Plant-based streetwear. It almost feels like an oxymoron, but UNLESS seems to be getting it right. Launched in the summer last year, UNLESS is the brainchild of former adidas executive Eric Liedtke, former adi creative director Paul Gaudio, and other former Three Stripes leaders. It specializes in zero plastic, zero waste and biodegradable wardrobe essentials.

Its latest drop for Spring/Summer 2022 contains graphic and plain T-shirts, hoodies and workwear inspired button-up jackets, all in an earthy black, off-white and olive colorways.

Let’s start with the T-shirts, which have a slightly oversized fit with a drop-shoulder. UNLESS uses a low-impact reactive dyeing process on its 8oz interlock cotton fabric to get those earthy tones. There are plain options and versions with the UNLESS logo printed in contrasting colors. In its effort to make everything biodegradable, the graphics are applied using a water-based printing technique. On the back of the printed tees is the aspirational phrase “DON’T FEEL BAD.”

The hoodies are made with a heavyweight cotton fleece and feature a reinforced construction, giving them a hard-wearing look; while the multi-pocket jacket comes in a heavy canvas or soft flannel. Both, however, feature a contrasted, colorful liner, reinforced front patch pockets and sleeves, protected buttons and an oversized fit. The liners are made using a fiber called Tencel, which is derived from wood, sustainably harvested in Europe.

It’s a collection of simple, solid staples. But it’s refreshing to know that each item is 100 percent plant-based. We see a lot of brands recycling and repurposing plastic textiles but to really remove plastics from the chain, plant-based is the way to go. Anytime a plastic-based garment is worn, washed or thrown away, it leaves traces of microplastics which have a harmful impact all over the planet. Plant-based fibers, however, will always return to the earth.

UNLESS even has a takeback program for when your garms have had their last wear. You get credit and your item either gets repaired and recycled, or it’s composted and returned to the ground.

Shop the drop on the UNLESS website now.