3 February 2026

Blank wholesale jackets built for performance and responsible sourcing

As demand for more sustainable apparel continues to grow, coats and jackets have become a key focus area for brands, decorators and garment specifiers alike. Jackets and outer layers are typically made from synthetic materials due to their strength, durability and weather resistant properties — but how those materials are sourced is increasingly important.

At Ralawise, a wide range of blank wholesale coats and jackets are now available using recycled polyester and recycled nylon, offering reliable performance while supporting more responsible material sourcing. This blog explores the sustainability considerations behind recycled outerwear materials, the key differences between recycled polyester and recycled nylon, and how to choose the right option for your needs.

Sustainable coats and jackets: market view and material impact

Synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon are widely used for coats and jackets because they perform well in demanding conditions. However, conventional versions of these materials are produced using virgin fossil-based fuels, which contribute significantly to environmental and carbon footprint impacts within the apparel industry.

Industry organisations such as Textile Exchange highlight material production as one of the most significant contributors to the overall footprint of synthetic garments. As a result, recycled fibres are increasingly used by brands across outerwear collections to reduce reliance on virgin raw materials and make use of existing resources.

Recycled polyester and recycled nylon are now common in sustainable blank jackets and outerwear ranges where durability, consistency and decoration suitability are essential.

Why recycled polyester is popular in blank wholesale jackets:

• Lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear
• Holds its shape well, making it suitable for embroidery and print
• Dries quickly and performs well in variable weather
• Performs like-for-like vs conventional polyester

From a sustainability perspective, recycled polyester helps to reduce the use of virgin fossil-based materials and supports the reuse of existing plastic resources, while maintaining the performance expected from conventional polyester.

Recycled polyester is commonly used in insulated jackets, softshells and workwear-style outerwear.

Recycled polyester vs recycled nylon: which is right for your business?

There is no single ‘better’ option – the right choice depends on how the outerwear will be used and decorated.

• Recycled polyester is often preferred for everyday blank jackets, insulated styles and workwear outerwear
• Recycled nylon is commonly used for lightweight shells, performance jackets and more technical applications

Both materials offer quality, durability, consistency and performance, making them suitable for all markets.

Relevant certifications: GRS and RCS

To support transparency and credibility, recycled materials and our sustainable outerwear are often certified to recognised standards:

• Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Verifies recycled content and includes additional requirements covering supply chain traceability, responsible processing and social standards.

• Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) Confirms the presence and amount of recycled material in a product without additional social or environmental criteria.

These certifications are verified by third-party certification bodies and help to assure recycled content claims in sustainable outerwear.

You can read more about certifications in our Sustainability Glossary.

Sustainable outerwear brands available at Ralawise

Ralawise offers a growing selection of blank wholesale outerwear and sustainable jackets featuring recycled polyester and recycled nylon. These ranges are designed to meet the needs of decorators and resellers, combining:

• Consistent quality and fit
• Quality and durability
• Decoration-friendly fabrics
• Recognised recycled material certifications
• Reliable performance for customers

Specific brands and styles vary across the outerwear category, allowing customers to select garments that align both with performance requirements and sustainability goals.

The takeaway

Recycled polyester and recycled nylon are now well-established materials in sustainable outerwear, offering dependable performance while supporting more responsible material sourcing.

For decorators, embroiderers and resellers, choosing blank wholesale jackets made with recycled fibres allows sustainability considerations to be incorporated while prioritising durability, consistency or decoration suitability.