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24 Feb

19 More Ethical and Sustainable Vests To Rock Year Round

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On the hunt for some performance-based or everyday ethical and sustainable vests? Discover our roundup of the best seasonless and sustainable vests around. 

Staple more sustainable vests for layering

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we’re living in The Renaissance of the Vest. A relic of the ‘90s, the vest has truly come back in all forms. While they continue to be worn as practical base-layers, enveloping our torsos in some much-needed warmth during the colder months, they have also been making an appearance as fresh streetwear—coming in all shapes and styles, including puffer, knitted, and even (vegan) leather.

As always, we don’t recommend shopping based on fleeting trends. But if you’re looking to invest in a chic, new practical staple for your curated wardrobe, look no further.

To help you do just that, below you can find a special list of 19 of our favourite vests with brands divided between performance and style. First up in the style category, we’ve got Mother of Pearl (UK) serving subtly feminine and chic classic vests in neutral colours. Also a must-see is the swathe of utilitarian style vests including one by Dedicated (Sweden). Finally, before wrapping up, check out a few puffy performance vests including a shining gold one by one of our faves, Girlfriend Collective (US).

With that, happy browsing.

Stylish vests

Baukjen

Rated: Good

Bella Recycled Wool Knitted Vest – Ships internationally from the UK

Dependable, versatile, and timeless. Not to be confused for a tank top, the Bella Vest is a desirably slouchy and contemporary spin on knitwear. Made from recycled wool, this clever layer allows you to show off your favourite blouses. Find more from this London based brand in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Baukjen.

Mother of Pearl

Rated: Good

Paige Beige Vest – Ships internationally from the UK

Subtly feminine and chic, the Paige Beige Vest looks great when layered over any white blouse. Mother of Pearl is a more sustainable and ethical luxury womenswear and accessories designer brand from the UK that celebrates individuality and authenticity. The brand uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials including organic cotton and ensures the payment of a living wage across some of its supply chain. Find most products in UK sizes 6 to 16.

See the rating.

Shop Mother of Pearl.

Shop Mother of Pearl @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop Mother of Pearl Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Boyish

Rated: Good

The Milo Vest – Ships internationally from the US

Made from OCS-certified organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell, a natural raw material from responsibly produced eucalyptus trees, the Milo Vest is a modern take on a classic look. This cropped vest comes in a neutral eco-wash with novelty buttons in the front and is easily layered with a classic turtleneck or button-up shirt. Find sizes 2XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Boyish.

Armedangels

Rated: Great

WESTAA Undyed Vest – Ships internationally from Germany

Knitted with love and organic cotton, Armedangels’ WESTAA undyed vest is perfect for any occasion. Germany’s Armedangels gets a “Great” rating overall from us. The brand covers all the basics for women, men, and kids. An added bonus, Armedangels also adopted the Fair Wear Foundation Code of Conduct to protect its workers abroad. Its products are available in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Armedangels.

Shop Armedangels @ Earthkind.

Another Tomorrow

Rated: Good

Sleeveless Vest – Ships internationally from the US

Made from soft merino wool sourced right from the farm, Another Tomorrow’s Sleeveless Vest is a timeless must-have. This luxury brand is created for the compassionate global citizen seeking elevated, thoughtful design, community, and tools for advocacy. Find the range in US sizes 0-14.

See the rating.

Shop Another Tomorrow.

Know The Origin

Rated: Great

Hanakotoba Organic Cotton Blazer Vest – Ships internationally from the UK

Lightweight and modern, this ethically sourced vest is perfect for all seasons. Style it with your favourite trousers and soft blouse for an effortless fit. KTO is committed to a 100% transparent production process. Find the range in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Know The Origin.

Wuxly Movement

Rated: Good
two images of person in vest by Wuxly

Creemore Vest – Ships internationally from Canada

Get the Creemore Vest for that relaxed, utility look with the comfort of recycled fleece made of post-consumer plastic bottles. Wuxly Movement is a Canadian brand that produces outerwear designed to be a unique combination of tech-based and recycled materials for elite performance. Find the range in 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Wuxly Movement.

 

ZEROBARRACENTO

Rated: Good

EBI Camel Midi-Vest – Ships internationally from Italy

Offers

Someone wearing the long recycled wool coat by ZEROBARRACENTO.

ZEROBARRACENTO – White Recycled Wool Long Overcoat

When it comes to winter fashion, choose this versatile and elegant white recycled wool coat, made in Italy using high-quality recycled wool. Exclusive 25% off the White Recycled Wool Long Overcoat with code -25WHITE0/100XGOOD. (Ends: 16 JUN)

Checkout code: -25WHITE0/100XGOOD
Shop now
People wearing the soft short recycled wool coat by ZEROBARRACENTO.

ZEROBARRACENTO – Soft Short Recycled Wool Trench Coat

This warming trench coat is perfect for cooler weather. It comes in a stylish, gender-neutral gingham pattern and is made from recycled wool. Exclusive 25% off the Soft Short Recycled Wool Trench Coat with code -25WHITE0/100XGOOD. (Ends: 16 MAY)

Checkout code: -25WHITE0/100XGOOD
Shop now
People wearing denim pieces by Zerobarracento

ZEROBARRACENTO – Denim

Explore this collection of lower-waste outerwear pieces, crafted with GRS certified recycled cotton denim and cotton. Exclusive 30% off with code -30DENIM0/100XGOOD. (Ends: 3 MAY)

Checkout code: -30DENIM0/100XGOOD
Shop now

ZEROBARRACENTO is an Italian brand that creates zero-waste silhouettes that celebrate the personality of those who wear it. The EBI is no exception. Made from 100% recycled camel, it is a timeless and gender-neutral piece for transitional weather. You can find most pieces in sizes S to L.

See the rating.

Shop ZEROBARRACENTO.

L’Envers

Rated: Good

L’Envers x La Réunion Sweater – Ships internationally from Spain

Made from 100% pure Spanish merino wool, this beautifully crafted vest is perfect for all seasons. L’Envers’ mission is to design fewer pieces made in a better way. Specialising in knitwear, this Spanish brand believes in mindful, careful, and slow consumption, offering timeless editions guided by more sustainable materials. You can find the knitted collection in sizes XS to XL, or even customise your own piece.

See the rating.

Shop L’Envers.

wunderwerk

Rated: Good

Long Coat Vest in Old Navy – Ships within Europe from Germany

Hard to find, but easy to keep. This more sustainable long vest is a capsule wardrobe essential and is made of 100% organic wool. It features classic blazer elements such as a lapel collar and flap pockets to create an attractive contrast to the sleeveless, long shape. Paired with a plain shirt and jeans, it instantly adds style. You can find most pieces in sizes XS to L.

See the rating.

Shop wunderwerk.

Performance vests

pinqponq

Rated: Great

Unisex Fleece Gilet – Ships to Europe from Germany

If you’re going for something more performance-like, we’ve got you covered. This is cosiness on a new level: the teddy fleece vests are absolute must-haves in these times when we are mainly at home or in nature. The high collar protects against wind and the chest pockets protect your belongings. Find pieces in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop pinqponq.

Culthread

Rated: Great
images of person in Arundel Vest in Midnight Black with Orange lining

Arundel Vest – Ships to Europe from the UK

Incredibly soft to the touch, and light as a feather to wear, the Arundel Puffer Vest is the newest offering from Culthread. It is made from rescued designer dead-stock fabric, post-consumer recycled plastic insulation and as with all pieces from Culthread, 100% vegan. It comes with a rain proof shell and removable hood to keep you dry, and plenty of pockets to boot. Wear the love, find pieces in XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Culthread.

Shop Culthread @ Immaculate Vegan.

Patagonia

Rated: Good

Down Sweater Vest Classic in Navy – Ships internationally from the US

The perfect warmth for just about everything, Patagonia’s classic Down Sweater Vest is lightweight and windproof with a 100% recycled polyester shell and filled with Advanced Global Traceable Down. As always, Patagonia has strong labour rights and uses recycled, rather than virgin, polyester. It has also committed to reducing its energy use and emissions, and stocks sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Patagonia @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Patagonia Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Patagonia Kids Pre-Owned @ Retykle.

Shop Patagonia.

Dedicated

Rated: Great

Quilted Vest Avesta Black – Ships internationally from Sweden

Looking for a utilitarian streetwear look? Dedicated can definitely help you out. This quilted vest is lightweight, sleek, and made of GRS certified recycled polyester. Dedicated only uses 100% organic cotton in its production and most is Fairtrade-certified, which means that you don’t have to sacrifice your ethics to dress in style. Find the clothes in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Dedicated.

Shop Dedicated @ Curate.

Shop Dedicated @ Earthkind.

Frankie

Rated: Good

Rework Adidas Puffer Vest – Ships internationally from Canada

Hello, upcycling. This Rework Vest is a knock-out, created from patchwork windbreaker jacket pieces once insulated. Canadian brand Frankie Collective is dedicated to innovating women’s streetwear while setting a standard for sustainability in the fashion industry. It takes inspiration from ‘90s staples and reworks vintage garments to push the boundaries of contemporary style. Find most items in sizes XS to 2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Frankie.

Girlfriend Collective

Rated: Good

Gold Everyone Puffer Vest – Ships internationally from the US

The pinnacle of more responsible streetwear. GF Collective is making practical layering look oh-so effortless these days. This Gold Everyone genderless puffer vest is no exception, featuring an outer shell made from 100% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and full zip-up collar. The brand uses better materials like recycled polyester as well as low-impact non-toxic dyes and is fully Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. Inclusively sized Girlfriend Collective offers products from 2XS-6XL.

See the rating.

Shop Girlfriend Collective @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Girlfriend Collective.

Presca

Rated: Good
two images of gilet/vest by Presca

Core Collection Gold Gilet – Ships internationally from the UK

Presca is an activewear label that designs and manufactures high performance sportswear with sustainability in mind. This UK-based brand is on a mission to take back materials which were polluting the planet and redesign them into performance sportswear that is built to last. Find the range in inclusive sizes 2XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Presca.

Houdini

Rated: Good

W’s Trail Vest – Ships within Europe from Sweden

Ultra-light and made for high intensity activities, the Trail Vest by Houdini is everything you could want and more. This more sustainable vest is wind resistant, highly breathable, and even recyclable. Find the range in sizes 2XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Houdini.

Cotopaxi

Rated: Good

Women’s Fuego Down Vest – Ships within the US

Good base layers are essential, and Cotopaxi knows just what you’ll need. Blending responsibly sourced, water-resistant down with a streamlined design, the brand’s Fuego Vest is the perfect outer and midlayer in one. Even better, this more sustainable vest features RDS-certified down along with two interior stash pockets for all your everyday essentials. Find pieces in sizes S-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Cotopaxi.

That’s all, folks. We hope this guide provided some insight on how to stay stylish without needing to sacrifice your morals in the process.

Editor's note

Feature image via Armedangels, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. We love to recommend some of the best more sustainable brands, rated “Good” or “Great”. We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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