Are you ready for winter? Get prepared with this guide to creating an ethical winter wardrobe.
Almost everything in me wants to remain in complete denial that winter is coming.
But then there’s that tiny part of me that is fully aware that the only way to actually get through winter is to be prepared, and to make it as warm and joyful as possible.
So today I’m facing my winter fears head-on and getting my wardrobe winter ready.
Image source: Everlane
If you’ve been reading my blog lately, you’ll know that I’ve only been adding ethical clothing to my wardrobe for about a year. What that means is fewer clothes, as well as choosing second-hand or purchasing from ethical brands (some of which I’ve listed here).
So if you’re looking for a list of pretty winter things from high street stores, I’m afraid this isn’t the post for you. But if you want to create an ethical winter wardrobe, I’ve got you covered!
How to Create an Ethical Winter Wardrobe
The first thing is to step away from blogger’s wish-lists and tempting store ads trying to get you to buy more things (trust me, it’s hard for me, too) and to look at what you already have.
I’m not sure who first created it (this version is from Anuschka Rees) but I’ve seen this pyramid around the internet, which shows the hierarchy of ethical purchasing decisions, with the most ethical at the bottom, and the least ethical (not unethical – just less ethical than the other options) at the top.
So the best option is to use what you already have.
How can you do that?
Step 1: Assess your existing wardrobe
Look through your winter clothes critically, and work out what you will wear and what – honestly – won’t see the light of day all winter.Donate or sell anything you won’t wear (I like to use Vinted to make some cash on good quality items I won’t wear again).
Do you have coats that need minor repairs (buttons, lining repairs, knit pulls, pill removal)? Put them aside, and spend an evening or weekend getting your mending done in front of the TV. Not sure how to sew a button? YouTube can help!
Need sewing supplies? Here’s a fabulous starter kit with everything you need for basic repairs.
If any of your garments need more complex repairs, find a tailor who can do this for you. You might be surprised how affordable this option is when compared with buying something brand new!
Get your coat/s dry cleaned, and then give the rest of your winter gear a good once-over, making sure it’s all fresh and clean and good as new for the season ahead. This brilliant guide offers tips for caring for jumpers properly, and when it comes to shoes and boots, this guide to leather care in winter is handy.
Step 2: Work out what you need
Emphasis on need(not want) – a tough one for me to get my head around. Just last week, I found myself researching new winter coats, because I really want a camel-coloured long coat. Problem is, I already have about five coats that will serve me well this winter. I don’t have the specific style and colour I want, but I have everything I need.
Learning to be honest with yourself about whether you need (or just want) an item is a huge step towards breaking the fast fashion cycle and building an ethical wardrobe. In a couple of years, I’ll probably genuinely need a new winter coat, and when I do, I know exactly what I’ll be shopping for! But for now, I can stick to the things I’m really missing.
I do have a few gaps in my winter wardrobe. I could do with a few more long-sleeved tops, a pair of slippers, maybe another woollen jumper, and I’d also quite like some trousers that aren’t jeans, so I don’t always look so casual.
Work out what you really need to get through winter, thinking from head to toe, and make a list. I like to keep my list on my phone so I always have it with me (it stops me from getting carried away when I spot a bargain and am tempted to buy something I haven’t planned to purchase).
Step 3: Shop second hand
Buying second hand is preferable to buying new products, because it means no new resources are used to create the garment, and it keeps another item of clothing out of landfill.
Another benefit of shopping second hand is that you can find really good quality pieces for far less than you’d pay if you were buying them brand new. So you can buy things that will last for much longer than if you bought a new, poor-quality version.
Look for natural fibres if possible (because washing synthetic fabrics isn’t great for the environment), and inspect the item carefully for damage before you buy it, so it doesn’t end up costing loads before you can wear it.
And as with any shopping trip, make sure you check your list before you buy anything to avoid making impulse purchases. Trust me, it’s easy to get sucked in by a bargain or a brand name.
If you can’t find anything locally, give Vinted and a try – it’s an online marketplace for used clothing, and there are some great finds on there! The only downside is that you can’t try items on before you buy them, so make sure you ask the seller lots of questions and look carefully at the photos and descriptions so there are no surprises when the item arrives.
Also, don’t forget clothes swaps with friends as a great way to refresh your wardrobe without using any new resources (or even spending a penny).
Step 4: Purchase thoughtfully
If you really can’t find what you need second hand, then it’s time to turn to ethical brands to buy new clothes to complete your winter wardrobe. Before you despair that there aren’t any options out there, you might be surprised how far ethical clothing has come in recent years.
Here are a few of my favourite ethical winter pieces, sorted by category:
Best ethical winter shoes and boots
Will’s Vegan Shoes Wedge Booties
Carbon neutral and ethically made in Portugal, these vegan leather wedge boots are both comfy and classy. Their cushioned insoles are made with recycled rubber, and they’re water-resistant, which is ideal for winter.
Seasalt Cornwall Red River Leather Boots
These 100% leather knee-high boots come in brown or black, and will be sure to get you through the depths of winter with dry and toasty toes!
Everlane Boss Boots in Burgundy
These gorgeous winter boots are made in Italy (take a look inside the factory here) from premium Italian leather. They have a two inch heel, a side zipper and a badass pointed toe. They don’t call them the boss boot for nothing.
Fatface Elle Embroidered Ankle Boots
Not your average ankle boot, these suede boots feature a pretty floral embroidered detail on the back, which add a bit of flair. The heel height is glamorous without being dangerous – this really is the perfect day to night ethical winter boot.
Seasalt Cornwall Winding Lane Suede Chelsea Boots
I love navy blue boots for winter, and these suede Chelsea boots are the ideal choice. The rubber soles mean you won’t slip on even the iciest surface, and the side zip makes them super easy to put on and take off.
Best ethical winter coats
Waterproof and windproof, this long coat is practical as well as stylish. The upper part of the coat is lined with fleece to keep you super warm, and the hem falls at the knee so you have almost head-to-toe warmth for winter.
A coat with ‘wool blanket’ in its name is bound to be the perfect warm coat for winter, and this one is basically a stylish robe. It comes in black, but I think the grey looks more chic.
Made from recycled polyester and wool, this coat is sleek and minimal, with a snuggly shawl collar and deep pockets. The best part about it is that it’s reversible – so you get a navy coat and a grey coat in one!
Everlane ReNew Puffy Puff Jacket
The ReNew range has just been launched by Everlane, and it’s a brilliant concept that I hope many other brands will replicate. This puffer jacket is made out of 32 plastic bottles, which have been renewed to form a polyester fibre. Plus, it looks cosier than a duvet!
With a removable faux-fur trimmed hood, loads of pockets, an adjustable waist and a pretty lining, this parka is an ethical option for a classic winter look.
Best ethical jumpers and knitwear
Everlane ReNew Fleece Sweatshirt
Another item in Everlane’s brilliant ReNew range, this snuggly jumper is made from a whopping 35 renewed plastic bottles. It comes in six colours but I’m drawn to this bright mustard hue.
Seasalt Cornwall Villanelle Jumper
Any Killing Eve fans out there? The name of this jumper made me smile, but serial killer references aside, this grey jumper is 80% merino wool, and features a leaf pattern within the knit. It looks great in the mustard colour too!
Everlane Cashmere Rib Boatneck Jumper
This gorgeous soft blue cashmere jumper is made ethically in China from 100% Mongolian cashmere. It’s got a boat neck and a relaxed fit so it’s both casual and luxurious.
Thought Love Intarsia Knit Jumper
I love this graphic jumper made from organic cotton – it’s fun, and the splash of yellow is like a ray of sunshine. It’s not super thick, so this jumper is best when worn with layers.
Made with scraps of remnant fleece to create a zero-waste colour block jumper, the Kendal sweatshirt is not only fun, but by producing it with remnants instead of new fabric, 987 gallons of water have been saved!
Best ethical winter wardrobe accessories
2,500 artisans in Nepal produce hand knitted items for People Tree, including these bright mittens. The fairisle pattern is perfect for winter!
Seasalt Cornwall Snooze Slipper Booties
Cute and cosy. Need I say more?
Fair+True Sustain Vegan Yak Wool Effect Scarf
I’m of the belief that all scarves should look more like blankets, and this vegan yak wool effect scarf is big enough to disappear under.Hand loomed by a social welfare factory in Nepal, it’s fair trade, vegan and the perfect addition to your ethical winter wardrobe.
Slippers with sneaker soles, these are more like regular shoes (and in fact can be worn as such) than your classic slippers, but they’re just as good for lounging as they are on the street.
No matter how warm the rest of your body is, if your ears are cold it’s game over. Keep those ears cosy with this 100% merino wool knitted bobble hat, which comes in a number of different colourways.
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