Posts in Fashion Two
12 Sustainable Vegan Leather Handbag Brands To Carry in 2024
 

Image: Svala

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The Best Vegan Leather Handbags (that are also sustainable)

As we become more mindful of the impact our choices have on our planet and its inhabitants, our fashion priorities are evolving. Gone are the days when we simply chased the trendiest accessories without considering their origins. Today, we're all about making informed decisions that harmonize with our values.

In this blog post, we're diving deep into the world of vegan leather handbags – a chic and compassionate choice that lets us strut our stuff with a clear conscience. If you have ever wondered about the different materials used in crafting vegan handbags, this post will help to break it down for you and will serve as a helpful guide when you come to choosing your next handbag. 

Join us as we explore the spectrum of vegan leather alternatives, dissecting which ones align best with sustainability goals. Durability is often a concern on many people's minds when choosing their next handbag, so we'll be taking a look at how you can tell if a bag will stand the test of time. 

Why should you shop vegan handbags?

There are a number of reasons why more people are choosing a vegan alternative when shopping for handbags now. The main reason is usually surrounding ethics and how people feel about using animals for fashion. More people are becoming aware of the realities of animal agriculture, and the fact that those same animals are suffering for fashion too. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or simply an animal lover, you may feel that using an animal's skin, wool or fur doesn't align with your ethics and so you'll be opting for animal-free materials when you shop. There is also an ethical factor in regards to the humans who have to work with animal leather. The chemicals used in tanning animal leather are extremely toxic and tannery workers suffer cancer at high rates due to exposure to tanning chemicals, which are known carcinogens.

Another big reason people are increasingly switching to vegan leather handbags is for environmental reasons. While not all vegan leather alternatives are 100% sustainable themselves, we do know more about the true impact of using animal leather and how they compare against synthetic alternatives. A recent study by Collective Fashion Justice found that making cow skin leather is nearly seven times more climate impactful than synthetic leather by the square meter. The damage caused by animal leather on the environment includes toxic chemicals used for the tanning process, polluting waterways with factory wastewater, carbon emissions, plus excessive land and water use. We must factor in all the environmental impact of animal agriculture before the material is even produced, as this cannot be ignored from the process. 

By choosing vegan handbags, we can actively reduce our environmental impact and reduce the number of animals killed for fashion. 

What types of materials are used for vegan handbags?

There are more sustainable vegan alternatives to leather than ever before. Some are still in development and not widely available, but here are some that you can find on the market today:

  • Mirum - made of a blend of FSC certified natural rubber, natural colorants like charcoal, natural fillers like clays, plant-based oils and waxes. 

  • Cork - made from the bark of cork trees (without the trees being cut down) and is completely biodegradable. 

  • Mycelium - bio-based and produced from mycelium - the branching, root-like vegetation part of fungi.

  • Fruit leather (including orange, mango, pineapple, apple and grape) - 45% of all fruits and vegetables grown globally are discarded between the field and the plate. Fruit leather makes use of the waste of these different fruits and creates partly bio-based materials. 

  • Cactus leather - made up of dried cactus powder backed on woven material.

  • Treekind - made from sustainably sourced wood, Treekind is completely free from plastic and recyclable, and estimated to use less than 1% of the water cow skin leather production does.

  • Washable paper - FSC trees can be used to create washable paper, a recyclable and biodegradable alternative to leather. 

The most commonly used (and less sustainable) alternatives to leather include PVC and PU. These are not ideal as, although they still have a far reduced impact compared to animal-derived materials, they require fossil fuel extraction and do not biodegrade. However, you can get recycled PU leather which doesn't require extracting new fossil fuels, hugely reducing its environmental impact. 

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Are vegan leather handbags durable?

Durability is the main issue people seem to have with vegan leather goods, they often worry they won't last as long or will 'peel' as it's believed that vegan leather is often thinner than animal leather. However, if you've ever been into a vintage shop or thrift store and found an animal leather jacket or bag, you'll usually see it has peeled or cracked. This is because animal leather requires a high level of maintenance to keep it supple, and not many people will commit to this. 

So a lot of the time durability comes down to how well you can look after a product, and when it comes to handbags we can often control the wear and tear of it by making sure it's stored properly and not exposed to too much damage. Not all materials are created equally, so it really depends on the vegan alternative used to make the bag, but you can find care instructions with handbags to help you preserve and protect your vegan handbag so it can last for many years. 

our top picks for vegan leather handbag brands

1. Sans Beast

❤︎❤︎

Materials: AppleSkin™, MIRUM®, recycled PU

Price: $50 - 285

Discover the avant-garde world of Sans Beast.

Crafting bold and unique bags from vegan leather, they champion cruelty-free fashion while promoting transparent and ethical sourcing, setting a high standard for animal-friendly accessories.

This crossbody shown (the Bandolier) has a front pocket big enough for your iPhone 14 Pro Max!


2. Svala

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Materials: Piñatex® (Pineapple leather), MIRUM®, cork, PU, BioVeg 

Price: $220 - 298

Svala handbags are crafted in LA with materials sourced from Europe. They use a wide range of vegan leather alternatives for their handbags, including Piñatex®, MIRUM®, cork, and BioVeg (made from recycled polyester from plastic bottles and bio polyols). Svala donates 10% of profits to various charities and organizations, including Wild Aid, whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade. 


3. Mashu

❤︎❤︎

Materials: Piñatex®, Frumat (apple leather), VEGEA, BioVeg

Price: $259 - 596

Founded in 2017 by Greek designer Ioanna Topouzoglou, Mashu combines style and consciousness to create luxury pieces from eco-friendly materials.

Their handbags are designed with Art Deco and Cycladic architecture serving as inspiration, with incredible use of different materials and asymmetric silhouettes.

The gold plated hardware and organic shapes of the handles really make these bags stand out in a crowd and proves you don’t need animal leather to achieve high-quality, fashion-forward products. 


4. Will’s Vegan Store

❤︎❤︎

Materials: Bio-based vegan leather

Price: $52 - 170

Find satchels, briefcases, duffel bags and backpacks at Will’s Vegan Store.

Classic designs and high-quality craftsmanship give these bags such a timeless feel.

Their bags are handmade with Italian vegan leather made with plants created with bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe in a carbon neutral process.

Will’s Vegan Store produces their bags in Portugal under European Union employment, discrimination and health & safety law.


5. Pixie Mood

❤︎

Materials: Recycled vegan leather, cork

Price: $26 - 118

Pixie Mood specializes in crafting sustainable handbags using recycled vegan leather, cork and recycled rPET for the lining material.

With a wide range of different bag styles including weekender, bucket, waist, shoulder, tote and crossbody, you’ll have no problem finding something to suit your style.

They also offset their carbon emissions and use biodegradable packaging.

Pixie Mood is a member of 1% for the Planet and Terrapass and partners with One Tree Planted and Humane Society to drive positive change for our planet. 


6. Stella McCartney

❤︎❤︎

Materials: VEGEA, Mylo™, MIRUM®, Alter Nappa (PU leather)

Price: $425 - 2,650

British designer brand, Stella McCartney, is renowned for its luxurious vegan handbags made from innovative leather alternatives such as VEGEA (grape-based leather), Mylo™ (mushroom leather) and MIRUM. The brand is committed to sustainability and ethical practices throughout its supply chain and is constantly exploring new technologies and processes to improve environmental practices and make sustainable vegan alternatives more accessible.

Stella McCartney’s most famous handbag is the Falabella, but they make crossbody bags, totes, shoulder bags and backpacks. 


7. LaBante London

❤︎❤︎

Materials: PU, recycled polyester

Price: $125 - 540

LaBante London specializes in vegan leather handbags crafted from ethically sourced materials, including recycled plastic bottles and vegetable-derived PU. They create fashionable totes, crossbody bags, and backpacks.

Labante is committed to ethical production practices and only works with factories with SEDEX Certification, which guarantees transparency in business practices and respectful treatment of workers.


8. Von Holzhausen

❤︎❤︎

Materials: Technik-Leather

Price: $295 - 495

Von Holzhausen creates minimalist bags known for their timeless appeal and sustainable construction.

Find shoppers, totes, crossbodies and more in their collection.

These bags are made from animal-friendly Technik-Leather, a material free of PVC and other harmful substances, embodying their dedication to luxury with an eco-friendly approach.

You can even send your bag back if it’s reached the end of its lifespan and Von Holzhausen will recycle it for you. 


9. Elvis & Kresse *

❤︎❤︎

Materials: upcycled fire hose material, reclaimed leather offcuts

Price: $208 - 488

Founded in 2005, Elvis & Kresse specializes in upcycling materials like decommissioned fire hoses into unique handbags. For over a decade none of London’s fire-hose has gone to landfill and over 300 tonnes of material has been reclaimed. You can find totes, post bags, reporter bags, laptop bags and crossbody bags in deep reds, mustards and black.

Elvis & Kresse are B-Corp certified and a living wage employer and 50% of profits from their fire-hose range are donated to The Fire Fighters Charity.

*Elvis & Kresse also use reclaimed animal leather from discarded offcuts from Burberry. 


10. Melie Bianco

❤︎

Materials: Recycled PU

Price: $60 - 165

Melie Bianco designs vegan leather handbags that are eco-friendly and stylish. Their collection includes a wide range of trendy and classic handbags, including top handle bags, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, totes and backpacks.

Melie Bianco uses recycled PU to make their bags and ensure the factories they work with uphold high safety & well-being standards as well as fair pay. 


11. Gunas

❤︎❤︎

Materials: PU coated canvas, recycled rPET

Price: $156 - 299

Founded in 2009, Gunas promotes conscious consumerism and offers cruelty-free, PETA-approved vegan leather handbags made from recycled materials. Gunas is a Sanskrit word which translates as “quality, peculiarity, attribute, or tendency.”

Their collection includes clutches, totes, crossbody bags, and backpacks.

They are also women and minority-owned.


12. Matt & Nat

Materials: AppleSkin™, recycled vegan leather, canvas

Price: $40 - 275

Possibly the most well-known vegan cruelty-free brand, Matt & Nat have been creating high-quality vegan products since 1995.

They are PETA-approved and committed to using vegan alternatives to leather and are constantly developing their sustainability practices to make their products more sustainable.

They create sleek, minimalist handbags in various designs such as crossbody, shoulder bags, weekenders and totes. Matt & Nat tend to mostly use creams, greens, browns and blacks across their collection, making them perfect for building capsule collections around as they can complement a range of different outfits. They use recycled plastic bottles to create the lining of their bags and use 21 bottles for each bag. 

*while this isn’t one of our favorite brands, we wanted to mention them because of their long commitment to cruelty-free and vegan fashion


About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.


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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
8 Sustainable Raincoats For Eco-Friendly Fashion On a Rainy Day (2024)
 

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The Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Rain Jackets & Raincoats

When it starts raining, many of us grab our reliable raincoats. But have you ever considered the environmental impact of your rainy day attire? Fortunately, there are several brands who offer sustainable raincoats. These innovative raincoats are designed not only to keep you dry, but are also made from high-quality, planet-friendly materials. They are designed with sustainability in mind, often using recycled materials like plastic bottles or fishing nets to prevent them from ending up in landfills or oceans. There are various designs, colors, and patterns available to suit every taste and climate. Whether you like a classic trench coat or a bold color, you can make a fashion statement while positively impacting the planet. Embrace the future of sustainable fashion, where raincoats not only protect you from the elements but also safeguard the environment on which we all depend!

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards sustainable fashion. As people become more aware of the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment, they are seeking out alternatives that are kinder to the planet. Sustainable fashion is all about reducing waste, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals, and promoting ethical practices throughout the supply chain. It's a shift towards a more conscious way of consuming and dressing.

Most raincoats today are made from virgin synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum and toxic dyes. They are often priced very low making it difficult to pay the makers a fair wage.

What is a Sustainable Rain Jacket?

A sustainable rain jacket, or raincoat, is made from eco-friendly materials (typically recycled polyesters for waterproofing), produced ethically, and designed to last. A sustainable raincoat is also the one that is currently sitting in your closet - or one you find in a secondhand shop!

our top picks for Eco-Friendly, sustainable raincoats & Rain Jackets:

1. tentree

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Price: $69 - 125

Sizes: XS-XL

For: Women & Men

tentree is a B Corp and climate-neutral company that gets its name from its pledge to plant ten trees for every purchase.

Their sustainable essentials are created with the smallest possible environmental footprint, using eco-friendly materials like TENCEL, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester.

They have 5 different rain jacket styles (3 for women, 2 for men) made with a recycled polyester lining and finished with PFC-free DWR. Their Nimbus Long Rain Jacket (pictured) is fully lined with taped seams and a cell phone pocket.

tentree’s partner factories are regularly audited to ensure they comply with the brand’s Code of Conduct and international labor standards.They have 5 different rain jacket styles (3 for women, 2 for men) made with a recycled polyester lining.


2. Girlfriend Collective

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Price: $41 - 79

Sizes: XXS- 6XL

For: Women

Girlfriend Collective makes many of their products, including raincoats, from recycled plastic bottles, nylon, or fishing net.

Their packaging is also all recycled and recyclable. They are very transparent about their manufacturing processes.

Our favorite thing about Girlfriend Collective is they are very size-inclusive, and the more people you can reach, the more sustainable your brand.

The Girlfriend Collective offers a windbreaker that is water-resistant. It also has a hideable hood, zippered pockets and a cinchable waist.


3. Patagonia

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Price: $80 - 449

Sizes: XXS-3XL

For: Men, Women & Kids

Patagonia, based out of the wonderful state of Oregon, are early pioneers of sustainability; doing it long before the term sustainable fashion was even coined. Patagonia makes most of their coats with 100% recycled materials, usually nylon or polyester from plastic bottles.

Over 80% of their products are certified Fair Trade, including their raincoats. Finally, they continue to increase their use of solar and wind energy, and are a bluesign approved partner.

Patagonia has one of the largest selections of raincoats, so you will find a fit and color you love. My favorite is the Tortenshell 3L jacket in Bayou Blue. Most of their selection is lightweight, a great choice for layering. Nearly all coats come with storm flaps on the pockets and hood area to keep you nice and dry. Some have a lined neck or pockets for extra warmth – so cozy. What we love about shopping Patagonia is they have coats for the whole family!


4. Amble

❤︎❤︎

Price: $149 - 179

Sizes: XS-4X

For: Women

If you are looking for fun prints and a unique brand - Amble is it! 

They cover the whole of sustainability from recycled fabrics to ethical factories, carbon-neutral products, plastic-free packaging, and tree planting with every order.

Since they launched, they have recycled over 250,000 post-consumer bottles into fabrics. They keep track of this in their annual Sustainability Reports highlighting their achievements and future goals. 

A Melbourne-based small business designed, Amble is owned and run by women committed to getting more women outdoors!


5. Kampos

❤︎❤︎

Price: $316

Sizes: XS-XXL

For: Men & Women

KAMPOS redefines luxury by transforming waste found in the ocean into high-quality clothing.

Its unisex rain jackets are handcrafted in Italy, and they are available in two colors (navy and olive green). KAMPOS uses recycled packaging that is also 100% recyclable and FSC-certified.

It also donates part of its profits to the Coral Conservation Project, an initiative launched to protect and restore coral reefs in the Maldives. 

The brand is a certified B Corporation, and in 2022, it was named Best for the World™ in the Environment and Community categories. Plus, KAMPOS received the Butterfly Mark accreditation, which identifies luxury brands meeting the highest standards of environmental performance.


6. Mila.Vert

❤︎❤︎

Price: €553 - 690

Sizes: XS-XL

For: Women

If you are looking for a classic trench coat you can carry with you for many years, this would be the brand to shop!

Mila Vert makes its clothing to order, which helps eliminate left-over stock and avoid over-production. Another benefit is that their raincoats can be tailored to make sure it fits you perfectly: Mila Vert offers free custom-fit orders tailored to your body measurements! 

The brand creates its clothes in collaboration with two local sewing companies that provide optimal working conditions and fair living wages to their talented makers, seamstresses and tailors. 

Mila Vert also ships its clothing in plastic-free packaging, and it makes its fabric bags using scrap materials to reduce its textile waste.


7. Wuxly

❤︎❤︎

Price: $372 - 695

Sizes: XS-XL

For: Women & Men

Looking for a pop of color?

We love Wuxly’s colorful trench coats!

Animal-free, made with recycled materials, and ethically manufactured in Canada, Wuxly parkas have kept people warm (and animals out of the equation) since 2015.

They are also a Certified B Corp brand, and to be a circular brand, they offer you $100 off a new Wuxly parka when returning your old one. As well they will fix it up for someone in need. We love brands that keep their products out of the landfill!


8. Baxter Wood

❤︎

Price: $200

Sizes: XXS-XL

For: Men & Women

Baxter Wood makes their coats using recycled polyester from plastic bottles.

Twenty-two bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill for decades are instead turned into a coat.

They don’t stop there though, they buy back rubber boots and raincoats, giving you a $30 credit while upcycling them into other uses.

Finally, they donate 10% of their products to sustainable education programs.

Baxter Wood has the classic rain slicker look down. They even have a yellow one –who hasn’t fancied themselves a yellow rain slicker at some point in their life? If yellow is not your thing, they have many other fun colors. The large pockets and adjustable hood will keep you dry during nearly any rainstorm. The button-up front adds another pop of style. Baxter Woods carries one classic style for men and women at one price point, making shopping simple and easy.


How to Care For Your Sustainable Rain Jacket

To maintain the longevity of your sustainable raincoat, it is essential to provide proper care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your raincoat:

  1. Follow the Care Instructions: Each raincoat may have specific care instructions, so it's important to follow them carefully. Pay attention to recommended washing temperatures, drying methods, and any other special care requirements.

  2. Spot Clean: If your raincoat has only a small stain or spot, consider spot cleaning it instead of washing the entire garment. This will help conserve water and energy.

  3. Wash Less Frequently: Raincoats do not need to be washed as frequently as other garments since they primarily serve as a protective layer. Only wash your raincoat when it is visibly dirty or after extended use.

  4. Use Non-Toxic, Gentle Detergents: When washing your raincoat, use gentle detergents free from harsh chemicals to preserve the fabric's integrity and reduce environmental impact. Find our favorite non-toxic laundry detergents here.

  5. Store Properly: When not in use, store your raincoat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any unnecessary damage or fading of the fabric.


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WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

The Brand Directory features hundreds of sustainable brands approved by us!

We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


related reading you may also enjoy:

 
7 Sustainable Rain Boots To Keep Your Feet Dry in 2024
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better fashion industry. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

ECO-FRIENDLY & Sustainable RAIN BOOTS

If you live in a place where it’s raining frequently, rain boots are an essential shoe to have in your closet. It is very uncomfortable and irritating to have wet feet, and you put yourself at risk of getting sick or developing blisters.  

That’s why you might want to consider getting a good pair of rain boots for those rainy days to make sure your feet are dry, warm and protected. 

However, the main issue with rain boots is that it is complicated to find a pair that is sustainably and ethically made. Most rain boots on the market are made of PVC and other plastic components. 

PVC contains many chemicals that are toxic to both the environment and human health. They’re even more dangerous to children, so buying them a pair of PVC rain boots is a no-no! 

But when rain boots are a necessity for everyday life, you still need to buy them. Fortunately, you can choose healthier and more sustainable alternatives. 

We’ve compiled a list of 7 brands that sell sustainable rain boots so that you can keep your feet dry and protected in all weathers.

WHAT MAKES RAIN BOOTS ECO-FRIENDLY?

It is complicated to find an eco-friendly pair of rain boots, but those made using natural materials are your best options, especially those made from renewable resources. 

Sustainable rain boots will always be well-built and high-quality. You buy rain boots because you want waterproof shoes that will not leak in the rain. They shouldn’t develop holes after only a few seasons. So investing in quality boots is essential so that you’ll be able to wear them for years to come. 

Also, rain boots should not be made at the expense of workers. The brand needs to offer them safe and decent working conditions, and pay them a fair wage. Its supply chain should be as transparent and traceable as possible. 

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WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

If you want sustainable rain boots, avoid synthetic materials and choose natural ones instead.   

The most frequent material you will find in eco-friendly rain boots is natural rubber. Natural rubber is a renewable material that is usually tapped from hevea trees. 

It’s also important to make sure the rubber is sustainably sourced, and that its production doesn’t contribute to mass deforestation. To do so, look for rubber boots with the Forest Stewardship Council certification

The FSC is an organization that promotes responsible management of forests, audits plantations, and certifies those that protect natural resources, biodiversity and human rights. 

Choosing rubber products that are certified by the Fair Rubber Association is another way to make sure the rubber is sustainably sourced, following fair trade principles.

You could also buy rain boots made from waterproof leather, as it’s a very durable material. But preferably, choose leather that is vegetable-tanned and produced in tanneries that are Gold-rated by the Leather Working Group.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR COMFY, SUSTAINABLE RAIN BOOTS:

1. Will’s Vegan Store

❤︎❤︎

For: Men & Women

Materials: Rubber

Price: $124 - 186

Will’s Vegan Store is a brand making vegan footwear, clothing and accessories for men and women. The brand sells many waterproof shoes, but it has one specific model of rain boots, the WVSport Waterproof Country Boots. It’s the same model for both women and men, and they are made to be durable. Plus, they’re waterproof all the way to the top of the shoes! 

The rain boots feature Vibram rubber injection outsoles designed to provide grip, traction and stability. They also have a soft stretchy knitted back panel that makes them even more comfortable to wear. 

Made in Italy, Will’s Vegan Store’s rain boots are certified carbon-neutral, and customers can send them back at the end of their life to recycle them and turn them into new uppers and outsoles.


2. Merry People

❤︎

For: Women & Kids

Materials: Natural Rubber

Price: $60 - 170

Merry People creates rain boots for women and children, as well as other rain accessories like umbrellas and raincoats. 

The brand’s best-selling rain boots are ankle boots with a classic Chelsea boot design.

They come in a wide range of colors, and they are tested for sub-zero temperatures.

The soles are built with arch support, which makes them the perfect everyday lifestyle rain boots. 

For extra protection in the rain, you can choose Merry People’s mid-calf rain boots that have an increased height coverage. The brand’s rain boots are also available with enhanced traction soles with a wider tread pattern to provide extra grip. 

Merry People’s rain boots come with a 12-month warranty, and are made using natural rubber and vegan glue. 

The company has made donations to environmental and social justice charities.


3. Thesus

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Rubber

Price: $158

Thesus creates sustainable footwear from eco-friendly materials, like recycled rubber & recycled nylon.

They recently launched the ‘Anyway Rainboot,’ which is handmade in a family-run factory in Portugal.

These boots are easy to clean and are made with a 100% recycled rubber upper. They are great for all seasons because of their grippy lug sole and 100% recycled nylon sweat-wicking lining.

The comfy memory foam provides extra comfort, and they easily slip on and off with the pull tabs and stretch side panels.


4. Everlane

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Rubber

Price: $34 - 85

Everlane is a fashion brand making clothing, footwear and accessories for men and women. 

The brand has a women’s model of ankle rain boots that you can choose in black, white, green and pink. They feature a slip-resistant tread and a cushioned insole to make them more comfortable and practical to wear daily. 

The rain boots are made using flexible rubber and are designed so that you can wear big, fluffy socks with them. They also have pull tabs and stretch side panels for them to be easy to slip on.  

Everlane is very transparent, and it discloses where and in what factory its shoes are made. 

The company has been making progress and is switching from using virgin materials to recycled ones. At this time, 45% of its plastic footwear components are made from recycled materials.


5. Native

❤︎

For: Men, Women & Kids

Materials: Injection Molded Bio-based EVA, Rubber

Price: $32 - 55

Native is known for making water-friendly shoes that can be worn almost anywhere. Their 'Sugarlite' collection, which features a blend of traditional EVA and a sugarcane-derived resin, is especially popular. When you're done wearing a pair, you can simply ship them back to help create materials for playgrounds through their Remix Project. You can read all about this here.


6. Gray Label

❤︎❤︎

For: Kids

Materials: Natural Rubber

Price: $57

Gray Label is a Dutch brand creating high-quality fashion pieces and accessories for babies, children and adults. 

The brand sells rain boots for children, available in six different colors. They are made using FSC-certified natural rubber, with organic canvas on the inside. These are the perfect outdoor shoes for your kids on a rainy day! 

Made in Slovakia, these boots have a timeless and minimalist style, and are comfortable for everyday wear. Their helpful pull tabs will make it easy for your children to put them on in no time. 

The company is GOTS certified, and its packaging is PVC-free and made using recycled materials. Another green initiative Gray Label started is its clothing subscription service: you can now rent clothing for babies and toddlers for up to 2 years at affordable prices.


7. Aigle

For: Women, Men, Kids

Materials: Natural Rubber, Leather, Recycled Rubber

Price: $28-430

Aigle is a French brand that has been selling clothing and shoes for all weathers, for men, women and children, since 1853. 

The brand offers a huge selection of rain boots for adults and children, featuring various styles and colors. They are handmade and individually checked to ensure they’re entirely waterproof. 

Aigle’s rain boots are made using natural rubber, and standard models contain around 30 to 35% of recycled rubber. The rubber suppliers are based in Vietnam and Thailand, and the company works with a trader that is FSC-certified. The brand also sells models made of leather. 

Aigle is a partner of the LPO environmental organization, whose mission is to raise awareness, heal and protect the seven species of eagles that we can still find in France. 

The company also upcycles 54% of the waste produced at its manufacturing site, and reuses 90% of unprocessed rubber. 

*we typically wouldn’t recommend this brand as a whole, but we do appreciate their commitment to quality rainbows made from eco-minded materials


About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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9 Organic Cotton Pajama Brands For Ultimate Comfort in 2024
 

Image: Pact 

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The Best Organic Cotton Pajamas

We all spend (hopefully) eight hours a day sleeping in our beds, so being mindful of what we wear when we sleep can benefit our well-being, as investing in pajamas means investing in the quality of your sleep.

What factors should we consider next time we purchase new PJs?

Comfort, wearability, quality, and, of course, sustainability. In terms of materials, organic cotton is better than conventional cotton for the environment and your skin. 

What is Organic Cotton? 

Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Organic cotton crops can be sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) natural proteins to protect them from insect infestation and crop destruction, but not with the cocktail of toxic chemicals often sprayed over conventional cotton crops. While organic cotton, by definition, is about the use of synthetic chemicals, organic cotton often is significantly less water-intensive than conventional.

Read more about organic cotton here.

What is GOTS Cotton?

Many of these brands use certified cotton from the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), the golden seal of approval for sustainably processed fabric made with organic fibers.

Read more about GOTS cotton here.

Why should you purchase organic cotton pajamas? 

Organic cotton pajamas are not only more eco-friendly but also more comfortable. The natural fibers of organic cotton enable greater ventilation and temperature management as you sleep. This characteristic guarantees your year-round comfort by keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Wearability is essential for pajamas and clothing, and organic cotton pieces tend to be made with durability and longevity in mind. The quality construction of these garments ensures that they can withstand regular wear and washing without losing shape or tearing. 

Here, we list a selection of brands that offer organic cotton PJs that fit different needs and budgets. Happy browsing! 

our favorite organic cotton pajama brands:

1. Pact 

Price: $20-88

Pact is an American fashion brand known for its laid-back, well-made, easy-to-wear styles perfect for everyday wear that can be sported daily. 

In addition to comfort, Pact operates with sustainability in mind, working with Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard, and SimpliZero. They manufacture clothing from Certified Organic Cotton at Fair Trade Certified™ factories.

In addition to their standard apparel, underwear, and home textiles, Pact manufactures comfortable sleepwear from organic cotton. 

These come in a variety of styles, from classic button-shirts to comfortable long-sleeve tees like their Cool Stretch Fitted Long Sleeve Tee and drawstring waistband pants like their Breezy Light Gauze Sleep Pant. The perfect comfy pieces for a good night of sleep or chill Sunday morning on the sofa.


2. Under the Canopy

Price: $24-42

Known for its high-quality home textiles and essentials, Under the Canopy also offers comfortable organic cotton loungewear that can be worn to bed. 

Their minimalist, premium-quality loungewear is, in fact, a fantastic option for those looking for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX® certified organic cotton nightwear on a budget. 

Thanks to their quality, easy fit, and versatile design, Under the Canopy's pieces, like their slightly cropped Organic Lounge Cami, can be worn for a long time and in a variety of situations, making them perfect for those who want to make the most of their wardrobe, even at night time. 


3. Coyuchi 

Price: $28-58

At Coyuchi, one can find a variety of premium quality organic cotton home textiles ranging from bed sheets and honeycomb blankets to robes and bath towels. On top of that, they also have a selection of apparel. 

Their comfortable, minimalist pieces made from high-quality GOTS-certified cotton in elegant, timeless colors can be the perfect garments to wear to bed, ideal for those who enjoy understated elegance even past bedtime.

Take their roomy Women's Solstice Organic Nightgown; it's not only GOTS, Made Safe, and Fair Trade Certified, but it's also the perfect elevated version of the basic nightgown for feeling your best as the weather gets chillier thanks to the high-quality organic cotton jersey and smart design. 


4. Printfresh 

Price: $58-168

Are you someone who can't get enough Dopamine Dressing during your waking hours and wants to take the colorful fun past dusk? The Philadelphia, PA-based apparel brand Printfresh could be the right place to look for your next organic cotton PJs. Textile designers Amy Voloshin and Leo Voloshin founded Printfresh in 2016. Since then, the brand has become known for the bold, colorful prints that make their pieces stand out, like the one on their kaleidoscopic organic cotton Unicorn's Garden Cami Nightgown, which, like many of their cheerful nighties, features deep pockets, a much-needed but unfortunately rare feature in nightwear.

Available from size XS to 6X and made in a Sedex-reviewed factory, Printfresh's nightgowns and PJs are a fantastic option for those who want to wear fun, unique, and bright pieces even to bed without compromising on sustainability and quality. 

Fun fact: If you think Printfresh's prints look like they come straight out of a painting, you are right. The brand's whimsical designs are first painted in gouache and then become digital illustrations.  


5. Leena & Lu 

Price: $40-108

Founded by Ofelia and Kathya in 2018, Leena & Lu is an apparel brand offering sustainably made soft and comfortable sleepwear. This woman-owned, Peru-based, small apparel company specializes in sleepwear, and it shows.

Leena & Lu's organic pieces, like their Women's Organic Pima Cotton T-Shirt Dress, check all the sleepwear boxes. They are silky-soft and feel amazing against your skin.

Plus, they allow you a great deal of mobility thanks to their excellent design: they are right in that sweet between roomy and fitted, which makes them cozy enough to wear to bed and nice-looking enough to wear around and out of the house. 


6. Komodo

Price: $40-105

Are you a fan of the classics who is in the market for some new PJs? Then, you should check out Komodo.

Founded all the back in 1988 by Mark Bloom, British fashion label Komodo offers sustainable vintage vibes-filled, eccentric garments that will remind you of the iconic British street styles of the '80s made with a selection of fabrics like GOTS certified organic cotton, linen, and hemp.

In addition to standard daywear, Komodo offers a selection of high-end pajamas made from extra soft GOTS Certified Organic Cotton.

Like their summery JIM JAM Pajama Shorts Set, they sell nightwear suitable for colder and warmer nights.

These pajamas come in various classic prints and cuts that make Komodo's nightwear an excellent option for those who like to sport more classic styles even at night time without compromising on sustainability, comfort, and coziness.


7. Mightly 

Price: $30-48

When it comes to kid's clothing, durability, safety, and comfort are the most important factors, even when looking for pajamas. If you agree, then try checking out Mightly. 

This US-based, woman-owned company offers apparel for kids and adults, including organic pajamas for children. It is an excellent option for parents looking for cozy and eco-friendly pajamas for the whole family.

Not only the pajamas they offer are made of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade Certified Factory, but they also come in a variety of cute, fun designs.  

 Mightly's organic cotton pajamas are made with quality and comfort in mind: soft, well-designed, and manufactured from sturdy but breathable organic cotton. Bonus points: They also have a second-hand section, where parents on a budget can purchase organic cotton pajamas for a kinder pierce.    


8. Thunderpants 

Price: $48-62

Sometimes, the comfiest things to wear to bed weren't even designed to be worn in bed. After all, clothes made with wearability and quality in mind make for the perfect nightwear, and we can find these characteristics even in other types of clothing like underwear or loungewear. 

Thunderpants USA is a brand that makes high-quality, comfortable undergarments manufactured from organic cotton and designed to withstand the test of time, making their pieces excellent options for nightwear.

This Portland-based brand also operates with sustainability in mind, so much so that it even received the highest rating on Good on You. Their garments are GOTS-certified organic cotton and spandex fabric, perfectly balancing comfort and durability. These cotton garments are made in Hillsboro, Oregon, around 7 miles from the Thunderpants office. 

The results are unique, wearable undergarments available from size SM to 3XL. So, if you are looking for fun, sustainable nightwear for the hotter months, a Thurdepants cami and bottoms combo like the Hipster Daisy Days and their Cami Daisy Days could be what you are looking for right now.  


9. Hanna Andersson 

Price: $44-134

Hanna Andersson is another option for parents looking for durable organic cotton PJs, especially sets of matching family PJs for their little ones. 

Their OEKO-TEX® and GOTS-certified organic rib knit kids' PJs are an option for parents wanting to get safer nightwear for their kids, especially for those on a budget, as the brand's pieces are available at a more accessible price in the brand's pre-loved section. 

In addition to their other designs, the brand also offers licensed designs featuring characters from Star Wars™, Miffy®, Marvel®, and other fictional universes, making them a safer alternative to synthetic nightwear for parents whose kids might want PJs featuring their favorite characters. 


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!


WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

The Brand Directory features hundreds of sustainable brands approved by us!

We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
SNL's Latest Skit Shines a Light on Fast Fashion Giants Temu and Shein & We Are Here For It!
 

SNL Fast Fashion Ad Skit

This was too good not to share! SNL has made us laugh (slightly cringe because it’s true) once again with their ‘Xiemu’ Ad exposing the dark side of fast fashion. From exploitation of workers to hazardous products, Temu & Shein are making disposable fashion cheaper and scarier than ever.

What is Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion refers to brands that produce high volumes of clothing throughout the year. These brands now make clothes at a fraction of the price they used to, enabling consumers to update their wardrobes quickly and affordably.

But this over-consumption of cheaply-made clothes is leading to the huge growth of textile waste, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. It is raising social issues that we can no longer ignore, such as human rights violations. 

The best thing we can do, as consumers, is to stop supporting this industry. We should avoid fast fashion brands and start supporting sustainable clothing brands instead (& shopping secondhand and loving what we already have!).

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A FAST FASHION BRAND? 

Temu and Shein are not the only culprits. In truth, most clothing brands today are part of the fast fashion problem. A majority of fast fashion brands release new clothing collections every week and use marketing techniques to encourage consumers to buy into new trends. These companies are often vague and not entirely transparent about their suppliers and production processes. They do not provide specific information about their efforts to mitigate their environmental impact.

Additionally, they do not offer evidence that they provide their workers with decent and safe working conditions, as well as living wages.

Many fast fashion brands are greenwashing. They are disclosing misleading information to fool customers into thinking they’re an ethical and sustainable company. 

Cheap prices are also a great indicator of fast fashion products and their poor quality. It’s nearly impossible to produce a $5 t-shirt, pay garment workers fairly, and have manufacturing processes that do not harm the environment. 

Want to learn more about sustainable fashion and how we can create a fairer fashion industry? Click here.


WANT TO FIND SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


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