Stay warm and stay stylish the sustainable way with these eco outerwear picks from the Ethos founders.
It’s inevitable: cooler weather arrives every year, even amid the warming climate. In fact, studies show the forthcoming winters could become longer and colder. In North America, this is directly linked to the warming of the Arctic. And that’s not expected to revert to cooler temperatures year-round anytime soon. All of this means it’s important to bundle up in the most sustainable of ways. At home, wear layers so you can keep your house temperature lower. Make sure your home is properly insulated, too. And when it comes to outerwear, wear what you have already, of course. But as the elements take their toll on your boots, hats, and jackets, when it is time to upgrade, be sure to do so sustainably. We recommend these picks to help.
Jackie’s Picks
1. Wuxly Doe 5 Parka
I grew up in Wisconsin, spent years in Minnesota, and now live in the mountains of Colorado. You would think that I would be used to winters by now, but I am nowhere near. I have never been a snow bunny and I have made peace with the fact that I never will be. The key to staying sane during the cold months: really good outerwear.
I adore all of Wuxly’s products, not only are they crafted as sustainably as possible they are also cruelty-free. This Doe 5 Parka is perfect to keep you toasty no matter how blustery it is outside. It is water-resistant and the shell is made out of recycled polyester. Oh, and it is pretty stylish, too.
2. NOIZE Paige Knit Scarf
It may sound obvious, but a good thick scarf is also key to keeping warm both outside and inside. While I am not the biggest fan of snow, I am a big fan of fall weather and the sweaters and scarves I get to pull out as soon as the leaves start changing.
Noize is another incredible cruelty-free brand that specializes in outerwear and cozy essentials. I ordered a scarf, mittens, and hat set last winter and am in love with them! This scarf is my favorite. The knit is tight to offer maximum protection and it is made from recycled water bottles!
3. Cuyana Wrap Puffer Jacket
Whether you need something for those cold fall days or are lucky enough to live somewhere where the weather never gets too cold, a lightweight puffer is a great thing to have in your closet. It is also easy to layer as needed for when the weather can’t make up its mind.
Cuyana has great sustainability across all of the brand, but I really love this Quilted Puffer, which is made entirely from recycled polyester. Each coat is crafted from yarn made from 45 plastic bottles, keeping them out of our waterways.
Jill’s Picks
4. Stella McCartney Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are near and dear to my heart. They were all the rage when I was in high school and punk rock and heavy metal reigned supreme. Except, we didn’t have sustainable Stella McCartney designs back then. We would truck down to our local Army surplus supply store and rummage around until we found one that fit. There were two colors to choose from then: army green or black. You couldn’t go wrong with either.
And you can’t go wrong with this long-overdue sustainable upgrade. Stella McCartney brings her sensibility to this iconic classic in a range of exciting colors and more sustainable materials. I’m still a sucker for the throwback to my punk rock days, but I’m absolutely loving the bomber here in ink blue.
5. Dr. Martens Vegan Jadon II Mono Platform Boots
Where I come from (ahem, the ’80s), you can’t wear a bomber jacket without a good pair of Dr. Marten’s combat boots. They were also purchased from the same Army surplus store as the bomber jackets back then. And they were also made from leather—an unsustainable and unethical textile for a whole host of reasons.
But like the bomber jacket, Dr. Martens, the brand synonymous with combat boots, has elevated its materials to include animal-free leather in a whole host of styles. I love these Mono Platform Boots as a modern twitst to the classic. Dress them up or down—they work equally as well with jeans or your Covid sweats as they do with a dress or skirt.
6. Prada Double-Breasted Re-Nylon Gabardine Raincoat
Believe it or not, it rains in Los Angeles (today, as a matter of fact!). That doesn’t mean we’re not still in a severe drought, but wet is wet. I’m not a fan of umbrellas for a few reasons, mainly because my hair always gets tangled in the stems, even with hats on! But I am a fan of a great raincoat.
Not only does Prada’s raincoat keep your core warm and dry, but it’s made from the label’s Re-Nylon, a project partnership between the label and yarn producer Aquafil. For every 10,000 tons of the recycled material, it reduces 65,100 tons of CO2 emissions, reduces the use of petroleum by 70,000 barrels, creating a 90 percent decrease in climate impact related to nylon/petroleum emissions.
7. The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket
Made with the North Face’s eco recycled textile fill, the Thermoball is a sustainable alternative to down. But don’t fret; it will keep you just as warm and cozy, just without compromising on your ethics or sustainability commitments. And who doesn’t love a good North Face jacket? The iconic brand knows its outerwear, and this is a great upgrade.
It’s perfect for cooler days outside, or even inside curled up by a snowy window. The jacket also packs into itself and you can use it as a pillow on planes or car rides, or pack it into your suitcase if you don’t need it until you reach your next destination.
Related: Vegan Leather Is Here to Stay. These Are the 11 Most Sustainable Options.