If you’re living in an area with chilly winters, you know better than most that a good winter coat is an essential investment piece in your closet. This year is all about sustainability and slow paced fashion. We are looking to purchase staple styles that don’t leave a massive ecological footprint. Shopping second-hand, locally or online for your warmer coats is the most sustainable option but many large Canadian brands are stepping up to create eco-friendly products.
Although purchasing from sustainable brands can cost more up front, purchasing an eco-friendly, higher-quality winter coat can last you much longer than any fast fashion option. Some sustainable brands use recycled or ethically sourced materials, while others use synthetic stuffing and vegan materials. The brands listed below are our favourite when it comes to ethical and sustainable winter coats.
Noize – The Parka
Noize is a cruelty-free and PETA approved vegan fashion brand that uses sustainable materials such as recycled plastic, vegan fur and vegan leather. The Parka is our top pick, created with an insulation fill made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This creates a light-weight effect, while keeping you toasty all winter long. Most of their jackets are made for every season, with added water resistant materials.
Frank and Oak – The Puffer
This Montreal based brand specializes in basics and ethically sourced textiles. One of the most durable jackets they manufacture is their Puffer Coat, made from 100% recycled polyester with a featherless insulation. Frank and Oak will be sure to keep you toasty all season long.
Simons – Collared Coats
Simons is a large, Canadian fashion destination, featuring sustainable brands online and in stores. Each brand varies in price and material. The sustainable brands carried by Simons use recycled wool and polyester throughout most of the products. Simons truly has all you’re looking for when it comes to stylish, sustainable options this winter.
Ovate – Button up Coats
Resurfacing timeless designs is this year’s focus when it comes to finding the perfect jacket for the cold weather. Ovate is an innovative brand based in Montreal, known for their use of natural materials and stunning craftsmanship. In the name of sustainability, Ovate created a sister store called Histories Vintage which features hand picked fall/winter jackets made durably with natural materials.
Norden Project – Buy Back Program
Based in Vancouver, Norden manufacuers their beautiful coats/jackets with recycled bottles and vegan material. They’ve taken sustainability to the next level with their unique program, which allows you to trade in your coat from another brand in exchange for a discount on a Norden product. Norden encourages their customers to send in their winter coats in good condition, from an eligible brand listed on their website. Norden will send each customer $100 towards their next Norden purchase. Your coat will be repurposed and given to someone in need.
Written by Holly Pugsley
Holly Pugsley is a Fashion and Product Stylist based in London, Ontario. She studied Fashion Marketing & sustainability in fashion. Holly creates content for small businesses and vintage stores. She chooses to repurpose vintage and second-hand items for styling purposes and her own wardrobe to help stretch the life of clothing
