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A winter coat is a must-have for the colder months ahead, and sustainable brands have you covered (literally). Our guide features every kind of coat you can think of, from lightweight puffers to thick wool trenches, and we’ve put several to the test.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, ethical jacket, check out our recommendations on what to look for and where to find it.
Non-toxic water-repellent shell: If you want protection from precipitation, there are many water-repellent options available. Please be careful. Many water repellent finishes are made from PFAS or PFCs. These are a class of chemicals that are commonly referred to as “permanent chemicals” because they never break down. These substances are not only harmful to the environment, but have also been linked to a variety of health problems, including some cancers and fertility problems. And they can drop your coat into your home or environment. To avoid these chemicals, look for brands that specifically use durable water repellents (DWR) that are PFAS- or PFC-free. Most weather-resistant shells are made from virgin or recycled polyester, and look for Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certification.
Natural fibers: For peacoats and other traditional styles, don’t be fooled by synthetic imitations (nu, acrylic). Choose natural fibers like alpaca or merino wool (the warmest option), cotton, linen, or Tencel. Look for brands that use non-plastic buttons, such as those made by corozo. Some brands use recycled polyester for the exterior. You can also look for brands that use deadstock or upcycled materials to reduce waste.
Non-toxic lining: Consider your skin’s sensitivity when checking the material composition of your coat’s lining. If you are sensitive to synthetic fibers, avoid them even if they have recycled polyester linings. Instead, choose natural fibers like merino wool, alpaca wool, organic cotton, linen, and Tencel. Check chemical certifications such as Bluesign or Oeko-Tex to ensure that the dyes and finishes used are truly safe for your skin.
Insulation: There’s a lot of debate about real feather down, but it works very well as an insulator. When a brand or its suppliers are certified by the Responsible Down Standard, we can say that it is ethically sourced. If you really don’t like it, try alpaca fiber insulation instead. Most vegan down is just plastic, but some are at least 100% recycled. Check the GRS certification to ensure that no harmful chemicals are used in the recycling process.
Transparent Supply Chain: It’s important to know where your coat is made and where the materials come from. Find out if the brand has its suppliers adhere to a code of conduct, conducts regular audits, and discloses its partners from material sourcing to final assembly. If you’re not sure about a brand’s ethical claims, look for labels like Fair Trade or Fair Wear Foundation. Certified B-Corps also shows that a brand cares about the people in its supply chain. Additionally, look for brands that intentionally manufacture close to their raw material suppliers to reduce emissions.
Durability and care: Look for brands that design coats that last a lifetime. Check out our care instructions to get the most out of it. Some brands offer aftermarket repair and modification services to fully extend the life of your coat.
Packaging: Sustainable coats don’t need to be piled up with plastic waste. Look for brands that use minimal packaging and biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable materials whenever possible. You can also look for FSC certification to ensure your paper packaging is responsibly sourced.
Our favorite: This certified B-corp specializes in warm winter clothing made from free-range alpaca fibers. Equipped with two types of coats: a lightweight down coat designed to keep you safely warm in climates of 5°F and 60°F, and a parka that is rated from -20°F to 50°F. Both coats feature a PFAS-free, water-resistant shell and lining made from Bluesign-certified recycled polyester, and are filled with traceable, hypoallergenic alpaca fiber insulation. Paka maintains close relationships throughout the supply chain and uses biodegradable packaging.
Our review: Our testers love the lightweight puffer. Stay warm and dry while snowshoeing in the mountains, yet light and breathable enough for casual walks. It’s easy to layer and has lots of pockets, so it’s convenient. All in all, a nice and versatile winter coat.
Price range: $270-$349
Available: Worldwide.
Our favorite: Icebreaker is a New Zealand brand that makes coats made from PFC-free merino wool, Tencel and cotton that are easy to layer and perfect for outdoor adventures. The nearly plastic-free brand specializes in timeless and versatile winter performance wear and maintains a transparent supply chain with long-standing partners.
Price range: $285-$375
Available in: United States, most European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
What we like: This certified B-Corp is dedicated to sustainable fashion practices. We make a wide range of winter coats using low-impact materials, including bluesign-approved recycled materials and PFC-free DWR coatings. The brand regularly audits all manufacturing partners to ensure compliance with its code of conduct and maps its supply chain from raw material sourcing to final assembly. We use recyclable shipping envelopes, FSC certified tags, and inserts in our packaging.
Our Review: Our testers say TenTree’s long puffer is a game changer. It’s comfortable in the winter and I love the oversized look, perfect for layering underneath. Great quality at an affordable price.
Please note: Many coats contain recycled polyester linings, so check the material composition if you are sensitive to synthetic fibers.
Price range: $108-$328
Available in: Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, USA, UAE.
What we love: Komodo makes versatile and stylish coats using organic cotton, non-mulsed wool, corozo buttons, and recycled polyester. We work with family-run businesses in Kathmandu, Indonesia, Slovakia, India and China that are either GOTS certified or personally visited by the brand. I am a member of the Ethical Fashion Forum and recycle my fabric scraps.
Note: If you are sensitive to synthetic fibers, avoid recycled polyester.
Price range: $115-$230
Available: Worldwide
What we love: This New York-based brand uses deadstock and upcycled materials like wool and cotton to design timeless coats that last. Manufactured locally or as close as possible to where raw materials are sourced. The brand holds all partners to a code of conduct and uses FSC-certified compostable plastic bags.
Note: Some coats are made from upcycled nylon, so check the material composition before purchasing.
Price range: $350-$1,195
Country of availability: United States
What we like: Sezane is a luxury certified B-Corp that makes stylish coats made from wool, cotton, and viscose. The brand has audited all of its first-class ateliers and is currently working towards full transparency throughout its supply chain. The majority of the company’s clothing is certified by Oeko-Tex, FSC, or RWS, and its shipping boxes are made from recycled cardboard.
Please note: Some coats contain synthetic fibers, so check the material composition before purchasing.
Price range: $265-$900
Available: Worldwide.
What we love: Bastet Noir is a woman-owned company that makes classic trenches and winter coats made to order. Deadstock materials such as cotton, wool and silk are sourced from a family-owned warehouse in North Macedonia, where we also manufacture.
Note: Some coats contain polyester, so check the material composition before purchasing.
Price range: $250-$369
Available: Worldwide.
Our favorite: This PFAS-free brand has a wide collection of weather-resistant jackets, from winter coats to running shells. Its collections are made from recycled polyester and merino wool, and the majority are bluesign certified. Fabrics are sourced from Japan, Taiwan and Italy, with most of the manufacturing taking place within the EU.
Please note: This brand uses some virgin synthetic fibers.
Price range: $160-$800
Available in: Most countries
Our favorite: Mother of Pearl makes ethical luxury coats with its signature pearl and gold details. Its collection includes unmuled wool, organic cotton, Tencel, and small amounts of recycled polyester. The brand works closely with factories and suppliers to keep the supply chain as short as possible. Mother of Pearl also offers modifications for UK customers
Please note: Some coats contain small amounts of elastane.
Price range: $487-$982
Available: Worldwide
What we love: Lanius is a slow fashion brand that makes warm coats and jackets using Oeko-Tex certified materials such as cotton, linen, Tencel, wool, and alpaca, as well as GRS certified recycled polyester. We source from controlled organic farming, avoid hazardous substances, and conduct regular third-party audits at our factories. We keep our supply chain as short as possible and use recycled materials in our packaging.
Note: Not all recycled synthetic fibers are GRS certified. If you are sensitive to synthetic fibers, check the composition of the material before purchasing.
Price range: $218.47-$439.02
Available: Worldwide
What we love: Pangaia is innovating new materials science to create sustainable, long-lasting apparel. The company’s jackets and vests are made with proprietary FLWRDWN, a plant-based down alternative made from wildflowers and aerogel. We audit our factories to ensure they meet ethical requirements, and some of our packaging is bio-based and compostable.
Please note: Most of the shell and lining are made from recycled nylon, so check the material composition if you are sensitive to synthetic fibers.
Price range: $255-$795
Available: Worldwide.
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