How to Create a Sustainable Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re a man who likes to look and feel good (!), then these brand are for you, even if you’re on a budget. All offer good sustainable basics like t-shirts and sweatshirts, but at a more affordable price. In fact, they don’t cost much more than a quality t-shirt from a high street store.
For any clothing containing recycled polyester or elastane, launder in a microfibre filter (or just buy the 100% natural fabrics, far simpler!)
PLAINANDSIMPLE
PLAINANDSIMPLE is a clothing brand with a small range of organic cotton tops and basics. Its focus is on quality items in sustainable packaging that are fairly made, and designed to last years.
A real focus is on affordability, so you won’t find silly prices here. Prices are around £20 for an organic cotton t-shirt and £40 for an organic sweatshirt.
Yes Friends (Bristol)
Yes Friends is a Bristol clothing brand, which thinks that to pay someone fairly to make an organic t-shirt, does not mean you should pay £100 for it (even their organic blue jeans cost around £50.
Most clothing is super-affordable, and yet still made with care for the planet and those who make it.
Earth Wardrobe (Scotland)
Earth Wardrobe is a Scottish fashion brand, specialising in organic cotton basics, all designed to be affordable for everyday people. A typical t-shirt is around £15.
Goose Studios (London)
Goose Studios is a London fashion brand, founded by two friends who simply wanted to do good. This is mostly organic cotton t-shirts. But all are made at an affordable price (around £20) and designed to last years.
Neem (regenerative recycled cotton menswear)
Neem London offers clothing made from recycled cotton or regenerative cotton, both in many stylish designs. Each listing shows how much drinking water and light bulb energy saved!
We only recommend vegan products on this site (so no wool). So we just recommend their cotton items, but you can also send back end-of-wear products for their buy-back scheme, for credit on your next order.
Regenerated cotton is more affordable than organic cotton, but better than new cotton. Conventional cotton uses colossal amounts of chemicals. So if you can’t afford organic fabrics, using regenerated and recycled cotton is the next best choice.
Of the Oceans (clothing for men from Leicestershire)
Of the Oceans (Leicestershire) is one of the few companies to offer (pretty affordable) hemp clothing for men. Hemp grows more locally (in Europe) than cotton. Related to cannabis, but it won’t make you high! It also offers nice organic cotton hoodies.
Hemp is naturally organic and very comfortable (warm in winter and cool in summer). This brand also donates a portion of profits donated to marine conservation charities.
You’ll also find hemp jeans (conventional jeans often have leather patches). And most use dyes that are so polluting, they have literally turned street dogs blue in India, from drinking water run-off).
Shop Like You Give a Damn (clothing for men)
Shop Like You Give a Damn is a nice online fashion boutique from Europe, with fast affordable shipping to the UK. Everything is vegan, fairly-made and sustainable. As well as organic clothing, it offers quality vegan footwear.
We like this t-shirt (in khaki or blue) made from a blend of organic and recycled cotton.
This organic cotton polo shirt is a lovely alternative to conventional brands. Pair with an organic cotton cardigan for chilly days.
You can shop by brand if you prefer. Some brands are expensive, but others are more affordable. It also offers a digital card for employers to give to employees, as a nice gift idea.
Rapanui (sustainable men’s clothing from Isle of Wight)
Rapanui is an Isle of Wight clothing brand, founded by two friends. This is a real ‘outdoorsy’ brand that mostly makes organic cotton t-shirts and thick jumpers (as warm as wool), plus waterproof tops and surfing towels.
Everything is made with renewable energy and sent in zero waste packaging. This brand owns Teemill (a company that produces print-on-demand organic cotton tees and hoodies for small charities to earn income for their cause).
A few items are made from recycled plastic bottles (so launder in a microfiber filter). But it seems to be going more towards natural fibres, with the latest linen collection of tops, shorts and trousers.
PLAINANDSIMPLE offers a small nice range of organic cotton basics, everything made ethically. At end of product life, just send the item back (freepost) and it’s recycled into new clothing, and you get a 15% discount in return. Everything is sold with a lifetime guarantee.
A few items contain recycled polyester or elastane. If bought, launder in a microfibre filter (or just buy the 100% natural fabrics, far simpler!)
The range is mostly t-shirts, but also you can find tank tops, t-shirt dresses, sweatshirts, hoodies and joggers. Stock up on casual clothing, to feel comfortable and look good!
There is also a nice line for women including t-shirts and organic cotton jumpers.
Yes Friends: Affordable Organic Clothing (from Bristol)
Yes Friends is a fashion brand that pays excellent wages to workers in Vietnam and and India (to help end modern slavery), then passes the savings onto you.
A few items contain recycled polyester or elastane. If bought, launder in a microfibre filter (or just buy the 100% natural fabrics, far simpler!)
The range includes a 100% organic cotton jacket, and hemp/organic cotton blue jeans.
Wanting to end the risk of modern slavery (the 2nd highest risk is in the fashion trade), the brand was launched so that you could ‘buy an organic t-shirt for the price of a pint’.
At the proper scale, you can buy ethically without much added expense. Avoiding toxic chemicals, most dyes are eco-friendly.
Earth Wardrobe: Affordable Organic Fashion (from Scotland)
Earth Wardrobe offers affordable t-shirts, sweatshirts, formal shirts and sweatpants. Most items are made from organic or regenerated cotton, all priced reasonably as ethical fashion is for everyone.
The range includes heavyweight organic cotton tees (in 24 colours) and pastel organic cotton sweatshirts.
Organication (affordable clothing from Germany)
Organication is an organic clothing brand from Germany (the clothes are fairly made in a factory in Turkey) that treats workers well, as well as the planet. Shipping is fast and affordable to the UK.
The 100% organic cotton and organic cotton/linen blend ranges include lots of styles for men and women, including t-shirts, shirts and short-sleeved tops.
A few items contain recycled polyester or elastane. If bought, launder in a microfibre filter (or just buy the 100% natural fabrics, far simpler!)
The denim shirts are comfortable and stylish with a relaxed fit, elasticated cuffs and full button plackets for a classic touch.
This brand even offers an organic cotton coat.
Honest Basics (sustainable t-shirts and jumpers)
Honest Basics is a European fashion brand, set up by a man who wants everyone on any income, to be able to afford sustainable clothing. Fair and organic clothing should not just be reserved for those who can afford to shop at designer stores.
A few items (like leggings and undies) contain elastane. If bought, launder in a microfibre filter (or just buy the 100% natural fabrics, far simpler!)
For chilly weather, this brand also offers nice jumpers to put over your t-shirts:
The range includes basic clothing that you wear everyday, like t-shirts, hoodies and organic cotton jumpers. Everything is also fairly made, with full transparency.
Many people with eczema also find organic cotton more comfortable.
The company offers fast affordable shipping from Germany.
These indigo jeans for men are made from cotton waste, to save on the huge amount of waste generated in the fashion industry.
Ethically made in Italy, they are dyed with biodegradable inks using a process approved by Greenpeace (most jean dyes pollute rivers abroad, some even sending street dogs blue, from drinking the dirty water).
The denim is made from a waste production unit, which saves 65% of water compared to standard for making jeans. Made in small batches. Wash infrequently to maintain the colour, ideally on a cool wash. Avoid tumble drying. Sent in sustainable packaging.
Why Choose Sustainable Denim Jeans?
Denim jeans are one of the world’s most popular clothing items. Yet in India, street dogs have literally turned blue, from drinking polluted water from local rivers, due to the blue dye used in local factories that make jeans for western consumers.
Also there are animal welfare issues (leather patches sewn on the back, tends to come from the far east, where there are few animal welfare laws). Plus issues with the conditions that humans work in.
Organic Cotton Jeans (from Sweden)
Nudie Jeans is a Swedish label, but its strong UK presence and dedicated fan base make it a staple here. The brand builds its entire reputation on sustainability, using 100% organic cotton in all its jeans. Fair employment and transparent supply chains are part of Nudie’s identity.
They also offer a free repair service, which means you get more life out of every pair. Every step, from cotton field to store shelf, is tracked and reported, making it easy for shoppers to trust what’s behind their denim.
This label is one brand to have replaced the ‘leather patch’ with a vegan paper that looks the same, but protects animals. Jacron is made from cellulose fibres and acrylic polymers (so launder in a microfibre filter).
Recycled Denim Jeans (from The Netherlands)
If you care about recycling, MUD Jeans will grab your attention. Based in the Netherlands but available in the UK, this company uses the “lease a jeans” model—you can rent, return, and recycle your jeans instead of throwing them out.
About 40% of every pair comes from post-consumer recycled denim, cutting the need for new cotton. The dyes are safe, water use is minimal, and every part of the process is open to public review. MUD’s approach makes recycling a habit, not a hassle.
Lucy & Yak (organic cotton dungarees)
Best known for their bold dungarees, Lucy & Yak also makes jeans that tick every sustainability box. The brand uses organic cotton from trusted farms and ensures all staff are paid fairly from start to finish.
Lucy & Yak is based in the UK and proud of its roots, sourcing as much locally as possible. They also run take-back schemes so old jeans can be reused or recycled, cutting landfill waste and encouraging a circular mindset.
Armedangels (organic cotton jeans from Germany)
Armedangels treats ethics as more than a buzzword. Based in Germany, they use organic cotton, recycled fibres and non-toxic dyes. Their jeans carry GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard), so every pair meets strict guidelines from field to finished product.
They keep working conditions safe, guarantee fair pay and protect both the planet and the people who make the clothes. Armedangels jeans feel soft, fit well and wear in beautifully, offering classic shapes and modern cuts for all tastes.
Organic Sustainable Blue Jeans (from Leicester)
Of the Oceans is a Leicester sustainable menswear company, which makes organic cotton and hemp shirts and other clothing. It also produces nice quality men’s jeans, to suit every style and body shape.
Rapanui (Isle of Wight) makes lovely warm organic cotton jumpers. All are made with green energy and sent in plastic-free packaging. They use special weaves to be as warm as wool. Also available for men, the jumpers are also as waffle-knit design and cardigans.
A few of Rapanui’s range (including hats) contain recycled polyester, so launder in a microfibre filter.
Vegan Alternatives to Winter Woollies!
Although sheep do need shearing to avoid over-heating, falling over (right one up if you see it upside down or it will die) and to see predators, the conventional wool industry has many issues.
Some sheep are sheared too early (leading to hypothermia) and others suffer ‘mulesling’ (having chunks of skin sliced away to prevent flystrike, without painkillers). And many sheep are killed, when they get older and their wool production slows down).
If you wear wool, choose companies that don’t kill the sheep, simply shearing the wool: like vegetarian wool or sheepskins.
Organic Cotton Beanie Hats (to help animals)
This organic beanie is from Freedom for Animals, with profits helping to support their work helping bored and abused animals in zoos and circuses. And at end of life, it safely biodegrades back to the earth, leaving no trace behind. It’s even softer on skin, so ideal for people with eczema or psoriasis.
We all know that you lost most heat from your head, so if you’re out and about in England’s chillier seasons, it’s important to invest in a good hat. However most hats are made from acrylic (synthetic materials) that are not that warm, and leach microplastics in washing machines, when laundering.
Vegan Alternatives to Winter Woollies!
Although sheep do need shearing to avoid over-heating, falling over (right one up if you see it upside down or it will die) and to see predators, the conventional wool industry has many issues.
Some sheep are sheared too early (leading to hypothermia) and others suffer ‘mulesling’ (having chunks of skin sliced away to prevent flystrike, without painkillers). And many sheep are killed, when they get older and their wool production slows down).
If you wear wool, choose companies that don’t kill the sheep, simply shearing the wool: like vegetarian wool or sheepskins.
Curious Why Vegans Don’t Wear Wool? Find Out!
Although most sheep need shearing to avoid over-heating (and be able to see predators), the conventional wool industry has many issues.
Some sheep are sheared too early (leading to hypothermia) and others suffer ‘mulesling’ (having chunks of skin sliced away to prevent flystrike, without painkillers). And many sheep are killed, when they get older and their wool production slows down).
Visit our clothing brand recommendations, to find plant-based alternatives (you can even find jumpers made from organic cotton and hemp, that are as warm as wool).
If you wear wool, choose companies that don’t kill the sheep, simply shearing the wool: like vegetarian wool or sheepskins.
Pregnant sheep can sometimes roll over onto their backs, and can’t get back upright, and soon die if the farmer is not aware. Some sheep can also fall over, due to wool being waterlogged from rain.
If you see a sheep on its back, just firmly right it back, then stay with it, until rain has drained off, so it won’t happen again. Then inform your local farmer.
An Organic Cotton Turtleneck Jumper
This organic cotton chunky turtleneck sweater, is ideal to cosy up, on cold winter nights. In an attractive slate grey colour, it’s made from thick 100% organic cotton, for lasting warmth. It features a chunky turtleneck, ribbed cuffs and hem.
Organic cotton is an easy swap for animal-based knits. It feels soft against the skin and doesn’t use toxic pesticides, which is better for farm workers and the planet. Many brands now offer thick, chunky cotton jumpers and beanies in all shapes and sizes.
Cotton holds warmth well, especially when layered, and it’s machine washable. Try double-knit cotton for a heavier feel that stands up to chilly winds. With organic cotton, you get breathability and comfort without any animal products.
Vegan Alternatives to Winter Woollies!
Although sheep do need shearing to avoid over-heating, falling over (right one up if you see it upside down or it will die) and to see predators, the conventional wool industry has many issues.
Some sheep are sheared too early (leading to hypothermia) and others suffer ‘mulesling’ (having chunks of skin sliced away to prevent flystrike, without painkillers). And many sheep are killed, when they get older and their wool production slows down).
If you wear wool, choose companies that don’t kill the sheep, simply shearing the wool: like vegetarian wool or sheepskins.
A Heavyweight Organic Cotton Men’s Jumper
Cold mornings call for kit that works as hard as you do. A heavyweight organic jumper delivers that sweet spot of warmth, comfort, and quality, without fuss. This heavyweight organic men’s jumper is a lovely alternative to wool, and just as warm for outdoor walking and activities. Also in grey and mustard.
Enjoy Superior Comfort and Warmth
A heavyweight knit offers serious insulation, yet it does not need to feel bulky or stiff. Organic cotton manages heat well. It traps warm air close to the body, then lets excess heat escape. You stay warm on the platform, yet you do not overheat once you are on the train.
Embrace Sustainability and Health
Heavyweight organic jumpers support cleaner production from soil to shelf. Organic cotton often uses far less water than conventional cotton, with industry sources pointing to reductions of around 91 percent when grown under responsible systems and rain-fed conditions. Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which supports soil health and reduces water pollution.
Every time you reach for an organic jumper, you back farming that protects soil and biodiversity. Organic fields support more wildlife and healthier ecosystems due to the absence of synthetic pesticides. Lower water use, cleaner run-off, and better land stewardship reduce pressure on local communities.
A Heavy Knit Organic Cotton Jumper
This heavy knit organic cotton jumper is ideal for cold days, either lounging around the house, or taking walks in nature. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s beautifully soft and features shorter sleeves and body for a streamlined oversized look.
Soft and warm, the jumper features a round neck with regular fit, and slightly longer body and sleeves. A relaxed vintage look, sure to become a daily favourite.
A Quality Organic Cotton Men’s Jumper
This nice organic cotton sweater makes a lovely staple for chilly days. This is a good basic staple, buy a few to last you for years.
You can safely wash it, without releasing microplastics in the washing machine. And at end of life, it biodegrades back to the earth.
This sweater is a regular fit with a round neck, with long sleeves. Don’t fancy green? No worries, this nice sweater is sold in many other colours:
- Beige
- Black
- Dark grey
- Dark red
- Navy
Creating a capsule wardrobe allows you to mix-and-match a few quality items of clothing to last years, rather than contribute to ‘fast fashion waste’.
For affordability and maximum styles, go for neutral colours. This doesn’t have to be black or white, but also could be grey, taupe or navy (olive and brown are nice colours for redheads).
The Capsule Wardrobe (by a professional stylist) does not focus on organic or vegan fashion (so you can just adapt). But it’s a useful book, as it shows you how to create 1000 outfits, from just 30 items of clothing.
The book includes detailed descriptions and illustrations of each item, plus a list of all 1000 outfits in a handy table.
Mix and match items for your wardrobe, to create unique everyday looks to flatter your body type. Stretch your budget and reduce fashion mistakes and impulse buys. Also transition from the office to after-dark in a flash!
Go for natural fabrics, it’s far simpler (organic or recycled cotton, hemp or linen). For clothing containing polyester, recycled plastic bottles or elastane, launder in a microfibre filter.
Choose Your Unique Own Style!
If you prefer the Michael Portillo look (bright orange trousers and a green jacket), go for it. Your style is your own. But overall, you may wish to wear subtle colours, for more choices with less clothes, and maximum outfit affordability.
A typical example of a good capsule wardrobe for men is as follows:
- 2 jackets (1 posh, 1 not)
- 2 trousers (1 posh, 1 not)
- 8 or so tops (shirts, tees, polo shirts, sweaters)
- 2 pairs of quality vegan shoes
- 8 pairs of greener socks
- 8 pairs of organic undies
So you can see, investing in a sustainable capsule wardrobe suddenly is not so expensive. With this capsule wardrobe, you have many different outfits:
- A smart jacket, smart shirt and smart trousers
- A smart jacket, t-shirt and casual trousers
- A tee-shirt and casual trousers (with jumper
- A jumper with smart trousers
- A casual jacket with casual trousers (and tee)
All the above could be worn with smart or casual vegan shoes (loafers to sneakers, your choice), and you should easily get 7 different outfits, especially if you choose the basics (like shirts) in different colours, to mix-and-match for a variety of looks.
Once you’ve made your capsule wardrobe (possibly from items you already own), then consider donating unwanted items to charity shops (choose ones that support local animal shelters or hospices, not ones that test on animals).
Sustainable Wardrobe: Practical Advice and Projects
Sustainable Wardrobe is a book packed with tips to create a more sustainable wardrobe, without breaking the bank. The world’s consumption and discarding of clothing is harming the planet, and the issue can’t be fixed overnight.
But what can we do to make a difference? The answer is that if we all take small steps, it will collectively result in big change.
The author guides you through, breaking down the issues – from the clothes we buy, to how we care and dispose of them:
- The Lifecycle of a T-shirt
- Who Makes Your Clothes?
- Focus on Fabrics & Dyes
- Take Stock of What You Have
- Build a Capsule Wardrobe
- How to Know What to Buy
- How to Read Clothing Labels
- How to Launder Your Clothes
- How to Store Your Clothes
- A Quick Guide to Mending Skills
Sophie Benson is a journalist who writes on sustainable fashion. An expert on greenwashing and upcycling, the author began her career as a stylist. She now chooses second-hand clothes or makes her own from scratch.
A Good Book for the Ethical Fashionista!
What to Wear and Why is a wonderful book on how to rethink the clothes we buy, wear and toss out, in one of the world’s most polluting, cruel and wasteful industries.
You can still look good and dress well, while making a positive environmental impact. The clothing industry produces around 80 billion garments a year (most not made ethically).
It employs 15% of the world’s population (often exploiting both humans and animals). And even street dogs in India have turned blue, from drinking water polluted from blue dyes used to make denim jeans for western consumers.
Synthetic fibres (nylon, polyester and recycled plastic bottles) all release microplastics into our oceans and at end of use, the unwanted clothes go to landfill, where they leach methane gas for decades.
Fashion is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. We have enough clothing on the planet right now, to clothe the next six generations of the humane race.
In this book, the author sheds light on the fashion industry’s unsustainable practices, and looks at why and how change is urgently needed.
There is no scolding to put readers on the defensive. Instead, the approachable tone gives a ‘we’re in this together’ feeling. Library Journal
Tiffanie Darke has spent her career in fashion (most recently as a shopkeeper). She studied sustainability at Cambridge University and works with over 70 fashion brands. She is based in London.
