Whether you’re hoping to (somewhat) blend with locals as you weave in through the streets of a foreign city, itching to embody a tropical destination with some extra-colorful attire, or preparing to bundle up in the frozen north, one thing’s for sure:
When we travel, we all dress a little differently than when we’re at home.
And it’s not just for practical purposes. Sure, it’s important to show up prepared for outdoor excursions, for the weather, and (ideally) not have to iron anything you pull out of your suitcase. But dressing differently is also part of the adventure of travel – it’s about stepping outside of your “normal”, trying new things, and deciding what you want to bring home to your daily life!
But as an eco-conscious traveler, shopping for sustainable travel clothes adds an extra challenge to the chaos of trip planning.
That’s why we put this list together!
In this article, you’ll find sustainable ways to rent or buy the perfect travel clothes for any of our Yoga Adventures (and by extension, just about any type of vacation you’ll ever want to take!)
Rent Your Chic Duds With These Sustainable Services
Sometimes, you just know you won’t wear that bold-printed maxi dress or button-down sun shirt ever again.
Luckily, a wide variety of clothing rental options are available today and some have special travel offerings.
Renting clothes for vacation keeps the ‘fast fashion’ landfill drama (this Boston University study is a waste-and-inequality eye opener) out of your travel plans. You won’t be the first or last person to wear the clothes you rent, and because these services include professional cleaning and packaging, you’ll never know the difference (but the landfills will).
A few mouse clicks and some fun web-window shopping means tech-y travelers can break this cycle and look posh doing it… sweet!
Trvl Porter
Trvl Porter is unique among clothing rental companies in that it’s completely travel focused. When you create your profile, they don’t just ask the usual clothing-service questions, like how old you are and what styles you prefer. They also ask where you’re going.
Trvl Porter’s stylists take inspiration from the trends at your destination and have lots of fashionable brands in their portfolio, making this a great option for urban destinations and culture-focused trips.
Nuuly
As one of the best-known clothing rental services, Nuuly has a commitment to sustainability and hand-picked pages full of vacation clothes, including collections for beach trips, air-travel days, and more.
Headed somewhere more chilly? Nuuly has outerwear and sweater collections, too.
But if you’re in need of proper adventure attire (we’re talking hikes, water sports, or maybe a jaunt on the tundra), you may need to look beyond rental services…
Adventure Sustainably with Used Outdoor Gear
We all know the feeling: you thought you had the right stuff for your big adventure, only to find out that your water shoes aren’t tour-guide approved, or your jacket isn’t waterproof.
Buying used outdoor gear for adventure travel will save you a pretty penny and you can turn around and sell it to the next adventurer when you’re back!
REI Resupply
Popular outdoor retailer REI is known for their generous trade-in policy… A win-win for the prior owners of gently used gear and apparel, and for you!
In REI’s Resupply store, you’ll find athleisure, technical adventure apparel, adventure shoes, bags and more. Filter by brand, size, and activity… and try not to stray too far from your shopping list.
Geartrade
Geartrade is the leading independent platform for adventurous people buying and selling used outdoor gear. Their database of available clothing, shoes and gear is prolific, easy to search, and always changing.
Plus, if you’re buying gear for a one-time adventure, you can return it to Geartrade as a seller and give your piece yet another lease on life.
Sustainable Travel Clothes: Our Top 5 Brands
Dressing for travel is all about easy-to-wear, practical staples you love. Sometimes, buying new IS the way to go.
Make your travel wardrobe sustainable (for yourself AND the planet!) with these 5 brands that prioritize quality craftsmanship, versatile and necessary items, and eco-friendly business.
Wayre
Wayre specializes in travel staples – think comfortable trousers or adaptable button-ups in simple colors that are easy to mix and match. For extra eco-friendly points (and savings) check out their secondhand “Rewayre” section
Wayre uses only recycled and sustainable materials, minimizes water and energy use and delivers everything to you in an easy-to-recycle mailer.
Epoque Evolution
Founded by a fashion designer determined to do better for the planet, Epoque Evolution makes sustainable, no-nonsense, packable clothes fashionable. Or maybe they make fashion packable and sustainable? Either way, we’re here for it.
For second-hand options, check out the “Revived” section of their site.
Pact
Pact specializes in organic, fair trade cotton clothes for men and women. If you’re all about basics when you travel (think tees, tanks, and lightweight shorts), this is a great place to stock up.
Coalatree
If lots of hiking, biking, or other outdoor activities are on your travel itinerary, Coalatree is an excellent option. You’ll find sustainable travel clothes for men and women that can be worn in the great outdoors or the city.
Coalatree’s standout sustainability commitment? A fabric made of coffee grounds. We’ll defer to them for details.
United by Blue
For every item sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways.
They offer mens and women’s board shorts, jackets, sweaters, helpful travel accessories like warm socks and hats – and more!
Oh, and they have a unique insulating material made of reclaimed bison wool.
The Pack Up…
Buying or renting travel clothes with sustainability in mind is one of those small actions that makes a big difference. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true: each little ripple can turn into a tsunami. Buying sustainably or renting and reselling for those one-off big adventures keeps the clothes in motion and out of those stinky, gross and far far too big landfills.