While women’s fashion often dominates discussions around sustainability in the industry, men’s fashion can also have a huge environmental footprint.
Fortunately, there are simple ways men can dress more sustainably—without sacrificing style. Here’s your guide to building an eco-friendly wardrobe.
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Shop Slow
Take a mindful approach to shopping:
• Quality over quantity: Instead of buying many cheaper items, invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces that are built to last.
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• Consider the garment’s lifespan: Do you truly need the item? Will fit into your wardrobe for years to come? How easy it will be to care for it?
• Repurpose and repair: Think about how you can repair old clothes rather than throwing them away, extending their life and reducing waste.
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Choose Long-Lasting and Timeless Styles
Opting for well-made classic pieces that will last several seasons and can be worn in multiple ways, reduces the need for constant replacement – and keeps life simpler.
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Shop Sustainable Brands
Choosing truly sustainable brands is a sure way to be green. ZARAMIA AVA has a range of timelessly stylish menswear. From tailored jackets and statement trousers to t-shirts, we only use the most eco-friendly materials and methods.
Here are a few other sustainable menswear brands that are available in the UK:
1. Patagonia
• Patagonia uses sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wool. They also offer repair services to extend the life of garments.
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2. Nudie Jeans
• Nudie Jeans focuses on using organic cotton for their denim. They offer free repairs on all jeans and offer a trade-in service.
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3. Thought Clothing
• Thought make socks that “look after your feet and the planet”. Their range includes plain offerings as well as nature, hobbies and animal-themed designs.
• https://thoughtsocks.com/collections/sustainable-socks-mens
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4. Allbirds
• Allbirds offers trainers and casual shoes made using natural materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fibre, and sugarcane.
• https://www.allbirds.co.uk/collections/mens
5. Rapanui
• UK-based Rapanui uses organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and renewable energy in its production of stylish and eco-conscious casual menswear.
6. Finisterre
• Finisterre offers high-performance outdoor clothing made with recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and merino wool. They offer a recycling service.
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7. Community Clothing
• British company Community Clothing makes a wide range of clothing and accessories to high standards in the UK, using high quality sustainable fabrics.
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◦ Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – certifies organic textiles and ensures they are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
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Opt for Second-Hand and Vintage Clothing
High street charity shops and vintage stores are a great source of green options. Buying second-hand reduces waste, lowers the demand for new manufacturing, and often results in a unique and more affordable wardrobe. Depop, eBay and Vinted are excellent online options.
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Visit Eco-Conscious Pop-Up Shops or Markets
Some high street areas in larger cities host eco-conscious pop-up shops or sustainable fashion markets, where local designers and brands showcase ethical clothing. These temporary events provide a great opportunity to shop for greener clothing while supporting independent brands.
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Shop for greener clothing in high street shops
Many high street shops now stock more sustainable collections or individual items. If you choose to shop with high street stores, you can use these tips to help you select sustainable options:
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1. Look for Sustainability Labels and Certifications
• Fair Trade – indicates that workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – ensures the fabric has been tested for harmful substances.
• B Corp – indicates the company meets high social and environmental performance standards.
• Recycled or Upcycled Materials – some brands label their products with information about the percentage of recycled materials used.
2. Check for Eco-Friendly Fabrics
• When shopping, check labels or product descriptions for materials such as:
• Organic cotton – grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
• Hemp – requires little water and no pesticides.
• Bamboo – a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be used for fabrics, though ensure it’s processed sustainably.
• Recycled fabrics – polyester or nylon made from recycled bottles or other waste materials (e.g., Repreve).
• Tencel/Lyocell – a fibre made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, processed in a closed-loop system with minimal waste.
• Vegan leather like Piñatex, cork and apple leather (Appleskin) and mushroom leather (Muskin)
• Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as they are petroleum-based and do not biodegrade.
3. Check for Ethical Labor Practices
Some high street brands now include information about the conditions in which their clothes are produced. Look for stores that are transparent about their supply chains and the ethical treatment of workers. Brands with certifications like Fair Trade or Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) often go the extra mile to ensure workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
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There are more options than ever for sustainable menswear shopping. Whether you choose to support independent sustainable labels, buy locally-produced clothing, shop secondhand or choose carefully from high street collections, it is easy to find green garments when you know what to look for.
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