This Earth Day, Stop Shopping Fast Fashion — and Switch to Our Favorite Sustainable Brands’ Long-lasting Pieces

Earth Day has arrived, and with it comes an opportunity to reflect on your buying habits so that you can begin to consume more consciously. If you have any trips on the horizon, you may still have some shopping to do in preparation, so we decided to make it a little bit easier to build out your dream travel wardrobe while being kinder to the planet. 

In honor of the annual event, keep reading to find the 10 eco-friendly brands we love to shop at for comfy travel clothing and gear — as well as our top pick from each. From the perfect flowy pants to wear during a long-haul flight (which you can find at Everlane), to the most supportive walking shoes made with recycled materials at Cariuma, these products prove that you can invest in your closet while minimizing your footprint on Mother Earth.

Everlane

Our Pick: The Easy Pant

Everlane has long prioritized using recycled and organic materials to create their high-quality, made-to-last clothing, securing them as a go-to source for sustainably made apparel that’s also travel-friendly. These lightweight and breathable pants are made from a cotton and elastane blend and feature a stretchy elastic waistband that ensures they’ll remain comfortable during even the longest flights. And while you can never go wrong with a good pair of black pants, they’re also available in six other neutral shades that you won’t want to miss out on for spring.

Cariuma

Our Pick: Oca Low Black Canvas

One of the primary pillars of the Cariuma brand is sustainability, and in fact, with every purchase of a pair of sneakers, the brand has vowed to plant two trees in Brazil as part of their reforestation initiative — so far, they’ve already planted more than 2 billion trees. It’s this attention and care for the planet that should convince you to pick up a pair of the organic cotton Oca Low canvas sneakers that thousands of shoppers (and celebs) swear by. They’re effortlessly comfortable, easy to style, and even come in 24 bold colors and patterns.

Cozy Earth

Our Pick: Rib-Knit Hoodie

This Oprah-loved brand creates all of its products — from sheets to lounge sets — with responsibly sourced material that’s ethically made, all while designing pieces that are built to last. So, if you’re looking to add a cozy layer to your travel wardrobe that’s sustainably made and unbelievably soft, their Rib-Knit Hoodie is our top choice, and it’s even on sale for $117 right now thanks to the brand’s annual Mother’s Day Sale. The material on this cooling sweatshirt is viscose made from bamboo which provides an effortless drapey fit, and it’s available in four sleek shades, with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.

Pact

Our Pick: Woven Twill Utility Joggers

Pact prioritizes using eco-friendly textiles in their comfy pieces that are practically designed for long travel days, and they’re even Fair Trade Certified, meaning that their factories are guaranteed to offer safe working conditions for those making your clothing. If you’ve been on the hunt for pants that you can wear from sightseeing excursions to running errands (and everything in between), these utility joggers are the perfect choice, and right now they’re on major sale, bringing the price down to just $54. Plus, if you want a closer look at the sustainability stats, the site even outlines that the organic cotton these pants are made of saves 62 gallons of water, and boasts nearly 20 pounds of carbon emission offset.

Baggu

Our Pick: Horizontal Duck Bag

Sustainability is at the forefront of Baggu’s brand ethos, as they strive to reduce fabric waste while utilizing recycled materials to create the everyday bags that we know and love. The brand’s Horizontal Duck Bag is one of our top picks as it’s made from recycled cotton canvas that creates a durable feel, while the spacious yet foldable design is easy to pack into your carry-on for an extra bag to use during your travels. Adjustable straps mean it can be worn as a crossbody or a shoulder bag, while a zipper secures your belongings within to ward off potential theft.

Veja

Our Pick: Volley Canvas White Black

Clothing and other textile waste is a major issue in the age of overconsumption, and Veja proposes one solution to this concern by making their comfy and supportive sneakers out of recycled plastic bottles and other materials, resulting in a sustainable and reliable product. The brand’s Volley Canvas sneaker is a top choice to shop this spring as the upper is made from 100 percent organic cotton, while supportive (and sustainably made) insoles provide comfort for all-day wear. Plus, they’re a nice twist on the classic white sneaker that will still match nearly everything you have in your suitcase. 

Cotopaxi

Our Pick: Moda 20L Backpack

From partnering with reliable and ethical factories to working with sustainable, recycled fabrics, Cotopaxi is a leader in environmentally friendly outdoor gear, so you can snag a backpack, duffel, or even apparel that works for you and the earth. The 20L Moda Backpack is currently on sale for just $69 and is made from a mix of recycled nylon and polyester to secure its title as eco-conscious. Plus, a large primary compartment, breathable mesh back paneling, and a variety of other easy-access pockets all make packing for your travels a breeze.

Quince

Our Pick: Mongolian Cashmere Batwing Sweater

Quince aims to reduce the use of unnecessary plastic in their shipping methods while also creating long-lasting pieces made from environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton in order to lessen their carbon footprint. Those factors in combination with competitive prices that are a fraction of traditional retailers mean you can’t go wrong with anything you choose from the site. The brand’s Mongolian Cashmere Batwing Sweater is at the top of our shopping list for spring as the flowy design will make for the most gorgeous layering piece to tuck into your carry-on during a long-haul flight, and with seven jewel-toned and neutral shades to choose from, we can’t blame you if you pick up more than one. Best of all, it’s lightweight, breathable, and ethically produced.

Girlfriend Collective

Our Pick: Monaco Float Ultralight Leggings

Girlfriend Collective strives to do everything it can to build a sustainable and eco-friendly business, starting with 100 percent recycled and recyclable packaging and extending to the recycled materials from which they make their clothing. In fact, in an effort to reuse plastics, the brand even makes a large portion of its apparel from old water bottles to keep that material out of landfills. If you’re making your first purchase from Girlfriend Collective, you can’t go wrong with these lightweight leggings that boast sizes ranging from 2XS to 6XL in four gorgeous colors. They’re sweat-wicking and quick-drying, making them ideal for tough workout days and walking tours alike.

Patagonia

Our Pick: Women’s R1 CrossStrata Jacket

It’s no secret that Patagonia is one of the most beloved (and sustainable) outdoor gear brands, from its use of recycled materials to its animal welfare policies, and the creation of high-quality products that won’t soon need to be replaced or otherwise end up in a landfill. In fact, the brand is even focusing on utilizing regenerative practices starting with soil in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while formulating top-notch gear. Right now, the Women’s R1 CrossStrata Jacket has caught our eye while it’s on sale for an impressive 50 percent off, as it’s made with a breathable yet cozy fleece to provide insulation during your spring hiking and camping endeavors. Not to mention that it’s even made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, so you don’t have to worry about contributing to inhumane working conditions with your shopping habits.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.