19 Top Sustainable Jackets & Coats For Every Season
Main image by Nectar Photography.
If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the time of the year to wrap up. Below you’ll find a few of the best sustainable jacket brands that are doing clever things when it comes to creating warm outer layers.
To be honest, epic second hand jackets are readily available. Some items of clothing are hard to thrift, like basics, but jackets are an easy second hand find. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in a thrift shop, this list of sustainable jackets will help.
None of these brands are perfect. The sustainable brands below are making steps in the right direction and align with some of the values that we are think are important. I’ve focused on listing several brands that are accessible in malls for you to try on too - not everyone has the luxury of online or second hand shopping.
If you’re looking for a new ethical coat - this is the place for you. You’ll find options for snowy to mild-winter temps, or even just a little cropped jacket for a summer evening.
Note: a coat is generally one of the most durable items you can have in a closet… With this in mind, think about your purchase carefully. A coat should be a forever friend. Don’t rush into it.
P.S. Some of these brands are brand partners or have worked with us in the past. This blog is not sponsored and contains come affiliate links.
Jacket style: Merino/windbreaker/puffer
Cost: $250 - $1000
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Merino/Pertex
Made in: China
Returns: Within 30 days
Kate’s review: icebreaker has the widest range of sustainable coats and jackets by a long shot. I find icebreaker garments to be good quality and made well for the outdoors.
Jacket style: Down/Fleece/Coats
Cost: $50 - $500
Size range: 6 - 18
Main Materials: Duck Down/Pertex
Made in: China
Returns: Within 60 days
Kate’s review: I haven’t tried a coat, but I do wear a Kathmandu merino jumper most days. It’s the most worn garment in my wardrobe at the moment! I have had lengthy conversations with Kathmandu, and support what they are doing to bring sustainable production into the outdoor clothing industry. Their products are long lasting in my experience, and they’re an accessible shop to pop into if you’re in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Jacket style: Down/Parka/Fleece
Cost: $140 - $900
Size range: XXS - 3XL
Main Materials: Down/Goretex/Recycled Contents
Made in: (majority) Vietnam
Returns: No set time
Kate’s review: Patagonia are known for their impeccable quality; I have experienced this first hand with how well my raincoat is made. It keeps me dry, there’s never any problem with the zips, and I know it will last me a life time if I care for it responsibly.
Jacket style: Jacket/Down
Cost: $264 - $468
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Cotton/Down/Recycled Polyester
Made in: Peru/China/Mexico/Sri Lanka
Returns: Within 30 days
Jacket style: Jacket/Coats
Cost: $67 - $338
Size range: 6 - 18
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: China
Returns: $90
Jacket style: Hoodies
Cost: $70 - $100
Size range: XXS - XXL
Main Materials: Cotton
Made in: Egypt
Returns: Within 30 days
Jacket style: Lightweight jacket
Cost: $239 - $454
Size range: XXS - 3XL
Main Materials: Cotton/Linen
Made in: China
Returns: Within 30 days
Jacket style: Trench/Coat/Jacket
Cost: $192 - $421
Size range: XS - XL (or OS)
Main Materials: (Upcycled) wool/polyester/cotton
Made in: Thailand
Returns: Within 14 days
Jacket style: Lightweight Jacket/Parka
Cost: $168 - $228
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Recycled Cotton/Polyester
Made in: China
Returns: Within 30 days
Jacket style: Jacket
Cost: $212
Size range: Size 1 or 2
Main Materials: Cotton
Made in: Portugal
Returns: Within 14 days
Jacket style: Jacket
Cost: $693
Size range: XS - XL (or custom)
Main Materials: Hemp
Made in: Australia
Returns: Within 10 days
Jacket style: Blazers/Lightweight jacket
Cost: $182 - $325
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Cotton/Spandex
Made in: USA
Returns: Within 14 days (potentially costs for int customers)
Jacket style: Blazers/Coats/Jackets
Cost: $150 - $650
Size range: XXS - XL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: India
Returns: Within 14 days
Kate’s review: I am yet to purchase a KowTow coat/jacket, but KowTow is the most commonly found brand in my wardrobe. Their styles are evergreen and go with everything.
Jacket style: Kimono/Coat/Jacket
Cost: $250
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: Cambodia
Returns: Within 14 days
Kate’s review: ReCreate’s supply chain is one of my favourite in this list; they produce their clothes ethically in Cambodia where they have set up a workroom that not only teaches people to sew, but provides them with other life skills too.
Jacket style: Coats/Blazers/Jackets
Cost: $495 - $1795
Size range: X - X
Main Materials: Wool/Cotton
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 30 days
Jacket style: Cropped
Cost: $285
Size range: 8 - 18
Main Materials: Linen/Cotton
Made in: India
Returns: Within 7 days
Kate’s review: Going off my experience of my Holi Boli jeans, this cropped jacket will be a winner.
Jacket style: Denim Jacket
Cost: $260
Size range: 8 - 16
Main Materials: Organic Cotton
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 7 days
Kate’s review: I’m a huge fan of Tonic & Cloth; their pieces are unique and I adore the ones that hang in my wardrobe.
Second hand
Jacket style: Anything you could dream of!
Cost: However much you want to pay.
Size range: Sky’s the limit.
Main Materials: Vintage chord, anyone?
Made in: All over the world .
Returns: Pass on to someone else to love!
Jacket style: Coats
Cost: $499 - $899
Size range: Small/medium/large
Main Materials: Wool/Viscose
Made in: Aotearoa New Zealand
Returns: Within 7 days
Kate’s review: For my birthday in 2018, I was given a Carlson Store coat by my parents and in-laws (I chose it!). It’s a favourite winter companion, and was made in Ponsonby, Auckland.
Sustainable Jackets Q&A
What is the most ethical down jacket?
Down jackets are filled with duck or goose feathers, so as you can imagine, these can be sourced ethically or unethically. Places like Cactus have sustainable puffer jackets filled with ethically sourced down and icebreaker have come up with a merino filled jacket made from sustainably sourced wool. I highly recommend hunting for a sustainable puffer jacket second hand if you are wanting to save money too. Lots of people invest in them and don’t end up wearing them! So there are many second hand puffer jackets around.
Which brand sells the warmest jackets?
If you’re after warmth go for a sustainable puffer jacket. A sustainable wool coat could work too, however sustainable puffer jackets are generally designed specifically for the cold. Wool will always be a warmer option than cotton or polyester in a sustainable winter coat.