As the weather cools and hiking season turns frosty, finding outerwear that’s both warm and aligned with your values can feel like a bit of a challenge. If you’re vegan like me, or just trying to cut back on plastic and animal products in general, you’ve probably noticed how tough it is to find winter coats that aren’t filled with down or made entirely from synthetics.
But there are a few brands out there making genuinely sustainable outerwear that keeps you warm without feathers or fossil fuels. Whether you’re planning a snowy hike or just need something cozy for your winter walks, here are a few great options that combine warmth, comfort, and a lower impact.
Plumtech Parkas & Puffers
Save the Duck is a really cool brand with a really cool name. They use a synthetic down alternative called Plumtech, which is lightweight, breathable, and incredibly warm… without using anyone’s feathers. Their coats are certified vegan and the company is also working to reduce its environmental footprint through recycled fabrics and circular design.
Price range: €200–€350
🌍 Ships worldwide from Europe, with US retailers as well.
2. Ecoalf
Recycled Ocean Plastic & Vegan
Ecoalf is known for their recycled materials (especially ocean plastic) and their commitment to circular fashion. Their winter coats use recycled polyester and synthetic insulation, and they’re all 100% animal-free. I like that their designs are simple and sporty, ideal for hiking, running errands, or just bundling up.
Price range: €200–€350
🌍 Based in Spain with shipping across Europe and the US.
Sustainable & Down-Free
This German brand makes winter coats that look elegant and modern but are made with cruelty-free insulation (called E100) and recycled materials. They’re also climate neutral and committed to transparency. Their long coats are particularly cozy and offer full coverage on chilly days.
Price range: €250–€400
🌍 Ships globally from Europe.
Made in Canada for Cold Winters
Wuxly was founded by a former pro football player who wanted a warmer, kinder alternative to down. Their coats are made in Canada using tech-forward vegan insulation, and they’re built to handle seriously cold temperatures. Great for anyone living in or visiting truly frigid places.
Price range: CAD $400–$700
🌍 Ships from Canada with international shipping options.
5. ThokkThokk
Casual Winter Jackets with Ethical Roots
If you’re looking for something simpler (and a bit more budget-friendly), ThokkThokk makes lighter winter jackets and insulated layers using GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled materials. Everything is vegan and produced in fair working conditions.
Price range: €150–€250
🌍 Ships from Germany, EU-focused but ships internationally.
6. Patagonia
Repairable, Durable, & Responsibly-Made
Patagonia has been setting the standard for sustainable outdoor wear for decades. Their insulated and down-free coats are made from recycled materials and designed to be repaired rather than replaced. You can even send back your jacket through their Worn Wear program when it needs mending or if you want to trade it in for credit. These are perfect for anyone who’s serious about spending time outdoors in all kinds of weather.
Price range: $200–$500
🌍 Ships worldwide, with repair centers in multiple countries.
7. Matt & Nat
Minimalistic Vegan Coats
Matt & Nat is best known for their vegan handbags, but their outerwear deserves attention too. Their coats are minimalistic but beautiful, made from recycled materials like PET bottles and vegan leather alternatives. They’re ideal for everyday city wear and for anyone who wants to stay warm without compromising their ethics.
Price range: $150–$300
🌍 Ships from Canada with international shipping available.
8. Passenger
Recycled Parkas for Everyday Adventures
Passenger is a UK-based outdoor brand that uses recycled and organic materials across its collections. Their Alaska Recycled Parka is made from post-consumer plastics and designed for warmth, comfort, and a classic look. Everything they make is designed for travelers and nature-lovers who want to tread lightly.
Price range: £180–£250
🌍 Ships worldwide from the UK.
9. Mazine
Conscious Vegan Streetwear
Mazine is a German brand blending streetwear style with sustainable production. Their winter coats are PETA-approved vegan and made from recycled fibers, with timeless, urban designs. They focus on fair working conditions and local European manufacturing, which gives their pieces a smaller footprint and reliable quality.
Price range: €180–€300
🌍 Ships from Germany with EU-wide and international delivery.
Sustainable Coats with a Timeless Design
Knowledge Cotton Apparel is a Danish brand that blends classic, well-tailored style with strong sustainability values. Their winter coats and jackets are made with organic cotton, recycled wool, and GRS-certified insulation. The designs are simple, functional, and built to hold up winter after winter.
Price range: €200–€400
🌍 Based in Denmark, with wide availability across Europe and international shipping through select retailers.
11. Picea
Regenerative & Locally-Made Outerwear
Picea is a new European brand focused on regenerative and zero-waste production. Their clothing is made on-demand to minimize waste, using natural and recycled materials sourced within the EU whenever possible. Their outerwear has a modern, clean aesthetic, and the brand’s whole mission is to rethink how clothing is made in harmony with nature.
Price range: €120–€300+
🌍 Based in Europe with regional EU shipping.
A Few Extras to Stay Toasty
While coats are super important… don’t forget about the rest of your winter wardrobe! Here are a few great extras that’ll pair well with your eco outerwear:
Icebreaker specializes in merino wool layers that are naturally breathable, odor-resistant, and biodegradable. Their commitment to transparency and natural materials makes them one of the most reliable brands for ethical base layers.
Picture Organic Clothing makes warm, durable beanies from organic cotton and recycled polyester, perfect for cold days outdoors. The brand is Fair Wear certified and uses recycled materials and responsible production throughout their entire line.
A simple but essential winter accessory made from recycled plastic bottles. The EcoStretch line is soft, versatile, and ideal for layering under a coat or over base layers.
When the temperatures drop, it’s absolutely possible to stay warm and stick to your values. These brands are proving that vegan outerwear doesn’t have to mean sweaty synthetics or cutting corners. It can be warm, well-made, and better for the planet too. And worst case, if you really MUST wear something made with down – buy secondhand! Then you’re staying cozy without contributing to more cruelty.