A winning winter wardrobe is one that keeps us toasty without melting an ice cap, so we sifted through piles of jackets, coats, parkas and puffers to find the most sustainable outerwear brands that use low-impact materials, ethical labor, and transparent supply chains.
Why Choose Sustainably Made Jackets & Coats?
Buying secondhand is always the most sustainable choice but if you do need to buy new, here’s 3 good reasons to support a more sustainable brand:
- Traditional jackets often use virgin synthetic materials that are made from fossil fuels which produce higher emissions and fuel demand for the plastic industry.
- Jackets made by fast fashion brands are often made in factories with questionable labor practices.
- Buying from a smaller brand who prioritizes sustainability casts a vote for the type of fashion industry you want to see.
We’ve hunted for brands that make their jackets and coats from more sustainable materials including recycled synthetics or natural materials. Brands on this list also take a much more conscious approach to caring for the people in their supply chains.
Our Brand Rating System now extends what we look for in brands (who opt in) to a wide range of 22 different sustainability related criteria, including things like circularity, climate action, biodiversity impact and more. Look out for rated brands on the list below and find others in our sustainable brand directory.
Related Guides: Sustainable Rain Jackets, Sustainable Clothing Brands, Sustainable Scarves, Sustainable Sweaters
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
The Best Ethical Coats & Jackets
Passion Lilie uses GOTS-certified organic cotton for their range of fair trade jackets and coats. Their unique designs feature handwoven ikat fabrics and azo-free dyes, and workers are paid living wages. Passion Lilie is one of our top rated brands.
Certified B Corp, Paka designs sustainable puffer jackets and outerwear, made predominantly from OEKO-TEX 100 certified alpaca fiber and their proprietary PAKAFILL down alternative. Paka has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – see the full rating.
Carbon neutral Reformation make super stylish sustainable winter coats in short to full-length designs from a wide range of sustainable materials including recycled wool. Ref is one of the more transparent brands – you can go deep into the sustainability creds they outline on their website and easily lose a few hours given the volume of information available.
Index: Sustainable Jackets & Coats
- Passion Lilie Jump to brand
- Paka Jump to brand
- Outerknown Jump to brand
- Patagonia Jump to brand
- Reformation Jump to brand
- Mila.Vert Jump to brand
- prAna Jump to brand
Passion Lilie
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-free
Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 people
Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Traceable Supply Chain
Brand is able to fully trace their entire supply chain from end to end.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Fair Trade
GOTS
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade certification ensures that products are made according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards that protect workers and the planet. Overseen by organizations such as Fair Trade USA and Fairtrade International, it guarantees fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental sustainability, and community development funds, helping producers build more equitable and resilient supply chains.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.Based in New Orleans, Passion Lilie’s range includes fair trade jackets, cardigans, blazers, and coats.
Using exclusively GOTS-certified organic cotton, their lovely selection of colors and patterns is thanks to Azo-free dyes and block printing done by hand.
Passion Lilie is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and all workers are paid fair wages and enjoy safe and healthy working conditions. They also support women who are in need of employment through training opportunities.
The brand’s production also uses 90% solar energy and their block printing unit is carbon neutral.
Passion Lilie has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Paka
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at homeEthical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
B Corp
GOTS
OEKO-TEX®
B Corp
The B Corp Certification, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified B Corps balance profit with purpose, committing to responsible practices that benefit workers, communities, customers, and the planet while embedding sustainability into their business model.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.Paka designs high-performance outerwear and outdoor clothing. Their jackets are crafted using OEKO-TEX 100 certified alpaca fiber sourced from free-roaming herds in the Peruvian Andes, combined with organic Pima cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, or bluesign® certified recycled nylon for added breathability and durability.
Insulated puffer jackets feature PAKAFILL, a proprietary down alternative made from recycled polyester and alpaca fiber, and all water-repellent finishes are PFAS-free.
Paka partners directly with Inca herders and Indigenous artisans, ensuring fair wages and cultural preservation. They are a Certified B Corp and they donate 1% of revenue to grassroots initiatives in Peru.
Paka has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Outerknown
Outerknown has not been rated.
Price Range: $331—$555
A sustainable swimwear brand founded by the world’s most famous surfer, Kelly Slater, Outerknown now covers a lot of clothing bases.
When winter winds blow, they offer sustainable men’s sports coats, utility jackets, water-repellant wind shells, puffer jackets, and ultra-thick flannel shackets in the form of their best-selling Blanket Shirt.
OK’s lighter sustainable jackets for women aren’t meant for super frigid temperatures but are on-point for fringe seasons. These include shirt jackets, denim jackets, and “shirt-jackets”.
Fabrics include recycled materials (polyester, nylon, polyamide cotton, and wool), TENCEL™ Lyocell, regular wool, cupro, and RDS-certified down. Only a few contain virgin polyester or minimal spandex.
If you want organic coats, they have several made of 100% organic cotton or a hemp and cotton blend. Any water-repellency is thanks to a PFOA-free DWR coating.
Outerwear uses Fair Trade-certified facilities across Peru, China, and Mexico and works collectively with workers to ensure they’re paid a premium for their work along with extra funding to improve their lives even more. All suppliers must also adhere to a Fair Labor Association Code of Conduct.
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt:
“I’m totally in love with The Blanket Shirt from Outerknown. Made of tightly woven, thick, 100% organic cotton with biodegradable corozo nut buttons, it’s a game changer. Who knew flannel could be this cozy? I’ve got three now because I literally wear them ALL the time.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Patagonia
Patagonia has not been rated.
Price Range: $117—$649
This sustainable outdoor clothing brand needs no introduction. Patagonia has been equipping people for skiing, ice climbing, winter hiking, and extreme cold mountaineering for almost five decades—so suffice it to say they know their snow stuff. With ski jackets, GoreTex rain shells, insulated jackets, fleece jackets, and shackets, there’s something for everyone.
The materials used by Patagonia’s lighter ethical jackets include regenerative organic cotton, recycled or ethically sourced wool, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. For more burly outerwear, you’ll find mostly recycled synthetics, like nylon and polyester shells coated in PFC-free waterproof coatings.
Their insulation consists of 100% recycled P.U.R.E.™ (Produced Using Reduced Emissions) PrimaLoft® Gold or RDS-certified down in the down coats.
Fair Trade-certified sewing for most of their outdoor apparel along with numerous other sustainability related efforts have historically earned them top spots in Fashion Revolution’s Fashion Transparency Index.
They buy-back and resell old Patagonia garments through the Worn Wear program (a way to get major deals on like new stuff) and offer a lifetime of repairs via their IronClad guarantee.
They co-founded 1% For the Planet and recently sold the company to two environmental nonprofits—meaning all profits moving forward will help fight climate change.
My Personal Review of Patagonia’s Nano Puff® Hoody Pullover:
“Among the many Patagonia pieces I’ve accumulated over the years, the Nano Puff® Hoody is by far one of my favorites, no matter the time of year. This fully recycled synthetic puffer is warm, wind-resistant, and incredibly lightweight. It can be packed down into its own chest pocket, and the hood fits snugly under a cycling or climbing helmet—making it the ideal layer for everything from outdoor adventures to everyday wear.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reformation
Reformation has not been rated.
Price Range: $115—$1800
Reformation have a full line of women’s fashion items but we came for the coats. In addition to more stylish blazers, bomber, denim, and leather jackets, this fast fashion alternative brand has a full line of heavier sustainable winter coats in short to full-length designs.
Most of their sustainable outerwear consists of wool coats, featuring a blend of 70% recycled MWool®, 12% recycled polyamide, and 18% polyamide. Others contain recycled or regenerative cotton and/or deadstock materials (i.e. leftovers from manufacturing or unsold garments from other companies) polyester and wool.
They offer a handful of sustainable leather jackets featuring leather sourced from LWG-Gold or Silver rated tanneries.
Between their map of suppliers and factory list (though 33 of these are owned by Ref themselves and located right in LA), their Code of Conduct, and compliance with international standards for fair labor conditions, Ref is committed to an ethical supply chain.
While 65% of their garments are USA-made, the others in China, Morocco, and Turkey are Global Social Compliance Program compliant.
Reformation is carbon neutral and as part of their Circular Fashion System Commitment, RefRecycling encourages you to rewear, resell, or recycle via a partnership with SuperCircle.
Mila.Vert
Mila.Vert has not been rated.
Price Range: €260–€390
When the temperature drops, Mila.Vert’s cardigan coats offer warmth without compromising on ethics or elegance.
This Slovenia-based slow fashion brand creates refined, minimalist outerwear designed to elevate any cold-weather look. Their timeless organic cotton coats—some featuring detachable belts or oversized lapels—are ideal for crisp fall mornings, sustainable work clothing for office commutes, and layered winter looks.
Each style is designed by founder Tina Logar Bauchmüller to be both functional and flattering, embodying the quiet luxury of European slow fashion.
Mila.Vert’s coats are crafted using 100% certified organic cotton, and dyed with natural, non-toxic dyes. Some styles may include other sustainable fibers like recycled wool or TENCEL™, sourced exclusively from ethical and eco-conscious partners.
Every garment is locally made in Slovenia by a trusted network of partners including Liniatex, Krona, eSPe sewing, and Jakopina. This close, transparent supply chain allows Mila.Vert to uphold fair labor standards and exceptional quality.
With a made-to-order production model, Mila.Vert only makes what’s needed—eliminating overproduction, cutting down textile waste, and lowering their environmental impact.
prAna
prAna has not been rated.
Price Range: $89—$470
At prAna, you’ll find technical garments in the form of wool coats, puffers, wind anoraks, rain jackets, and more casual corduroy coats, fleece jackets, and shirt jackets, like the classic Bridges Flannel Jacket.
The yoga clothing brand uses a mixture of low-impact fabrics (like recycled materials, recycled wool, hemp, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and organic cotton) along with some not-so-sustainable fabrics (like virgin polyester, lycra, and elastane). However, you can find some made of 100% recycled polyester or nylon.
Many are bluesign® approved and contain PFAS-free durable water repellent treatments. And they use RDS-certified down for their puffers.
prAna were one of the first North American apparel brands to produce Fair Trade-certified clothing. They work with several factories around the globe (mostly in Vietnam, India, or China) and ensure that they all meet strict standards when it comes to things like forced labor, child labor, harassment, hours of work, and health and safety.
Sustainable Jackets & Coats FAQ
1. What makes a jacket sustainable?
Sustainable jackets are typically made from sustainable fabrics like recycled polyester, organic cotton, or semi-synthetic fabric produced in a closed-loop system (e.g. TENCEL lyocell). Brands who make these more sustainable options prioritize ethical labor practices, often using Fair Trade-certified facilities, and find ways to reduce carbon emissions (they may even be carbon neutral).
2. Are ethically made jackets more expensive?
While some jackets on this list may have a higher upfront cost due to ethical manufacturing and quality materials, they often prove to be more cost-effective over time. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, and typically with classic style in mind.
3. How do I know if a brand is truly sustainable?
It’s tricky. But checking for certifications like GOTS and Fair Trade help. Additionally brands who ensure their production facilities are audited by independent third parties are generally more conscious and caring about their ethics and supply chain. Brands should transparently share details about their materials, labor practices, and environmental impact. You can also check out our Brand Directory to find brands we’ve rated.
4. Can I recycle my old jacket?
Yes, many brands offer take-back programs to recycle old jackets. Some organizations also accept donations of gently-used winter coats for those in need. Otherwise, you can try repurposing it or selling it online.
5. What are the warmest sustainable jacket materials?
Recycled wool, recycled down, and synthetic insulation made from recycled polyester are some of the warmest options. These materials are designed to retain heat while being lightweight and breathable. Paka is a brand on this list that offers their own proprietary filling made with a mixture of alpaca and recycled polyester.
6. How can I take care of my sustainable jacket to make it last longer?
Great question, and one of the most important to ensure we keep our clothing in use longer. Follow care instructions provided by the brand, which usually involves hand washing or using machine settings, and drying naturally. Avoid using fabric softeners as they can affect water-resistant coatings. We also highly recommend taking your jacket to your local alterations service to repair any rips or tears.
Joy has been a passionate advocate for the environment since she was a small child. She grew up in South Africa and has been lucky enough to be exposed to the wonders of nature not just in Africa but all over the world. She founded Sustainable Jungle (together with her husband Lyall) back in 2017 after becoming enraged by the devastating impact of palm oil. She then founded the Sustainable Jungle Podcast and together with Lyall interviewed remarkable people from all over the world who were finding ways to create positive impact. Outside of Sustainable Jungle, Joy has always worked in the corporate world, starting out as an auditor and later moving into management consulting. More recently she specialized in Climate Investing for the Asia Pacific region. Given her experience, her current passion is Brand Ratings. She is very much enjoying going deeper on what it really means to drive sustainability performance and true impact through business operations.
