Sustainable Clothing & Gear Guide
To enjoy the outdoors for years to come, many people are looking for clothing, footwear, and gear that’s made with sustainable, recycled materials or using environmentally friendly and humane practices. With leading brands like Cotopaxi, The North Face, and HOKA offering sustainability commitments, you’ll notice more terminology popping up! To help guide you through how to shop with sustainability in mind, our Clothing Experts explain common terminology you’ll see when shopping at your local SCHEELS or online.
What Makes Clothing & Gear Sustainable?
To start, it’s important to know what makes clothing, footwear, and gear sustainable. When brands make items using all-natural or recycled materials along with a process that doesn’t harm the environment, they are offering sustainable products. You’ll frequently hear terms like carbon neutral or bluesign® certified when shopping. These product features tell customers that what they are purchasing is made with the future in mind.
How to Tell if Clothing or Outdoor Gear Is Sustainable
When shopping for sustainable clothing or outdoor gear, check the product description, fabric content, and certifications. Many brands now clearly label products made with recycled materials, organic fabrics, or responsible manufacturing practices.
Here are a few things to look for:
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Recycled polyester or nylon
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Organic cotton materials
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Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification
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Fair Trade Certified™ manufacturing
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bluesign® approved fabrics
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Carbon-neutral production efforts
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Repair or recycling programs
These features can help reduce environmental impact while still delivering the performance and durability you expect from outdoor gear.
Popular Sustainable Outdoor Brands
Many outdoor and athletic brands are making sustainability a priority through recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, and reduced environmental impact. Some popular sustainable brands available at SCHEELS include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Clothing & Gear
By buying items made from natural materials and recycled materials from companies that are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, you can make sure you’re making efforts towards a healthier environment. You can also keep sustainability in mind by bringing your sporting equipment like your bike, golf clubs, tennis racket, and more into your SCHEELS service shop for repairs and updates. If you have additional questions about sustainable brands or products, stop in your local SCHEELS to speak with an Expert!