10 Best Sustainable and Responsible Brands for Soft, Cozy Sweaters
Updated: 3 days ago
Sweater weather. It's one of the most highly anticipated fashion opportunities of the year. What's better than taking on the day wrapped in soft layers such like a warm, cozy blanket -- and looking great doing it? From hand-knit, chunky gauge merino wool to the soft and structured mastery of Grade A six-ply recycled cashmere, when it comes to F/W knitwear reigns supreme and deservedly so.
Are you in the market for a new sweater? Here are things to look for when shopping for the right sustainable fall or winter sweater:
-Natural And Regenerative Materials
Avoid uncomfortable acrylic and polyester blend knit sweaters that wear like a plastic bag (literally, because they are composed of plastic fibers). Instead, prioritize sweaters made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp, wool, alpaca, recycled cashmere, or yak wool. These materials are not only naturally biodegradable, they are said to have a higher vibrational frequency than synthetics.
-Avoid Virgin Cashmere
Although considered a natural material, virgin cashmere can actually be harmful for the environment. The high demand for cashmere has led to has resulted in excessive goat grazing, damaging the Mongolian terrain. An excellent substitute is recycled cashmere or yak wool. Unlike cashmere goats, yaks graze at the plant tops, maintaining the ecosystem they inhabit. Additionally, utilizing yak wool helps protect the nomadic herders' traditional lifestyle.
-Timeless Style & Craftsmanship
It's important to consider your sweater as an investment and something that can be worn for years to come. Do you remember what happened to the cold-shoulder sweater trend? Kick one-season styles and opt for quality sweaters of a timeless silhouette that you can restyle year after year. Plus, when you're ready to pass it along a highly crafted simple sweater will retain a higher resale value than one that reflects an outdated trend. Be sure to try the sweater on for size and feel. Rub the sleeves together to test the piling.
-Realistic Care Requirements
Many sweaters need special care, even though they do not need to be washed as frequently as your other clothes. Make sure to read the care label. If you won't have access to an eco-friendly dry cleaner soon or won't be able to handwash your wool sweaters seasonally, consider opting for natural cotton blends that can be machine washed, but always avoid using the dryer.
10 BEST PLACES TO FIND SOFT AND COZY SUSTAINABLE SWEATERS:
VINTAGE + THRIFT STORES
Before buying new, be sure to check out your local thrift and vintage stores, as well as preloved fashion sites like ThredUp, Poshmark and The Real Real. Not only is shopping secondhand as sustainably style conscious as you can get, you can often find vintage sweaters that are far superior in quality to those manufactured today. We're currently loving preloved gems from Sea New York, Theory and Ulla Johnson via The Real Real -- all at a significantly lower cost (and carbon footprint) than buying new.
Images: The Real Real
TERCETTE
Started in 2023 by two friends who met during their journey into motherhood, Tercette is known for its simple, stylish staples that are as functional as they are comfortable. Each piece integrates responsibly sourced yak wool for its body temperature regulating properties, indulgent softness and sustainable nature (that rivals cashmere). We cannot get over the ultra-indulgent softness of their cable knit sweater, which also happens to be on sale.
TWO THIRDS
Designed in Barcelona and crafted in Portugal, we're a fan of TWO THIRDS for its array of innovative sustainable material offerings as well an ethical, transparent and regional supply chain. For warmer climates, TWO THIRDS offers lighter weight knits (think of that vacation you'll be booking to escape the snowy weather). We love this cotton and wool blended sweater for layering or wearing alone (on sale for $89 when this article was published).
CUYANA
San Francisco-based luxury label Cuyana is renowned for its classic designs that advocate for owning fewer, high-quality items. We are currently inspired by the versatility of this sustainable Italian wool wrap sweater produced within a transparent supply chain. Retails for $328, or find it preloved on Poshmark.
AMOUR VERT
Since 2014, Amour Vert (which means 'green love' in French) has been a solid resource for sustainable styles that integrate an array of eco-friendly signature fabrics like bluesign® Silk, TENCEL™ modal and a silky-cotton rib certified by the Organic Content Standard . If you're looking for a light, versatile cashmere that's great for layering, we like their Pearl Cashmere Sweater in Clementine Orange. It's made from 100% recycled cashmere that is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified for the win. ($240)
OUTERKNOWN
Cofounded by world renowned surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is an advocate for ethical sourcing. The brand incorporates organic and regenerative cotton in many of its designs, holds Fair Trade Certification, and collaborates with Bluesign® Approved Factories. The brand even has a pre-owned marketplace to promote circularity. We're fond of the laid-back appeal of the Roma Sweater made from a 70% organic cotton and 30% recycled cashmere blend.
EVERLANE
Best known for its radical transparency, Everlane delivers when it comes to ethically manufactured knitwear options of a competitive price. Made from Responsible Wool Standard (RSW) certified wool, The Cable Half-Zip in Luxe Merino promises 'all of the luxuries of wool and none of the scratch'.
KOTN
Designed in Canada, KOTN prioritizes timeless designs integrating eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton. We like this vintage-inspired custom knit cable sweater made with 100% Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton.
FRANK AND OAK
Another Canadian favorite, Frank And Oak is a leader in material science innovation and stylish sustainable fashion options. We love how they've integrated yak wool into this cozy mock neck sweater.
THE KNOTTY ONES
Started by three friends, The Knotty Ones is a label of sustainable knitwear that's designed in NYC and made by female artisans and female led factories in Lithuania. We've got our eye on this handcrafted chunky sweater in wool and alpaca.