For the Adventurer: 5 Sustainable & High-Quality Men’s Brands
THAT THRIVE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
By Natalie Folchi
With summer quickly approaching, one thing is for sure – we’ll be spending a lot more time outside. From hiking to fly fishing, surfing to yoga and everything in between – no matter which adventure you choose, you’ll want to reach for activewear that’s functional, comfortable and stylish. And, if you ask us, you shouldn’t have to choose between pieces that perform and those that are sustainable. When it comes to eco-friendly activewear, these five brands prove you can have it all.
HOWIES
Eco-friendly fabrics and quality pieces that last
Howie’s is a brand that understands in order for clothing to be sustainable, it has to stand the test of time. To keep its products out of landfills, the company is committed to using only quality fabrics, like organic cotton, Merino wool and recycled polyester.
Try one of their organic cotton t-shirts that are perfect for everyday wear. Or their new 100% Merino wool 1/2 zip that keeps you warm on chilly runs, but is breathable enough to stay cool when you need to (multitasking at its finest). As an added bonus, most of their styles are extremely versatile, so the same pair of chino shorts can be worn from the hiking trail to a backyard barbeque.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled fabrics, high quality Merino wool and plant-based fibers
All clothing is PFC-free. PFC is toxic and because it doesn’t break down, it can be damaging to plants & animals
Limits the amount of water and wastewater used in production of its clothing
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Organic Cotton T-Shirt ($25)
Godfrey Merino Half-Zip ($86)
PATAGONIA
The one-stop shop for all forms of activity
Patagonia is arguably the world’s leading eco-friendly outdoor apparel company, with options that are highly versatile, durable and functional.
Whether your activity of choice is climbing, running, skiing/snowboarding, surfing, fly fishing or all of the above, we can almost guarantee you’ll find exactly what you need. But if you’re not sure where to start, you can never go wrong with a classic organic cotton pullover or henley pocket tee.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, recycled wool, recycled nylon and Tencel
Its cotton is certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and its down feather is 100% accredited by the Global Traceable Down Standard
Promotes a repair and reuse program to help eliminate waste and encourage wardrobe longevity
Audits all of its facilities and implements worker empowerment initiatives
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
OUTERKNOWN
Find your own paradise in these pro surfer-inspired styles
Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is fair-trade certified and known to embody a laid-back, beachy vibe. Don’t have an ocean in your backyard? No problem. Their clothing is relaxed, effortless and durable, making it ideal for all types of outdoor adventures — beach, or no beach.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials and non-toxic dyes in most of its products
Fair-trade certified — all of its workers are paid a living wage
Designs fundraising tees to raise money for causes the company believes in, like beach and ocean cleanup and environmental advocacy
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Sur Sweatshirt ($69)
Groovy Pocket Tee ($58)
BROTHERS WE STAND
Go the distance in high-quality, sustainable style
Brother’s We Stand prides themselves on offering sustainable and stylish pieces that are made to last. In addition to their own line of organic t-shirts, the company carries a variety of sustainable men’s brands that must meet strict criteria on an ethical and environmental level.
Each item they stock needs to look good, perform well and go the distance. Their apparel ranges from casual everyday wear to specific pieces that are made for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials including GOTS certified cotton and it creates high-quality, long-lasting products
Practices full transparency in regards to its supply chain; empowers workers, promotes a safe work environment and guarantees a liveable wage
Clothing is made with 100% vegan materials
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
KNOW THE ORIGIN
Every piece of clothing has an origin story
Know the Origin proves that you can create beautiful clothing while maintaining a commitment to ethical production. As the name implies, all of their products are 100% traceable from beginning to end of the production process. Their goal is to be the largest ethical marketplace and the most trusted for a sustainable shopping experience.
No matter which piece you choose, you can feel confident knowing it was made with high-quality materials and will last, wherever your outdoor adventures may take you.
Sustainable Practices:
Certified by OEKO-TEX standard 100 and uses 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and 100 certified dyes
Re-uses fabrics created during the manufacturing process
Certified by Fairtrade International - Small Producers Organizations and GOTS
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Detail Back Sweatshirt ($55)
Pocket Zip Hoodie ($67)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Folchi is a contributor at SISTAIN. As a full-time photographer, she spends most of her days behind the lens capturing big moments for her clients — from brand launches to wedding days and everything in between. Outside of work, she loves scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden treasures, traveling, binging true crime podcasts and capturing the world on 35mm film.
