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Rothy’s; United By Blue
Often the source of the most waste, the clothing industry is slowly making amends by using more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and ethical processes to make its products. It’s not too difficult nowadays to find shoes and jackets made from plastic water bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill, or from renewable rather than nonrenewable sources.
These apparel gifts are better for the planet and a more thoughtful option for your environmentally and socially conscious recipient. They tend to be a little more expensive than traditional clothing, but the extra bucks are a small price to pay for longer-lasting sustainable apparel that makes smarter use of the planet’s resources.
Most of these items are available with expedited shipping, and some should arrive within a few days’ time, so don’t stress too hard about your last-minute shopping — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.
Adidas
Ultra 4D Sneakers, $220, available at Adidas
As part of the Adidas Primeblue collection, the Ultra 4D is made using 50% Parley Ocean plastic. Instead of using virgin plastic, Parley cleans up the ocean by removing plastic trash — from plastic bottles to illegal fishing nets — and repurposes it into many products.
Girlfriend Collective
Compressive High-Rise Legging, $50.70, available at Girlfriend Collective
The only thing they’ll love more than a pair of leggings they can live in is a pair they can feel good about wearing, too. Each pair of Girlfriend Collective leggings is made out of 25 recycled water bottles — and you can recycle them when they’re too worn out to wear anymore. The material is flattering, compressive, and stretchy, making them a favorite among eco-conscious shoppers and athleisure lovers alike.
United By Blue
Responsible Flannel, $88, available at United by Blue
The Responsible Flannel blend of 59% organic cotton, 39% recycled polyester made from post-consumer and post-industrial plastic, and 2% spandex gives it just the right amount of stretch. The fabric is complete with a double-brushed finish for a super-soft feel.
United by Blue also uses buttons made from corozo, which comes from the nuts of Central American Tagua Palms. One tree can produce up to 50 pounds of nuts per year, so the material is renewable and far more sustainable than the typical plastic buttons.
Naadam
The Essential $75 Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $75, available at Naadam
That’s not a typo you’re seeing — at Naadam, you can really get an incredibly soft and well-made cashmere sweater for under $100. The company uses the longest, thinnest fibers of raw cashmere, resulting in a more durable and pill-resistant sweater. Furthermore, it powers its production facilities with clean energy, employs sustainable grazing practices, and pays local nomadic herders 50% more than traditional traders.
Everlane
The ReNew Short Parka, $139, available at Everlane
Fifty-five plastic bottles received another life in this jacket. It has a roomy fit ideal for layering up underneath, and oversized, fleece-lined multi-entry pockets to warm up their hands. Even the PrimaLoft insulation is recycled, and it’s very warm, protecting wearers in subfreezing temperatures.
Rothy’s
The Point in Big Cat, $149, available at Rothy’s
Gift Cards, from $50, available at Rothy’s
Rothy’s has repurposed nearly 40 million plastic water bottles to make women’s shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. They come in simple silhouettes and a host of pretty colors and prints, but we love the sleek Point style because it’s perfect for work. If you’re not sure about their size or shoe preference, you can get a gift card instead. The Sneaker is $119, The Flat is $129, The Point is $149, and The Loafer is $169.
Amir Ismael/Insider
JamTee and Long Jambys, from $47, available at Jambys
Jambys makes some of the softest, most comfortable loungewear we’ve tested, but it’s also eco-friendly. It uses Modal, a plant-based material made from the fibers of beechwood trees, which require less water to grow than cotton. Modal fabric is then mixed with a bit of spandex for extra comfort and knitted into an unbelievably soft French terry.
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater, from $148, available at Reformation
There’s nothing better than the luxuriously soft feel of cashmere. But that comes at a price, both to your wallet and the environment. Cashmere is notoriously expensive and, due to high demand, has led to serious overgrazing in Mongolia. Reformation’s solution? Don’t produce new cashmere; find a way to revive old cashmere instead. Each sweater in the brand’s Conscious Cashmere collection is made of 70% recycled cashmere and is relatively affordable at $148 apiece.
Patagonia
Women’s Silent Down Jacket, from $174.30, available at REI, Backcountry and Patagonia
Puffy and pillowy, but delightfully quieter than similar jackets, this Silent Down style is one of our winter wardrobe essentials. The zipper and snap buttons provide a little extra protection, and the pockets are lined with soft micro-brushed jersey. Like the Silent Down Shirt, the warm insulation is 700-fill-power 100% recycled down, and the rugged shell is 70% recycled polyester.
Outerknown
Blanket Shirt, from $45, available at Outerknown
Made from 100% organic cotton and using corozo buttons made from Tagua Palms, the Outerknown Blanket Shirt was designed with sustainability in mind. From wearing it on a cool summer night to using it as a mid-layer in the fall and winter, it’s incredibly versatile. With dozens of color options available, you can choose anything from neutral solid colors and classic plaid patterns to rainbow stripes and bright colors.
Allbirds/Instagram
Men’s and Women’s Tree Runners, from $94, available at Allbirds
Digital Gift Card, from $25, available at Allbirds
The Tree Runners (as well as the Tree Loungers and newest Tree Toppers) get their name from the responsibly grown and sustainably harvested eucalyptus pulp used to make their uppers. Meanwhile, the insoles are merino wool and cushioned with materials made from castor bean oil, and the laces are made from recycled bottles. Take advantage of the limited-edition colors this holiday season before they sell out.
Aday
Waste Not Jacket, $138, available at ADAY
This jacket’s thick, scuba-like fabric feels nothing less than substantial and is made from 40 plastic bottles. The brand encourages wearers to don the long-sleeves in two different ways: with the zipper in front or in the back.
Coyuchi
Unisex Organic Waffle Robe, $98, available at Coyuchi
Make every day a spa day with this soft robe made from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified cotton. The company takes careful steps to partner with sustainable mills and ship and package its products with environmentally friendly methods, so your recipient can truly relax and enjoy this comfortable robe.
Naadam
Cashmere Twist Headband, $75, available at Naadam
This headband is essential to braving the cold weather. Since Naadam’s cashmere is soft, breathable, and not too heavy, they won’t have to sacrifice comfort for warmth.
Triple F.A.T. Goose
Reforged Supply Rockhopper Puffer, $425, available at Triple F.A.T. Goose
The Triple F.A.T. Goose Reforged Supply Collection is one of the brand’s most sustainable collections to date. From using 100% recycled nylon on the outer shell to recycled down insulation and the non-toxic durable water resistant coating, every element of the Rockhopper Puffer has been designed to be eco-friendly.
ADAY
Overheard Turtleneck, $98, available at ADAY
ADAY’s plant-based collection, Plant Life, is a small set of sustainably produced essentials made from beechwood tree fibers. This stretchy and breathable turtleneck comes with extra-long sleeves they can pull over their hands for added comfort.