Hands-On with Toad&Co: The Next Eco-Friendly Menswear Hero?

Remember the days of guilt-free shopping?

Nothing felt better than leaving the mall, bags in hand, ready to cook up some killer outfits with your new clothes.

Times have changed. With apparel companies pumping out more garments than ever, it’s made us rethink our thoughtless hauls from our favorite brands.

But how can you trust the big guys when they have a bottom line to protect?

Bottomless marketing funds and a talented PR team can make the most wasteful corporation seem like they’ve saved the rainforest once and for all.

Toad&Co wants to clear the air about sustainable clothing, but are they the globe guardians they set out to be?

I reviewed their most popular products to see how their environmental efforts hold up against their fashion aspirations.

What Is Toad&Co?

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Toad&Co’s humble beginnings started in 1991 with founder Jessica Norhdaus making upcycled fleece hats as a hobby in her garage.

Four years later, the first Toad&Co store opened in Telluride, Colorado, where they expanded into outerwear.

The brand doesn’t fib about ethical operations. In 1997, Toad&Co started a social venture called Planet Access in partnership with nonprofit Search, Inc. It started off as a fufillment warehouse, but has now evolved into many more programs.

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Toad&Co also partners with Planet Access to fund Search for Adventure, a travel program that provides first-time global excursions to individuals with disabilities.

Beyond social good, 1% of all Toad&Co sales go to 1% for the Planet, a globally recognized conservation fund that invests their contributions in various ecological projects. Their clothing always incorporates sustainable fibers like organic cotton, TENCEL, and hemp.

Toad&Co takes care of their customers, too. Per their policy, if your new gear doesn’t get a compliment within three wearings (or it simply doesn’t work out), they provide free exchanges. For any returns, you’ll only need to cover a small postage fee.

Things to Consider Before Buying

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Clothing from Toad&Co costs a bit more than other brands. Companies that stand for sustainable materials, fair pay, and charitable acts have higher operating costs, which is passed onto the customer.

If you’re not willing to spend over $50 on a pair of pants, your budget is better served elsewhere.

However, don’t be disappointed if you find that whoever made your $50 chinos is dumping their leftover dyes in a river overseas.

My Hands-On Review

Airsmyth Flannel Shirt

A flannel shirt is an easy way to work color and pattern into a fall outfit, but style shouldn’t come at the expense of quality.

I picked up an Airsmyth Flannel Shirt in the Jasper colorway, and the vibrant mix of colors looked even better in person.

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If you like flannels that aren’t too warm, you’ll like the lightweight fabric of the Airsmyth flannel. Most of Toad&Co’s color options look good year-round, so I’m glad I won’t have to hang mine up once spring hits.

I was wary of the recycled polyester-cotton blend, since most flannels are 100% cotton or wool. The synthetic fiber allows a bit of stretch, ideal for a day outdoors.

Toad&Co’s cotton and polyester are recycled, which earns my respect. If you have sensitive skin, you should also know that it’s OEKO-TEX® certified, promising no harmful chemicals are used in any part of the shirt’s manufacturing.

For something simple like a button-up flannel, I have to give Toad&Co a nod for elevated details like branded buttons, adjustable cuffs, and a small hang loop right above the tag. If you’ve worn flannels during winter sports, you know a small hang loop is helpful when stripping layers in the lodge.

The flannel is soft, as all flannels should be. But, I noticed it requires ironing or a quick steam after washing. Thicker flannels are robust enough to conceal large creases, but the thin material isn’t as resilient.

My biggest gripe with the Airsmyth Flannel was the sizing. I’m 42 inches around the chest, so I went with a large based on Toad&Co’s chart. This is my normal size for tops, mind you.

A large turned out to be a bit roomy around the stomach. I prefer flattering, trim cuts on my tops. If you prefer a roomier fit, this’ll do just fine for you.

I love the playful colors and versatile weight of the Airsmyth Flannel, but tread carefully when sizing. If you’re built more like a deer and less like a bear, consider sizing down.

Moonwake Shirt Jacket

Browse your favorite online shop—shackets are everywhere. But is Toad&Co’s any good?

As I build my wardrobe, having a heavy top for layering is key. The Moonwake Shirt Jacket brings the warmth of a light jacket disguised as a button-up.

My favorite thing about this shacket is the “Moonwake Knit” as Toad&Co calls it. The horizontal stitching reminds me of a quilted blanket, and it adds visual texture to the shirt. No frayed threads, either.

The recycled cotton-polyester blend is insanely comfortable. It’s so warm, stretchy, and soft that I considered not wearing anything under it. Once my girlfriend gets a feel, it’ll never see the inside of my closet again.

bluesign®, a company that monitors the dyeing and finishing process, gives the Moonwake their seal of approval for efficient manufacturing. If you’ve felt eco-guilt from buying cheaply made clothes, this might ease your conscience.

Like the Airsmyth Flannel Shirt, I picked a large. The sleeves were too long and the torso was just as roomy. Not a big deal if you’re layering this with a sweater, but go a size down if you’re just wearing a T-shirt.

Shackets are in, and the Moonwake Shirt Jacket is supremely cozy and pairs well over anything.

Mission Ridge Pants

I’ve reviewed enough stretch trousers to dress an entire tech startup, but only a few have earned permanent spots in my wardrobe.

Thick thighs save lives, but my big legs feel suffocated by the form fitting material, resulting in pants that look like leggings.

Most menswear brands add stretch to compensate for the trim profile of slim-fit pants, but Toad&Co’s Mission Ridge Pants have a straight-leg cut. There’s ample room to begin with, so the stretch was only noticeable when I needed it most.

For a guy who crosses his legs at his desk, I appreciate not feeling like my groin is shrink-wrapped.

Most other stretch pants are tight around my calves, causing them to ride up when I’m moving. The straight leg fit completely avoids this, so I never look like I sized down the length. Plus, it leaves enough room to fall perfectly over a pair of boots or high-tops.

I can’t stand the subtle sheen of stretch fabric. Since these are made of 77% organic cotton, 21% polyester, and 2% elastane, they look like a classic pair of khaki pants.

Far more timeless than the tech-bro slacks I’ve tried.

Of all the Toad&Co products I tested, these are my favorite. For the sake of a well-rounded review, the only downside I can muster is the pocket situation.

I hate fumbling with buttoned openings, so I’d prefer if these had stitched pockets. This is simply a matter of preference, so the buttoned pockets should do you just fine.

I thought I’d given up on tech-fabric pants for good. The Mission Ridge pants reminded me that it’s the cut, not the fabric itself.

Tempo Long Sleeve Crew

I never wear long sleeve tees. On a warm day, I stick to short sleeves. During cold weather, I throw on a sweater.

I hate the feeling of long sleeve shirts shifting under a sweater or jacket. With my rocky relationship in mind, I wanted to see how the Tempo Long Sleeve Crew fared.

Despite ordering a large for the Airsmyth and Moonwake, I chose a medium in navy, and it fits perfectly, especially with how it rests just below the waist.

They say modesty is honesty, but I believe in flaunting it if you’ve got it. If you have big arms, you’re going to love this shirt.

Listen, I’m no Christian Bale, but the form-fitting material made me feel like Batman. The addition of TENCEL™ and elastane makes my chest and biceps pop.

The other 48% of the shirt is made from organic cotton, which is rather thin. I don’t mind, since it’s soft and hugs my skin closer than a regular long sleeve crew. This design makes it comfortable under a jacket or hoodie, so I’ll be using it to add an extra layer of warmth this winter.

For a shirt that costs over $50, it’s surely comfortable, and I think the TENCEL fabric, which naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria, makes the price justifiable.

I would have liked ribbed cuffs and an improved collar, as both feel flimsy. If you value sustainable fabrics from an eco-friendly company, it’s a solid option for a basic crewneck tee.

The Tempo’s main selling point is its eco-conscious fabric choices and flattering cut. It’s a comfortable shirt, but the cuffs and collar left me wanting more.

Primo Long Sleeve Henley

An unbuttoned, proper fitting henley shirt makes the girls go wild. My arsenal’s been lacking, so I was excited to style this one.

Henleys originated as a men’s undergarment, but nowadays their buttoned plackets make them a flirtatious alternative to crew neck shirts.

My Italian genetics blessed me with enough chest hair to accessorize. With a gold chain on, you know I’m undoing a couple buttons on the Primo. The tortoise-shell buttons add a nice contrast to the salt colorway I picked, too.

I always spring for white tees, but the 100% organic cotton fabric sets in apart from other ones I wear. Unlike shirts that are heavily processed to get a uniform look, the Primo’s fabric has a heather-like pattern with a natural feel. Every guy needs a crisp white shirt, but it works on a henley.

I love the Primo’s softness, but the fabric is sheer.

On a chilly day, expect pointy nips front and center. My summer tan is still hanging on, and I could see it under the henley in bright light. If you have darker skin, the light color options will be slightly see-through.

While the fabric might be thinner than you’re used to, it’s still a durable shirt. I was worried about sending it through the dryer, but it comes out as good as new every time.

When I’m sporting a timepiece, I always pull my sleeves half-way up my forearms. Even after multiple wears, I didn’t notice any stretched cuffs or lasting wrinkles.

The 100% organic cotton fabric on the Primo Long Sleeve Henley is equally comfortable as it is natural. Soft, well-made, but sheer enough to expose pointy nips in cold weather.

What Do Other Reviewers Say?

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Among hundreds of positive reviews on Toad&Co’s website, it’s clear that customers support their planet-friendly ethos.

Of the five styles I covered, the Mission Ridge Pants had the lowest rating, with a 4.1/5 average across 86 reviews. Reviewers found the pants to transition effortlessly from the office to the outdoors, thanks to the style and stretch. However, one reviewer who bought them for manual labor wished the pockets were deeper.

At the time of writing, the Airsmyth flannel earns a 4.7/5 rating from 34 reviews. A couple reviews share my same frustration with the torso being too wide, and wish for a fitted look.

Most reviewers dig the lightweight fabric for its year-round wearability, with one customer requesting they make a ladies’ version. Another customer even wore an Airsmyth Flannel to his wedding.

My Thoughts Overall

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