Michigan’s snowy winters always call for bundling up!  Whether you’re trekking on a winter hike or browsing for your annual Christmas tree, you want to feel warm, but not bulky. Patagonia and Smartwool have great lightweight options for layering to keep you warm from your head to your toes, and both take a leadership role in responsible manufacturing!

Patagonia

Patagonia is an industry leader in promoting and practicing environmental responsibility. 68% of all their fabrics are recycled and 83% of their line is Fair Trade Certified^™ sewn. Each season they reevaluate their sustainability goals and report on their website what has been accomplished and what is in development. This season, they have made the goal to be carbon neutral by 2025 and have already achieved meeting 100% of Patagonia North America’s electricity needs with renewable energy sources. They’ve also repaired 56,000 garments for customers to get even more life out of their favorite pieces and kept 35 tons of plastic out of the world’s oceans by recycling fishing nets into hat brims! Patagonia sets high standards for quality and sets out a mission of saving our home planet.

Smartwool

Smartwool is a ZQ Natural Fibre partner, meaning that all of the Merino sheep’s wool they use is sustainably sourced. All ZQ partners must adhere to the ZQ Standard which includes the preservation of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, quality wool fibers, social responsibility, and supply chain transparency. Mulesing, the removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from around the breech of a sheep to limit parasitic infection, is strictly prohibited and the sheep are free to roam and forage as they please. ZQ and its partners promote safe workplaces, fair wages, and income stability for their farmers. They even require a Land Environmental Plan from each farmer to sustain individual properties for generations to come.

Base Layer

Start with SmartWool Intraknit Merino 200 Bottoms (for men and women). These leggings are durable with knit ventilation to keep you warm and dry. Then add a Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Graphic Tee. These tees come in many different colors and designs! They are made out of 60-100% recycled fibers, are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, have odor control, and are moisture wicking to keep you dry and comfortable.

Sweater and Jacket

Next, pair a Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece Pullover (or Synch Snap-T Pullover for men) with a Patagonia Nano Puff Parka. The pullover is made with 50% recycled fibers in their Polartec® Thermal Pro® polyester fleece and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. The Nano Puff Parka has a 100% recycled polyester shell with classic brick pattern, 60 grams of insulation, and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. It is very lightweight and even designed to be paired with the Yosemite Falls Trench for bad weather conditions.

Socks and Boots

Choose any Smartwool socks, from casual to athletic. Pairing the Popcorn Cable Socks with Sorel Cate Booties will give a cozy winter look! These leather-suede booties are waterproof and feature a rubber sole for good grip!

Hat and Gloves

Just like their socks, SmartWool has many fun design options for their hats and gloves! You can stick with neutral tones or go colorful with the Isto Retro Beanie and matching Isto Hand Warmers. This set features a cable knit construction and novelty yarn.

If you have questions about layering, give us a call at 616-844-1724 or better yet, stop in today! Earth’s Edge is open Monday through Saturday from 10–8 and Sundays from 12–5.