Sustainable Winter Gear Guide: Best Eco-Friendly Brands 2025
- The Betty Edit
- Jan 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 23
My main New Year's resolution revolves around environmental consciousness: active efforts with recycling, shopping for sustainable clothing, seeking out sustainable travel, and a mindful mentality about plastic consumption -- the list goes on and on. I've recycled my whole life, even when it wasn't a "thing" in the 90's. However, sustainable clothing is something that is, admittedly, new to me. I had to research exactly what it was, what brands make an effort, even going as far as looking into the supply chain process of some of these companies. I didn't really think twice about "fast fashion" but as I educate myself more and more, I would like to try and buy from sustainable companies as much as possible. I've been a fan of Patagonia for many years. I've always admired their business practices, their care and concern for the environment and, back in the day, they were cutting edge for recycling their clothes if you sent them back.
If you are new to sustainable clothing like I am, let me break it down in simple terms. It is basically fashion that's kinder to the planet. It’s made in a way that doesn’t trash the environment or exploit people. Think materials like organic cotton, recycled fabrics, or brands that care about fair wages, low impact processes and reducing waste.
As I continue on my path toward a closet filled with more sustainable clothing, I wanted to share some of what I'm admiring, buying, and looking forward to purchasing for winter gear. If we all chip in and do our part, perhaps we can try to move the needle on taking care of the planet that does it's best to take care of us. This article on The Good Trade is where I started my deep dive into ethical fashion. If you're looking for a seriously extensive list of sustainable clothing brands, check this out. They even break it down by what companies fit different budgets.
Here are some of the brands that I am personally interested in buying from year-round:
Quince
Everlane
Toad & Co
Summersalt
Boden
Pact
Allbirds
Sezane
Reformation
And as it relates to winter clothing specifically, I'm digging these companies:
Patagonia
Cotopaxi
Komodo
Lole
REI
66 North
Fjällräven
Rab
Smartwool
There are many more, but these are the ones that are top on my list. And without further ado, here are some suggestions for great sustainable winter gear.
Coats & Vests
Below are options for outdoor recreation outerwear to more work/evening-appropriate jackets & coats. When it's extra cold, I like to layer with a vest underneath coats so I've included a couple of vests.
Kuhl Hygge Long Jacket
Buy at REI: Kuhl Hygge Long Jacket
Buy at Everlane: Double-Breasted Coat in Wool
Buy at REI: Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Insulated Vest
Hats & Gloves
My favorite of the winter gear - I love to accessorize with different hats, gloves and mittens. Not to mention they are so essential for staying warm! Again - all from sustainable brands.
Buy at Backcountry: Smartwool Ski Town Hat
Buy at Everlane: Cashmere Ribbed Beanie
Buy at REI: Fjallraven Classic Knit Hat
Buy at REI: The North Face Urban Lifestyle Hood
Buy at REI: REI Co-op Norseland Down Mittens
Buy at REI: Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Mittens
Buy on Backcountry: Mountain Hardware HiCamp Sherpa Glove
Buy at Quince: Cashmere Gloves
Other Stuff
And for the rest of the sustainable winter gear things I love? A mishmash of boots, scarves, base layers and other fun surprises.
Buy at Teva: Midform Boot
Buy at Backcountry: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer
Buy at Backcountry: Icebreaker Merino Neck Gaiter
Buy on REI: Kamik Sienna 3 Winter Boots
Buy on Backcountry: Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion Floral Field Print OTC Sock
Buy on Backcountry: Sunski Dipsea Polarized Sunglasses
Buy on Backcountry: Patagonia Capiline Midweight Zip-Neck Top
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