Patagonia

Patagonia is a US outdoor brand that began as a maker of climbing gear. Yvon Chouinard started it in Ventura, California, after years of forging climbing equipment in a tin shed, and alpinism has stayed at the heart of the business. The range now covers skiing, surfing, fly fishing and other outdoor sports. You'll find fleece, shells and insulation, including the pile jacket that has kept people warm since 1985. The clothes are designed to last, made with as little damage as the company can manage, and repaired when they wear out. One per cent of sales goes to environmental causes, and the brand says it wants to cause no unnecessary harm.