As consumers, you’ve become increasingly conscious of the impact your purchasing decisions have on the planet – and rightly so. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. The fashion industry, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its environmental and ethical impacts.
However, heralding a new era of responsible fashion, a host of sustainable UK brands are leading the way towards a better future. These brands are upending the status quo, crafting stunning pieces of outerwear from ethically sourced, organic, and recycled materials.
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In this article, we’ll delve into some of the best UK brands that are committed to creating eco-friendly outerwear. These brands are going above and beyond, ensuring their products range from organic cotton tees to recycled waste jackets and certified sustainable fabrics.
Ethical Fashion: A New Wave of Conscious Clothing Brands
Fashion is more than just looking good – it’s about feeling good too. The rise of ethical fashion brands has made it possible for you to shop with a clear conscience, knowing that your purchase has a positive impact on the planet and its people.
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Ethical fashion refers to the creation of clothing that considers the well-being of the environment and the people involved in its production. It’s about more than just using organic or recycled materials; ethical fashion addresses aspects like fair wages, safe working conditions, and animal welfare.
Here are some UK brands that excel at ethical fashion:
Patagonia
Patagonia is not just a brand; it’s a movement. With a mission statement that reads "Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis," Patagonia embodies the essence of sustainable fashion. From organic cotton shirts to recycled polyester jackets, the brand is committed to minimising its environmental footprint while maximising durability and functionality.
Finisterre
Born from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre designs functional and sustainable products for those who share a love of the sea. They are committed to pioneering the use of sustainable materials and developing a supply chain that benefits everyone involved.
From Waste to Wardrobe: The Rise of Recycling in Fashion
More and more, brands are realising that waste is a design flaw. In response, they’re employing innovative techniques to transform waste into wearable fashion. Let’s take a look at some UK brands that have mastered the art of turning waste into wardrobe essentials.
Elvis & Kresse
Elvis & Kresse is a brand that turns industrial waste into innovative lifestyle products and returns 50% of their profits back to charities. Their range includes a collection of outerwear and accessories made from decommissioned fire hoses.
Christopher Raeburn
Christopher Raeburn is a British fashion designer known for his creative approach to sustainable fashion. His brand, Raeburn, uses recycled and organic materials to create high-quality, functional pieces. The ‘Remade’ range is particularly noteworthy, featuring jackets and coats crafted from surplus military fabrics.
Organic Offerings: Brands Using Nature’s Best Materials
Switching to organic fabrics can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your clothing. Organic farming methods use less water and eliminate the harmful pesticides and chemicals associated with conventional cotton farming. Here are some brands that have embraced organic materials in their range.
People Tree
People Tree is a pioneer in ethical and environmentally sustainable fashion. For over 25 years, they’ve partnered with Fair Trade producers, garment workers, and artisans to produce a collection of ethical and eco-friendly clothes. Their range includes a selection of outerwear made from 100% organic cotton.
Komodo
Komodo’s mission is to design clothes that bring the vitality and vibrance of Asia with the philosophy of eco-friendly fashion. They use premium quality organic cotton, natural dyes, and traditional skills to create timeless pieces.
Certified Sustainable: Brands Making a Verified Difference
When a brand claims to be sustainable, it’s important to know that those aren’t just empty words. Several organizations offer certifications to brands that meet certain environmental and ethical standards. Brands that carry these certifications have gone the extra mile to ensure their operations are genuinely sustainable.
Seasalt Cornwall
Seasalt Cornwall is a certified B Corporation, meaning it meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance. The brand’s outerwear range features jackets and coats made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
Thought Clothing
Thought Clothing creates thoughtful, timeless fashion from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and hemp. They are a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, ensuring their clothes are made in safe working conditions. Their outerwear range is a testament to their commitment to sustainability.
Stella McCartney: High-End Sustainable Fashion
Stella McCartney is a name that resonates with fashion enthusiasts around the globe. The British designer has long been an advocate of sustainable fashion, setting industry standards high with her eco-friendly approach to design. She is well known for her commitment to creating high-end fashion without compromise on ethics or the environment.
At the heart of the Stella McCartney brand is a commitment to sustainability, reflected in the use of organic cotton and recycled materials throughout their collections, including outerwear. For instance, the brand’s jackets and coats are often made from regenerated cashmere, removing the need for virgin wool.
Additionally, the brand is committed to transparency in their supply chain, ensuring that workers are paid fair wages and work under safe conditions. Stella McCartney also forbids the use of fur and leather in its collections, advocating for animal welfare.
Prices for Stella McCartney pieces tend to fall in the high-end range, but this reflects the brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing. It’s a brand for those who want to make a statement with their wardrobe, both in terms of style and sustainability.
Beaumont Organic: Creating Eco-Friendly Outerwear from Certified Organic Cotton
Beaumont Organic is a UK brand that has carved a niche for itself in the realm of sustainable fashion. From their conception in 2008, they’ve made a promise to their customers: to provide high-quality, stylish, and sustainable clothing.
Their outerwear collection is often crafted from certified organic cotton, ensuring the materials are grown without the use of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also safeguards the health of farmers. Additionally, Beaumont Organic also utilises other sustainable materials such as linen and wool in their collections.
From the supply chain to the final product, Beaumont Organic is committed to maintaining an ethical approach. This includes ensuring fair trade practices, proving safe working conditions, and ensuring all suppliers meet their standards of environmental responsibility.
The brand’s outerwear collection features a variety of timeless pieces that can be effortlessly incorporated into any wardrobe. With an average price range, Beaumont Organic makes ethical and sustainable fashion accessible to a wider audience.
The notion of sustainable fashion is no longer a niche concept, but a necessary shift in the industry. In order to safeguard our planet and protect the people involved in the production process, brands are turning to ethical practices and eco-friendly materials.
The UK is home to numerous brands leading this change, from Patagonia’s mission-driven approach to Finisterre’s innovative use of sustainable materials. Brands like Elvis & Kresse and Christopher Raeburn are transforming waste into wardrobe essentials, while others like People Tree and Komodo are harnessing the benefits of organic materials.
Be it Stella McCartney’s high-end sustainable fashion or Beaumont Organic’s commitment to certified organic cotton, these brands demonstrate that it is possible to be both stylish and sustainable. As consumers, we have the power to support these initiatives, shaping the future of the fashion industry with our purchasing decisions. Sustainable fashion is not just a trend but the future of the industry. It’s up to us to ensure that the future is bright, ethical, and sustainable.