Finisterre Score 4/5 from Wednesday’s World. Finisterre’s moto is “Made for Life Where Land Ends” and they mean it. The brands purpose is to inspire others to love the sea.
Price Range: Slightly Pricey, but worth the investment
Finisterre has built a reputation based on three core principles: inspiring a love for the sea, promoting environmental responsibility, and crafting exceptional products that last. Their commitment to sustainability is verified through B Corp certification and embedded in every aspect of their operations.
In this profile, we’ll explore how Finisterre has revolutionized sustainable outdoor apparel through:
Price Range £45 to £390
- Pioneering sustainable material innovations
- Transparent supply chain practices
- Community-centered conservation initiatives
- Circular economy solutions for apparel waste
Built for Adventure, Designed for Impact
Founded: 2003 by Tom Kay in Cornwall, UK
Sustainability Highlights:
- First UK outdoor clothing company to achieve B Corp certification (2018)
- Improved B Corp score from 80.8 to 93.2 in 2021 recertification
- Recycled over 2.1 million plastic bottles since 2005
- Biodegradable “Leave No Trace” garment bags
- Innovative wetsuit recycling program
- Exclusive use of organic cotton across product lines
Materials & Sourcing: Finisterre prioritizes sustainable and recycled materials throughout their product range. Their material strategy includes recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, organic cotton with GOTS certification, and innovative developments like their Biosmock insulation—a biodegradable alternative to traditional synthetic insulation. The brand has eliminated conventional cotton from their supply chain and focuses on reducing water usage and chemical treatment in their production processes.
| Material | Environmental Benefit | Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled Polyester | Diverted 2.1M+ plastic bottles from landfill | Fleece, jackets, accessories |
| Organic Cotton | 91% reduced water usage vs. conventional | T-shirts, base layers |
| Biosmock Insulation | Biodegradable alternative to synthetics | Insulated jackets |
| Econyl Regenerated Nylon | Recovered from fishing nets and textile waste | Swimwear, technical gear |
Production Ethics: Finisterre maintains a comprehensive Code of Conduct that governs all manufacturing partnerships. Key principles include the prohibition of child labor, ensuring fair wages, guaranteeing safe working conditions, and protecting workers’ rights to freedom of association. Their factory partnerships are transparent and include Plethora Sports Manufacturing, Egedeniz Textile (Turkey’s first certified organic textile company), Jiangsu Sainty Glorious Trade Co. Ltd, and Tsubasa Korea Co Ltd.
Price Range: $$$ – Premium pricing reflects sustainable materials, ethical production, and durable construction. Men’s t-shirts typically range from £35-50, with technical outerwear between £150-350. While positioned at a higher price point than fast fashion, Finisterre emphasizes longevity and repairability to enhance lifetime value. Their positioning is premium but accessible compared to luxury outdoor brands.
Where to Shop: Finisterre products are available through:
- Their comprehensive e-commerce platform: Finisterre Website
- Physical retail locations across the UK, including their flagship store in Cornwall
- Select specialty outdoor and surfing retailers
- International shipping available with detailed holiday shipping timelines
Brand Story
Finisterre’s journey began in 2003 when founder Tom Kay, a passionate British surfer, recognized the need for sustainable, functional gear designed specifically for cold-water surf environments. Starting in a modest flat above a surf shop, Kay developed an innovative fleece designed to keep surfers warm after emerging from cold waters.
As Kay himself expressed:
“I wasn’t a businessman, I wasn’t a designer, I’d actually never built or sold a product before! It was basically just me going, ‘I believe there is room in the world for a brand like Finisterre and what we stand for.” – Tom Kay