Snuggle up with these cozy sustainable hoodies that keep you warm while keeping the planet cool.
Pandemic lockdown or not, sweatpants and hoodies reign supreme in the work-from-home arena. They’re unrestrictive, warm, comfortable, and, in the case of these seven brands, doing some great stuff for the planet, too. Because hoodies (and sweats) are typically made from cotton, it’s an easy area to improve on with organic or Fair Trade materials, low-impact dyes, and ethical labor practices. Doesn’t that give you an extra cozy feeling? These are some of our favorite hoodies for the colder winter months and cooler spring and summer nights. Snuggle up, stay warm, and do your part for the planet with comfort and style.
Jackie’s picks
1. Pangaia 365 Hoodie
Pangaia has been a leader in sustainable staples since its inception. It is dedicated to clean energy, sustainable and organic materials, and quality products. Its full collection ranges from denim jackets to the best sustainable sweats, and of course, hoodies. The 365 Hoodie is perfectly chic and comfy. It is made from organic cotton. The cotton is all natural, growing using renewable agriculture, and it biodegradable. The water used in growing the cotton is 95% recycled rainwater.
2. Pact Vintage Relaxed Hoodie Tee
Pact is dedicated to fair labor, organic materials, and gorgeous wardrobe staples. Its product ranges across women, men, kid, baby, and home goods—so you will always be cozy. I love this hooded tee for slightly warmer days. Here is Colorado we can get random 60 degree days and walking the dog in a thick coat just isn’t needed. I love throwing on this light hoodie for a sunny walk around the block.
3. Made Trade Warm Up Hoodie
Made Trade not only uses sustainable materials but works with fair trade artisans across the world. Each of its item comes with a note about the garments marker so consumers can see the face behind their clothes. Made Trade is women-owned and carbon neutral. This Warm Up hoodie is the perfect classic hoodie. Crafted with organic cotton it is thick for those cold winter days and has a kangaroo pocket.
4. TenTree Constellation Juniper Hoodie
Most of TenTree’s products are crafted from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. The company direct offsets all of its emissions by planting trees in areas facing deforestation. It is also eliminating single-use plastic from its packaging and replacing it with FSC-certified recycled paper. I love the constellation print on this organic cotton hoodie, which was printed with Oeko-Tex certified ink. It’s a little more than your basic hoodie and is perfect with sweats or jeans.
Jill’s picks
5. Los Angeles Apparel, Heavy Fleece Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt
All of Los Angeles Apparel’s hoodies are made in the U.S. (Los Angeles!). And this classic hooded sweatshirt is a perfect way to cozy up. The company is committed to sustainability and ethical work environments. There’s no off-shoring, no subcontracting, and, it supports U.S. farmers, using organic or recycled cotton in its designs.
“We continue to lead the charge on ethical production practices and nearly 100% of our production and shipping byproducts are recycled — including our scrap fabric, paper, boxes, plastic and everything that goes into manufacturing garments,” reads the LAA website. “We are consistently developing new products that use our leftover and scrap fabric to create one of a kind and limited edition pieces and finding new ways to upcycle damaged or dated garments.”
The California-based company also points to the state’s most stringent environmental protection rules when it comes to materials dyeing. “By dyeing and finishing all of our textiles or garments in California, you are assured our fabric processing is environmentally friendly.”
6. Mate the Label, Oversized Sweatshirt
When it comes to hoodies and sweatshirts, I’m all about the oversized. I want a blanket effect, and this oversized one from Mate the Label is just that. It’s big and soft and so totally comfortable. It’s made with organic cotton and cotton fleece, and produces 14.9 percent less carbon than conventional options. It uses 43.7 percent less water, too.
Also made in Los Angeles, the company upholds a strict list of restricted substances—keeping toxic carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other harmful chemicals out of the supply chain. The women-focused brand is all about ethics. “Everyone in our supply chain—farmers, garment workers, and recyclers—must be treated with respect, and must make responsible choices when it comes to carbon emissions, water use, and chemical use.”
7. YesAnd, Tie-Dye Zip Hoodie
Great for easy layering, this zip hoodie from YesAnd comes in cute tie-dye colors for a casual but cozy look. Each organic cotton french terry hoodie is hand-dyed for a look that’s uniquely yours.
And you’ll feel great wearing this as everything in the YesAnd collection is made sustainably and ethically. From supply chain to production, the company allows you to go on the garment’s journey using its unique blockchain technology accessible through the product label. Read more about YesAnd here.