Most of us like to own a few sweatshirts to lounge around in. It’s only natural when it gets chilly on winter evenings. But polyester and nylon sweatshirts leach microplastics into the washing machine, and out to sea. Also read of clothing brands that help animal charities.
Organic cotton or hemp may cost more, but it’s better for the planet and fibres last longer, as they are not treated with chemicals (and farmers don’t have to wear uncomfortable protective clothing in hot weather). It also washes safely and biodegrades back to the earth, at end of life. It’s also softer on skin, so ideal for people with eczema or psoriasis.
Community Clothing is a brand that is determined to make organic clothing affordable for everyone. The money goes into making clothes that last, not packaging or advertising. Made in the Midlands to support local jobs, you can also buy hoodies for men.
affordable organic sweatshirts from Bristol
Yes Friends (Bristol) 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. 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.
Matt Sewell’s bird-friendly organic sweatshirts
Matt Sewell is an ornithologist, who writes and illustrates gorgeous books to make learning how to save our feathered friends fun and education. Now he’s teamed up with Sussex company Silverstick to offer organic cotton sweatshirts, all with his fun bird art. 10% of profits go to help a rewilding project, so endangered species return to natural habitats. Also in designs for men, these cosy sweatshirts feature double-layered hoods and reinforced kangaroo pouch pockets. Made ethically in Turkey.
other good brands of organic sweatshirts
Rapanui (Isle of Wight) offers organic cotton clothing made with green energy and sent in zero waste packaging. Charities can raise funds through sister company Teemill that offers print-on-demand organic sweatshirts, which can be sent back at end-of-life for recycling and discounts on new purchases. These hoodies are roomy and soft, and ideal for maximum comfort for slow days on the hills or by the beach.
Goose Studios (East London) was founded by two friends who want to make the world a little nicer. Everything here is simple and affordable, made with ethically-sourced cotton and designed to last years. All sent in biodegradable easy-to-recycle packaging. With free returns – because they’re nice like that!