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Cold-weather Clothing
Started
by holyveggies
on December 5, 2009
Finding affordable and efficient coldweather clothing and accessories
I'm having a really hard time finding warm and affordable vegan coats/jackets/sweaters. I've been trying to layer my cotton clothing, but it's getting harder and harder to do. I know wool and down are out of the picture, but any thoughts about buying those kinds of items from a thrift store? I kind of feel like it's cheating, but I wanted to know what some other vegans out there thought.
Any help would be appreciated!
To be honest, I would always rather give something a second life than buy it new. I figure the energy has already been used to produce, ship, package, etc. it and I don't want to promote the use of our very limited resources for newer and newer things. That being said, I still avoid something as blatant as a leather jacket, second hand or not, but if I find a fine thrift store wool sweater...well...all bets are (generally) off.
I just gave a leather jacket that I refused to wear to someone that didn't own a jacket. I just can't think about wearing leather anymore. I do love the alternativeappearal website for organic tees and cute basics though.
Yeah! Go thrift!
I totally still wear all the leather and wool that I've always had in my closet. I know, I know... some people may be disturbed. And really, I understand totally. But, on the other hand.... my leather belt, my leather purse tote thing, my leather frye boots are three things that will NEVER be thrown away as they will never fall into disrepair.
I'm an advocate of never buying anything unless you plan to have/use it until it is in disrepair.
Also, a lot of synthetic fibers are pretty energy intensive to create.
A vegan choice is ALWAYS the more compassionate choice, but if I find a quality item that I need for second-hand and its not vegan, I might go for it.
But that's just me...
Patagonia sells GREAT synthetic "down" jackets. As do many other outdoor companies.. patagonia is a really great ethical company though. They track everything they do to be more sustainable and more ethical!
Try going to a thrift shop first though, and see if you can't find a gently used coat though.
I second the patagonia jackets. Also, You don't need down at all, there are some really good thin insulation jackets. I've noticed that a lot of good outdoors companies are very conscious of the environment for obvious reasons like The North Face, marmot, columbia, mountain hardwear, etc. I hve a great burton jacket that is really cute, with polyestor insulation (best for warmth and reducing bulk), has a really fuzzy liner around the neck wich is warm like faux fur but doesn't look like it, more like a teddy bear. I work at a ski store so I don't know much about regular clothing coats.
Also, for really cold weather get patagonia's capaline long underwear. It is so warm and comfy and made from recycled polyestor which you can return to the store to recycle when you are done!
yes, this is a ongoing problem! vaute couture has made some great vegan coats but they are very expensive.
I am in the same boat as I am in the DC area and need nice warm clothes for work. Even my usual stores like Target are making all their sweaters out of wool these days!!! Sometimes you really can't find appropriate clothes at my local thrift shop...any suggestions on where to shop would be great!
ps. not too pricey either...thnx!
hi ladies. landsend used to have a faux shearling line that is really comfortable. does the fake-shearling gross you out? i'm not sure about this part of it. but my mom bought me a coat from them that had no wool in it and it was great. maybe they are worth checking out? cheers.
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