9 Sustainable Hoodies & Sweatshirts That Won’t Sweat The Planet
Hoodies are one of those ubiquitous clothing pieces. We all own one…okay, maybe two…
Fine—we all own a few of these.
Hoodies are everywhere, from high school memorabilia to that fast-fashion gift you got for Christmas last year—all the more reason to make them sustainable hoodies!
Being admittedly one of the coziest clothing items around, their popularity is understandable.
The problem is most are made from synthetic and petroleum-based fibers, which means they’ll be hugging landfills for hundreds of more years.
The sustainable struggle is real—but so is the sustainable snuggle!
In support of the sustainable fashion industry (and the planet), we’ve gathered the best sustainable hoodies that put the supple in ethical supply chains.
Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Hoodies We Love To Wear
Pact makes ultra-cozy fair trade sweatshirts from organic cotton, each durable enough to withstand the toughest seasons.
Paka’s ethical sweatshirts are created from completely ethical and traceable alpaca wool—perfect for sustainable snuggles.
The women’s and men’s sustainable hoodies (and sustainable sweatpants, for that matter) from Outerknown each contribute both to worker well-being and NGOs working to preserve the health of the oceans.
Be sure to also look at the end of the article to see how we picked this huddle of hoodies.
The Full List Of Sustainable Hoodie Brands
- Girlfriend Collective | Visit Store
- Paka | Visit Store
- Happy Earth | Visit Store
- Outerknown | Visit Store
- Pact | Visit Store
- tentree | Visit Store
- Colorful Standard | Visit Store
- Patagonia | Visit Store
- Iron Roots | Visit Store
1. Girlfriend Collective
About Girlfriend Collective
Price Range: $78–$138
Girlfriend Collective is the friend you want to snuggle up with on the couch and binge-watch TV with.
They make some of the best ethical, sustainable sweatshirts, hoodies, ethical activewear, tees, bras, and underwear from post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets, fabric scraps, and other recycled fibers.
One of our favorites is the Moss ReSet Hoodie. The sustainable hoodie is made from 91% recycled plastic bottles and 9% spandex for a stretchy fit without being baggy.
You’d never guess it’s a recycled hoodie, though, with how buttery soft the fabric is!
Girlfriend Collective’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Girlfriend Collective crafts eco-friendly sweatshirts from sustainable and organic materials—Texloop™ RCOT™ Primo Recycled Cotton, organic cotton, and recycled polyester (rPET).
Some pieces contain spandex (less than 10%) for a bit of stretch.
All low-impact dyes have an OEKO-TEX certification.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The sustainable hoodie brand’s primary sewing partner in Vietnam is SA80000 certified, guaranteeing fair wages and healthy working conditions.
All of Girlfriend Collective’s factories are verified by third-party agencies and are SA80000 or WRAP-certified.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Besides using recycled materials, low-impact dyes, ethical manufacturing practices, and being transparent, Girlfriend Collective ships everything in 100% recycled and recyclable materials.
Through the ReGirlfriend program, customers can send back their gently used items for recycling into new recycled hoodies, and receive $15 credit toward their next purchase.
They also offer a microfiber filter to reduce the amount of microplastics entering water streams.
Inclusivity:
Girlfriend Collective carries women’s sustainable hoodies in sizes XXS–6XL, making them one of the best sustainable plus-size clothing brands.
Community & charitable giving:
GC partners and donates to various organizations, including TreePeople, Reclaim the Block, and The Loveland Foundation, among countless others.
2. Paka
About Paka
Price Range: $110–$145
Founded in Peru, Paka produces some of the most comfortable eco-friendly zip-up hoodies and pullovers from ethically sourced Alpaca wool.
They work closely with their artisans, with pieces hand-signed by the women who knit it.
We’ve tested The Hoodie and can tell you it’s much more. It’s light, oh-so soft, odor-resistant, and perfect for trips outside or lounging indoors.
If you’re looking for a sustainable essentials hoodie that crosses the style barrier of sustainable sweaters, this knit masterpiece is truly one of the most comfortable things you could own.
Pakas’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Paka develops its catalog of eco-friendly fuzzy hoodies from primarily alpaca wool, but many garments contain a bit of recycled nylon, Pima organic cotton, and TENCEL™.
With OEKO-TEX-certified dyes, you can rest assured you’re purchasing natural color hoodies.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Paka sources its alpaca fibers from Peru, where they dye and weave each environmental hoodie.
They’re partnered with the Ministry of Vulnerable Populations (MIMP) in Cusco, a state-backed non-profit organization helping to guarantee single mothers work.
Paka works with these women to provide them with a stable income and aims to substantially multiply each weaver’s daily income.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Paka introduced the first Traceable Alpaca garments, each containing a source certificate from their partners in Peru.
They currently utilize solar energy for 50% of their entire wool-spinning process and package everything in fully biodegradable and compostable packaging.
Inclusivity:
Eco-friendly women’s and men’s hoodies come in sizes XXS–XXL.
Community & charitable giving:
Paka works with numerous organizations to better communities in Peru, like Peruvian Hearts, International Alpaca Association, SeaLegacy, and more.
3. Happy Earth
About Happy Earth
Price Range: $64–$136
Happy Earth keeps it simple, “When it comes to the planet, we actually give a damn.”
The sustainable fashion brand supplies sustainable basics, dresses, bottoms, tops, and, of course, sweaters and hoodies—all made from cushy organic cotton.
The Starry Mountain sustainable black hoodie provides a snug fit with gender-neutral sizes.
We’ve tried it and can attest this fuzzy organic fleece lined piece is one of our favorite winter hoodies for its durability and warmth.
Happy Earth’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Happy Earth crafts all its sustainable essential hoodies from ultra-plush organic cotton.
All eco sweatshirts, bottoms, tops, and accessories are dyed using safe, non-toxic dyes compliant with the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Over 95% of Happy Earth’s products are made in Fair Trade-certified factories, and some are WRAP-certified.
Their sustainable hoodie suppliers uphold workers’ rights and adhere to their Code of Conduct based on principles set by the ILO.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Happy Earth is Carbon Neutral Certified and offsets carbon emissions through low-energy solutions, sea shipping, and lightweight packaging.
Their factory uses solar energy and natural gas, while their office is powered by renewables, substantially reducing GHGs.
Upon checkout, HE allows you to select a charitable contribution, including removing one pound of trash, averting 150 pounds of greenhouse gasses, or planting five trees.
Happy Earth also offers 100% post-consumer, recycled plastic or 100% paper shipping materials.
Inclusivity:
You’ll only find “all-gender” ethical sweatshirts and hoodies in sizes XS–XXXL.
Community & charitable giving:
Happy Earth makes Mother Nature proud by donating 1% of profits through their 1% of the Planet membership.
4. Outerknown
About Outerknown
Price Range: $98–$168
Surf legend Kelly Slater turned his passion for ocean conservation into one of our favorite sustainable brands: Outerknown.
In addition to their range of year-round-wearable men’s and women’s tees, jeans, and activewear, Outerknown also handles your winter needs.
That includes sustainable coats for your top, sustainable socks for your toes, and some of the best sustainable hoodies for “laid-back comfort and style wherever you wander” in between.
Outerknown’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
OKs’ most sustainable hoodie for men is the Sur Snap, made of 55% hemp and 45% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton.
All other fair trade hoodies are made of blends of organic cotton and recycled polyester made from plastic bottles—all bluesign® approved, ensuring no harmful chemicals.
Supply chain & labor practices:
OK partners with a range of manufacturers and suppliers across the globe (namely in Peru, Mexico, and China).
They all abide by a strict code of conduct, and many of them are Fair Trade-certified. In fact, OK was the first brand to bear a certification by the Fair Labor Association.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Aware that sustainability is a journey and not an endpoint, OK focuses on areas that need improvement, so they aim to adopt circular models by 2025 and make 100% of products circular as per their 2030 Sustainability Strategy.
Other goals include helping their supply chain partners transition to renewable energy systems, getting more involved in climate-focused social and political movements, and more.
Inclusivity:
Sustainable men’s hoodies are available in S-XXL, and women’s in XS-XL.
Community & charitable giving:
It’s not surprising that OK advocates for Earth’s oceans and provides aid toward its environmental issues. They regularly partner with Ocean Conservancy to participate in beach cleanups and donate financial resources from product campaigns.
5. Pact
About Pact
Price Range: $68–$84
Pact considers themselves producers of “Earth’s Favorite Clothing”—so much so that it’s their trademark.
One peek at this Boulder-based brand’s selection of bedding and affordable, ethical clothing—like organic robes, PJs, and other organic basics—might have you making a pact to prioritize comfort.
Their range includes fair trade hoodies, like Brushed Fleece Zip-Up, a versatile, all-around hoodie designed for all-season (and all style) wear.
Pact’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
This sustainable clothing brand reduces its impact by using only Fair Trade and GOTS-certified organic cotton, at least in the sweatshirts.
So, if you want a 100% organic affordable sustainable hoodie, this is it.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Pact sources most of its organic cotton from India, which is also where they have its Fair Trade USA-certified factories.
Hello, localized supply chains and living wages; bye-bye, child labor and sweatshops.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Pact offers the option to offset the carbon footprint of your delivery.
It’s shipped in a box made from 98% post-consumer recycled materials and includes a biodegradable plastic bag to keep your fair trade hoody safe.
Inclusivity:
You’ll find S-XXL in sustainable sweatshirts for men and XS-XXL for women.
Community & charitable giving:
Through Pact’s Give Back. Wear Forward, you can turn your Magic Box into a Give Back Box. Just return the packaging from your order filled with gently used clothing. Then, Pact sends it to non-profits.
This reduces the footprint of the packaging materials, keeps clothes out of landfills, and helps those in need.
6. tentree
About tentree
Price Range: $68–$98
Canadian Certified B Corp tentree calls its hoodies: “The second-layer you never want to take off.”
If their ethical hoodie range were a tree, it would be a redwood; that’s how big and diverse it is. Shop for men, women, and even saplings (by which we mean kids’ sustainable sweatshirts).
While their hoodies are warm, add a little extra warmth with tentree’s sustainable gloves and eco-friendly scarves.
tentree’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
With so many different options, there are a few different sustainable sweatshirt fabric combos, usually consisting of GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled polyester, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and minimal spandex in some designs.
Supply chain & labor practices:
tentree manufactures globally but tells you which country each product comes from.
These Canada-designed environmentally-friendly hoodies are “ethically made in China”.
A transparent factory ledger and code of conduct assure us these factories are all certified by one or more entities and held to strict labor standards.
Thanks to these efforts, tentree ranks in B Corp’s top 1% for manufacturing ethics.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Each product description also bears an Eco Log. Essentially a negative impact counter compiled with the help of GreenStep, these logs display the CO2 emissions, water, and waste savings associated with every product.
Inclusivity:
Women’s sustainable sweatshirts come in XS-XL, and men’s in S-XXL.
Community & charitable giving:
As you may have guessed, tentree likes trees so much that they plant TEN TREES for every purchase made.
Thus far, they’ve planted over 105 million trees across the world (in areas specifically in need of reforestation or biodiversity support) and hope to reach 1 billion by 2030.
7. Colorful Standard
About Colorful Standard
Price Range: $88–$108
Comfort comes standard with Colorful Standard.
While this applies to their organic basics (organic cotton t-shirts, socks, sweats, and shorts), it’s especially true of their ultra-cozy, sustainable oversized hoodies and crew sweatshirts.
We love the Organic Crewneck for its classic design and fit, alongside over 50 colors, to find the perfect fit.
We’ve been wearing ours for three years now, and it’s still in tip-top shape, with no signs of pilling or fabric wear in sight.
Colorful Standard’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
100% organic cotton dyed with OEKO-TEX-certified dyes is all you’ll find in these PETA-approved organic sustainable hoodies.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The brand is so confident in the ethical practices of its Portuguese factory they invite you to visit at any time.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Here’s a brand that “love[s] simplicity” as we do—designing their clothing to pair with any outfit and remain in style indefinitely.
They’re pre-washed and anti-pilling, so there’s no reason these affordable, sustainable hoodies won’t be a staple in your minimalist wardrobe for years.
They also keep their supply chain small by shipping directly from the factory to you, with no warehouses needed.
Inclusivity:
From some unisex styles—like their sustainable oversized sweatshirt—and XS-2XL sizes, CS brings inclusivity to the world of comfort.
Community & charitable giving:
Around its founding, CS pulled together the funds to build and equip a football club in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Today, 5% of sales still go toward running what has become an activity center and a safe place for youth to congregate.
8. Patagonia
About Patagonia
Price Range: $45–$299
Most sustainable clothing brands look to Patagonia for setting the standard in ethical production and labor practices—and for a good reason.
The brand makes sustainable zip-up hoodies, sweatshirts, and anything else you need for outdoor activities from environmentally friendly materials.
Designed with a cropped casual fit, the Regenerative Organic Certified™ Cotton sustainable women’s hoodie is perfect for layering or casual everyday wear.
Patagonia’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Many of Patagonia’s sustainable crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, and zip jackets utilize cotton and recycled polyester blends. Other options feature certified organic cotton, hemp, recycled cotton, recycled wool, and recycled cashmere.
Every fabric is colored with environmentally friendly dyes, like PVC-free and phthalate-free inks.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Patagonia’s sustainability extends well past ethical and eco-friendly materials.
As a Certified B Corp with most of their factories Fair Trade Certified, they adhere to strict guidelines ensuring a living wage, healthy working conditions, and respect.
The brand also documents where each item is made through The Footprint Chronicles.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Patagonia exceeds all expectations with green business initiatives like starting the first certification program for regenerative agriculture and piloting new eco-friendly wetsuit materials.
Patagonia has several climate goals, like getting rid of all virgin synthetics and swapping to sustainable packaging by 2025.
They also make it easy to recycle old clothes through the Worn Wear program.
Inclusivity:
Patagonia carries fair trade men’s hoodies in sizes XXS–XXXL. Eco-friendly women’s hoodies are available in sizes XS–XL.
Community & charitable giving:
Patagonia co-founded 1% for the Planet and has contributed over $140 million since.
They make it easy for every customer to have an impact through Patagonia Action Works, an easy-to-use tool allowing you to look up social initiatives in your area.
9. Iron Roots
About Iron Roots
Price Range: €85–€90
Founded by three friends who found it absurd that 90% of sportswear contains microplastic-releasing polyester fibers, this brand brings fitness back to its roots in nature.
Iron Roots is a small, sustainable activewear brand with a catalog of synthetic-free garments.
We’ve tried the Hemp Hoodie and can confirm the non-toxic sweatshirt is built for performance with its breathable, anti-static design.
The fabric quality was exceptional, and we found the sizing to be true to size—which is always a plus.
We love that it’s super light yet also warm enough, even to withstand the rainy, damp climate of the UK where it’s been tested.
Iron Roots’ Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
These sustainable hemp hoodies are a blend of 30% hemp fabric and 70% organic cotton, two of the most sustainable materials around. That combo makes them soft, antibacterial, warm yet breathable, and, of course, fully biodegradable.
Each hoodie prevents about 15,000 microplastics per wash.
Supply chain & labor practices:
From their GOTS and FSC-certified raw material suppliers to their ISO-certified and regularly audited factories in either Greece (where each sustainable essentials hoodie is made) or Portugal, Iron Roots can trace the whole process.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Iron Roots goes beyond green materials to promote a clean cuddle sesh. They use minimalist and plastic-free packaging and more sustainable (i.e., slightly slower) shipping options.
Additionally, they also give people a discount to send back their old Iron Roots apparel so that it can be recycled into new clothes.
Inclusivity:
These lightweight, sustainable hoodies run in unisex sizes XS-XXL.
Community & charitable giving:
By giving lectures at events and universities, they’re helping to spread awareness about the necessity of sustainable fashion. These talks focus on practical advice for avoiding fast fashion and recognizing greenwashing.
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How We Found The Best Ethical & Sustainable Sweatshirt Brands
We can’t discuss the importance of sustainable materials and fashion without discussing the hard truth about textile waste today.
The EPA says that in 2018, of the 17 million tons of textile waste produced in the US, less than 15% was recycled. This left 11.3 million tons of textile waste in landfills in one year alone.
Much of that is toxic material that will never decompose in our lifetime.
So, to find the perfect oversized sustainable hoody, we lifted the hoodie from over our eyes and separated the loose threads.
Materials:
Sustainable fabrics were the first thing we sought in finding the best sustainable sweatshirts.
Organic cotton hemp, wool, and other organic materials were our first choices.
While fabrics like polyester and rayon are common to a comfy, feel-good hoodie, we steered clear because they’re made of petroleum and aren’t biodegradable.
If we are going to wear plastic, it has to be in the form of recycled hoodies.
If we found some recycled polyester or elastane/ spandex, we wanted to keep it minimal to maintain the garment’s recyclability.
- Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), bluesign®, OEKO-TEX, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC),
Supply chain and labor practices:
After seeking sustainable materials, we turned to the supply chain. Transparency is one of our favorite things to snuggle up in—so we’ll peruse a Code of Conduct to ensure a brand is doing its best to protect workers’ rights.
The more ethical brands can share how they’re ensuring living wages, protection from harassment, safe work environments, and sweatshop-free and child-labor-free factories, the better.
- Certifications: B Corporation (B Corp), Fair Trade USA, Fair Labor Association (FLA), Social Accountability International (SA8000), Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), International Labor Organization (ILO)
Carbon commitments & green practices:
We like it when brands design eco-friendly hoodies to last. After all, once you find a favorite hoodie, you’ll wear it no matter the condition.
Beyond that, we’re also a big fan of carbon offsets, compostable or recycled materials for packaging, and localized supply chains.
Community & charitable giving:
Putting on a hoodie always feels good. But it feels even better when you know it helped someone or something.
While some brands are too small to give back (just yet), we’re excited that most here make hoodies for a good cause by contributing funds, time, or awareness to bring about positive social and environmental change.
Final Thoughts On Eco-Friendly Hoodies
“Winter is coming”—but that doesn’t mean you need to go stark raving mad trying to find better ways to bundle up.
This means hoodies are about to become a regular staple of your cold-weather uniform (along with sustainable boots).
Which is a bit of “glass half-empty”, because it is downright cold!
But on the glass-half-full side, it means warming up with the knowledge you’re wearing ethical and sustainable apparel.
But the question remains: what is the most sustainable hoody?
That is already in your closet, so start there and then opt for second-hand sweatshirts using online thrift stores.
But if you’re in need of some new ethical hoodies, support one of these brands or send this list of eco-friendly hoodie brands to any friends.
Pin these:
I don’t know why people keep referring to PACT. Their clothes fall apart, and their customer service is crap. I have several pieces from them, from underwear to t-shirts, to pajamas. A lot. And none of them preform well, and there is no way to write a review on their website to warn people. SO I am doing that here, since you are suggesting PACT as a product. Just look elsewhere. Their stuff has no standard, and you will have zero recourse.
I just want to order a number of hoodies for my husband and its not clear how to do so
Hi Esther, we’re not a retailer ourselves so you can’t buy from our site. Instead you need to click through to one of the brands on the list – see where it says “available” at the end of each listing. This will take you through to the brand’s site where you can buy the hoodies.
How do i shop for these items?
Hi Susan, simply click on the link next to where it says “available” for any of the brands you like the sound of. This will take you to an e-commerce site where you can buy the items. Cheers, Joy