Sustainable travel through van life is more than just a trend—it's a way of travelling that prioritises environmental responsibility without sacrificing the joy of discovery. It’s an efficient way to travel, especially compared to flights and hotels, and encourages a minimalist lifestyle so you’re less inclined to overconsume. When we embrace this approach, every mile driven becomes an opportunity to minimise our ecological impact while maximising our connection to the natural world.

Choosing eco-friendly apparel for your adventures is a crucial component of this sustainable lifestyle. Your choices directly influence environmental outcomes, from the resources consumed during production to the waste generated at the end of a garment's life cycle. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the essential items you should add to your travel wardrobe, from sports gear to outer layers and shoes.

What to note when buying sustainable apparel

The sheer variety of UK and further afield campervan routes available, like those suggested here by Out and About Campers, emphasises the need for an adaptable wardrobe to handle changing conditions. Layering is essential so you can fine-tune your comfort levels as the weather changes. Base layers should be made from materials like merino wool or bamboo that will wick moisture away while keeping you comfortable. Any outer layers need to be lightweight for packability and provide sufficient rain protection.

You also need to think about how you’ll dispose of these garments when they no longer serve you. Organic cotton is a great starting point because it can be recycled easily but will also biodegrade, while hemp is durable and has a low environmental impact. Some brands offer take-back programmes for proper disposal or provide credit towards future purchases.

Look for brands committed to renewable energy in their production facilities, sustainable packaging materials, and supply chain transparency. Companies genuinely committed to sustainability will readily share detailed information about their environmental initiatives and measurable impact reductions.

Sustainable clothing essentials

Sweatshirts and hoodies

A high-quality sweatshirt or hoody is a great addition to on-the-go travel gear because it’s adaptable to different climates and won’t take up as much space as a coat or jacket. When choosing these essential pieces, prioritise classic cuts and neutral colours that coordinate easily with other items in your wardrobe.

Quality construction details like reinforced seams, durable zips, and pre-shrunk fabrics ensure longevity that will justify a slightly higher investment. You also need to bear in mind the pack-ability factor—jumpers that compress well without losing shape will prove invaluable when storage space is limited.

Tops and tees

Your collection of tops and t-shirts are likely to see the most frequent use during your van life adventures, so durability and comfort are paramount. Organic cotton provides soft, breathable comfort ideal for warm climates and active days, while hemp blends become softer with each wash, creating garments that improve with age rather than deteriorating. Tencel and modal fabrics are great for moisture management, wicking sweat away from skin while maintaining a silk-like feel against the body. These materials prove particularly valuable during active hikes or walking in humid environments where synthetic fabrics might feel clammy or uncomfortable.

Swimwear

If you’re visiting coastal destinations as part of your campervan itinerary, quality swimwear is an essential for your packing list. Sustainable swimwear transforms recycled ocean plastics and discarded fishing nets into high-performance garments that rival traditional options in durability and style. Look for versatile pieces that transition effectively from water activities to casual wear. Swim shorts that double as regular shorts, and bikini tops that can work as crop tops, for example, maximise utility while minimising the number of garments you need to pack.

Bags

A durable, sustainable bag serves multiple crucial functions during van life adventures, from day packs for excursions to storage solutions for keeping your mobile home organised. Sustainable options increasingly utilise recycled content or innovative natural fibres that provide durability without environmental compromise. Modular bag systems are particularly valuable for van life. Bags that nest inside larger bags, or modular components that attach and detach as needed, provide flexibility for varying activities and storage requirements.

Trainers and footwear

Footwear can be one of the most challenging categories for sustainable clothing, but innovative brands increasingly offer viable alternatives to conventional synthetic shoes. Recycled components, from plastic bottles transformed into mesh uppers to reclaimed rubber used in outsoles, create performance footwear with reduced environmental impact. It’s a good idea to think about what your itinerary might include before buying footwear. If you’re going to be hiking rugged terrain, hiking boots will be necessary whereas if you’re going to be exploring towns and cities, comfortable trainers may serve you far better.

The blend of minimalist living, efficient travel, and sustainable consumption creates opportunities for deeper connections with nature and more meaningful travel experiences. Every sustainable choice you make for your wardrobe, from organic cotton t-shirts to recycled polyester hiking bags, contributes to a larger movement toward responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.