Outerwear

The outdoor industry has a complicated relationship with the environment it celebrates. Manufacturing gear requires energy and resources. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics. Products get discarded when they wear out or fall out of fashion. Patagonia confronted these contradictions head-on, becoming one of the first major brands to switch entirely to organic cotton despite higher costs and supply chain challenges. They launched the "Don't Buy This Jacket" campaign, asking customers to think twice before purchasing. Their Worn Wear program repairs and resells used gear to keep products out of landfills.

In 2022, they took the ultimate step by giving away the entire company. The founder transferred ownership to a trust and nonprofit dedicated to fighting climate change. No billionaire heirs. No IPO. Just a $3 billion company working for the planet. All profits now go directly to environmental causes. Tentree addresses climate change through reforestation, planting ten trees for every product across restoration sites in Indonesia, Madagascar, Haiti, and Nepal. Their apparel uses sustainable materials including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL.

Cotopaxi proves that adventure gear can fight poverty. One percent of annual revenue goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation, funding organizations addressing extreme deprivation through health, education, and livelihood programs. Their Del Día collection transforms leftover factory fabrics into one-of-a-kind bags and jackets, with no two pieces alike. Explore environmental causes your purchase supports or browse sustainable shirts and tops from the same brands.