Whether sweater-weather has already arrived or you’re getting a bit of fall fever, this guide to sustainable sweaters has you covered with plenty of resources and style inspiration.
From chunky knits to classy cardigans, I’ve handpicked my favorite brands with high-quality, responsibly-made eco and ethical sweaters.
These brands have knitwear made from consciously-sourced materials including upcycled cotton, recycled cashmere, and hemp that will keep you cozy throughout the chilly days of this season — and for many years to come.
Not sure when it’s the right time to make an investment in a conscious piece? Download my free Closet Inventory and Budget Template where you can track what you have, what you need/want, how much you’re spending, and determine when it’s the right time to invest.
Note that this guide features partners and affiliates — as always all brands meet high standards for sustainability and ethics and are brands I truly believe in!
1. Outerknown
Dedicated to eco-friendly and ethical production through and through, Outerknown uses 90% recycled, organic, or regenerated fabrics and is completely transparent about where they source their products. They’re also a Remake Approved Brand, which is not an easy credential to earn!
Conscious Qualities: Eco Fabrics, Transparent and Ethical Production
Price Range: $$$
Size Range: XS – XL
2. Organic Basics
Eco-minded essentials brand Organic Basics has recently launched knitwear in men’s and women’s sizes. Their sustainable sweaters are made from an ultra-warm 100% recycled merino wool fabric ensuring they’ll be go-to cozy pieces in your closet winter after winter.
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Fabrics, Transparent and Ethical Production
Price Range: $$
Size Range: XS – XL
3. Christy Dawn
Los Angeles-based brand Christy Dawn makes their feminine boho clothing locally from deadstock fabrics. Christy Dawn is also currently investing into regenerative farming to source climate beneficial fabrics.
Conscious Qualities: Uses Deadstock Fabrics, Produces Locally
Price Range: $$$
Size Range: XS – XL
4. Patagonia
Sustainable fashion pioneer and outdoor brand Patagonia has cardigans, turtlenecks, and other cozy sweaters made from fibers like recycled cashmere and organic cotton.
Conscious Qualities: Eco Fabrics, Transparent Production
Price Range: $$
Size Range: XXS – XXL
5. Tradlands
Tradlands is a slow fashion label with season-less garments made with high attention to quality. Many of their garments are made with mindful fabrics too, like Tencel and recycled polyester.
Conscious Qualities: Slow-Made, Uses Many Eco Fibers
Price Range: $$$
Size Range: XXS – XXL
6. People Tree (UK)
People Tree is a fair fashion brand with organic and eco-friendly clothing in nearly every category. Their knitwear is consciously knit from fabrics like recycled cashmere and organic cotton.
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade, Eco Fabrics
Price Range: £ – ££
Size Range: S – L
7. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is on the forefront of sustainable, slow design. The brand’s sweaters, like the other pieces in their collections, are timeless, ethically made, and made from eco-friendly materials including recycled and organic fabrics.
Conscious Qualities: Exceptional Quality, Eco Fabrics, Local Production
Price Range: $$$
Size Range: XXS – 3XL (plus Petites)
8. Toad&Co
Recycled wool, organic cotton, and hemp are among the earth-friendly fibers that Toad&Co sources for their sustainable sweaters. The environmentally responsible brand also has a reusable shipping package option and a renewal program for clothing repairs.
Conscious Qualities: Eco Fabrics, Sustainable Packaging, Purchases Renewable Energy Credits
Price Range: $
Size Range: XS – XL
9. Made Trade
Made Trade is a curated online store for conscious goods, from home decor to clothing (including ethical sweaters!) Their sweater and jacket collection includes pieces with a diverse set of materials, designs, and colors to choose from.
Conscious Qualities: Ethical Production, Eco Fabrics, Carbon-Offset Shipping
Price Range: $ – $$
Size Range: XS – 3XL
10. The RealReal (Secondhand)
The RealReal is an online luxury consignment shop with a beautifully curated selection of designer knitwear. By shopping pre-loved, you’re extending the life of an existing garment and reducing the demand for new resource extraction.
Conscious Qualities: Secondhand
Price Range: $ – $$$
Size Range: XXS – XXL
11. Peruvian Connection
Peruvian Connection has conscious sweaters made by skilled artisans in Peru primarily handcrafted from alpaca wool responsibly sourced from Peruvian farmers. Alpaca wool is not only soft and durable, but an important part of Peruvian culture as well.
Conscious Qualities: Supports Traditional Artisan Crafts
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Size Range: XS – XXL
12. Thought (UK)
Thought is an earth-minded fashion brand with soft knitwear crafted from fibers like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled wool. The brand is also a founding partner of the Ethical Fashion Forum.
Conscious Qualities: Eco Fabrics
Price Range: £ – ££
Size Range: 6 – 18 (UK Sizes)
13. BEWUSST Hempwear (EU)
Based in Bradenburg, Germany, BEWUSST Hempwear creates 100% hemp products like underwear, basics, and of course — sweaters. Since its an Etsy shop, there is international shipping available!
Conscious Qualities: Eco Fabrics
Price Range: $$ / €€
Size Range: XS – XL
14. United by Blue
Providing affordable eco fashion, United by Blue has soft sweaters made with organic cotton, recycled cotton, and merino wool for under $100.
Conscious Qualities: Eco Fabrics
Price Range: $
Size Range: XS – XL
15. Bare Knitwear
Made by artisans in small, intentional batches, Bare Knitwear embraces the slow fashion philosophy through and through. Each piece from the brand takes 5-13 hours to produce.
Conscious Qualities: Slow-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $$$
Size Range: XS – XL
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You May Also Want to Check Out:
The Best Ethical Boots for Fall (and Far Beyond)
15 Brands with Ethical and Sustainable Socks
A Look at Organic Cotton (Plus The Best Organic Cotton Clothing Brands)
