It feels great to wear clothing that pertains to your values as an eco-conscious consumer. But have you ever considered that your favorite eco-friendly jacket that keeps you dry during your adventures might have something more to it?
Behind the fabrics and zippers of performance apparel lies a complicated environmental story. These apparel can be great to take with you on trails and slopes, but they may come with substantial ecological footprints. Things that extend way beyond the emissions from their manufacturing. It’s not easy to find good quality, legit performance jackets that are sustainably manufactured with sustainably sourced or organic materials.
Americans purchase outdoor garments worth hundreds of millions annually. Many of those buyers focus on features and fit while overlooking the environmental impact of their choices. This oversight happens not through indifference but through lack of information. Just a little digging is all it takes to make choices that align with both your performance needs and environmental values.
The PFAS Problem
One of the main issues faced by the performance apparel industry is chemical dependency. Waterproof jackets typically require per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are synthetic chemicals that give the garment certain specific properties like repelling water and releasing oil and stains. Called “forever chemicals”, PFAS do not break down naturally. Instead, they accumulate in the environment and even human bodies. The chemicals may cause liver damage, lead to thyroid diseases, increase cholesterol levels, and weaken immune systems. This doesn’t mean everyone wearing garments made with PFAS is affected. But there is harm in the use.
Studies found facts alarming enough for states to start taking action. California’s ban on PFAS in textiles came into effect on January 1, 2025. The state’s new Assembly Bill prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of only new garments containing regulated PFAS within the state. Emphasis on “new garments” and “regulated PFAS”. Colorado took this seriously last year by implementing a phased ban on intentionally added PFAS in all consumer products. New York did the same and announced stricter limits and restrictions in the following years.
All these regulations signal a monumental shift in the industry, forcing manufacturers to innovate or risk losing access to major markets.
Validating the Legitimacy of Ethical Claims
Greenwashing runs rampant in apparel marketing, both in retail and wholesale markets. Many retail businesses and some manufacturers use terms like “eco-friendly” and “green” across packaging. And not a lot of people wonder if the claims are legit. The ones that make the claim do not substantiate them either. For buyers of sustainable apparel, it’s become vital to learn how to separate genuine sustainability from marketing fluff.
If it matters to you, your investigations can begin with certifications. Fortunately, there are legitimate certifications that make things easier.
- Bluesign® certified: Products meet strict safety and environmental standards throughout production.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Guarantees organic status and responsible manufacturing practices.
- Fair Trade Certified™: Confirms fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in all components of the garment.
- PFC-Free certification: Verifies the absence of perfluorinated chemicals (part of the PFAS family).
These certifications require rigorous third-party verification, which means they can’t be purchased or faked without consequences. If ethical shopping is what you want, these certifications are your guideposts. Still, there are wholesale performance apparel and outerwear brands that do not have certifications but stay on the right course. North End is a great example. North End jackets now come in a few new styles that use recycled materials, notably lightweight jackets and anoraks. The same goes for Core 365 jackets – another popular category in the wholesale outerwear market. The brands don’t claim to be fully eco-friendly but they offer pieces that meet sustainability standards at least a little.
Recycled materials are doing good for the planet too, no matter how little.
The Fabric of Sustainability
The materials in your jacket play a role in the garment’s environmental impact.
- Recycled polyester transforms plastic bottles into technical fabrics, diverting waste from landfills. The extraction of petroleum resources will be far less now.
- Organic cotton requires 91% less water than conventional cotton and eliminates toxic pesticides. Though not inherently waterproof, it works well as shell material with appropriate treatments.
- Hemp grows quickly without pesticides and improves soil health. This ancient fiber creates durable fabrics that get softer with wear.
- PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments provide water resistance without harmful PFAS chemicals. That’s one major advancement in sustainable performance wear.
Brand Accountability
Truly sustainable performance outerwear might very well be a myth. But it wouldn’t be wrong to just appreciate the effort. Not without questions, however, like:
- Can the manufacturing brand trace materials back to their sources?
- Do these brands help extend product life through repairs?
- Do the brands offer recycling programs for worn-out gear?
- Do they address emissions they can’t eliminate?
You may not hear the answer you expect every time though. Even if they don’t offer repairs or recycling programs, they are still contributing. That’s a good start. Companies that address these questions openly typically demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. Consumers can contribute too. Extending a garment’s lifespan by just nine months reduces its environmental impact considerably.
Many brands recommend care tips to extend the life of their apparel.
- Re-apply DWR treatments when water stops beading
- Store properly during off-seasons
- Repair small damages promptly before they worsen
- Wash only when necessary, not routinely
These simple practices keep performance features functional while extending the useful life of outerwear.
The Price of Progress
Ethical manufacturing costs more. Sustainable apparel too, genuine or not. Living wages, responsible waste management, and sustainable materials increase production expenses. The sticker shock on eco-friendly performance wear reflects these realities. Cost-per-wear, however, does favor sustainable options often. A $200 sustainable jacket lasting five years costs less per use than a $80 fast-fashion option needing replacement after a few months.
Final Thoughts
Every purchase sends a market signal. With more American consumers choosing sustainable performance wear, the entire industry is encouraged to shift toward better practices. This collective consumer pressure has already motivated legacy brands to even clean up their supply chains.
The PFAS regulations in California, Colorado, and New York didn’t materialize from anywhere—they resulted from consumer awareness and demand for safer products. We can expect the line between performance and ethics in performance apparel to get thinner sooner rather than later.
So next time you shop for performance wear, remember that your choice can have a profound impact that can potentially shape an industry at a crossroads. Choose wisely, choose ethically, and enjoy the adventure knowing your outfit reflects your values.