EARTH-FRIENDLIER OPTIONS.
FLEX PRO JERSEY
Our innovative proprietary fabric, Flex Pro Jersey is a blend of spandex and cotton that retains its overall shape better than a lot of alternatives. So it stays fresh without as much maintenance (aka energy).
The cotton comes from members of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)—a global organization dedicated to sustainable cotton growing—sources committed to protecting cotton-growing communities and the environment.
ORGANIC COTTON
While it’s true that cotton is a natural, renewable resource, it’s impossible to produce conventionally without adversely impacting the health of people and the environment.
Organic production, on the other hand, replenishes soil fertility, increases biodiversity, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and reduces the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, easing the toll on humans and wildlife. Plus, rigorous third-party verification processes ensure that certified organic cotton is grown properly, and without the use of genetically engineered seeds.
RECYCLED POLYESTER
Though it definitely lasts (and lasts…), most polyester comes from petroleum, a nonrenewable source. And in addition to the socio-economic implications of big oil and lack of supply-chain transparency, polyester does a number on the environment throughout its entire life cycle.
Since less than 1% of clothing material is recycled into new stuff, for now, reusing and recycling is the best way forward. Look for pieces that divert discarded polyester and single-use plastics from landfills and oceans (like our HUMAN NATION velour and Good Man Brand swim trunks). Thankfully, they’re becoming more of a thing.
LEATHER
Heirloom worthy? Yes. Planet friendly? In a lot of ways.
For now, one of the more eco-friendly options is using leather that’s a byproduct of the food industry. We are committed to supporting responsible leather manufacturing across the globe and that is why we are proud members of the Leather Working Group, the leading nonprofit in environmental certification of leather manufacturing. We purchase 100% of our leather for apparel from Gold-Rated, LWG-certified suppliers.
A gold rating (the best) means the tannery has achieved the highest level of sustainable environmental and workplace practices by prioritizing the health of humans and our home. Scores are awarded after a rigorous auditing process that assesses things like traceability, energy consumption, waste management, and worker safety.
RECYCLED CASHMERE
Naturally moisture wicking and odor and wrinkle resistant (which means less fiber-weakening, energy-consuming maintenance), cashmere should be a renewable material. Unfortunately, grassland degradation from overgrazing and climate change has rendered virgin cashmere pretty unsustainable.
The most eco-friendly cashmere is recycled and fully traceable, and comes from partners that prioritize the health of goats, herders, and the environment; use ethical manufacturing processes, and support fair, sustainable trade practices.
SILK
Luxe, and also more sustainable. Silk is renewable, biodegrades, requires less water and energy than many other fibers, and the chemical processes involved in production have a lower impact on the environment than those in conventional-cotton or synthetics production.
That said, it’s still important to avoid excessive use of fertilizers and water contamination by partnering with producers committed to ethical, sustainable practices.
FLEX PRO JERSEY
Our innovative proprietary fabric, Flex Pro Jersey is a blend of spandex and cotton that retains its overall shape better than a lot of alternatives. So it stays fresh without as much maintenance (aka energy).
The cotton comes from members of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)—a global organization dedicated to sustainable cotton growing—sources committed to protecting cotton-growing communities and the environment.
LEATHER
Heirloom worthy? Yes. Planet friendly? In a lot of ways.
For now, one of the more eco-friendly options is using leather that’s a byproduct of the food industry. We are committed to supporting responsible leather manufacturing across the globe and that is why we are proud members of the Leather Working Group, the leading nonprofit in environmental certification of leather manufacturing. We purchase 100% of our leather for apparel from Gold-Rated, LWG-certified suppliers.
A gold rating (the best) means the tannery has achieved the highest level of sustainable environmental and workplace practices by prioritizing the health of humans and our home. Scores are awarded after a rigorous auditing process that assesses things like traceability, energy consumption, waste management, and worker safety.
ORGANIC COTTON
While it’s true that cotton is a natural, renewable resource, it’s impossible to produce conventionally without adversely impacting the health of people and the environment.
Organic production, on the other hand, replenishes soil fertility, increases biodiversity, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and reduces the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, easing the toll on humans and wildlife. Plus, rigorous third-party verification processes ensure that certified organic cotton is grown properly, and without the use of genetically engineered seeds.
RECYCLED CASHMERE
Naturally moisture wicking and odor and wrinkle resistant (which means less fiber-weakening, energy-consuming maintenance), cashmere should be a renewable material. Unfortunately, grassland degradation from overgrazing and climate change has rendered virgin cashmere pretty unsustainable.
The most eco-friendly cashmere is recycled and fully traceable, and comes from partners that prioritize the health of goats, herders, and the environment; use ethical manufacturing processes, and support fair, sustainable trade practices.
RECYCLED POLYESTER
Though it definitely lasts (and lasts…), most polyester comes from petroleum, a nonrenewable source. And in addition to the socio-economic implications of big oil and lack of supply-chain transparency, polyester does a number on the environment throughout its entire life cycle.
Since less than 1% of clothing material is recycled into new stuff, for now, reusing and recycling is the best way forward. Look for pieces that divert discarded polyester and single-use plastics from landfills and oceans (like our HUMAN NATION velour and Good Man Brand swim trunks). Thankfully, they’re becoming more of a thing.
SILK
Luxe, and also more sustainable. Silk is renewable, biodegrades, requires less water and energy than many other fibers, and the chemical processes involved in production have a lower impact on the environment than those in conventional-cotton or synthetics production.
That said, it’s still important to avoid excessive use of fertilizers and water contamination by partnering with producers committed to ethical, sustainable practices.
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