Fishing is a beloved American pastime, with over 49 million people participating each year, according to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation. As anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to protect the waters we fish in. Choosing eco-friendly fishing apparel is one way we can reduce our environmental impact and engage in sustainable fishing practices.
The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice style or performance for sustainability. Plenty of fishing clothing brands now offer eco-conscious apparel made from recycled, organic, and biodegradable materials
Read on for tips on finding fashionable and functional eco-friendly fishing clothes for your next angling adventure.
Table of Contents
What Makes Fishing Clothes Eco-Friendly?
Fishing clothes are considered eco-friendly when they are made from sustainable materials and manufactured using responsible production practices. Some key features to look for include:
Organic Materials:
Eco-friendly fishing clothes may contain organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or other materials grown without pesticides or chemicals. These renewable materials have less impact on the environment.
Recycled Fabrics:
Synthetic fabrics like polyester can be made from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. This reuses existing materials instead of creating new plastic pollution.
Responsible Manufacturing:
Environmentally responsible production uses less energy, chemical dyes, and wastewater. It ensures fair labor conditions. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Bluesign, or OEKO-TEX.
Durability:
Well-made eco-friendly fishing clothes last longer, reducing the resource waste associated with fast fashion. Their timeless style also remains fashionable season after season.
What to Look for When Choosing Eco-Friendly Fishing Attire
When shopping for sustainable fishing clothes, here are some key factors to consider:
Material Composition: Check if the product contains organic, recycled, or other eco-friendly materials. At least 50% is a good benchmark.
Manufacturing Process: Does the company use renewable energy and responsible production methods? Bluesign, GOTS, and other certifications indicate this.
Brand Transparency: Legitimate sustainable fishing clothing brands provide information about their supply chains, ethics, and environmental commitment.
Multipurpose Style: Choose versatile pieces that work for daily wear too. Avoid trendy fashion that might quickly go out of style.
Quality and Durability: Well-made clothes last longer and avoid waste. Check reviews and materials to evaluate longevity.
Fit and Function: Make sure the clothing delivers on performance details like stretch, moisture wicking, UPF protection, and versatility from sea to shore.
Price: While eco-friendly clothes often cost more upfront, their durability provides value over time. Consider the cost per use over the product’s lifetime.
Prioritize Sustainable Materials
When shopping for earth-friendly fishing wear, prioritize these materials:
- Recycled Polyester: Made from recycled plastic bottles, with UV protection and moisture-wicking abilities.
- Organic Cotton: Grown without pesticides and much less water than conventional cotton. Organic cotton fishing shirts are soft, breathable, and sustainable.
- Hemp: Extremely durable, lightweight, antimicrobial, and requires minimal water and pesticides to grow. Used in fishing shirts, shorts, and hats.
- ECONYL: A nylon fabric made from recycled fishing nets, tires, and industrial plastic. Provides stretch and repels water.
- Cork: Eco-friendly and naturally waterproof. Used in fishing hats and footwear.
Prioritizing clothes made from these sustainable materials reduces plastic waste and your carbon footprint.
Data Source: NRDC
Seek Trusted Eco-Friendly Brands
Many popular fishing brands now offer environmentally conscious collections made using recycled, organic, and biodegradable materials:
- Patagonia – Outdoor brand with fishing wear made from recycled and organic fabrics.
- Columbia – Eco-friendly fishing shirts utilizing recycled polyester.
- prAna – Yoga and outdoor clothing brand with organic cotton and hemp fishing apparel.
- Toad&Co – Sustainable fishing clothes from eco-minded fabrics like hemp.
- Howler Bros – American brand making fishing shirts from recycled fabrics.
- Quiksilver – Surf company with boardshorts made from recycled polyester.
- Simms – Offers a recycled collection of eco-fishing gear.
When possible, support small businesses creating local, sustainable fishing clothes too.
Evaluate Features for Functionality
Just because fishing clothes are eco-friendly doesn’t mean they shouldn’t perform.
Assess features such as:
- Stretch – For freedom of movement.
- UPF Rating – For sun protection.
- Ventilation – To stay cool on the water.
- Storage pockets – To keep gear secure and accessible.
- Insect repellent – To ward off bugs.
- Quick-drying – To minimize time spent wet.
- Insulation – For warmth during early mornings on the water.
Prioritize functionality to ensure high performance while fishing sustainably.
Mix and Match for Unique Style
Part of the enjoyment of putting together your fishing kit is expressing your style. Go beyond the usual earth tones and camo prints. Mix colors, patterns, layers, and accessories:
- Pair a colorful organic cotton fishing shirt with khaki shorts and a straw hat for a beachy vibe.
- Layer a recycled nylon rain jacket over a graphic angling t-shirt and hemp pants for rainy days on the riverbank.
- Toss on a vintage fishing vest over boyfriend jeans and a flowy blouse for a casually cool look.
- Add funky patterned socks and a baseball cap for a playful, retro-inspired twist.
Be creative and express yourself while maintaining an eco-friendly approach.
Carefully Wash and Maintain
Properly caring for your sustainable fishing clothes ensures their longevity:
- Wash in cold water and line dry to prevent shrinkage.
- Use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softener.
- Spot clean stains immediately after fishing trips.
- Check for holes, damage, or excessive pilling and repair when possible.
- Store fishing clothes properly between seasons to prevent mold or mildew.
With some tender loving care, your earth-friendly fishing apparel can be worn season after season.
5 Stylish Ways to Showcase Eco-Friendly Fishing Attire
The right styling elevates eco-friendly fishing clothes from purely practical to sophisticated and fashionable. Here are five ideas:
Casual Cool
For a relaxed vibe, try a printed organic cotton tee, hemp shorts, and recycled plastic slides or slip-on sneakers. Top it off with a baseball cap or floppy hat made from recycled materials.
Coastal Chic
Capture a breezy, nautical look with a striped organic cotton or hemp shirt, recycled polyester joggers, and canvas shoes. Accessorize with retro sunglasses and a linen bucket hat.
Après-Fish Style
Transition seamlessly from sea to socializing with a recycled polyester sweater over a collared shirt with earthy hues. Add crisp white jeans and leather boots.
Weekend Wardrobe
Running weekend errands? An eco-friendly fishing hoodie, relaxed cargo, and slip-on shoes make for a comfortable, carefree style.
Business Casual
For an office-friendly twist, wear a tailored recycled polyester blazer over a polo or button-down shirt. Paired with chinos or slim-fit jeans, it’s a polished look for casual workplaces.
Key Takeaways
- Seek fishing clothes made from recycled polyester, organic cotton, hemp, ECONYL, and cork.
- Support brands dedicated to sustainable apparel like Patagonia, Toad&Co, and Howler Bros.
- Choose functionality first, then build your stylish eco-look.
- Mix, match, and layer sustainably made pieces.
- Care for eco-fishing clothes to extend their lifespan.
In Summary
Finding fashionable fishing clothes that are also environmentally friendly is easier now than ever. Seek trusted brands using innovative sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton to reduce waste. Combine functionality and your style to create the ultimate eco-conscious fishing kit.
FAQs
What are the most eco-friendly materials for fishing clothes?
Recycled polyester, organic cotton, hemp, ECONYL, and cork are some of the best sustainable materials used in fishing apparel.
Are eco-friendly fishing clothes as durable?
Yes, sustainably made fishing clothes from trusted brands are designed to be rugged enough for fishing while having a lighter environmental footprint.
Do eco-friendly fishing clothes cost more?
Sometimes, sustainable materials cost a bit more, but many major brands now offer affordable eco-fishing lines.
Where can I buy stylish, eco-friendly fishing clothes?
Well-known brands such as Patagonia, Columbia, Toad&Co, Howler Bros, and smaller sustainable businesses offer fashionable eco-friendly fishing attire.
How do I wash eco-friendly fishing clothes?
Use cold water, gentle detergent, and no fabric softener, hang dry, and spot clean promptly after use to maintain eco-fishing apparel.