out the gorgeous Fay earrings made with locally sourced mabe pearls. For a perfect everyday piece, look no further than the Margo Cuff bracelet, which contributes to the artisans' city's cleanup through upcycled local scrap metal. Truvai offers free shipping within the USA & Canada and affordable flat-rate shipping for international orders.

use code CHIC10 for 10% off your purchase


4. Aiden Jae

Price: $55-485

Aiden Jae creates beautiful everyday jewelry made for you to live in. This woman-owned jewelry brand uses 100% recycled gold and conflict-free, responsibly sourced gemstones. For fine jewelry, their prices are accessible, and their minimalistic designs make it perfect for pairing with every outfit.

We love their signature texture in the Banyan collection, inspired by the distinctive roots of the Banyan tree. For those who like a little sparkle, we suggest their Star Light, Star Bright collection, which features diamonds, white sapphires, and rainbow moonstones.

Aiden Jae’s manufacturing partners are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council.

To top it all off, Aiden Jae uses eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping, and they are a member of 1% for the Planet! 

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off your purchase


5. Aid Through Trade

Price: $15 - 62

Aid Through Trade (one of the founding members of the Fair Trade Federation!) is the original creator of the famous Roll-On® Bracelet. Now, the brand employs over 200 female artisans in Nepal. All of their Roll-On® Bracelets are made with the highest quality glass beads and hand-dyed cotton thread and come with a lifetime guarantee. They fit most wrists and come in a variety of colors.

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC30 for 30% off


6. illi

Price: $195 - 625

All of illi’s gorgeous and minimalistic pieces are made from lab-grown gemstones, and 100% recycled solid precious metals. This is one of the few brands that offer not only lab-grown diamond jewelry but also other gems like alexandrite, ruby, and sapphire! In addition, they carry necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that have a clean, simple aesthetic for true timelessness. The team at illi is committed to sustainability and is constantly improving its processes every step of the way.


7. Laura Elizabeth

Price: $65 - 265

Austin-based Laura Elizabeth Jewelry is a timeless, elevated, and accessible jewelry line. Many of her designs are made directly from nature; whether it’s bark from an Austin oak tree, a starfish, or succulents, these organic pieces are classic yet unique. You can swim, sweat, shower, and sleep in your LEJ necklaces, and the rings are adjustable and stackable.


8. Able

Price: $20 - 120

Able is a fashion brand that empowers and employs women to help them escape poverty. Initially, the company offered jobs to Ethiopian women from the commercial sex industry, but they have since expanded, and the jewelry is made in-house in Nashville, TN. Their jewelry collection is perfect for everyday wear and has several customizable options!


9. Obakki

Price: $22 - 102

Available in both 18K gold plated and silver plated, each piece from Obakki’s gorgeous jewelry collection is made by one of their artisan partners. The team at Obakki loves taking something forgotten and turning it into something beautiful and new, so almost everything is made from upcycled and locally sourced materials. Obakki also carries artisan-made and small-batch home goods, skincare, organic apparel, and more. You’ll love this shop!


10. Ten Thousand Villages

Price: $5 - 210

More than just a store, this market-to-market movement connects us to some of the most talented artisans worldwide. Our purchase is directly contributing to sustainable livelihoods and keeping crafts original.

Every product celebrates culture and the planet, so you know not one is compromised for the other. They have an extensive jewelry collection for anyone’s taste - we LOVE these earrings!


11. Made Trade

Price: $30 - 198

This online destination has you covered with almost any aesthetic within jewelry but has an extensive collection of minimalistic designs. While shopping through the collection, you can learn about each piece's values. Is it Fair Trade? Is it Made in the USA? Is it POC owned? It's genuinely a different experience, unlike anything else you find online. They have so many brands under one roof that you don't have to search far.


12. Ana Luisa

Price: $30-250

Ana Luisa is a sustainable jewelry brand on a mission to show the world that high-quality jewelry should not cost the planet. It crafts beautiful earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, which are ideal for wearing on a special occasion but will also spruce up your outfits if worn daily. Ana Luisa’s pieces are produced in limited batches and made of gold-plated brass (with a thick layer of recycled gold) or recycled Sterling silver.


13. Clean Origin

Price: $225 - 35000

Clean Origin ensures their hand-picked selections are ethical and gorgeous. Available in various shapes and colors, Clean Origin specializes in lab-created diamonds and only sells stones that are independently verified and graded for quality using the same scientific standards applied to mined diamonds. In addition, clean Origin offers free resizing, lifetime protection, and financing options. With dozens of jewelry styles and designs available, Clean Origin aims to provide diamonds without compromise.


14. Aurate New York 

Price: $40 - 6500

Aurate is based in New York and strives to change the jewelry industry. Aurate uses only sustainably sourced materials, all gold is 100% recycled, and pearls and precious gems are sourced from family-run establishments supporting local communities. You can choose between lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds, depending on your preference. Since there are no import taxes, no unnecessary middlemen, and pieces are made-to-order, Aurate jewelry is much more affordable than conventional jewelry. 


15. Catbird

Price: $14 - 3500

Catbird has been creating ethical jewelry since 2004. They work almost entirely with recycled gold and diamonds, make everything in their Brooklyn studio with a minimum carbon footprint, and always consider their impact at every step. If you love colors or stones other than diamonds, we recommend checking out Catbird’s selection!


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


related reading you may also enjoy:

 
What Are Microtrends? (& how they are unsustainable)
 

What Are Microtrends?

If you, like most people these days, enjoy spending at least a few moments a day on social media, you might have noticed that, often these days, certain items and styles blow up all of a sudden. 

Then their popularity grows even more, so much so that it looks like everyone loves them, and then give it some time, and they go back to relative cyber-obscurity, all in a few months at the longest. 

Seemingly random items like the Clinique black honey almost-lipstick, the House of Sunny Hockney Dress, the Stanley cup water bottle, bows, or specific niche aesthetics like "Slavic bimbo" have been the protagonist of a special kind of social media frenzy: microtrends. 

These trends might seem like another amusing or silly social media phenomenon, but they have an unexpected dark side. That's because while we might not be used to asking ourselves this question, it still stands: what happens to those trendy items when the trend gets left behind? 

Microtrends vs. regular trends 

Before we look at microtrends and how they might be more insidious than they seem, we first need to understand how radically different they are from regular fashion trends. 

Trends have existed arguably as long as human societies have. If you were to look at a few 19th-century portraits painted in different decades, you'd immediately see how certain styles, silhouettes, and even colors went in and out of style. The closet of the characters of Pride and Prejudice (1813) and Jane Eyre (1847) would have looked widely different from one another. 

In short, trends are nothing new, so much so that they arguably used to follow a pattern. Until recently, fashion trends rose and fell closely following Laver's Law. According to this fashion theory elaborated by Victoria and Albert Museum Curator James Laver in the '30s, fashion trends tend to follow a 20-year cycle.

In this cycle, they become popular, then said popularity dies down. A couple of decades later, it rises again, ready to be enjoyed and reinterpreted by a new generation. 

A ton of fashion trends from the 20th century followed this pattern. For example, trademark trends of '70s fashion, like wide-legged pants and crop tops, were back in the spotlight in the '90s. 

Unlike these "generational trends," microtrends barely come to define a few months, let alone a decade, but their emergence might have changed the game in fashion. 

The trend cycle is now much shorter, with people looking back at the mid-2010s for trends and aesthetics to dig back out, despite those styles being less than ten years old, as social media has already grown tired of trends from previous decades like those from the Y2K. 

The relationship between microtrends and disposable fashion

These internet-born trends, which are, as the name implies, short-lived and bound to become "cringe" at the drop of a hat once the internet grows tired of them, are, in fact, not only a symptom of how many people see fashion and clothing but also a potential catalyst for a further shift towards disposable fashion.

Like many social media phenomena, microtrends seem like something that sprouted out of nowhere. Still, their existence is one of the many results of the process that turned much of the fashion world into fast fashion. 

Throughout the last century, clothing went from being custom-made to ready-to-wear to being the product of an industry characterized by big brands releasing multiple collections each year. In this process, fashion has turned into a faster and faster business that produces more items than ever, generating a massive and multilayered environmental impact. 

This race to overproduction means that for these fast fashion companies to make the enormous profits they wish to make some trend has to always be on the way out while new ones are on the rise. 

Social media, too, are built around speed and short-term popularity. Unsurprisingly, if you marry these two, the result is disposable fashion content that banks on an item, brand, or style's short-term and robust popularity. 

An independent designer might develop an innovative design that many people like, just for its low-quality imitations, to get mass-produced and sold on Shein or Amazon and other fast fashion retailers for a few weeks before said microtrend gets labeled as "basic" and promptly forgotten about. Then another rolls around, and then it's "rinse and repeat". 

On social media, microtrends are like summer hits; to most people's ears, they don't have the same ring to them a few months later when their season has passed. Still, while these items' popularity might be fleeting, the environmental impact connected to their production and end-of-life certainly isn't.   

Microtrends, duping culture, and cheap fashion 

At first, a microtrend-induced implosion of the traditional trend cycle might seem like something that has nothing to do with you and me. Why should we care if Laver has to eat his hat? 

Much of what fashion brands sell us these days is intentionally not built to last but manufactured as cheaply as possible and designed to be replaced as soon as possible. 

In addition to the planned obsolescence of these garments, trends put further pressure on consumers to buy new clothes and promptly retire their old ones so as not to look unfashionable or unsophisticated. 

The proliferation of microtrends, as they come and go much faster than regular fashion trends, has been adding fuel to the fire in this regard, with certain items and styles ending up feeling outdated and overdone within a few months. 

While it's true that most people cannot afford to purchase every new trendy item at the drop of a hat or change their entire style every other season, the proliferation of mass-produced, lower-quality "dupes" of many viral products, much like fast fashion as a whole allow even people with less disposable income to partake in these microtrends and overconsumption. 

Let's take, for example, the viral Strawberry Midi Dress Lirika Matoshi that became extremely popular online in 2020 at the peak of cottagecore mania. Most people couldn't afford to purchase or discard a garment that costs hundreds of dollars. Still, a simple online search would allow any potential buyer to find dozens of cheaper, mass-produced imitations. 

As the endless amount of these "dupes" proves, microtrends and careless consumption can go hand in hand in many tax brackets. 

Not to mention that many other viral fashion items are far from expensive and are produced by fast fashion companies, like the viral nylon crossbody manufactured by fast fashion giant UNIQLO.  

The overlooked environmental impact of microtrends

While, of course, there is nothing wrong with adding a bow to your hairstyle because you saw it in some hairstyle inspo online or digging out some of your old mid-2010s clothes to give the "indie sleaze" aesthetic a go, there is no denying that microtrends don't do anything to keep clothes out of trash cans and donation boxes or shift many people's perception of fashion from something disposable to something to be cherished.

Given the climate crisis, any further shift to overproduction and a disposable fashion model can be problematic as the Global North generates a mind-boggling amount of textile waste. 

The European Union, for example, produces 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste each year on its own.

To make matters worse, most of the clothes produced by fast fashion companies in recent years are made of petroleum-derived, non-biodegradable synthetics like polyester, fabrics that fuel and, worse, the issue of microplastics in our oceans and sustain the fossil fuel industry. 

Should we get to "enjoy things" at the cost of the planet and people?  

While the people who regularly partake in and promote these microtrends on their platforms on social media are not responsible for designing a fashion industry built on the exploitation of nature and people, it cannot be denied that this thirst for what is new and trendy feeds into a relentless cycle of production and disposal that is consuming valuable resources, contributing to the ongoing climate crisis, and putting people at risk. 

As consumers, we should ask ourselves: is the irreversible damage being done to our environment and our money going to companies who exploit people worth temporary excitement? 

An excitement that might be cheap for many in the Global North but that is heavily paid for by the people living on the frontlines of climate change and the garment workers in the Global South who are fighting for their rights to a living wage and safe working conditions. 

While people's individual choices cannot change the way the fast fashion industry sees clothing as discardable and people as exploitable, they can change the way they see clothes and engage with fashion in their lives. 

The key to this evolution is putting our fellow humans and the planet first rather than short-term shopping-induced thrills and genuinely centering marginalized voices rather than our habit of using shopping as a short-term fix. 

The fashion industry can move away from the current unsustainable cycle and shift towards a responsible production model if consumers and institutions keep it accountable. 


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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WANT TO FIND SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
10 Comfy and Organic Cotton T-Shirts: Your Go-To Wardrobe Staple
 

Image: Pact 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through & make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Comfy & Organic Cotton T-Shirts

Ah — the classic t-shirt. Great for dressing up, dressing down, or just lounging around. Everyone already has this fashion essential in their closet, but there’s a good chance that the average t-shirt isn’t meeting the mark when it comes to sustainability. So if you’re in the market for a better T-shirt that’s more gentle on the planet, let’s take a look at some of the best organic cotton T-shirt brands on the market today.

Why organic cotton?

Since t-shirts are seemingly so simple, you might wonder why they’re not all the same. The truth is, conventional cotton can contribute to environmental degradation and unethical practices in many ways. 

For one, ordinarily-grown cotton requires a large amount of pesticides and insecticides that can seep into the environment and affect both workers and nearby plants and animals. An example of this is seen in butterfly decline in agricultural areas with heavy pesticide use. Cotton also requires an incredible amount of water to produce, in part due to pesticide use and ineffective farming practices. 

In contrast, regenerative agriculture and methods used to grow organic cotton use significantly less water while also reducing the amount of runoff that normally pollutes streams and waterways. Another important reason to choose organic cotton is because, like many of the brands on this list, most organic products also use fair-trade labor resources. This means that farmers and other people in the production line are paid and treated fairly, which is especially important in such a labor-intensive industry such as cotton.

One unexpected benefit of organic cotton is that it’s often more durable and long-lasting, both because the cotton itself is healthier when it’s picked and because the cotton doesn’t go through a ton of bleaching and other processing methods that can minimize the material’s integrity.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a t-shirt that has a better impact on the environment, you’ve come to the right place. And, since tees are so simple and often on the cheaper side compared to other sustainable clothing, this is a great place to start if you want to update your wardrobe to be more eco-friendly.

Our Favorite Organic Cotton T-Shirts:

1. Pact 

Price: $24-44

Sizes: XS-XXL

Pact has become a go-to sustainable clothing brand, and for good reason.

They focus on organic, carbon neutral, and fair trade apparel for men and women.

For each item, you can click “learn more” about its sustainability features and see the actual factory where it’s made.

For example, the Portside Simple Crew saves 12 gallons of water, offsets 3 pounds of Co2 for the climate, and is made in an ethical factory with 247 people. This organic cotton t-shirt comes in five trendy colors and features a breathable cotton/linen blend.


2. The Good Tee 

Price: Starting at $32 for one tee, $51 for the two-pack

Sizes: XS-3XL

The Good Tee is a fair-trade-first brand that emphasizes an ethical supply chain. They foster mutually-beneficial relationships with farmers, knitters, dyers, and everyone else throughout the process of making a sustainable t-shirt. Their Fave & Fair unisex tee comes solo or as a two-pack with one black and one white shirt. This ultra-soft tee is also made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) dyes, meaning it meets all standards for eco-friendly dyeing.


3. Fair Indigo 

Price: Starting at $39.90

Sizes: XS-XL

Fair Indigo has a wide range of organic cotton tee-shirts for every occasion.

Their comfortable, sustainable tee-shirts are made with pima cotton sourced from Peru, which has a light stretch and is known for being more durable and breathable than basic cotton.

They also utilize low-impact materials that reduce the amount of chemical input into the environment while tracing its supply chain and visiting its suppliers regularly.

Fair Indigo’s organic scoop and v-neck tees are a great place to start for solid basics, and the slim short sleeve mock neck has everything you love about a comfy t-shirt with an elevated look that you can wear out or to work.


4. Harvest & Mill 

Price: $48-86

Sizes: XS-XL

Discover elevated organic cotton basics in neutral and pastel colors that go with everything.

Harvest and Mill doesn’t only implement ethical supply chains; they also rebuild old supply chains by reopening heritage mills and leveraging their local sewing communities. Their t-shirts have a 100% domestic supply chain, with cotton grown, spun, and knit right in the USA. Their white t-shirts retain the true, creamy off-white color of organic cotton, rather than the bleached white often seen in white t-shirts.

The organic unisex style tee comes in a two-pack with both this white shirt and a black shirt. Since these are sized to be truly unisex, be sure to size down for a smaller fit.


5. Happy Earth 

Price: Starting at $38

Sizes: XS-3XL

Happy Earth makes sustainable, polyester-free t-shirts with respect for every person involved in its supply chain. They also have a net zero facility, meaning they offset all of their emissions and invest in clean energy practices, and give back to the earth. You can choose to plant 15 trees, clean up trash, or avert greenhouse gasses with every purchase. Many Happy Earth t-shirts are adorned with beautifully-designed graphics that allow you to show your love of the earth and all its wonders.

For example, the all-gender Superbloom tee, available in short and long sleeve, features California’s native poppies, which light up hillsides across the coast. They also have a super soft, thick yet airy Premium-Weight Tee that’s perfect for fall days.


6. People of Leisure

Price: Organic band tees starting at $68

Sizes: S-XL

People of Leisure makes all of its clothes in Los Angeles and utilizes recycled, upcycled, and organic materials.

This brand was created by people who used to work in the fast fashion industry, and all of their processes are an attempt to dismantle the destruction wrought by the commercial apparel and footwear industries. They primarily feature rock n’ roll t-shirts, with graphics depicting bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

They also have basic tanks, tees, and hoodies like The Holly Tank and the Clementine Hoodie. Another reason to love People of Leisure is that they take their environmental impact seriously, and they’ve committed to four key sustainable development goals: clean water and sanitation, life on land, reduced inequities, and responsible consumption and production.


7. Tentree

Price: $24-45

Sizes: XS-XL

Tentree is an increasingly popular sustainable brand that’s dedicated to using their profits to help the earth.

In fact, they’ve planted 100,000 trees since their initiatives began and are on an incredible mission to plant 1 billion trees by the year 2030. With every purchase, they work to divert trash from landfills, conserve water, and protect critical resources.

Tentree has lots of fashion apparel and could outfit your whole wardrobe, but their t-shirts are comfy, supportive and made to last. They have scoop necks, v-necks and a variety of graphic tees, but the Organic Cotton Relaxed T-Shirt is the perfect staple that comes in multiple colors, and it won't shrink or fade with washing, so you can keep it for a long time.


8. MATE the Label 

Price: $48

Sizes: XS-XL

MATE the Label is a Certified B Corporation that follows eight sustainable principles for their products, including using organic materials, fostering ethical working conditions, building a women-centered company and the elimination of plastic across all of their products.

Made in Los Angeles, MATE the Label t-shirts are on a mission to reinvent the fashion industry and put purpose over profit.

The Organic Cotton Classic Tee uses 88.6% less water than other leading non-organic t-shirt brands, and almost 30% less carbon. Find this shirt in colors like jet black, bone, sedona, safe and nettle.


9. The Classic T-Shirt Company

Price: $64

Sizes: XXS-XXL

The Classic T-Shirt Company makes luxury, organic cotton shirts for men and women that are sustainable made right here in the USA. Their high-quality shirts sit at a higher price point than average t-shirts but are designed for longevity, so you can feel confident that you’ll get many wears out of these comfy, yet durable shirts. Plus, 1% of all sales are donated to charities that support tree planting, ocean cleanup, & safe drinking water.

For basics, the women’s short sleeve crew neck t-shirt is made to flatter and comes in 17 beautiful colors with a wider size range than most other brands on this list.


10. Terra Thread 

Price: on sale $15

Sizes: XS-XXXL

With Terra Thread, you can find carbon neutral fair trade factories and production processes that give back to the earth. This father-daughter brand belongs to the parent company Gallant International, which makes wholesale totes, tees, aprons, and more. Terra Thread’s Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton t-shirts are all genders and feature GOTS certified cotton — they’re also manufactured in a fair trade factory in India.  

This incredibly soft t-shirt doesn’t have an itchy tag and has been known to keep its shape and color long after the first wear.


About the Author

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Stay Warm and Eco-Friendly: Discover the 12 Best Sustainable Winter Coats for a Greener Winter
 

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The Best sustainable coats & jackets For Winter 2023-2024

Winter is here, and it's time to bundle up in style while caring for the planet. Finding the perfect winter coat that combines warmth and sustainability can be a daunting task, but fear not! We've got you covered with our guide to the best sustainable winter coats. With a focus on eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing, these coats not only provide excellent insulation against the cold but also allow you to make a positive impact on the environment. From recycled polyester and organic cotton to innovative cruelty-free alternatives, these coats prioritize sustainable practices without compromising style. Whether you're looking for a cozy parka, a sleek puffer, or a chic wool coat, our selection will keep you warm and guilt-free this winter. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals, excessive waste, and unethical practices – these sustainable winter coats are the ultimate combination of fashion and eco-consciousness. Embrace the winter chill with confidence, knowing that your choice of outerwear aligns with your values. Stay warm, stylish, and environmentally friendly with our top picks for sustainable winter coats.

What are Sustainable Winter Coats?

When it comes to a sustainable coat, there are many things we look for - Who makes it? What is it made from? Can we wear it for years to come? Transparency is essential to us when shopping. We want to ensure the coat is made by someone paid a fair wage and has a low environmental impact.

Sustainable Materials Used in Coats

We want to find the warmest of the warm fabrics when it comes to winter coats. Some of the best eco-friendly fibers to look out for include recycled polyesters (great for making puffier coats, waterproofing and vegan alternatives to down), organic cotton (typically used for outward appearances rather than warmth), and responsible wools (either recycled or humane).

our top picks for sustainable winter coats & jackets:

1. Apu Lightweight Puffer

Brand: PAKA

Price: $279

If you travel a lot in the wintertime, this jacket is made for you!

The Apu Lightweight Puffer is packable, insulated with their signature alpaca fur PAKAFILL®, and lined with bluesign® Certified Nylon. This is the type of jacket you want for the outdoors!

Find it in Storm (pictured), Black and Rose.

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors. They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities.

Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested. Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!


2. LEAMINGTON Short Orange Puffer Jacket

Brand: culthread

Price: $271

Are you looking for a bold statement jacket?

The Leamington puffer, with its diamond pattern, matte finish, and vibrant orange color, will surely add something special to your winter wardrobe.

The jacket has a rain hood, is easily packable, a reverse zip and has inside / outside pockets.

All the fabrics used to create this jacket are sustainably sourced and feature a recycled rainproof outer-shell fabric, recycled lining fabric, post-consumer recycled plastic bottle insulation, and recycled zipper & buttons. Their jackets are very practical as they are warm and lightweight. You can also find this jacket in black.

Culthread also reuses its leftover materials in new designs, makes everything in small batches to avoid overproduction, and uses laser cutting technology to reduce material waste. They are a slow fashion brand that encourages sustainable consumption, and all products are ethically made in their own factory with 100% transparency. 

Plus, each of its products comes in a cool laundry bag made from deadstock fabric and production offcuts!


use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off your purchase

3. Woven Safari Jacket

Brand: Pact

Price: $118

Pact is one of our favorite places for organic cotton clothing because it's more affordable & the quality is excellent.

Their cotton is GOTS certified & all of their clothing is made in a Fair Trade Certified Factory.

This style & color is a classic for your wardrobe and great for climates that experience mild winters.


4. Cloud Shell Packable Puffer

Brand: tentree

Price: $84-168

Made with 100% recycled polyester, this puffer is perfect for the travelers! The shell & lining are Bluesign certified, and the entire garment can easily pack into its included bag or within its own pocket. Every item you buy from tentree plants 10 trees as part of their target to plant 1 billion trees by 2030. In addition, tentree's partner factories are regularly audited to ensure they comply with the brand's Code of Conduct and international labor standards.


5. Johnson Coat

Brand: Sezane

Price: $405

If you are looking for classic, timeless coats, this is the brand to check out. This is their signature coat, which comes in black, camel & navy colors. We’ve only started adding this brand to Sustainably Chic over the last couple years because their sustainability efforts have increased significantly. They are much more transparent and use many sustainable certifications - and are a Certified B Corp Brand. We also think the quality is impressive!


6. Oscar Nipped Waist Coat

Brand: Reformation

Price: $398

Made from recycled wool, the Oscar Nipped Waist Coat will upgrade your everyday outfit to classic and chic in an instant. The brand Reformation initially sold vintage clothes in a small store in Los Angeles. It quickly expanded and now makes clothing, wedding dresses, and shoes for women - and has a great selection of coats & jackets! The company has been carbon-neutral since 2015, & aims to become carbon-positive by 2025. It also partnered with Bluesign and Oeko-Tex to ensure it safely manages chemicals in its supply chain.


7. Nano Puff Hoody

Brand: Patagonia

Price: $289

Patagonia is always a good choice for snow!! The Nano Puff Hoody is warm, windproof & water-resists.

Its PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester with P.U.R.E.™ technology, wrapped in a 100% recycled polyester shell and lining.

This jacket is ideal for traveling & adventures because it is very lightweight & compressible.


8. Teddy Vegan Fur Jacket

Brand: Bernardo

Price: $180

The perfect cozy, snuggly teddy bear coat for winter!

Bernardo’s Teddy Vegan Fur Jacket is animal-friendly and insulated with their Ecoplume, created from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. This jacket is lightweight & layerable and great for multi-season wear. You can also find it in a beautiful cream color


9. Southport Overcoat

Brand: The Checkroom

Price: $895

Made to order in Chicago, The Checkroom is a line of classic-inspired statement coats for modern women. To make their overcoat line, they partner with American Woolen, which is one of the few remaining wool mills in the United States. These coats are designed to truly stand the test of time, not only in their design but in the quality of craftsmanship. This coat will last you a decade or more! Plus, The Checkroom’s outerwear line comes in 13 different sizes, including ones for plus, tall, and petite women.


10. Eco Down Jacket

Brand: Apricot

Price: $199

This jacket is made with a 100% recycled polyester RipStop shell and high-quality synthetic down made from recycled plastic bottles. Apricoat loves the planet, and knows you do too, offering stylish, sustainable and functional gear for any and every adventure. All products are made from 100% recycled materials with as much as 300 plastic bottles per jacket, and can also be sent across the globe with carbon-free shipping. Apricoat products are also produced based on waste reduction and spoilage free practices (pre-orders), & meets fair labor factory certifications.


11. Dorset Car Coat

Brand: Outerknown

Price: $128

The Dorset Car Coat is a double-breasted oversized cocoon sherpa coat made with 100% recycled polyester, which is created using raw waste like old water bottles.

This coat is perfectly oversized for easy layering across the seasons and has front pockets!

Pro surfer Kelly Slater is behind this Fair Labor Association-accredited brand which makes garments that, 90% of the time, are made of recycled, organic, and ‘regenerative’ materials.


12. Norseland Insulated Parka

Brand: REI

Price: $199

Not only is this coat super cozy and warm with a fleece-lining, but it’s a great price!

The materials used to make this insulated parka reflect their love for people and the planet through the use of recycled materials, bluesign®-approved materials, and down certified to the Responsible Down Standard. Find this coat in 5 different colors from sizes XS-3X.


use code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off

BONUS: Reusable Hand Warmers

Brand: Aurora Heat

Price: Starting from $79.99

Inspired by Indigenous tradition, Aurora Heat offers reusable fur warmers to keep you warm throughout the winter. With natural insulating properties, they help to retain the heat your body naturally generates. Their body warmer and breast warmers are the perfect, discrete addition to your winter wardrobe: just wear the fur side facing your skin, and the grippy texture of the leather side will help keep them in place against your clothing.

If your extremities are also vulnerable to the cold, consider their hand warmers as well, which can be easily worn in your gloves, mittens, or tucked into your pockets for whenever you need cozy warmth.


MAKE SURE to PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


related reading you may also enjoy:

 
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