Unless Collective

Wear Plants Not Plastic

Founded by former executives from Adidas, UNLESS COLLECTIVE is creating clothing (and shoes!) that are free from plastic and will naturally decompose at the end of their life.

Visit unlesscollective.com

Based in: Portland, Oregon
Founded: 2020

About Unless Collective

UNLESS COLLECTIVE is the world's first all-plant, zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest and influenced by the utility and style of skate, outdoor, and cold-water surf, UNLESS creates clothing and apparel built from the elements that can be worn in the elements and safely returned to the elements.

UNLESS was acquired by Under Armour in August, 2024 with founder and CEO Eric Liedtke joining the company as as Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy.

Materials & certifications

Materials

Cotton

A soft, breathable, absorbent, and versatile natural fiber grown from the fluffy bolls of cotton plants.

Good to know: Conventional cotton is one of the world's dirtiest crops as cultivation heavily relies on pesticides, herbicides (glyphosate), and fertilizers, raising concerns about environmental pollution, soil health, and potential health risks for farmers and consumers. This is why some brands and consumers push for "100% organic cotton." Organic cotton skips the harsh chemicals, making it a more eco-friendly and healthier choice.

Find brands using cotton →

Lyocell

A regenerated cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp, often eucalyptus, beech trees, or bamboo. This material possesses a soft, comfortable feel similar to cotton yet exhibits superior strength and durability, even when wet.

Uses: Commonly used in clothing (shirts, pants, dresses, underwear), bedding (sheets, towels, blankets) home textiles (curtains, tablecloths, etc.), and various industrial applications.

Good to know: Unlike conventional viscose or rayon, the production of lyocell uses a closed-loop system that recycles most of the solvents, minimizing environmental impact and chemical exposure. Furthermore, in comparison to other cellulose-based fabrics, lyocell uses significantly fewer and less harmful chemicals during processing. For example, in most cases, the wood pulp is dissolved in a non-toxic organic solvent, N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO), to create a solution. This solution is then extruded through fine openings to form filaments, which are solidified into fibers.

Find brands using lyocell →