7 Ways to Build a Sustainable Winter Wardrobe

Sure, we only use our winter wardrobes for several months — or 6 months for those of us in northern climes *shiver* — but those items receive the brunt of what the year can dish out.

Everything from slush and snow to sub-freezing temperatures can lead to rapid degradation. It also means that designers lean heavily on synthetic fabrics to make cold-weather clothing warm, water-repellant, and long-lasting. Unfortunately, those textiles come with a slew of environmental issues.

By curating a more sustainable winter wardrobe, we can all stay warm, stylish, and a bit more Earth-friendly.

1. The Classic Wool Coat and Beyond

Synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic dominate winter wear for good reason, but they come with significant environmental costs. They’re derived from fossil fuels, create chemical pollutants when processed, and release microplastics into waterways when washed.

🧡 Try to focus on natural, sustainable materials like:

• Wool: A renewable resource that's biodegradable, durable, and perfect for keeping you cozy. Look for ethically sourced or recycled wool to minimize animal welfare concerns.

• Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides, organic cotton is soft, breathable, and ideal for layering.

• Hemp: Known for its durability and minimal environmental footprint, hemp is an excellent choice for scarves, gloves, and outerwear. (Yes, hemp is a bit of a miracle material.)

By choosing these fabrics whenever possible, we can help reduce a lot of the issues associated with plastic pollution.

2. Secondhand Winter Gems

Fast fashion generates a devastating amount of waste, with millions of pounds of textiles ending up in landfills each year.

Shopping secondhand is one of the best ways to battle this. Vintage stores, thrift shops, and online resale platforms (hello, NUVO 👋) are absolute treasure troves for unique, high-quality essentials like coats, sweaters, and boots.

By participating in the circular fashion economy, we can greatly extend the lifecycle of our garments, reduce waste, and lower demand for resource-intensive new production.

🧡 Pro Tip: Look for classic, timeless pieces that can anchor your wardrobe for many years.

3. Invest A Little More

A winter coat is usually the centerpiece of our seasonal wardrobes, so it's worth investing in one that’s durable, classic, and responsibly made. (One amazing find will always be better than five so-so coats out of fashion in a year.)

🧡 Keep in Mind:

• Look for products prioritizing quality craftsmanship and sustainability certifications like Fair Trade or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

• Many companies now produce winter coats from recycled fabrics or repurposed materials, combining innovation with environmental stewardship.

• Regularly clean and maintain coats to extend their lifespan and keep them looking crisp.

4. Layer Up with Ethical Knitwear

Knitwear is the unsung hero of winter wardrobes. Look for sweaters, cardigans, and base layers made from sustainable fibers like alpaca or cashmere from ethical farms. You may have to pay a bit more, but by choosing classic cuts and taking care of your pieces, those items can be a great investment.

Unfortunately, we've found that conventional wool production can involve harmful practices, but many brands now offer alternatives that prioritize both environmental and animal welfare.

🧡 DIY Tip: For the crafty among us, knitting your own winter accessories like scarves or hats can be a fun and sustainable way to stay warm.

5. Eco-Friendly Accessories

Winter accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats are often overlooked in sustainability discussions, but they are important. (Especially considering how often we lose ours — yikes!)

🧡 Shopping Tips

• Look for accessories made from up-cycled materials or crafted using sustainable practices.

• Look for brands that offer transparency about their supply chains and commit to fair labor practices.

• For especially chilly days, consider touchscreen-friendly gloves made from recycled materials.

6. Repair and Repurpose

Before discarding last year’s winter wear, consider giving it a second, third, or fourth life. Simple repairs — replacing buttons, mending seams, or patching holes — can extend the usability of your garments. For items beyond repair, explore creative repurposing projects, like turning an old sweater into a pair of mittens.

🧡 Circular Fashion Tip: Some brands and organizations offer repair services or take-back programs to keep textiles out of landfills.

7. Mind Your Footwear

Winter boots are a necessity — and few among us can cobble together a heavy winter boot — but they can also be eco-friendly.

🧡 Some Tips:

• Find brands that use recycled rubber soles, vegetable-tanned leather, or plant-based alternatives.

• Consider the durability and repairability of your footwear to maximize its lifespan.

Winter Wardrobe Upgrades: Get Winterized, Sustainably

From tweaking our shopping habits to overhauling our relationships with fashion — everything helps. By aiming for quality, versatility, and sustainability, we can all stay warm, look great, and protect the planet and its creatures.

As always, our goal isn't to be perfect — just a bit better each day 🧡

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