31 most sustainable & cool men’s clothing brands UK (2022)
When talking about sustainable fashion, it can at times seem like the men’s clothing sector is a little left out. However, there are sustainable men’s clothing brands UK shoppers should be aware of.
Creating a sustainable future for fashion needs to involve everybody, and as the menswear market is rapidly growing, providing sustainable options for fashionable men is vital. The market is growing so quickly that in some areas it is outpacing the women’s wear market.
What Makes Sustainable Menswear?
The same principles of sustainability in the women’s and children’s clothing markets apply to men’s fashion. At the basis of any sustainable, ethical brand is awareness and consideration of its impact on both the planet and the people that make and wear a garment.
Supply Chains and Ethical Standards
It’s no secret that the fashion industry has not always been the most ethical of sectors. Sustainable and ethical brands represent a change to this idea and embody a future for the industry that is fair and safe for everybody that is involved in it.
When looking for ethical menswear brands, look for brands that share information on where and how clothes were made. Many brands share this information on their website or reports available to the public. Transparent supply chains give shoppers an informed choice when choosing brands to shop from and foster an attitude of corporate accountability.
To determine an ethical brand, also look for the policies a company has on how it treats its workers and the environment. Look for robust policies that work to protect people and the planet and strive to limit negative impacts and waste.
Sustainable Fabrics and Kind Materials
Not all fabrics are made equal. Virgin polyesters, for example, are microplastic shedders, contributors to carbon emissions and are often used by unethical companies. Look for brands using certified organic and recycled materials to ensure a sustainable wardrobe. Organic cotton, linen or hemp are particular favourites of the sustainable sector.
For more information on sustainable fabrics see What is the most sustainable fabric? Your ultimate guide. And for more on microplastic shedding How to avoid microplastics in clothing: 8 things you can do now.
Animal derived materials represent a potential issue for the ethical consumer. Vegan products carry the lowest risk of animal cruelty or exploitation, but if you are shopping for products such as wool or leather, make sure they come from ethically certified farms. You can do this by looking out for the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Leather Working Group logos.
We also have articles on animal cruelty: How to stop animal cruelty in the fashion industry: 10 things you can do now and leather: Is leather bad for the environment: the unsustainable truth.
Environmental Impacts, Water Use and Carbon Footprint
From the astronomical levels of water used to grow conventional cotton to the carbon footprint generated by polyester production, there are many environmental impacts from the conventional fashion sector.
Sustainable brands move away from these unsustainable practices. Whether it’s using renewable energy sources, incorporating sustainable materials or engaging with environmental initiatives like tree-planting projects, look for brands that are taking action to reduce their environmental impact.
Certifications
Certifications can be a great tool to avoid falling victim to greenwashing, although there are a myriad of them. Some good certifications to look out for include:
- Certified B Corporation – Certification that assesses the entire activities of an organisation to ensure they are acting ethically in regards to the environment, people and the community. See 15 B Corp clothing brands for the best ethical styles for more info on this great certification.
- Fairtrade – Supports and ensures the safety and rights of workers throughout the supply chain.
- GOTS – Works to ensure environmental consideration, organic materials and a safe working environment. See What does GOTS certified mean? Your ultimate guide for more.
- Bluesign – Brands must reduce negative environmental impacts as much as possible and production is undertaken in a way that considers the protection of both the planet and workers.
For a more detailed review of the many sustainable fashion certifications, see the section in Why is Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Important: What Everyone Should Know.
UK Sustainable Men’s Clothing Brands
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For all the stylish men out there, these sustainable fashion brands will keep you looking sharp and protect people and the planet.
Price Guide:
£: affordable
££: average
£££: expensive/splurge
1. BAM Bamboo
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey, China, Portugal and UK
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Sustainable packaging, use of sustainable materials, partnered with Sharewear
The masters of bamboo clothing, BAM Bamboo clothes are soft, high-quality and perfect for adventure. The brand has clothing specifically designed for biking, hiking and climbing, and also casual and loungewear looks for more relaxed days.
Utilising the incredible properties of bamboo, this innovative brand is championing comfort and sustainability.
For a limited time only, BAM are offering 15% off to Good Maker Tales readers. Use the code GMT15 to bag your discount before 31 May 2023.
2. Yes Friends
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: India
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Solar powered factories, part of the Fair Share Scheme, PETA approved Vegan, Climate neutral, Fairtrade cotton, GOTS, Fair Wear Foundation, BSCI certified ethical factories, WRAP
Proving that a sustainable wardrobe can be made at an affordable price, Yes Friends has all your t-shirt needs. With monochromatic styles or brightly coloured tees, Yes Friends is the place to find the ultimate sustainable t-shirt, hoody, or now, pair of jeans.
With highly affordable styles on offer and clothing made sustainably, this brand is well worth checking out.
3. Plant Faced Clothing
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Price: £
Sustainability creds: PeTA approved vegan, organic and recycled materials, made ethically, sustainable packaging, tree planting, GOTS certified
Vegan brand Plant Faced offers unisex streetwear styles with edgy slogans, from hoodies and t-shirts to pants and socks.
The brand is kind to all beings, not just animals, so you can be assured of ethical production as well as sustainable fabrics. For more on this super cool brand, see our interview with their founder Charlie McEvoy.
4. Rapanui
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: India and UK
Price: £
Sustainability creds: GOTS Certified materials, SA8000 certified factories, renewable energy factories, circular fashion system, on demand production
With cool prints and classic patterns made to order in their factory on the Isle of White, Rapanui is the home of sustainable casual-wear. This commendable brand has everything from trendy tees to stylish sweaters featuring nature inspired graphics.
Rapanui products are organic, made ethically and support circular fashion principles.
5. Sutsu
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: UK
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Sustainable and organic materials, support of social initiatives
Inspired by nature and designed for adventure, Sutsu is the home of sweatshirts, hoodies and tees featuring designs that are cool, eye-catching and fashionable.
Menswear from this sustainable UK brand is made from organic materials and the brand supports social causes.
6. Birds Can Fly
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: UK and India
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Use of GOTS certified fabric, renewable energy
Looking for a gift for an avid bird watcher? Look no further than Birds Can Fly. Sporting sustainable styles featuring all the best avian inspired designs, Birds Can Fly is a t-shirt brand where sustainable practices are taking flight.
The label uses sustainable materials and uses renewable energy factories to create clear skies for tomorrow’s fashion industry.
7. Honest Basics
Based: Germany Ships to: Internationally
Made in: India, Bangladesh
Price: £
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified, ethical supply chains, green shipping program
Honest Basics, as the name may suggest, specialises in high-quality basics and has an attitude of transparency. Clothes from this sustainable brand have a timeless quality and are the perfect pieces to create a capsule wardrobe.
Using GOTS certified fabrics, Honest Basics ensures the use of sustainable materials and has policies in place to create ethical supply chains.
8. Tentree
Based: Canada Ships to: Internationally
Made in: China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Philippines, India, Hong Kong
Price: £
Sustainability creds: B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral, tree planting program
With designs that embrace a casual, relaxed charm, Tentree is the sustainable go-to brand for the ultimate weekend styles. Tentree plants ten trees for every purchase, meaning not only do you get a cool piece of clothing, but you also help reforestation efforts!
Working to help people and the planet, the company aims to have planted 1 billion trees by 2030.
9. The Classic T-Shirt Company
Based: USA Ships to: Internationally
Made in: USA
Price: £
Sustainability creds: GOTS Certified, supports environmental initiatives
When you just need some quality basics, you can’t go past The Classic T-Shirt Company. The brand creates soft, comfortable and stylish basics for everyday wear. The ultimate sustainable men’s clothing brand.
As well as its use of sustainable materials, the organisation has supported tree planting, ocean clean-up and safe water projects. As well as offering organic cotton t-shirts, the brand ensures a living wage across its supply chain.
10. Armedangels
Based: Germany Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Portugal, Turkey, Tunisia
Price: £-££
Sustainability creds: Fairtrade, Fair Wear Foundation accredited, GOTS certified products
Armedangels is the home of edgy, modern style. The brand that was ‘eco before it was cool’, at Armedangels you can find the trendiest of graphic tees, denim cut-offs and organic sweatshirts in pastel hues. Veering away from the use of toxic chemicals, they are venturing into using only natural dyes with their “Dyed by Nature” collection.
It may be a brand that was eco before it was cool, but there is no doubt that it is now a brand that is eco AND effortlessly cool!
11. Komodo
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: China, Indonesia, India, Nepal
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: GOTS Certified Cotton, Recycled Materials, Vegan products
Komodo’s relaxed styles are perfect for a casual weekend outfit. From organic hoodies to hemp t-shirts, this ethical and sustainable brand creates clothing that is always on-trend without ever looking like it is trying too hard.
Embracing organic and sustainable materials, Komodo is the perfect addition to a laid-back wardrobe.
12. Seasalt
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Pakistan, Turkey, China
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: GOTS Certified materials, Net Zero targets, sustainable packaging, Soil Association accredited materials
For any nautical lovers out there, Seasalt’s range of coastal-inspired clothing is the ultimate sustainable wardrobe addition. With sailor-inspired stripes and jackets in ocean-inspired hues, these are clothes for those dreaming of a seaside escape.
The classic styles are made with sustainable practices in mind. The brand uses sustainable materials and has bold aims to be Net Zero by 2040.
13. Passenger
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Sustainable materials, tree planting programs, use of renewable energy
With funky graphics and cool designs, Passenger clothes are perfect for relaxing and getting back to nature. Chill out by a campfire wrapped in a red corduroy jacket or commune with nature in an oversized recycled fleece shirt adorned with stylized patterns.
For every order, Passenger plants a tree and the brand inspires us all to explore the great outdoors.
14. Mud Jeans
Based: Netherlands Ships to: Internationally – UK stockists
Made in: Tunisia
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: PETA Approved Vegan, GOTS, Fair Wear Foundation, B-Corp Certified
European brand MUD Jeans offers high-quality jeans with an understated style perfect for taking you from a casual day at the office to a weekend escape.
Pioneers of the circular denim sector, the brand offers both leasing and purchasing options. Through its sustainable initiatives and policies, MUD Jeans has saved one million kilos of CO2 emissions over the last four years.
Due to Brexit, MUD Jeans are currently only available from UK stockists. Find your nearest stockist here.
15. Brothers We Stand
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey, UK, China, Thailand, Portugal,
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Transparent supply chains, ethical marketplace, sustainable materials
A one-stop-shop men’s ethical clothing marketplace in the UK, at Brothers We Stand you can find everything from swimwear to sweatshirts, trendy t-shirts and polo shirts to sophisticated knitwear styles.
The UK sustainable menswear brand has both its own designs and hosts styles from a range of ethical suppliers. It requires transparency from its suppliers to ensure ethical practices.
16. Of the Oceans
Based: UK Ships to: UK
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Fair Wear certified suppliers, supports marine conservation efforts, natural and organic materials, GOTS certified fabrics
Of the Oceans is the home of clothing made with care. Care for people, care for the environment and in particular care for the ocean. The brand’s designs, made with rich, earthy colours and classic designs are created with natural fabrics and organic materials. Not only do these prevent microplastic shedding but are soft and comfortable to wear.
With a commitment to marine protection, 5% of every purchase goes towards marine conservation efforts.
17. Absolutely Bear
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: India, Turkey
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: 1% for the Planet, sustainable packaging, use of sustainable materials, Fair Wear Foundation, PETA Approved Vegan
With comfortable products made with sustainable materials and designed with a very cool and classic charm, you really can’t go wrong with Absolutely Bear.
This UK sustainable menswear brand works to create ethical supply chains and uses sustainable materials including GOTS and Oeko-Tex certified fabrics to ensure a product that is stylish and sustainable.
18. Unhidden
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Bulgaria
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Use of deadstock fabrics, seeded paper swing tags
Made from deadstock fabric in Europe, Unhidden’s trendy range of seriously versatile clothing is the perfect building block for a fashionable capsule wardrobe. Utilising a neutral colour palette and monochromatic tones, these high-quality pieces can be mixed and matched to create a range of voguish outfits.
This sustainable brand has even been featured by the BBC and Refinery 29.
19. Monkee Genes
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey, Indonesia, India, Pakistan
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified products, PETA Approved
With versatile clothing for every season, Monkee Genes have a range of high-quality men’s shorts, chinos, jeans and jackets. Made of durable, sustainable materials and with a relaxed vibe, these clothes are the ultimate eco wardrobe addition.
Making this sustainable brand even better, it’s PETA approved and exists with an attitude of eco-consciousness.
20. Nudie Jeans
Based: Sweden Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey, India and Europe
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Fairtrade, Fair Wear Foundation certified, GRS, GOTS, repair initiatives
With a comprehensive approach to sustainability, Nudie Jeans is rejecting the unsustainable fast fashion approach of the modern clothing industry. Making high-quality jeans, this brand is creating a stylish wardrobe must-have and showing how fashion should be done.
Not only are jeans from this commendable company made from sustainable materials, but customers can enjoy free lifetime repairs as well.
21. Kuyichi
Based: Netherlands Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey, Portugal, Pakistan, Morrocco, Italy, Spain
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified materials, GRS certified materials, PeTA Approved products
Through the clever use of an understated colour palette and classic design, Kuyichi has crafted a collection that champions organic materials, sustainable practices and an element of classic, timeless style.
The brand is impressively transparent and has achieved the highly coveted ‘Great’ rating on Good On You.
22. Finisterre
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey, UK, China, Thailand, Portugal,
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: B-Corp Certified, sustainable materials, sustainable packaging, repair and takeback schemes
If you are looking for fashion that will stand up to the elements while still being sustainable and stylish, then look no further than Finisterre. The UK outdoor brand creates clothing made for adventure, while still embracing a classic style that effortlessly transitions to city streets.
Built on a foundation of sustainability, Finisterre has achieved the commendable B-Corp certification and promotes a circular fashion system.
23. Organic Basics
Based: Denmark Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Portugal, Austria, Italy, Turkey, and Scotland
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: 1% for the Planet, B-Corp Certified, GOTS, use of recycled and low impact textiles
As the name suggests, Organic Basics offer basics for men and women from organic and sustainable materials. Their men’s range includes everything from boxers, socks and swimwear to t-shirts, hoodies and circular denim.
The brand work hard to innovate, lowering their impact wherever they can. Not only do they offer a living wage across part of their supply chain but also guarantee no child labour and are a member of the highly coveted B-Corp certified club. Organic Basics also gives back to social enterprises such as projects run by WWF and Nordic Ocean Watch.
24. Outerknown
Based: USA Ships to: Internationally
Made in: South East Asia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Portugal, Morocco, USA, Peru
Price: ££ – £££
Sustainability creds: Bluesign, GOTS certified, Fairtrade certified
Committed to both people and the planet, Outerknown operates with a passion for great clothes and responsible action. The home of well-made and sustainable clothing, Outerknown pieces are made to last a lifetime and accompany you on every adventure.
Outerknown is transparent about its suppliers and has certifications to back its ethical claims.
25. Wolf and Badger
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Price: ££ – £££
Sustainability creds: Supports slow fashion, no animal testing or use of fur, working towards B-Corp certification
Wolf and Badger is a marketplace for independent, ethical designers and brands, making it simpler for consumers to access sustainable brands and fostering an attitude of slow fashion.
The marketplace for fashion, jewellery, homewares and even stationary exists both online and with stores in London and New York. Hosting a range of different designers, the company caters to a variety of personal styles.
26. Octobre
Based: France Ships to: Internationally – UK store
Made in: Portugal, Italy, UK
Price: ££ – £££
Sustainability creds: Supports education, culture & equal opportunities initiatives, slow fashion principles, use of ethical and sustainable fabrics
Octobre was created with the idea to create distinctive fashion pieces that can be lived in, that are made to outlast passing trends and be a favourite in every season. Inspired from this idea, this fashionable label has crafted a range of Parisian-inspired wardrobe essentials.
Octobre includes ethical and sustainable fabrics in its quality pieces. Rejecting the overconsumption ideas of the fashion industry, the label works with an attitude of quality over quantity. For those looking for sustainable menswear brands in the UK, the company has a London store.
27. Wax London
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Price: ££ – £££
Sustainability creds: GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified fabrics, RWS certified wool, OCS (Organic Content Standard) certified fabrics, supports supply chain transparency
UK sustainable men’s clothing brand, Wax London, makes elevated everyday fashion. The brand brings a sophistication to the everyday clothing market that makes its designs contemporary and versatile enough to transition from office to weekend wear.
Wax London uses organic, recycled and natural materials to create a sustainable impact.
28. Pangaia
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Europe
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: GOTS Certified, GRS Certified, philanthropic initiatives, use of innovative materials
With everything from denim jackets to tailored trousers to tracksuits on offer, Pangaia is the perfect place to find a wardrobe for every season. The brand embraces a playful vibe and cleverly uses colour to create styles that stand out from the crowd.
Pangaia is an innovator in the sustainable fabric world and incorporates sustainable materials in its designs, plus uses low-impact dyes and compostable packaging.
29. Raeburn
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: UK
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: 1% for the Planet member, recycled materials, organic materials
Embracing recycled materials, East London brand Raeburn’s unique utilitarian vibe is sure to leave an impression. The brand has styles that perfectly fit in on the streets of New York or London, and are proof that epic style and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Raeburn styles may be made from everything from organic cotton to decommissioned military stock including parachutes to recycled plastic bottles.
30. Opera Campi
Based: Italy Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Europe
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: Sustainable materials, on-demand production, sustainable packaging, tree planting programs
With a fabric-centred approach, and utilising the full versatility of a neutral colour palette and sophisticated design, Opera Campi creates menswear that is always effortlessly stylish.
Made with sustainable hemp fabric, Opera Campi styles are made to be durable, comfortable and last longer than the latest passing trend. Even the brand’s packaging is sustainable.
31. Stella McCartney
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: GOTS Certified materials, member of Ethical Trading Initiative
Stella McCartney’s styles are well-made and effortlessly cool. The brand’s unisex range includes everything from trendy knitwear featuring technicolour Disney characters to denim styles that perfectly mix sophistication and grunge.
The brand uses sustainable materials and has made efforts to create an ethical supply chain.
Funky, Sophisticated and Timeless
From the quirky to the sophisticated, the UK sustainable menswear market has something for everyone. As the sector continues to grow the range of styles on offer is likely to only increase.
Whether you are looking to splurge on timeless Italian style or just looking for a trendy t-shirt for everyday wear, these amazing brands are proving that stylish sustainability is always in fashion.
For more on ethical men’s fashion see our articles on ethical underwear for men and on men’s vegan clothing brands.
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2 Comments
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admin
Hi Chris, thanks so much for the positive feedback, I’m so glad you liked the article and it makes everything we do worthwhile knowing that people are finding the information useful!
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Chris Harrison
I have been looking for fresh clothing brands for men and I really appreciate how beautifully you have shared this list. I would love to add one of these in my wardrobe.