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The summer heat and sweat inducing temperatures are coming to an end. Chillier weather is setting in and giving us a reason to bundle up. Sweaters are at the top of our list re: fall fashion must-haves, but finding the right one amid all the polyester and nylon options can be a little tricky. The key to a solid, sustainable knit is in the fabric – the ones made from natural or recycled materials fit the bill. Cashmere, wool and alpaca are great options if they are sourced and manufactured in an environmentally conscious way.
For a sweater that keeps you cozy, layers well in the autumn and winter months, but also is responsibly crafted with natural or recycled fibers AND ethically produced in a fair labor environment, we’ve put together a list of 15 choice knits. Happy mindful shopping 😉
Pricing index:
$ – under $100
$$ – $100 – $200
$$$ – upwards of $200
ArmedAngels is an amazing apparel company offering beautiful, eco-friendly and ethical garments to men and women. The company uses only sustainable and/or regenerative materials and promotes fair working conditions for all. It has established partnerships with organizations like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Wear Foundation, Fairtrade and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
This ribbed mock turtleneck made of 100% organic cotton comes in many colors including this beautiful saffron hue called sunset. Based on our sweater search, saffron yellow appears to be the color of the season. The Alaana Pullover also comes in black, gray, brown, cream, dynamo blue, striped, burnt orange, and a light grayish-blue. This is an excellent base piece for layering. The sweater is GOTS certified and PETA approved vegan.
Price point: $
Amour Vert is another great sustainable fashion brand. All their garments are designed, produced and sold in America to guarantee the products’ sustainability and the ethical working conditions throughout the process. Because about 60% of a garment’s environmental impact occurs during fabric manufacturing, Amour Vert partners directly with fabric mills to develop their own sustainable fabrics. They also have sustainable packaging used when shipping their products directly to you.
The Sena Wool Sweater is made from Merino Wool, that has been sourced responsibly in a harm-free, non-mulesed process which seriously reduces any possible environmental impact! It’s a great mock neck sweater with cable knit stitching and side slits with ivory and navy stripes. It also happens to be on sale (all sizes currently available) so definitely take a look before it’s too late!
Price point: $
Tentree has been carbon neutral since 2020 and plans to further reduce emissions in the future. The company is committed to sustainability, climate action, and ethical manufacturing, and their ‘Earth-First’ program uses the most sustainable materials possible. Earth-First is the brand’s commitment to making choices in a world where the planet and its people always come first. For every item purchased from Tentree, the brand plants ten trees; they have planted over 60 million trees since its start!
The Highline Grayson Cardigan comes in 3 great fall colors: Grey Heather, Pine Bark, and Uniform Green, all made from 100% organic cotton. Shop now and get ten trees planted with your purchase!
Price point: $
Back Beat Co. is a California lifestyle brand that combines modern California basics with old school surf and skate culture. The brand prioritizes the ethical and social responsibility of every aspect of the production and consumer process. They use ‘Low Impact’ fabrics that are either recycled or sustainably farmed which reduces waste.
The Space Dye Cardigan is a light knit sweater made of FSC certified viscose. The cardigan comes in Tide Space Dye (ocean tones, seen above) and Pistachio Space Dye (earth tones). The sizes range from XS/S to XL/XXL.
Price point: $$
Seasalt Cornwall is a women’s apparel, footwear and accessories brand inspired by the creative heritage of Cornwall, England. The brand works to promote sustainability through their four pillars: product, environment, innovation and community.
The Jetty Reach Striped Jumper is a beige and navy blue-striped cable knit sweater. This cozy sweater is perfect for chilly days exploring the city or nature. It is available in the UK sizes 8-28 or 4-30 for US sizes. This fisherman-inspired sweater is made of 50% cotton and 50% wool.
Price point: $$
This cardigan is a collaboration between London brand Birdsong and sustainable knitwear designer Katie Jones. Birdsong has a sustainability policy that includes making sure all of their workers are paid a London living wage, that they manufacture with natural and recycled materials, and they design and create with worker’s rights in mind.
The Recycled Denim Crochet Cardigan has a base made of 100% upcycled denim. 20% of the trim is made of upcycled denim, and the rest of the trim is made of upcycled raw cotton. Instead of being made in a factory, this crocheted cardigan is made by a knitting group called Knit and Natter in Enfield, North England.
Price point: $$
Patagonia is one of our favorite outdoor brands that has made great strides towards sustainability! Between their self-imposed Earth tax that provides support to environmental nonprofits and their Patagonia Action Works activism campaign, the company is working hard to protect on Planet and all of its inhabitants!
The Recycled Crewneck Sweater is made of recycled wool and recycled nylon. It is perfect for hiking and a heavier layer when it is cold out. The size range is an XS-XL. The sweater comes in Sapling a cream color with dark green details, Cabin Gold (mustard yellow), Salt Grey, and Smolder Blue (dark blue).
Price point: $$
Ajaie Alaie is a Brooklyn-based womenswear brand founded by Danielle Samper. The brand specializes in handmade knitwear made with sustainable, biodegradable textiles. Ajaie Alaie partners with small manufacturers in Peru and India.
Wishing you could keep enjoying neapolitan ice cream sandwiches out in the sunny weather? Capture the feeling with the Evil Eye Summer Cardigan in the color Strawberry Chocolate. The delicate cardigan is currently ON SALE for $175, so move fast! There’s also a cool evil eye design on the pink side and a circle design on the brown side.
Price point: $$
The Dark Pink Melange Cisa Jumper, a turtleneck sweater with loose shoulders, is made of 100% recycled wool.
Ecoalf is a brand from Spain planning to be carbon net zero by 2030. They have been recognized by B Corp as being the top 5% in their corporation in the environmental and social categories.
Price point: $$
Christy Dawn has whimsical designs that have a country cottagecore feel. The company states that they honor Mother Earth by repurposing deadstock fabric. Partnering with farms through their Farm-to-Closet initiative, and their organic cotton collaboration with Oshadi Collective.
If the main chill that concerns you is the heavy air conditioning in your office, then The Logan Sweater is perfect for you. This cream-colored short sleeved sweater with balloon sleeves and diamond-shaped detailing is ultra-feminine and easy to layer under overalls or a blazer, tucked into trousers, or untucked to show off the scalloped trim. The sweater is 100% Alpaca wool.
Price point: $$$
Since 2015, Mara Hoffman has become one of the most recognized sustainable fashion brands! The brand encourages transparency in every aspect from design and production to retail. It focuses on sustainable materials, processes and production to improve and extend every garment’s life. In fact, Mara Hoffman’s Full Circle Marketplace is a great place for re-selling or purchasing old pieces, keeping them in circulation and out of landfills!
The Ola Sweater is a black knit with a deep V-neck, balloon sleeves tapered at the wrists, and a feminine shape at the waist and flares slightly at the hips. It is available in a wide range of sizes from XXS-3X. It is made of 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex. This sweater is Climate Neutral certified and made in Peru.
Price point: $$$
St. Roche decides on their materials with intention and the environment in mind. They use raw materials such as GOT certified organic cotton, linen, Texel Modal, and sustainably sourced Alpaca.
Be your own Prince Charming with the romantic cut of the Gia Sweater. This lush ivory sweater has long puffy sleeves and a collared V-neck. The detailing on the shoulders is very intricate. This sweater is made of 89% superfine Alpaca and 11% polyamide. The Gia Sweater is Fair Trade certified and made in Peru.
Price point: $$$
Outerknown supports their workers through the Fair Labor Association and is Fair Trade certified. They also partner with the Textile Exchange and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
The slouchy Archer Cashmere Crew neck sweater comes in soft pastels like Argento blue and Yellow Haze. It also comes in Jet Black and Dark Navy. This sweater is luxurious and wonderful to throw over an outfit to look instantly stylish and refined while feeling cozy. It is made of recycled cashmere, 5gg Italian yarn, and biodegradable Merino wool.
Price point: $$$
Story mfg is vegan and cruelty-free, and practices regenerative agriculture. The brand uses natural dyes for their garments that are gentle on the skin, and also their designs are super whimsical and fun.
This festive autumnal sweater – called the Keeping Jumper in Blue Corn – is a chunky V-neck with hand-crochet appliques of corn on the front and sleeves and pale yellow writing embroiders the knit in strategic spots. We’re obsessed.
Price point: $$$
Mother of Pearl is an amazing, UK based, high-end fashion brand that encourages environmental advocacy, transparency, animal welfare, social responsibility and circularity. Besides making beautiful garments, they also produce great and sustainable homeware. The brand has recently joined forces with the rental platform, Onloan, to extend the life cycle of their clothing by renting their garments.
The Charlotte Cardigan is super elegant and comfortable for the fall and winter months! It comes in three great colors: tan, navy and black, all of which will mix well with any wardrobe. The cardigan is made from organic and natural fibers, specifically organic cotton & non-mulesed wool. It is a part of Mother of Pearl’s No Frills collection that has been created with a completely transparent supply chain, all of the garments are traced from fabric to final. Go get sweater shopping! But remember to pay attention to the details, like the materials and production practices used in the creation of any garment. And keep in mind an added bonus – the warmer your clothes the lower the heating (usage +) bills!
Price point: $$$
-by sammie wilhoit
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