Maggie's Organics & Hat Attack

Plenty of folks recognize the benefits of organic clothing now, but how about back in 1992?

In those beknighted dark ages, organic clothing was many years away from breaking into the mainstream.

But that didn't stop the folks behind Maggie's Organics from founding their company based on "the premise that all workers could be treated ethically and that clothing could be functional, beautiful and affordable and also constructed of environmentally sustainable materials."

16 years later, Maggie's Organics says that it is still using certified organically grown fibers (Certified Organic Cotton or Certified Organic Wool) in all its apparel and accessories.

Intellectually, we admire Maggie's Organics for its commitment to rely on suppliers (many of them locally based in the U.S.A.) who guarantee livable working conditions.

From a consumer & reviewer standpoint, we appreciate the fact that Maggie's Organics uses truly minimal packaging, and that the packaging it does use appears to be made largely or exclusively from recycled materials.

The unisex lounge pants (regularly $23, on sale for $12) that we tested were not only comfortable, soft and durable, but slipping them on seemed to promote a real sense of relaxation and ease. They won't replace tuxedo pants or a pantsuit, but they're certainly ideal for lounging around the house.

As for the Maggie's Organic textured tights ($20.80), they were impressively warm and simultaneously stylish, according to our tester.

And by the way, the Organic cotton crew socks in Natural color ($8) - those were primo too.

From the tips of your toes, we turn to the top of your head. If you're looking for something organic to keep your noggin safe from the winter wind, consider the organic stylish caps from Hat Attack. If your climate is relatively mild, we'd suggest the jaunty, somewhat bohemian $32 Organic Cotton Cap. For chillier climes, you'll get more mileage out of the Organic Cotton Trapper ($75), lined with faux fur. No word on whether that's organic faux fur. That trapper also comes in an adorable baby size ($58) so your little tyke can look Iditarod-ready.

Where to buy:

You can order Maggie's Organics products through the company's online outlet.

Pick up your Hat Attack head-topper through the company's Internet store.