Wool Cycling Wear For Bike Commuters

Does the idea of making that chilly morning commute dressed in wool leave you scratching like a sheep in need of a haircut?  Think again. Gone are the days of itchy wool clothing. Merino wool is not only durable, but soft and comfortable. It’s the best natural material for wicking moisture away from the skin and keeping your body temperature regulated during the cold months and is cooler than cotton if the temperatures start to rise. With those unpredictable temperatures right around the corner, here are some great products to keep you prepared and looking good.

Wool Arm Warmers from Ibex

Ibex Wool Arm Warmer

Ibex is an outdoor clothing company specializing in top-quality Merino wool. Based out of Vermont, the founder and employees bike to work themselves, so they know how to keep warm. Made of 83.6% New Zealand Merino Wool and nylon and spandex for durability and snug fit, these arm warmers are the perfect cold weather accessory. The best part is when you get to your destination, you can just slip them off and roll them up in your bag. Made in USA. Machine washable. Comes in S, M, and L.

The Ibex Wool Arm Warmer is sold  on Amazon for $25-40.

The Merino Wool Cycling Cap from Pace Sportswear

Pace Wool Cycling Cap

Pace Sportswear, an innovator in cycling caps, has provided products for bike shops and racing teams, including Campagnolo.  This version of their popular cycling cap is not only all-natural, but is also made with a 5-panel dome to cover both your neck and ears. Keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while absorbing moisture to ensure you stay dry and odor-free. The color scheme makes for a retro style and is also reversible. Made in USA. Machine washable. One size fits all.

Sells for $45.00 at Amazon.

The Ibex Men‘s Commuter Shak Full Zipping Jersey

Ibex Commuter Shak Full Zipping Jersey

Another selection from Ibex, this cycling jacket, though a bit more pricey than most, will ultimately be a better investment for the eco-conscious commuter. Most of the wool cycling jackets on the market are less than 50% wool, but the Ibex is 100% Merino wool from New Zealand. This one also comes with two zippered back pockets convenient for holding your cell phone or keys.  Reviews on the Ibex website came in at a 4.7 out of 5. Made in USA. Machine washable. Also comes in black, red, and lava brown. Men’s sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL.

The Ibex Commuter Shak Full Zipping Jersey sells for $175.00 at Ibex.

Cycling Gloves by Hincapie Sportswear

Hincapie Cycling Gloves

The Hincapie Family including George Hincapie, Tour de France cyclist, got into the cycling clothing business by launching Hincapie Sportswear back in 2002. Their clothing and accessory line has received rave reviews. These Merino wool gloves offer non-skid silicone grippers and a stretch to fit design. They will leave you itch-free as you grip those handlebars on your way to work. Made in USA. One size fits all.

The Hincapie Cycling Gloves retail for $24.99.

SmartWool PHD Cycling Light Mini Socks

SmartWool PHD Cycling Light Mini Socks

Finally, don’t neglect your feet. SmartWool, a company started by some New England Ski instructors, makes some of the best reviewed socks for outdoor wear.  Again, those New Englanders know about meshing warmth with comfort. They wanted the warmth of a wool sock without the itchy foot syndrome. They’ve got every kind of wool sock you could want, from the funky stripes to the more subdued colors if you’re off to work. These particular ones offer a 4-degree fit system to ensure a secure grip around ankles and prevent bunching. Also features mesh zones for ventilation and cushioning for shock and abrasion. Unisex. Made in USA. Machine washable.

The SmartWool PHD Cycling Light Mini Sock can be found at Amazon for $15.95.

Organic Men's Summer Clothing

Looking sharp while beating the heat is only half the battle when it comes to choosing summer clothing.  Many of us like to choose clothes and fabrics that are as healthy as possible, both for ourselves and for the environment.

Here are some of our top picks for men’s organic summer clothing.  You can feel good about reducing potential toxins in your closet as well as the environmental footprint of your wardrobe – and look good while doing it.

Prana Ombre Fade Stripe Shirt

Prana Ombre Fade Stripe Shirt

With its roots in rock climbing and yoga gear, Prana has long blended technical performance with sustainable production techniques.  The Ombre Fade Stripe Shirt offers a regular fit for comfort and warm-weather ventilation.  The dobby-texture organic cotton fabric is blended with polyester to give added durability and wrinkle-resistance, and a front button pocket is perfect for securing small items on the go.  The shirt is available in blue, green, or orange stripe designs.

You can find the Prana Ombre Fade Stripe Shirt at Amazon for $43.00.

Icebreaker Kent Polo Shirt

Icebreaker Kent Merino Polo Shirt

Another great option for a summer shirt is the Icebreaker Kent Polo.  The lightweight, superfine merino wool fabric has excellent breathability in hot weather, and it’s naturally odor-resistant.  The slim cut 3-button design is perfect for social or casual office wear.

Note:  Although the wool fabric in the Kent Polo isn’t certified organic, Icebreaker strives for sustainable manufacturing practices throughout the production cycle of its products.  And sustainably-produced wool can be a great alternative to cotton, since even organic cotton requires substantial water resources during its production.

The Icebreaker Kent Polo Shirt is available for $94.99 at Amazon.

REI Organic Merino Wool Light Hiking Mini Crew II Socks

REI Organic Merino Wool Light Hiking Mini Crew II Socks

Merino wool has terrific natural temperature-regulation and moisture-wicking properties.  The organic wool used in REI’s Light Hiking Mini Crew II Socks is combined with recycled nylon and polyester yarns for durability, and the socks receive a chlorine-free shrink resistance treatment to help them fit properly after repeated washings.

The REI Organic Merino Wool Light Hiking Mini Crew II Socks are available from REI for $10.50.

Topo Ranch Organic Cotton T-Shirt

Topo Ranch Organic Cotton T-Shirt

Topo Ranch is a small, sustainably-minded company that has attracted a loyal following of low-key cool cats and celebrities alike.  They currently have just two retail locations (in Venice, CA and Boulder, CO), but thanks to the magic of online ordering anyone can sport their funky western-inspired designs.  These super-soft, 100% organic cotton T-shirts come in a huge variety of colors and styles.

Most Topo Ranch organic t-shirt designs retail for $39.  You can browse all the different options at the Topo Ranch website.

Patagonia Compound Organic Cotton Cargo Shorts

Patagonia Compound Organic Cotton Cargo Shorts

Patagonia is no stranger to sustainably-produced clothing, and they deliver again with the Compound Cargo Short.  100% organic cotton ripstop fabric is durable for active use, and the relaxed style is perfect for traveling or summertime hangin’.  The shorts offer a regular fit with a 12-inch inseam, and plenty of storage thanks to the side cargo pockets.

The Patagonia Compound Organic Cotton Cargo Shorts are available from Amazon for $55.25.

Ecoland Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs

Ecoland Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs

Ecoland’s boxer briefs are constructed of 95% organic cotton, with 5% spandex added in for stretch.  Even the waistband is knit organic fabric, with no synthetic elastic.  The manufacturer promises sweatshop-free production, and even the packaging is derived from entirely recycled materials.  Reviewers on Amazon love the feel of the fabric, and they note that since the fit can be slightly full, buyers in between sizes may wish to choose the smaller option.

The Ecoland Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs are available for $17.50 from Amazon.

Simple D-Solve Organic Sneakers

Simple D-Solve Organic Sneakers

If you want to help preserve the Earth by choosing organic clothing, shouldn’t that include the part that actually touches the Earth?  Simple’s D-Solve shoes feature organic cotton uppers and laces, plus recycled-rubber soles.  And best of all, the EVA cushioning is infused with an additive to help them biodegrade in a landfill once they reach the end of their usable life.

The Simple D-Solve Organic Sneakers are available in a variety of colors at Amazon.  Prices range from $58.46 to $69.95.

Women's Wool Tops

As the summer approaches and the weather turns warmer, wool clothing is probably not something we’re rushing to stock up on. As it turns out, maybe we should be. Although scientists have tried to create the perfect fabric that will keep our bodies dry and cool — or warm — wool, a natural fiber, has been doing the job quite well for centuries. And wouldn’t you rather wear a natural fabric than a synthetic one anyway?

Wool is one of the most absorbent fibers and literally wicks moisture away from the body and releases it back into the air, which is why it is so great at keeping us super-warm in the winter. That same quality is also the reason it keeps us cool and dry in the summer. As a bonus, wool is often easy to clean because dirt sits on top of the fabric.

If your idea of fun isn’t going for your outdoor, summer run in a wool sweater, that’s no problem either. Several great companies have created women’s wool tops to keep you dry and comfortable no matter what the season.

I/O Bio Women’s Contact Top

Women's Wool Shirt: I/O Bio Women's Contact Top

While it might be rare to find a long-sleeve shirt with a sports bra built right in, the I/O Bio Women’s Contact Top makes that ideal a reality. Now, on a cold winter morning, you can throw on your pants, this top and be out the door — no sports bra required. Because it’s made from wool, this shirt ultra-efficient at keeping moisture away from the body.

You can buy the I/O Bio Women’s Contact Top at Amazon for $29.99.

Helly Hansen Women’s Ice Crew Top

Women's Wool Shirts: Helly Hansen Women's Ice Crew Top

If you love the idea of wool for its moisture-wicking abilities but can’t stand the thoughts of its texture against your skin, the Helly Hansen Women’s Ice Crew Top offers the perfect solution. While it is made of super fine merino wool, a layer of hollow core Lifa fibers lies underneath and is what actually touches your skin.

One Amazon reviewer wrote that the shirt kept her exceptionally dry and odor-free — even when she wore it for three days on a hiking trip — but cautioned to buy one size larger than you might normally wear.

This top is available at Amazon for $62.79.

Gordini Women’s Midweight 2-Layer Wool Long Sleeve Crew

Women's Wool Shirts: Gordini Women's Midweight 2-Layer Wool Long-Sleeve Crew

If you’re looking for wool you can throw in the washer and dryer, look no further than the Gordini Women’s Midweight 2-Layer Wool Long Sleeve Crew. Like other wool tops, this crew is moisture wicking, but the Gordini is also anti-microbial to reduce bacteria and odor.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $10.50.

I/O Bio Women’s Contact Racer Tank With Shelf Bra

Women's Wool Shirts: I/O Bio Women's Contact Racer Tank With Shelf Bra

Those other tops are great cold-weather wear, but what about summer? The I/O Bio Women’s Contact Racer Tank With Shelf Bra offers the same moisture-wicking abilities of the other wool tops with the added bonus of the slim-fitting, lightweight construction of similar cotton exercise tops. A built-in bra is also a major plus, as is the fact that the top is made of the softest merino wool, so it feels great against your skin.

This shirt is available from Amazon in a variety of fun, summery colors for $49.99.

Icebreaker Women’s Bodyfit150 Ultralite Short Sleeve Atlas T-Shirt

Women's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker Women's Bodyfit 150 Ultralite Short Sleeve Atlas T-Shirt

For slightly more coverage but the same ability to keep you cool and dry, the Icebreaker Women’s Bodyfit150 Ultralite Short Sleeve Atlas T-Shirt is a great wool, summer pick. It is made from the finest, featherweight merino, making it lightweight, odor-resistant and perfect for warm conditions. Flat seams prevent chafing.

This active top is available from Amazon for $44.99.

Icebreaker Superfine 200 Rio Hooded Vines Shirt

Women's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker Superfine 200 Rio Hooded Vines Shirt

For casual wear, traveling or any time you’re on the go, the Icebreaker Superfine 200 Rio Hooded Vines Shirt is the perfect choice to keep you cool, dry and comfortable. The wool fabric is wrinkle-resistant so you’ll still look great when you arrive. Plus, the hood adds a little something extra.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $109.95.

Icebreaker Women’s Tech T Lite Sunrise Shirt

Women's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker Women's Tech T Lite Sunrise Shirt

From a run on the beach to a day at the gym, the Icebreaker Women’s Tech T Lite Surise Shirt will keep you comfortable with the softest possible merino wool against your skin.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $64.95

Women's Organic Undergarments

Over the past several years, the organic movement has begun to gain steam in the United States. More and more people are buying into the idea that pesticides and good health don’t mix. If you are feeling good about the organic choices you’re making with your food, consider this: what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in them.

At the end of the day, our skin is still our biggest organ, and when we wear chemical-laden, synthetic fabrics, our skin can’t breathe properly and ends up absorbing the dangerous poisons that are used to produce what we are wearing.

If you’re going to go organic in just one area, doesn’t it make sense to start with the garments that are closest to your body? Fortunately, taking this step no longer involves settling for those often unattractive camping undies that are made for wearing days at at time. (Ew.) Check out these green and stylish organic finds.

Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Thong

Women's Organic Underwear: Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Thong

Hanky Panky is a brand that has long been loved by women looking for an ultra-comfortable, ultra-cute seamless panty. Now that the beloved brand has started making the Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Thong, fashion-minded women can go green without losing style (or having visible panty lines.)

This Hanky Panky is available at Amazon.

Hanky Panky Maternity Organic Cotton Thong

As if gaining 40-pounds isn’t enough, those huge, incredibly unattractive maternity panties are like adding insult to injury. Fortunately, Hanky Panky thought of the expecting gals too, making their classic thongs appropriate for that ever-expanding baby bump. They are make of organic cotton and come packaged in a BPA-free baby bottle, to boot.

Maternity Hanky Panky Thongs are available at Amazon, three pairs for $50.00

Ecoland Women’s Organic Cotton Hipster Underwear

Women's Organic Undergarments: Ecoland Women's Organic Cotton Underwear

If you’re more of a brief kind of girl, the Ecoland Organic Cotton Hipster Underwear gets rave reviews from Amazon raters for its incredible comfort and suitability for sensitive skin. The only complaint? It seems that these undies run a little small, so if you decide to buy, order a size up. On the bright side, they’re constructed of 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex and are made in a sweatshop-free factory. It’s a win-win!

These Hipsters are available from Amazon for $19.95 for a two-pack.

Blue Canoe Lace Cross-Over Bra

Women's Organic Underwear: Blue Canoe Lace Cross-Over Bra

Although it’s probably best for women who don’t need as much support, the Blue Canoe Lace Cross-Over Bra is made of comfy 90% organic cotton and 10% lycra and features a pull-on style. With lace trim and satin-finish elastic straps, it’s as pretty as it is eco-friendly.

This bra is available from Sierra Trading Post for $18.66.

Ecoland Organic Cotton Underwire Soft-Cup Bra

Women's Organic Underwear: Ecoland Organic Cotton Underwire Soft-Cup Bra

For the ladies who are well-endowed and need a bit more of a “real” bra, the Ecoland Organic Cotton Underwire Soft-Cup Bra might be just the ticket. Made from 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex, a non-metal wire and produced in a sweatshop-free factory, this bra hits all the high notes in terms of being eco-friendly and fair trade. The box is even made from 100% recycled materials.

Amazon raters gave this bra mixed reviews, loving its soft, smooth comfort but saying that (for the larger ladies) it was not quite supportive enough.

This Ecoland Soft-Cup Bra is available at Amazon for $24.95.

Majamas Organic Easy Bra

Women's Organic Underwear: Majamas Organic Easy Bra

While this bra was designed to be an easy-access nursing bra, the Majamas Organic Easy Bra seems to be a hit with even non-nursing women. One Amazon reviewer calls it her “weekend bra.” It is praised for its smooth, soft comfort, 91% organic cotton and 9% lycra construction and pullover style.

This bra isn’t treated with chemicals, which is a relief if you are nursing. No more worrying about chemicals leaching into baby’s milk.

The Majamas Bra can be purchased on Amazon for $27.00 and is available in a variety of colors.

Men's Wool Shirts

Sure, summer might not be the the time that you usually think about stocking up on wool shirts. But this natural fiber, that draws water away from your skin and releases it back into the air, is the perfect fabric to keep you cool and dry all summer long. In addition, many wool tops are now made so that, just like your cotton tees, you can toss them in the washer and dryer. Check out these great new, wool finds formulated especially for warm-weather wear.

Icebreaker SuperFine 150 Tech T-Shirt

Men's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker SuperFine 150 Tech T-Shirt

It may breathe like cotton and whisk away moisture like some lab-created performance fabrics, but nothing has the odor-reducing abilities of the ultralight merino wool in the Icebreaker Mens SuperFine 150 Tech Short Sleeve T-Shirt. For summer or winter, wear it for all your outdoor activities.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $54.95, in a variety of colors.

Icebreaker SuperFine 150 Detour Polo Shirt

Men's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker SuperFine 150 Detour Polo Shirt

If you’re looking for a breathable, comfortable summer shirt that can take you from work to the golf course, the Icebreaker SuperFine 150 Detour Polo Shirt is a perfect fit. With a collar and left breast pocket, it’s suitable for occasions when you need the relaxed fit of a t-shirt with a more polished look.

This shirt is available at Amazon for $84.95.

SmartWool Ringer T-Shirt

Men's Wool Shirts: SmartWool Ringer T-Shirt

With a contrast collar and sleeve binding, this SmartWool Ringer T-Shirt has the finished look that can take you from the hiking trail to the bar. Plus, its merino wool jersey knit construction doesn’t retain body odor and keeps you cool and dry while you’re working hard.

This SmartWool tee is available for $44.98 at Amazon.

I/O Bio Men’s Universal Tee

Men's Wool Shirts: I/O Bio Men's Universal Tee

The I/O Bio Men’s Universal Tee offers the same benefits of other merino wool shirts, with the addition of a variety of colors and styles in case you want a shirt with a little something extra.

This tee is available from Amazon for $41.97-$59.99.

Icebreaker Superfine 200 Tech Alice Springs T-Shirt

Men's Wool Shirts: Icebreaker Superfine 200 Tech Alice Springs T-Shirt

The Icebreaker Superfine 200 Tech Alice Springs T-Shirt offers another option when it comes to the odor-absorbency and moisture-wicking abilities of wool with the style of cotton tees. Its loose fit means you’ll look great and stay comfortable no matter where you wear it.

This shirt is available from Amazon for $89.95.

How soon the warm weather is here. Icebreaker has released a new line merino clothing for spring. Available from Moosejaw.

Khunu is a start-up company that aims to be the first to bring yak wool clothing to the global market. They offer a range of athletic clothing that is made with 100% Himalayan yak wool. What are the advantages of yak wool? Khunu says that independent lab tests have shown yak wool to be 10-15% warmer than merino wool of Australia and New Zealand. They claim the wool has a luxurious hand feel which is comparable to cashmere, because only the ultrafine down fibers of the wool are used.

The yaks are usually raised by nomadic Tibetan and Mongolian families. Their wool is combed (not shorn) once per year in the springtime when the animals shed their winter coat. See more information here.

Currently, Khunu is offering a limited number of items from their web site, until their formal launch in September 2010.

The Yak: The Creature With The Warm Wool

Website: Khunu

Looptworks Hoptu Laptop Sleeve

I’ve been testing some Looptwork products, and they are amazing. Here’s why: the company makes all their products from 100% industrial “excess” materials. That means every zipper, button and thread used in their designs was about to be thrown out. For example, the Hoptu Laptop Sleeve shown above is made with 100% upcycled nylon neoprene which was recovered from a wetsuit factory. All Looptwork products are limited edition runs. This is because production only continues until the reclaimed material runs out, as explained in the Looptworks FAQ:

We never know how much of any one material we’ll find. But we use what we find until it runs out. Production runs go as low as 100 pieces and up to 500, and each garment is hand numbered by either color or style. It’s a reminder that when you buy a LooptWorks product you get a one of a kind item, literally preventing the materials used to make it from going into a landfill.

Looptworks also offers a collection of men’s and women’s clothes. The Men’s Kawasan Jacket shown below is made of 61% organic cotton and 39% cotton canvas recovered fabric. It sells for $95.

Looptworks Kawasan Jacket

I neglected to mention a few more items for the MetaEfficient Winter 2010 Outfit: a belt, a pair of shoes, and some snow pants.

Leather Belt by Timberland

Choosing a MetaEfficient belt is a compromise. Leather is made from the hide of animals that have been slaughter for food (typically in factory farms). However, if not made into products, these hides would otherwise be wasted. In terms of durability, thick leather product can last for decades. However, toxic chemicals and heavy metals are typically used in the tanning process. More traditional tanning involves vegetables and waxes. However, it is difficult to actually find a belt made with non-toxic leather.  As an alternative, you can find artificial leather belts here, but they are typically made from polyurethane, which is not particularly efficient.

So as a compromise we’re featuring this leather belt by Timberland. Hopefully this belt is made with non-toxic leather. I’m eager to see further use of sustainable materials by Timberland. They are a company with a sound green commitment.

Patagonia Recycled Men’s Shoes

Patagonia Recycled Men's Sneakers

Most shoes tend to be made with toxic materials, the binding glues are particularly inefficient. Patagonia makes efficient shoes that incorporate water-based solvents and stitched outsoles. They also incorporate some recycled materials (see the full details here).

Recycled Snow Pants by Patagonia

Featured here are Storm Pants from Patagonia made with 100% all-recycled polyester double ripstop (suspenders are removable), or Patagonia’s lighter softshell Guide Pants.

Nau also makes a range of sustainable urban clothes (thanks Robert).

Patagonia Jacket Made With Recycled Materials

In this new series of posts, I will be reviewing the top MetaEfficient Products of 2010. For a product to be considered MetaEfficient it must be: green, functional, durable and reasonably priced. Where possible, the product should be made by a company with high environmental standards and good manufacturing ethics.

Our featured Men’s Winter Outfit is multifunctional — it works well in both urban and wilderness environments. A single optimized system.The MetaEfficient Men’s Winter Outfit consists of the following elements:

• Icebreaker Short Sleeve Apollo Crewe Top
• SmartWool Foothills Full Zip Merino Wool Sweater
• Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket
• Levi’s Eco 539 Vintage Jeans
• SmartWool Lightweight Bottom (Leggings)
• Icebreaker Everyday Ultralite Crew Socks
• Icebreaker 320 Gloves
• Icebreaker Chase Beanie

Let’s examine these elements:

Short Sleeve Apollo Crewe Top by Icebreaker

As a base layer we have a Icebreaker Short Sleeve Apolo Crewe Top. This articulated crew shirt is made with soft merino wool (150 g/m²).

Icebreaker T-Shirt: Ultrafine Merino Wool

Icebreaker Merino Wool T-Shirt

Why It Was Chosen

Merino wool is an optimal material — it is breathable, odor resistant and temperature regulating. It also dries quickly doesn’t wrinkle (that one is important to me).

Merino wool is also renewable and it biodegradable.

Icebreaker, a New Zealand company, sources the wool from farms that attempt to mitigate impact on the environment. Icebreaker also states their commitment to clean technologies, closed loop manufacturing, and minimizing energy use. They have a garment traceability program called BAACODE that will allow consumers access to the company’s sustainable and ethical practices through-out their entire supply chain.

Available from: Altrec ($41).

The Foothills Full Zip by Smartwool

Smartwool Foothills Full Zip

Smartwool Foothills Full Zip

The Foothills Full Zip by Smartwool is made with 96% Merino wool, 3% nylon, 1% elastic.

Why It Was Chosen

A comfortable, minimalist midlayer sweater. The full-zip makes is easy to adjust.

SmartWool uses free-range merino wool to make their clothing. Since 2005, all their New Zealand growers have been required to refrain from the practice of mulesing (the surgical removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from around the hind quarters of merino sheep to reduce disease).

SmartWool complies with Zque, an accreditation program that ensures environmental, social, and economic sustainability, animal welfare, and product traceability.

Available from: Amazon ($150).

Also check out this comfortable midlayer from SmartWool: the Microweight Zip T. I like to order it in a size larger than usual for maximum comfort.

SmartWool Microweight Zip T

Available from REI ($75).

The Winter Sun Jacket by Patagonia

Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket (Men's)

Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket Sleeve

Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket Close Up

Why It Was Chosen

Patagonia is a leader in effective, green manufacturing. The Winter Sun Jacket is Patagonia’s warmest soft-shell jacket. It is made with Primaloft — a 50% recycled synthetic insulation. The shell is made of 45% recycled polyester, and the lining is 100% recycled polyester.

Available from: Amazon ($300). See also the jackets on sale at Patagonia.

The Eco Vintage Jeans by Levi’s

Levi's Eco Jeans

Levi's Eco 539 Organic Cotton Jeans

Levi's Eco 539 Organic Cotton Vintage Jeans

The Eco 539 Vintage Jeans by Levi’s. The jeans are made of 100% organic cotton and recycled denim.

Why It Was Chosen

Levi’s has made forays into using organic cotton for their jeans (see their environmental statement). While their range is limited, their organic cotton jeans are inexpensive. Patagonia, Element and Reef also make organic cotton jeans for under $100.

Levi’s Eco 539 Vintage Jeans from: Amazon ($50).

The Everyday Ultralite Crew Socks by Icebreaker

Icebreaker Merino Wool Socks

The Everyday Ultralite Crew Socks by Icebreaker. They are made with 82% merino wool and 18% nylon.

Why It Was Chosen

This is a good all-round, functional sock made with merino, with some nylon for structure.

Available from: Altrec ($13).

Winter Fire