Patagonia

What is Patagonia?

Patagonia is an American outdoor clothing company founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard. The brand is consistently rated as the global leader in ethical fashion and is a certified B Corporation. In 2022, Chouinard transferred ownership of Patagonia to a specially designed trust and non-profit organisation, with all profits directed to environmental causes.

Patagonia's business model is structured around environmental responsibility. Their Worn Wear programme encourages repair and reuse over new purchases. Their Ironclad Guarantee means they repair any product, regardless of age. This is not a marketing position — it is the operational foundation of the business.

Quality — what are you actually buying?

Patagonia produces some of the highest quality outdoor and casual clothing available at any price point. Their technical fabrics — Synchilla fleece, Capilene base layers, Gore-Tex outerwear — are industry benchmarks. Construction standards are exceptional and the brand stands behind every product with their lifetime repair guarantee.

A Patagonia garment is genuinely designed to last a lifetime. The repair programme, the quality of materials and the construction standards all support this. Cost-per-wear over the lifetime of a Patagonia piece is typically lower than fast fashion equivalents despite the higher upfront cost.

What fabrics does Patagonia use?

Patagonia uses recycled and organic materials wherever technically possible. Recycled polyester (from plastic bottles and old garments), organic cotton (GOTS certified), RWS certified wool, and hemp are the primary materials. Synthetic fibres where used are typically recycled content. bluesign certified fabrics are used where appropriate.

Where are Patagonia’s clothes made?

Is Patagonia ethical?

Patagonia is the ethical benchmark for the clothing industry. They are a certified B Corporation, Fair Trade certified, use bluesign certified fabrics, and operate the most transparent supply chain in the sector. Their environmental giving — 1% of sales donated to environmental causes — has directed over $140 million to grassroots environmental organisations.

The 2022 restructuring, which transferred ownership to the Patagonia Purpose Trust and Holdfast Collective (an environmental non-profit), is unprecedented in the clothing industry. It represents a fundamental commitment to using the business as a vehicle for environmental good.