- These days, the environmental consequences of consumerism are more visible than ever, which can make shopping seem excessive. But you can still spread the joy of gifting and feel good about your purchases when you choose to shop sustainable brands.
- We’ve curated a list of environmentally friendly apparel gifts that use innovative materials, ethical processes, and fair practices to make products that are better for the environment and people.
- Check out our list of 17 sustainable clothing gifts made from materials that are better for the environment below. We have selections from Everlane, Patagonia, Girlfriend Collective, and more.
Often the source of the most waste, the clothing industry is slowly making amends by using more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and ethical processes to make its products. It’s not too difficult nowadays to find shoes and jackets made from plastic water bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill, or from renewable rather than nonrenewable sources.
These apparel gifts are better for the planet and a more thoughtful option for your environmentally and socially conscious recipient. They tend to be a little more expensive than traditional clothing, but the extra bucks are a small price to pay for longer-lasting sustainable apparel that makes smarter use of the planet’s resources.
Most of these items are available with expedited shipping, and some should arrive within a few days’ time, so don’t stress too hard about your last-minute shopping – just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.
Be a more sustainable gifter this year with these 17 apparel gifts:
Comfortable work flats
The Point in Big Cat, $145, available at Rothy's
Gift Cards, from $50, available at Rothy's
Rothy's has repurposed nearly 40 million plastic water bottles to make women's shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. They come in four simple silhouettes and a host of pretty colors and prints, but we love the sleek Point style because it's perfect for work. If you're not sure about their size or shoe preference, you can get a gift card instead. The Sneaker and Flat are $125, The Point is $145, and The Loafer $165.
A boxy, short parka
The ReNew Short Parka, $116, available at Everlane
Fifty-five plastic bottles received another life in this jacket. It has a roomy fit ideal for layering up underneath, and oversized, fleece-lined multi-entry pockets to warm up their hands. Even the PrimaLoft insulation is recycled, and it's very warm, protecting wearers in subfreezing temperatures.
A waffle weave robe
Unisex Organic Waffle Robe, $98, available at Coyuchi
Make every day a spa day with this soft robe made from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified cotton. The company takes careful steps to partner with sustainable mills and ship and package its products with environmentally friendly methods, so your recipient can truly relax and enjoy this comfortable robe.
A down 'shirt'
Men's Silent Down Shirt, $229, available at Patagonia
This lightweight jacket styled like a shirt is a nice change from the bulk of other winter outerwear. Featuring 700-fill-power 100% recycled down, the interior is very warm, while the 70% recycled polyester shell is soft, water-repellant, and just a little stretchy.
A cool, silky smooth pajama top
Bamboo Lyocell Short Sleeve PJ Shirt, $55, available at Ettitude
This luxurious pajama shirt is fashioned out of this startup's flagship textile, the world's first organic bamboo lyocell fabric. Though it looks composed and could even be styled with jeans to venture out of the house, its cool and soft construction is undeniably made for lounging. Conveniently, it's also machine-washable.
A Mongolian cashmere sweater
The Essential $75 Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $75, available at Naadam
That's not a typo you're seeing - at Naadam, you can really get an incredibly soft and well-made cashmere sweater for under $100. The company uses the longest, thinnest fibers of raw cashmere, resulting in a more durable and pill-resistant sweater. Furthermore, it powers its production facilities with clean energy, employs sustainable grazing practices, and pays local nomadic herders 50% more than traditional traders.
A soft and light puffy jacket
Women's Silent Down Jacket, $249, available at Patagonia
Puffy and pillowy, but delightfully more quiet than similar jackets, this Silent Down style is one of our winter wardrobe essentials. The zipper and snap buttons provide a little extra protection, and the pockets are lined with soft micro-brushed jersey. Like the Silent Down Shirt, the warm insulation is 700-fill-power 100% recycled down, and the rugged shell is 70% recycled polyester.
A cozy fleece pullover
The ReNew Fleece Raglan Sweatshirt, $45, available at Everlane
This is the warm sweater they'll change into the moment they get home from work, the one they'll stay in through lazy weekends, rainy days, and long study sessions. They might not even guess that this everyday staple is made from recycled polyester and plastic water bottles. It's part of Everlane's ReNew collection, which is an extension of the company's commitment to eliminating new plastic in its supply chain by 2021.
An alpaca infinity scarf
Sierra Climate Beneficial Wool Scarf, $78, available at Coyuchi
Whether they're braving the cold of a wintry day or the unnecessary chill of their office, they'll appreciate having this soft and chunky wool scarf wrapped around their neck. The fiber of the scarf is sourced from a Northern California "carbon farm" where more carbon is returned to the earth than released into the atmosphere in an effort to lower greenhouse gas levels.
Eucalyptus tree sneakers
Men's Tree Runners, $95, available at Allbirds
Women's Tree Runners, $95, available at Allbirds
Digital Gift Card, $55, available at Allbirds
The Tree Runners (as well as the Tree Loungers and newest Tree Toppers) get their name from the responsibly grown and sustainably harvested eucalyptus pulp used to make their uppers. Meanwhile, the insoles are merino wool and cushioned with materials made from castor bean oil, and the laces are made from recycled bottles. Take advantage of the limited-edition colors this holiday season before they sell out.
A thick, long-sleeved jacket
Waste Not Jacket, $124, available at ADAY
This jacket's thick, scuba-like fabric feels nothing less than substantial and is made from 40 plastic bottles. The brand encourages wearers to don the long-sleeve kimono style two different ways: with the zipper in front or in back.
A Mongolian cashmere beanie and matching scarf
Cashmere Twist Headband Plum, $65, available at Naadam
A headband essential to braving the cold weather. Since Naadam's cashmere is soft, breathable, and not too heavy, they won't have to sacrifice comfort for warmth.
Thick knit socks
Luxury Travel Set, $175, available at Boll & Branch
This is the perfect travel set for any adventurer. It includes a mini version of the Down-Alternative Pillow, eyemask, and protective pillow cover. Matching Boll & Branch's popular sheets, this set made from 100% organic cotton that's both fair-trade and GOTS-certified.
A plant-based turtleneck
Overheard Turtleneck, $98, available at ADAY
ADAY's plant-based collection, Plant Life, is a small set of sustainably produced essentials made from beechwood tree fibers. This stretchy and breathable turtleneck comes in a muted mustard yellow and a deep charcoal, with extra-long sleeves they can pull over their hands for added comfort.
A slouchy cashmere sweater
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater, $148, available at Reformation
There's nothing better than the luxuriously soft feel of cashmere. But that comes at a price, both to your wallet and the environment. Cashmere is notoriously expensive and, due to high demand, has led to serious overgrazing in Mongolia. Reformation's solution? Don't produce new cashmere, find a way to revive old cashmere instead. Each sweater in the brand's Conscious Cashmere collection is made of 70% recycled cashmere and relatively affordable at $148 apiece.
Comfortable, compressive leggings
Compressive High-Rise Legging, $68, available at Girlfriend Collective
The only thing they'll love more than a pair of leggings they can live in is a pair they can feel good about wearing, too. Each pair of Girlfriend Collective leggings is made out of 25 recycled water bottles - and you can recycle them with the brand when they're too worn out to wear anymore. The material is flattering, compressive, and stretchy, making them a favorite among eco-conscious shoppers and athleisure-lovers alike.
A trendy jumpsuit
Terra Jumpsuit, $158, available at Amour Vert
There's nothing better than the luxuriously soft feel of cashmere. But that comes at a price, both to your wallet and the environment. Cashmere is notoriously expensive and, due to high demand, has led to serious overgrazing in Mongolia. Reformation's solution? Don't produce new cashmere, find a way to revive old cashmere instead. Each sweater in the brand's Conscious Cashmere collection is made of 70% recycled cashmere and relatively affordable at $148 a piece.