How to Buy Sustainable Outerwear That Will Last for Years

A winter coat is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make for your closet. A jacket needs to keep you warm and safe from the elements, and you should be able to get a lot of wear out of it. Your winter coat also starts to “define” you; you wear it pretty much everywhere with you, so it becomes your go-to look and style for the season. That’s why purchasing sustainable outerwear is so vital. It needs to be able to withstand winter weather elements, various activities and situations, and lots of wear and tear for years to come—while also minimizing the negative impacts on the environment.

If you care about your effect on the environment, you’ll be sad to hear that outerwear is typically one of the worst culprits of environmental damage in the fashion sphere. To make the outer layer of your jacket waterproof, a lot of companies will use synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. These materials are essentially plastic that take decades to degrade in landfills, releasing significant carbon gases both in the production and degradation process. Even worse, the jacket stuffing is often made with down feathers, which come from geese and ducks through inhumane methods.

That’s why we’re here to give you some tips about how to find and select sustainable outerwear that will last for years, reduce your ecological effects, and make you look good and feel good in the process.

1. Consider your outerwear needs.

Although jackets can be your greatest fashion statement, they need to be practical first and foremost. Think about what you need your coat to do for you.

What kind of climate are you in? If it’s very wet and snowy during the winter months, you’ll need something waterproof. If you live somewhere dry but windy, you need something warm and defensive. 

Where will you wear the coat? Are you going to have one jacket you wear everywhere – to work, out to dinner, running groceries? Or do you just need a specialty jacket that you’ll use for certain activities?

What is your outerwear style? Do you prefer something longer or shorter? Do you like hoods on your outerwear or prefer hoodless coats paired with beanies and knits?

What will you wear under your jacket? Keep in mind that your jacket will be on top of the rest of your layers. You don’t want to feel like a stuffed sausage (or Randy in A Christmas Story), wearing lots of layers underneath your outerwear. You may want to size up on your outerwear and test out any potential options with your favorite (or heaviest) sweater to make sure the new coat will fit with your daily outfits.

Psst… Your outerwear needs pockets! Pockets are great for keeping your phone and gloves accessible, so you don’t have to fumble around in your purse amidst the wind and snow. We also love internal pockets as a great way to keep wallets, keys, and other valuables safe while walking out in the winter elements.

2. Be prepared for wear and tear. 

Outerwear is your first line of defense against the cruel weather and environment. Jackets are the most worn items in your closet during the cold season, and they get exposed to different environments and elements along the way. That’s why it’s so important to choose outerwear that is easy to maintain and clean. For example, white coats look stunning, but they’re hard to keep looking fresh in dirty sleet and rain. Entirely wool jackets pill easily and aren’t waterproof in case you get stuck in a storm.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to invest in quality outerwear, you want it to be able to withstand a lot of wear in the process.

3. Look for eco-friendly materials and fabrics.

It can sometimes feel like outerwear is “doomed” to be unsustainable since it has so many functional needs like warmth and weatherproofing. But that’s not the case! There are a lot of options out there that are increasingly sustainable and eco-friendly.

For the most eco-friendly materials, we recommend wool, alpaca, and cashmere. These are sustainable and environmentally friendly options that will keep you warm on even the chilliest nights. A lot of high-end designers incorporate wool and cashmere in their clothing, so you’re bound to find gorgeous outerwear that will suit your needs. Another great option is hemp—it’s super sustainable and warm! Learn more about eco-friendly fabrics here to get you started. 

If you need something more water-resistant than these natural materials, look for coats that use recycled synthetics instead of polyester or nylon. A lot of environmentally oriented companies have even started creating jackets and coats out of recycled plastic bottles! Or, make the decision easy and just purchase a preloved coat from Current Boutique. You’ll minimize fashion waste by recycling a stunning designer coat—and you’ll be able to explore a world of possibilities in the process!

Now let’s talk stuffing and fur. For those warm, puffy winter coats, consider looking into cruelty-free and ethically sourced down filling. These companies consider the animals’ welfare when supplying their down, so you can stay warm without doing harm.

Fur isn’t sustainable and is typically unethical. But faux fur coats can also be bad for the environment because they’re usually made of petroleum-based, synthetic fabrics. This means they have a huge carbon footprint and they take centuries to biodegrade. There are eco-faux fur options available, though, so you can still find a faux fur coat if you love the look and feel of it!

4. Invest in a timeless style.

Your jacket is your companion everywhere you go, so you want it to be able to match with different outfits, events, and scenarios. You’re also making a big investment in a quality coat, so you want it to last for years to come. (We find that the best outerwear pieces are often those that were made decades ago and are still in use today!) That’s why we recommend avoiding trending outerwear and purchasing a jacket that has a more timeless profile.

Trench coats, for example, are a wardrobe essential that will never go out of style. Denim jackets are a beloved favorite for those brisk-but-not-chilly days, and a solid leather jacket will always be cool. You also want to focus on navy, black, and camel jackets that match with every outfit and never lose their elegance, regardless of the year or season.

Also consider that the right coat will be one that is best for your body type. People too often ignore the silhouette of a jacket because they think outerwear is automatically shapeless. That’s a myth! If you want to accentuate your waist, a cinched belt coat is perfect. If you’re petite, you don’t want a heavy puffer jacket that will devour you. If you’re tall, you might look better in a long trench than a short bomber. Play around with different styles to see what fits your body best, because you want to look great and feel confident when you’re in everything you own—including your sustainable outerwear! 

5. Check for quality. 

Your outerwear needs to hold up in even the toughest winter conditions. When making a purchase, check to make sure the coat’s hems are tense, the stitching is tight, and the buttons are sewn on solidly. You also want to check that the lining is made with a durable fabric that will keep you warm while reducing the friction between your coat and clothing (which can damage clothing and lead to annoying static electricity). Learn more about how to choose clothes like our designers do here.

6. Spend the money.

We’ve said it before but we’re going to say it again. Treat your outerwear like an investment—in yourself, in your wallet, in your wardrobe, and in the environment. Some jackets can even be passed down for generations, so be patient and choose wisely. Your outerwear is there to protect you from storms, to be your plus-one to events, and to care for you on even the coldest nights. So why not invest in something you absolutely love that will sustain in your closet for seasons to come? (Pro tip: if everything in your closet is special to you, you’ll love your wardrobe and sense of style!)

7. Buy preloved sustainable outerwear!

One of the easiest ways to break into the world of sustainable outerwear is by shopping consignment. You can find high-quality jackets that have already proven to stand the test of time (and have stood up to our rigorous selection process). By purchasing preloved items, you’re keeping clothing in the fashion cycle, thus minimizing waste in landfills and production waste for new clothing. Plus, you get designer outerwear at a fraction of the cost!

Check out our current sustainable outerwear selection here.

The right coat will last in your closet for years to come, so take time to find the perfect sustainable outerwear that speaks to your soul!