The Best Sustainable Men’s Clothing Brands To Look Out For
Sustainability has been a hot topic (especially in the clothing industry) in the media for some time, focusing on the impact of fast fashion on the environment. In my latest article, I will check out the best brands that aim to combat the waste of rapid trends and offer ethical clothing choices for the eco-friendly consumer. Carry on reading for more.
The sustainable way of thinking is clearly here to stay. Far from a passing trend, this movement has totally reshaped how the clothing industry functions in all aspects.
For many years, the fashion sector has been well-known for its heavy wastefulness in pursuit of ever-changing trends and styles. Fortunately, a growing number of men’s apparel brands have focused entirely on ethical practices, and they are certainly making positive waves in the industry.
Even though sustainable clothing is often considered “expensive,” investing in quality (over quantity) can actually save you money in the long run, as it offers higher quality (compared to its budget rivals).
In the following points, I will discuss the top brands that can help you give your closet a conscience.
Patagonia
Patagonia practically wrote the book on ethical clothing (so it was essential that the brand take the top spot in this list). Founded in 1973, it has since become a leading pioneer in this movement. Its clothing collection uses recycled polyester, organic cotton, and a variety of other eco-friendly materials to guarantee that its items have minimal impact on our environment.
Additionally, Patagonia is well known for its stance on transparency – its website even features an interactive map, so you can view the different factories they use during production and gather valuable insight into where your clothes come from.
Furthermore, they offer a “Worn Wear” program in which they encourage their customers to buy second-hand clothing or even trade in their old Patagonia pieces in exchange for store credit—an excellent extra incentive!
Outerknown
Outerknown (co-founded by surf legend Kelly Slater) offers stylish clothing that is versatile but also doesn’t damage our planet. It offers a huge range of different pieces, from sleek chinos to rugged flannels and simple (yet classic) T-shirts that deliver a casual and laid-back style. The brand also ensures that each worker involved with production is treated fairly and ethically.
During the construction process, they use a blend of recycled, organic, and regenerated fibres throughout all of their lines. By 2030, they have committed to using 100% organic cotton in all of their cotton products. If you are a fan of more in-depth knowledge, you can even read the comprehensive report that Outerknown publishes each year, which shares their social and environmental impact each year.
This brand is a fantastic choice if you are searching for durable, high-quality pieces that protect the planet.
Everlane
Everlane is a clothing company looking to totally overhaul the fashion industry. They are upfront about their costs, materials, and factory conditions—they even offer a “True Cost” breakdown for all of their items, so consumers can see how much funds go towards labour, materials, and transportation. This level of transparency is truly refreshing, especially in this sector.
Fortunately, Everlane’s clothing collection hasn’t suffered during the chase for eco-friendly practices. They offer fantastic minimalist designs, quality construction, and timeless styles. Their vast selection includes everyday basics such as tees, button-downs, and jeans, which use quality sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled denim. Are you hunting for a versatile, low-maintenance wardrobe that delivers a positive impact on nature? Then Everlane is the brand for you.
Tentree
If you want to make a profound difference with every clothing purchase, consider Tentree for your next shopping haul. They actually plant ten trees for every item in their collection that is sold (hence the name). The Canadian-born brand (which I have actually featured in a number of Instagram posts in the past) has dedicated itself to creating a much greener planet, one T-shirt at a time.
Their selection of casual clothing pieces uses various sustainable fabrics, such as hemp, organic cotton, and Tencel (which is super-soft and comfortable!).
Tentree has a huge goal—plant a jaw-dropping 1 billion trees by 2030 (and they are actually well on their way!). You can even check out their “tree tracker,” which allows you to see where the trees are planted (including the ones you have helped with, thanks to your purchases). This interactive idea helps consumers feel connected and involved with the sustainability movement.
Nudie Jeans
I have been a huge fan of Nudie for many years (owning a handful of their jeans), as they offer a wide variety of different styles and cuts (and their “raw” models are infamous in the denim world). The Swedish brand has been pushing for sustainability actions since 2001, using 100% organic cotton in every one of its jeans. Additionally, they offer free repairs for life, promoting a circular fashion model. If your beloved pair of Nudie’s gets a tear (or the dreaded “blowout”), you can simply send them in directly or visit a repair shop, and they will be returned as good as new!
Furthermore, Nudie Jeans operates a “Re-use” program, which takes in old Nudie Jeans, repairs them, and resells them as second-hand pieces—illustrating their commitment to sustainability! They are definitely a rare denim brand that cares wholeheartedly about making long-lasting products and reducing any outgoing waste.
Allbirds
Allbirds cut their teeth on comfortable, eco-friendly footwear and have now expanded into men’s apparel and have carried over that sustainable mindset. They use a mix of quality materials such as eucalyptus fibres, merino wool, and recycled plastic bottles to create a range of extremely soft clothing with a low environmental impact.
The men’s collection from Allbird features a number of superb basics, including cosy T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants, which are ideal for home lounging or even light workouts. The brand is very transparent about its carbon footprint and even shares detailed information about each of its products. It is on a mission to improve its sustainability measures even further and go totally carbon neutral.
Pact
The Pact brand believes that achieving a more sustainable planet begins with an ethical fashion ethos. As such, all of their collection (which includes men’s and ladies’ wear) is crafted from organic cotton and a variety of other sustainable fabrics. Additionally, their entire supply chain is fair trade certified, ensuring that all of the workforce is paid fair wages and works in totally safe conditions.
If you are searching for super comfortable casual wear (tees, hoodies, and even underwear), then check out Pact. They even supply several smart styles for formal events. You can kit out a large portion of your wardrobe, look stylish, and know that you are contributing to the eco-friendly movement.
Summary
Selecting sustainable clothing is not just about looking good (although that is certainly an extra bonus!); it’s about feeling great as well. Wearing a stylish outfit that has been manufactured ethically (with the protection of the environment as the focus) gives you a sense of purpose and that you are doing ‘your bit’ for the world.
Even though many pro-sustainability brands may cost a little more (especially compared to fast fashion), the quality makes up for it, with your acquisitions lasting much longer (saving you money and reducing waste in the process). Once you have tipped your toe into the world of eco-friendly fashion, there will be no going back – soon your wardrobe will be filled with stylish pieces that are ethically sourced.
What are your thoughts and views on sustainable fashion? I look forward to reading your thoughts and views on the movement in the comments section below.
