Top 8 Best Sustainable Jackets and Coats Brands For Any Occasion and Season

Whether you're looking for a jacket or coat for winter season, style, activity such as skiing and sailing we've looked at the best sustainable jackets and coats that all have their unique touch to them. These jackets and coats are also in most cases very durable and can hold for many years making them a sustainable choice. There are vegan and non vegan options in nearly all the brands on this list. Right below we've made quick links and short notes to get an overview of the brands and further down, a more detailed description of each brand. Nb: A few brands are perhaps added in the near future.
NB: No links or brand names are included in the list at the moment. They'll be added again soon. For now, we're sorry.

Quick Links

The best - Best Rated Waterproof Jacket, High rated Insulated Jackets (men/women)

The top hooded jacket- Best offers: Hooded Down Jackets For Hiking and more, High rated Rain Jacket Options (Women/Men)

Best ski jacket - Specializes and best options for Ski Jackets, Sailing Jackets, Hiking Jackets (men/women)

Best running jacket - Recycled Fleece Jacket (women/men), Running Jackets (Men/Women)

The top hooded jacket

Price ranges: $75 - $350

Materials Used

• Recycled polyester

• Organic cotton

• Responsibly sourced down alternatives

• Breathable, durable fabrics

Features

• Inclusive sizing for nearly all (XXS - 4XL on some jackets)

• Various silhouette styles

• Weather-resistant or water proof jacket designs

• Wind resistent

• Good color options (more than 5 on particular jackets)

Ranges and variations

• Jackets for windy ridge hikes, breezy bike rides, and minimalist travel

• Rain Jackets

• Casual Jackets for cooler weather

• Insulated Jackets

• Vest Jackets

• Hooded Jackets

Certifications
Climate Neutral Certified
Certified B Corp

Sustainability Practices

• Non-profit allocates minimum 1% annual revenue through multi-year grants to improve living conditions.

• 94% of products contain repurposed, recycled or sustainably sourced "Three Rs" materials.

• Measures, reduces and offsets carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutral certification.

• All factories must comply with strict code of conduct verified by third-party audits.

• Encourages and supports staff volunteerism in their local communities.

• Provides backpacks and emergency kits to disaster relief and refugee organizations.

• Repair program and trade-ins extend product lifespan through reuse and recycling.

• 1% annual sales fund nonprofits

• Guaranteed for Good lifetime repairs

Overall

Top hooded's sustainable Jackets and Coats are durable, high performance pieces made with high quality sustainable materials. By choosing from their collection, you can stay warm this winter while supporting a brand like tophooded that sets sustainability and customer satisfaction as their top priority. No wonder people love their sustainable jackets and most likely you will too.

The best

Price Range: €180 - €535

Materials

• Recycled fabrics, organic cotton, merino wool in some collections

• Responsible down alternatives

• FC-free waterproofing

Features

• Breathable, weather-resistant designs (waterproof and water-resistant jackets)

• Adjustable hoods, zippered pockets

• Most of the jackets have insulation

• Some jackets can be used for everyday wear and others for hikes over longer periods at a time

• Durable construction

• Just a few colors to choose from

• Inclusive sizing from XS-XXL

Collections

• Men's outerwear jackets

• Women's outerwear jackets

Ranges and variations

• Insulated jackets, parkas, smock jackets

• Fleece, gilets, windproof styles

• Variety of silhouettes, fits and cuts

Certifications
Certified B Corp

Sustainability

• Climate positive by 2030 goal

• Materials traceability

• Their Leave No Trace packaging material is water soluble and ocean safe. It breaks down to non-toxic biomass in soil and sea.

• Uses only recycled materials or organic materials

• Their materials are free from harsh flurocarbon chemicals

• Reduces carbon emission by transporting by sea to their warehouse instead of airfreight

• Has a repair and trade-in service to extend product life

• Has initiatives to protect the oceans and sea such as masterclass on the importance of them

Overall
Whether you need outerwear for travel, hiking or every day, the best offers you high quality, sustainable designed options. Their best sellers are the rainbird waterproof jacket and the nebulus insulated jacket, therefore we recommend if you're looking for such type of jackets to strongly consider the best. With an average of 98% of customers recommending their best sellers it's safe to say you'll be satisfied with your jacket.

Nr 4

Price Range: €50 - €210

Materials

• Organic Cotton, Bamboo Viscose, Recycled Polyesterand and Elastane

Features

• Just 8 different jackets

• Just a few colors to choose from

• Inclusive sizing from XS-XXL

• 335gsm on some Jackets

• Fleece Jackets are warm and leightweight with good pucket size

Collections

• Men's outerwear jackets

• Women's outerwear jackets

Ranges and variations

• Insulated jackets, water-proof jackets, water-resistent jackets, fleece jacket, hiking and running jacket for men

• Running gilets

• Just 8 different jackets

Certifications
Certified B Corp

Sustainability Practices

Nr 4 have divided their sustainability practices into three categories

People:

• Committed to fair wages and treatment throughout global supply chains

• Long-term supplier partnerships to understand working conditions first-hand

• Accredited Living Wage employer and employee ownership trust

• Members of Fair Wear Foundation to robustly monitor conditions

Nature:

• Over 80% materials have been organic, recycled or bio-based since inception

• Charity partnerships like Sharewear to reduce waste through donations

• Responsibly sourced bamboo viscose from certified producers

Climate:

• Measuring full carbon footprint impacts with 3rd party experts

• Lower footprint designs made from renewable bamboo

• Supplier partners adopting initiatives like solar panel installation

• Investing in R&D like bio-based recycling technologies

Overall
Nr 4 has impressive sustainability practices perhaps the best, and at the same time offers great jackets as well. They also come to an affordable price, have jackets that have bamboo materials which is unique and ships globally. Their bestsellers are for women are water-resistent jackets, and for men fleece jackets.

If you like what nr 4 has to offer, support their incredible sustainability practice s then perhaps you should consider giving them a look.

Nr 3

Nr 3 offers a wide collection of jackets but according themselves they specialize in Skiing Jackets, Sailing Jackets, Hiking Jackets and are all tested by professionals within each of the three jacket category, which makes Helly Hansen stand out.

Price Range: $50 - $2000

Materials used

• Recycled polyester, Cotton (moving to organic cotton), merino wool

• Down, leather in some gloves, stimulated fur (not real fur from animals), recycled polyamide

Features

• Sizes from XS to 5XL (5 XL only on select jackets)

• Windproof, waterproof, durable

• Insulation Hoods

• Comes in various colors

Ranges

• Ski Jackets, Sailing Jackets, Winter Jackets, Parkas, Hiking Jackets, Down Jackets

• Shell Jackets, Causal, Vests, Windbreaker, Puffy Jacket,

Certifications

• Responsible Down Standard

Sustainability Practices

nr 3 are commited to sustainability which they have categorized in 5 topics which we have summarized below

• Materials:

  • Responsible wool, down and cotton sourcing

  • 45% recycled polyester insulation

  • Phased out leather and fur in favor of more sustainable options

• Animal Welfare:

  • Strict Code of Conduct across suppliers prohibiting inhumane practices

  • Commitment to RDS certification and transparency in supply chain

• Supply Chain Management:

  • Ongoing monitoring of partners to ensure adherence to sustainability standards

  • Focus on safe workplaces and living wages for all employees

• Longevity of Design:

  • Three-generation name tags built to withstand heavy use

  • Encouragement of repairs, donations and resales to extend lifespan

• Circularity:

  • Developing take-back and recycling infrastructure for post-use products

  • Collaboration on innovation to advance technical textile recycling

• Partnerships for Progress:

  • Work with other brands to continuously improve sustainability

  • Commitment to transparency in reporting impacts and initiatives

Overall
Nr 3 set themselves apart by specializing in ski jackets, sailing jackets and hiking jackets tested by professionals in each field before launching their products ensuring the highest quality alongside their high tech features for better insulation, water-resistance, windproof, and extra warmth duringt the weather. Allthough they still use cotton more than organic cotton, they strive to change that to completely organic cotton, however in general they have very good sustainability practices with animal welfare, fair trade and working conditions, long lasting prodicts that lasts for many years.

Summary

Many great options for these sustainable jackets and coats and at times it can be challenging to choose one. The activity or occasion is probably a better indicator on which one to choose from; Rain Jackets and Coats, Winter Options with good insulation, Jackets for Climbing, Running, Skiing, Sailing, Hiking, Down Jackets, Vegan Jackets, Stylish (Lightweight) Jackets but doesnt neccesarily keep you warm, and other options. In addition, perhaps size options should be considered, color options if you like many/few color options to choose from, eco-consiousness of the brand, and the price of the jackets/coats.

FAQs (Jackets and Coats)

What's the difference between waterproof and water resistant?
Waterproof items are fully sealed and will prevent water from entering. Water resistant materials will repel light rain or moisture but are not fully waterproof.

What is the difference between a jacket and a coat?

Length - Coats are longer and hit at the mid-thigh or below, while jackets are shorter and often hit at the waist or above.

Warmth - Coats are generally more insulated and warmer than jackets which can range from light to moderately warm. Coats are suitable for colder weather.

Fastenings - Coats often have belt details, toggles or buttons up the entire front for extra protection from the elements. Jackets tend to have fewer closures.

Style - Coats have a more tailored, structured silhouette suitable for dressier occasions. Jackets come in more casual styles like bombers, leather, denim washes.

How do I keep my coat waterproofed?

Reapply a durable water repellent (DWR) every 3-6 months. Lightly brush off dirt before reapplication. Avoid washing more than needed as it removes the DWR coating over time.

Can coats be machine washed?

Many coats are dry clean only to maintain shape and waterproofing. Check care tags for specific instructions. Machine washing may ruin down insulation or delicate materials.

What size should I get?
Coats are meant to be worn over other layers so size up if layering. Check measurements against a well-fitting coat.

How long will a coat or jacket last?

Higher quality materials and care will result in longevity. Avoid machine washing. Hand wash or dry clean as needed. Basic repairs can extend use by years. Sun exposure may fade colors over 5-10 years.