Ethical Outdoor Clothing Brands in the USA

Exploring the outdoors should go hand-in-hand with protecting it. Ethical outdoor clothing brands in the USA are leading the way by combining ethical outdoor clothing brands USA performance with responsible production. From eco-friendly fabrics to fair labor practices, these American companies are proving that you don’t have to sacrifice your values to gear up for adventure.

What Makes a Brand Ethical?

Ethical outdoor clothing brands focus on:

• Sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics
• Fair labor practices including safe working conditions and fair wages
• Environmental stewardship through conservation initiatives and low-impact manufacturing
• Transparency about sourcing, production, and business practices

Why Ethical Clothing Matters

Outdoor clothing made ethically:

• Protects people and the planet
• Supports responsible business
• Lasts longer and performs better
• Aligns with eco-conscious lifestyles

By supporting ethical brands, you're investing in more than gear — you're investing in the future of the outdoors.

Top Ethical Outdoor Clothing Brands in the USA

1. Patagonia

Headquartered in California, Patagonia sets the gold standard for ethical and sustainable outdoor wear. They use recycled fabrics, support Fair Trade, and give 1% of sales to environmental causes.

2. Outerknown

Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, this brand blends sustainability with coastal style. Their outdoor basics use organic and recycled materials and ensure ethical supply chains.

3. prAna

Based in California, prAna creates activewear and travel clothing with Fair Trade and eco-friendly certifications. Their packaging is also 100% plastic-free.

4. United By Blue

For every product sold, they remove one pound of trash from waterways. Their stylish outdoor gear is made from organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester.

5. REI Co-op

While not exclusively ethical, REI champions sustainability, fair labor, and climate action through its own product lines and co-op structure.

How to Shop Ethically for Outdoor Gear

• Look for certifications: Such as Fair Trade, GOTS, and bluesign®
• Research the brand’s mission: See how transparent they are about sourcing
• Choose quality over quantity: Invest in pieces that last
• Support local: Smaller U.S. brands often have strong ethical values

Final Thoughts

Ethical outdoor clothing brands in the USA make it easy to enjoy nature without harming it. With stylish, high-performance gear rooted in sustainable practices, these companies are helping adventurers make conscious choices — one jacket, hoodie, or pair of boots at a time