If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the time of the year to wrap up… my sister, Georgia, and I have wrapped up a few brands we think are doing some great things when it comes to creating that warm outer layer.

To be honest, epic second hand jackets are readily available. Some items of clothing are hard to thrift, like basics, but jackets are an easy second hand find. But if you can’t find what you’re looking for in a thrift shop, this list will help.

Not all of these brands are entirely perfect. The brands below are making steps in the right direction and align with some of the values that we are think are important. We’ve focused on listing brands that are accessible in malls for you to try on- not everyone has the luxury of online or second hand shopping.

If you’re looking for a new coat - this is the place for you. You’ll find options for snowy to mild-winter temps, or even just a little cropped jacket for a summer evening.

Note: a coat is generally one of the most durable items you can have in a closet.

Think about your purchase carefully. A coat should be a forever friend. Don’t rush into it.

P.S. Some of these brands are brand partners or have worked with us in the past. This blog is not sponsored and created freely by Kate and Georgia.

icebreaker

Jacket style: Merino/windbreaker/puffer

Cost: $250 - $1000

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Merino/Pertex

Made in: China

Returns: Within 30 days

Kathmandu

Jacket style: Down/Fleece/Coats

Cost: $50 - $500

Size range: 6 - 18

Main Materials: Duck Down/Pertex

Made in: China

Returns: Within 60 days

Kate’s review: I haven’t tried a coat, but I do wear a Kathmandu merino jumper most days. It’s the most worn garment in my wardrobe at the moment! I have had lengthy conversations with Kathmandu, and support what they are doing to bring sustainable production into the outdoor clothing industry. Their products are long lasting in my experience, and they’re an accessible shop to pop into if you’re in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Patagonia

Jacket style: Down/Parka/Fleece

Cost: $140 - $900

Size range: XXS - 3XL

Main Materials: Down/Goretex/Recycled Contents

Made in: (majority) Vietnam

Returns: No set time

Kate’s review: I recently purchased a Patagonia raincoat. Although it was a big investment, it’s already paid off. Patagonia are known for their impeccable quality; I have experienced this first hand with how well my raincoat is made. It keeps me dry, there’s never any problem with the zips, and I know it will last me a life time if I care for it responsibly.

Outerknown

Jacket style: Jacket/Down

Cost: $264 - $468

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Cotton/Down/Recycled Polyester

Made in: Peru/China/Mexico/Sri Lanka

Returns: Within 30 days

Thought

Jacket style: Jacket/Coats

Cost: $67 - $338

Size range: 6 - 18

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: China

Returns: $90

Kotn

Jacket style: Hoodies

Cost: $70 - $100

Size range: XXS - XXL

Main Materials: Cotton

Made in: Egypt

Returns: Within 30 days

Eiileen Fisher

Jacket style: Lightweight jacket

Cost: $239 - $454

Size range: XXS - 3XL

Main Materials: Cotton/Linen

Made in: China

Returns: Within 30 days

Allbirds

Jacket style: Puffer

Cost: $450

Size range: S - XXL

Main Materials: Tencel/merino/recycled nylon

Made in: Indonesia

Returns: 30 days

The R Collective

Jacket style: Trench/Coat/Jacket

Cost: $192 - $421

Size range: XS - XL (or OS)

Main Materials: (Upcycled) wool/polyester/cotton

Made in: Thailand

Returns: Within 14 days

Ten Tree

Jacket style: Lightweight Jacket/Parka

Cost: $168 - $228

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Recycled Cotton/Polyester

Made in: China

Returns: Within 30 days

Näz

Jacket style: Jacket

Cost: $212

Size range: Size 1 or 2

Main Materials: Cotton

Made in: Portugal

Returns: Within 14 days

A.BCH

Jacket style: Jacket

Cost: $693

Size range: XS - XL (or custom)

Main Materials: Hemp

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 10 days

Whimsy + Row

Jacket style: Blazers/Lightweight jacket

Cost: $182 - $325

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Cotton/Spandex

Made in: USA

Returns: Within 14 days (potentially costs for int customers)

Kowtow

Jacket style: Blazers/Coats/Jackets

Cost: $150 - $650

Size range: XXS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: India

Returns: Within 14 days

Kate’s review: I am yet to purchase a KowTow coat/jacket, but KowTow is the most commonly found brand in my wardrobe. Their styles are evergreen and go with everything.

ReCreate Clothing

Jacket style: Kimono/Coat/Jacket

Cost: $250

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Cambodia

Returns: Within 14 days

Kate’s review: ReCreate’s supply chain is one of my favourite in this list; they produce their clothes ethically in Cambodia, where they have set up a workroom that not only teaches people to sew, but provides them with other life skills too.

Maggie Marilyn

Jacket style: Coats/Blazers/Jackets

Cost: $495 - $1795

Size range: X - X

Main Materials: Wool/Cotton

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 30 days

Holi Boli

Jacket style: Cropped

Cost: $285

Size range: 8 - 18

Main Materials: Linen/Cotton

Made in: India

Returns: Within 7 days

Kate’s review: Going off my experience of my Holi Boli jeans, this cropped jacket will be a winner.

Tonic & Cloth

Jacket style: Denim Jacket

Cost: $260

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 7 days

Kate’s review: I’m a huge fan of Tonic & Cloth; their pieces are unique and I adore the ones that hang in my wardrobe.

SECOND HAND/Trade me

Jacket style: Anything you could dream of!

Cost: However much you want to pay

Size range: Sky’s the limit

Main Materials: Vintage chord, anyone?

Made in: ALLLLLL over the world

Returns: Probably not as feasible…. pass on to someone else to love!

Georgia’s Review: Secondhand has always been the way to go for me - I love the hunt, it’s generally a whole lot cheaper, and you can find some absolute BEAUTIES. My current obsession is my midi length 100% wool NZ made coat that I found for $14 at my local hospice show!

Carlson Store

Jacket style: Coats

Cost: $499 - $899

Size range: Small/medium/large

Main Materials: Wool/Viscoe

Made in: Aotearoa New Zealand

Returns: Within 7 days

Kate’s review: For my birthday in 2018, I was given a Carlson Store coat by my parents and in-laws (I chose it!). It’s a favourite winter companion, and was made in Ponsonby, Auckland.