The days when recycled workwear was considered the height of sustainability are behind us. Whether it’s protective, reflective, or healthcare clothing—anyone who truly wants to make conscious choices in 2025 must look beyond just the materials used. What about the transport and packaging of workwear, for example? In this article, I share 5 tips for purchasing sustainable workwear.
5 tips for purchasing sustainable workwear
Before diving into the tips, I want to emphasize that these only apply when you have a choice between different workwear brands or suppliers. If you’re tied to a single brand offered by one or just a few vendors, your options are limited. You can compare suppliers based on the following points, but it’s unlikely they will all score equally well across the board.
If, however, your clothing only needs to meet a certain standard, your options are usually much broader. Aside from the fit and feel of the garments, you’ll often have a variety of brands and suppliers to choose from. In that case, these points can help guide your decision. While these are key sustainability themes, there are of course other details to consider—like customer service or delivery times. But for this article, we’ll focus strictly on sustainability.
1. Material
Let’s start with the basics: material still matters. Naturally, it’s a good thing when old materials are reused in the production of new workwear—especially considering the massive amount of textiles discarded each year.
So, make sure to check what the clothing is made of. If recycled materials are used, this will usually be stated clearly. Still, it’s worth digging a little deeper. What types of materials are being used? Are they repurposing PET bottles, or do they also recycle their own old workwear? While many brands outsource this process, some are closely involved in the development of their products. Brands that truly prioritize sustainability will usually share more information about this on their website or social media channels.
2. Working conditions
It’s great when old materials are given new life—but what about the conditions under which this happens? Are chemicals being used? Are the workers paid fairly and given proper rest?
Many reports have surfaced about overseas factories where workers sleep on the floor next to their sewing machines and can barely afford to eat. Since it’s difficult to monitor this from another country, organizations have stepped in to help. One example is the Fair Wear Foundation, which inspects working conditions in the textile industry. Brands affiliated with them are evaluated through a point-based system, and a report is published with the results. You can usually find this information on the organization’s website.
There are also other similar organizations promoting ethical labor conditions in the textile sector. If you see a logo on a workwear brand, I recommend looking it up online to understand how they ensure responsible production.
3. End of life
What do you do with your workwear when it’s worn out? Many people now toss their old clothes in textile recycling bins. For a long time, people believed this gave garments a second life. But we now know that sorting facilities are often overwhelmed, and not every piece of clothing can actually be reused.
That’s why it’s wise to check whether the brand or supplier has a policy for dealing with discarded items. If you’re buying from a multi-brand retailer, they may not have a collection program. In that case, look directly at the brand itself. Many modern workwear brands now offer recycling programs, allowing you to give your used items a second life. Some even have drop-off containers in specific locations like stores.
4. Packaging
While many people are aware of recycled textiles and fair labor practices, attention has recently also turned to packaging and transport—both of which play an important role.
Look into what kind of packaging the company uses. Do they still rely heavily on plastic fillers, or do they use recycled paper? What type of boxes or wrapping is used—magnetic boxes, garment bags, or standard shipping boxes? And what are these made of? You might not always find this info on their website, but if you’re serious about sustainable purchasing, it’s worth asking about over the phone.
5. Transport
Finally, transportation also plays a key role. How is the clothing delivered to you? Most companies use standard delivery services with cars or vans. But there are differences even here. Are those vehicles electric or powered by alternative fuels?
And what happens with smaller parcels? Some companies now deliver via cargo bikes. In certain cases, you can also opt to have your order delivered to a pickup point along your usual route—helping you save emissions.
They might seem like small details, but together they can make a real difference.
Warm regards,
Aileen