Sustainable Coats for Fall and Winter
The need to wear a coat in the wintertime can feel like a sacrifice of the worst kind. You’ve just styled a perfectly layered ’fit that reflects the years it’s taken you to hone your personal style. Yet, the frigid temperatures require you to cover it up with a drab coat that, yes, keeps you from freezing, but destroys your entire look. We feel your pain. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of susty coat options to emotionally support you as you transition from the mild chill of autumn to the tear-inducing, bitter cold of winters in northern America. Read on to find a susty coat for almost any style you choose to embody.
The Sun Is Out!
These options are for the sunnier days of autumn and winter (sunnier or… 🌎🔥?), when you really only need a light jacket or thick sweater.
The Birth of Venus jacket by Swayed Stature is a durable and waterproof jacket that can be worn as everyday wear or layered for added warmth.
If you’re making a quick trip to the corner store, this organic cotton knit cardigan jacket from Back Beat Co. will keep you cozy as you get your mid-morning coffee refill.
The Kaleidoscope Colossal knit coat from Hope Macaulay is sure to spark exclamations of “WHERE did you get that coat!?” The Denim Jacket is a classic, but may not be suitable for days below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Pearl Denim Jacket from Mother of Pearl is made from organic cotton and adds a unique flare to the classic denim jacket through its pearl and ruffle accents.
Vests
Just as a rhombus is not a square, a vest is not a coat, but vests are still a great layering tool for winter and can often be warm enough that you only need a thermal underneath.
A recycled fleece vest from the Girlfriend Collective is a cute plushie layering option. This vest is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
We are diehard patchwork gorlies, and this cropped quilted vest from Farewell Frances, made from vintage quilts and textiles, is the cutest thing we’ve ever seen.
Story mfg. is an anti-waste brand. Their Saturn Vest is made from 100% organic cotton. This lightly quilted vest is hand dyed and features a patchwork band of fabrics from previous Story seasons.
Marfa Stance prioritizes practical design. This yellow-eggshell reversible cotton vest can be flipped inside out for different styling, and is made from a cotton blend, faux fur, and a padded shell.
Classic Coats
If you’re looking for a classic silhouette to make your wardrobe more versatile this winter, these brands keep with traditional patterns but also offer colorful or unexpected elements to give your look a moment of intrigue.
Christy Dawn combines vintage style with classic shapes. Their Eleanor Coat or Marlow Trench is perfect for moody walks on a chilly gray evening. These coats are made from deadstock fabrics.
Autumn and winter do not come without their fair share of rain and snow. If you’re in the market for a waterproof coat, Pangaia’s water-resistant nylon coat is sure to keep you dry and bring some color to rainy days.
Take the staple silhouette of the blazer and spice it up with some upcycling. Imagine this recycled blazer by Fanfare paired with a bright turtleneck. Hello?! So cute.
This faux fur coat by Shrimps is elegant and bright, and will make you feel like you didn’t need to hide a cute outfit with a coat because the coat is the cute outfit!
Leather Options (Vegan Option Included)
Leather jacket options may not be the toastiest of options for the winter, but if you’re a firm believer that sometimes you have to suffer for the lewk, these jackets would be perfect for you.
The racer jacket is very popular right now, and this two-toned recycled leather racer jacket from Deadwood will make it look like you ride a bike (even if you’re a public transportation hottie).
For the vegan baddies, Deadwood also has several options in very sustainable and cutting-edge cactus leather! This cactus leather coat is giving Keanu in the Matrix.
If you’re looking for an old-school black leather jacket, the Annie Leather Jacket by Able is perfect for you. All of Able’s leather is upcycled from discarded animal hides.
We almost always think black when it comes to leather, but for those of us who love color, this upcycled moto jacket by Zig Zag Goods is made from painted 100% genuine leather.
Brick City Coats
These coats are for the people who don’t take winter lightly and absolutely refuse to feel any chill while traversing the treacherous winter winds.
A parka from Patagonia is sure to keep you warm and susty when turning corners and getting hit by a wind that literally takes your breath away.
Girlfriend strikes again with their long recycled puffer jacket. It’s cute and warm, has a removable hood, and is made from recycled plastic bottles!
The puffer jacket is a necessity, but maybe you prefer a mid-length coat. This unisex Puffer from TenTree is made from recycled materials and is sure to keep you warm and dry.
This gorgeous warm puff Primrose Coat from Stine Goya will ensure that your love for eye-catching pieces is not sacrificed this winter. It’s made from recycled polyester.
Thrifted Coats
Winter coats are notorious for being expensive. If you’re looking for a susty winter coat that is both cute and warm, you will certainly be able to find a secondhand coat that fits the criteria! In all honesty, the coolest and coziest coats you can find will be vintage or thrifted. Here are a few Depop coats to give you some inspiration in your search for the perfect vintage coat (unless you snag one of these for yourself): a patch-sewn afghan coat, a racer jacket, an upcycled peacoat, a hand-painted leather jacket, a patchwork coat, a vintage wool blazer, or a faux fur coat. Take any of these silhouettes and type them into the search bar of your fave secondhand online marketplace, or with you to the nearest thrift!
Do you have a go-to susty coat?