Travel Light, Travel Green: Packing Eco-Menswear for Fall Getaways

Hitting that dream destination this fall? Or perhaps you’re all set for a business trip – locally or overseas. As you put together your wardrobe, you can work with outfits that make you us style-conscious and also planet-conscious.

Menswear Essentials for Various Fall Destinations

• Lightweight Layers – Mild Climates

Lightweight layers are your best companions  for strolling through  those lush vineyards, quaint coastal towns, or metropolitan parks. Eco-friendly T-shirts and long sleeves give you a foundation for layering without the bulk. Opt for materials like organic cotton, praised for its softness and breathability, and its production requires significantly less water and no harmful pesticides compared to conventional cotton. Drape on the likes of a Maple Grove Plaid shirt for your evenings out, or the Coastal Slate Light Flannel Shirt that goes well with dark jeans. Both are made with organic cotton.

Natural fibers like alpaca and merino wool offer additional benefits for travelers. Alpaca is not only lightweight and warm but also minimizes environmental impact as alpacas are raised in a way that naturally conserves their habitat. Merino wool is another excellent choice for travel clothing due to its ability to regulate temperature, resist odors, and offer substantial warmth without weight. It's also easy to pack, making it ideal for those looking to travel light.

• Sturdy Staples for Active Getaways

Cargo pants are a go-to for their durability and practicality when you're gearing up for hikes, bike rides, or similar outdoor adventures. Plus they come with multiple pockets perfect for stashing items. There are cargos made from recycled polyester, including materials like old PET bottles or leftover fabrics. Should you be more of a fan of denim, you can go with pants made from recycled pre-consumer waste. Bamboo fabric is great too for active wear due to its softness, strength, and environmental benefits. The raw material – bamboo, grows quickly, doesn’t need fertilizers, and regenerates from its roots, making it a sustainable choice. 

• Weather-Resistant Wear for Rainy Locales

When you're heading to places where rain is more the rule than the exception, it's crucial to pick up a jacket that keeps you dry and is kind to the planet – like recycled polyester, which keeps the water out and contributes to cutting down on the creation of new synthetic fibers. For those lighter drizzles, some brands offer organic cotton jackets with a water-resistant finish, providing a more natural fabric choice. Keep in mind, though, while organic cotton is great for mild conditions, it might not hold up as well against heavier rain compared to some advanced synthetic materials.

Choose a jacket that features a breathable membrane and practical design elements like sealed seams and adjustable hoods, which boost both comfort and effectiveness. Jackets with pit zips are a smart pick, too, as they allow you to manage your body temperature during active outings or in warmer weather. 

• Warm Wearables for Chilly Places

If you’re heading to cooler areas, layering is key. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer, then add a cozy middle layer like fleece or an insulated vest, and finish with a heavier outer layer. Overshirts – a hybrid of shirts and jackets essentially combine two layers into one, and you can have just a tee underneath. These are the likes of Vustra's Everglade Quilted Overshirt made from 100% certified organic cotton that will keep you warm. Layering lets you tweak your body temperature as you move or as the weather shifts. Make sure each layer is lightweight and packable to keep your luggage light and your travels smooth.

Photo by Alice on Unsplash