The Real Hype Behind Patagonia

We know Patagonia as the infamous $1 billion outdoor clothing and gear brand engineered for silent sports to the outside world. But for all you new insiders, let me tell you that it's more than a mere logo. The brand has been widely recognized as a designer brand, trailblazing its way to the Hypebeast culture and movement with its timeless pieces. It's no surprise consumers have begun to become loyal followers of the brand, not just for the looks but for what they stand for.

Despite Patagonia's popularity, the brand has distinguished itself as a social and environmental activist. Their mission statement: "We're in the business to save our planet," and does not take this statement lightly. Upon learning that 85% of their ecological footprint was caused by the manufacture, dyeing, and finishing of fabrics, Patagonia immediately flipped the green switch.

Environmental and Ecological Responsibility

Concerning Patagonia's commitment to fighting off environmental harm, Patagonia has been making serious moves as they seek to disrupt the clothing industry. Being one of the first companies to make a complete shift to organic cotton, work closely and form partnerships with like-minded farmers. Since 1996, the company has wholly removed conventional cotton from its clothing lines and collections and continued to uphold this practice until today.

"If the footprint of making and transporting a product can decrease exponentially as its life extends, then making the best product we can is the most important environmental commitment that we have." - Patagonia

Patagonia is firmly against consumerism. This was made known in their infamous "Don't buy this jacket campaign" as they urge their customers not to buy too many of Patagonia's products. There is a good reason for their jaw-dropping price tags; they're in pursuit of quality and responsibility to taking care of our planet.

With that being said, it is fair to say that, in a way, Patagonia is selective of its customers. Why? The company's values. The company has its own distinct way of defining good and bad growth. Good growth is when people purchase better and more durable products, pushing back against the "disposable" society. Bad growth is when people continue to consume without attaching value to the product's lifetime and how it was made.

There's a saying that goes: "If you can't stand for anything, then you will fall for everything.", and to me, this is a noble act from the giant clothing company.

Current Projects

At present, Patagonia continues to persevere and strive in its efforts to fight off the climate crisis. A particular example is their Worn Wear program (a program providing the resources for customers to responsibly care and maintain product usage until the end of the garment's life), complemented with their continuous support to environmental organizations, has enabled the company to live up to the company mission. Patagonia has further emphasized its activism by:

• Pledging 1% of sales to environmental preservation and restoration

• Fulfilling 100% of US electrical needs solely with renewable energy

• Keeping 35 tons of plastic waste out of the world's oceans by turning fishnets into hat brims

• Upholding Fair Trade (ensure living wages in the supply chain)

• Pledging $10 million in tax savings to environmental organizations

And the list goes on and on (and on). Patagonia (in my opinion) is quite simply trailblazing its way to becoming a world-leading example of how clothing businesses should be. By resonating as more than just a brand with fancy tees and fleece jackets, but as an emotion, a beacon, and a burning torch to create an environmentally responsible industry for generations to come.

The company has become the benchmark for other clothing companies to strive for. Their efforts to be CO2-neutral by 2050: transitioning to 100% renewables throughout the supply chain and switching petroleum-based plastics such as nylon or polyester to biodegradable materials signifies just how vastly contagious their impact can indeed be to stand for something far greater than the brand itself. If you want a new definition of exclusivity, look no further.