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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 😉
Cashmere. Hearts. Need we say more? If you don’t know NAADAM it is a socially conscious brand that brings you cashmere straight from the Mongolian Gobi Desert. They responsibly hand-combs its goats for the softest cashmere around. In addition to being mindful of animal welfare, NAADAM pays fair wages to herders and gives back to the local community.
If hearts aren’t your thing consider the Travel Cashmere Turtleneck. A minimalist dream this low-maintenance knit has a relaxed classic fit and tunic length. It features a high turtleneck, middle seam, and ribbed details. Crafted from a soft, machine-washable cashmere that’s specially-knit to maintain its shape and quality on cold, gentle cycles.
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.
This long sleeve mock neck sweater features a hand drawn floral jacquard design.
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 4 great fall colors: Dark Grey, Grey Heather, Pine Bark, and Uniform Green, all made from 100% organic cotton. Shop now and get ten trees planted with your purchase!
This ones super oversized, super cozy! A pixelated rearing horse brings a contemporary feel to this Stella McCartney jumper. Crafted from Responsible Alpaca Standard alpaca wool with a lipstick red jacquard knit front, the jumper references Winter 2023’s equestrian and bridle inspirations.
If you love a cropped look you’ll love this sweater that’s cropped in the front and a little longer in back. Made from a luxurious material using the highest-quality Peruvian baby alpaca fiber blended with certified mulesing-free merino wool and regenerated polyamide crafted especially for Cuyana.
This is part of Janessa Leone’s regenerative wool collection, made in LA. A body hugging rib knit it comes in black or cream.
This collection reimagines the way we produce and consume clothing, transforming the relationship between what we wear and the land from where it is sourced. In optimizing the nexus of climate change mitigation, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and wool production, we are establishing a circular fashion culture that benefits the wearer, the producer, and the global climate.
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 a range of colors
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.
The Francesca Sweater is an update to a classic nordic intarsia crew. Made with super-fine alpaca, the Francesca Sweater is lighter weight, incredibly soft and cozy, and destined to be a go-to fall layer. Slightly cropped with long raglan sleeves, the Francesca pairs perfectly with your favorite vintage bottoms.
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 cream 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.
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.
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.
Their new Pearly Queen jumper Kirsty is knitted from a blend of RWS wool & recycled nylon. Featuring a comfortable crew neck and our signature faux pearl shoulder detail, its classic style makes its a must-have knit for any forever wardobe.
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.
We have one word: RAINBOWS. (we started with hearts so… ). We love this retro inspired sweater. Paying homage to the golden age of board sports, Outerknown is bringing back the iconic retro ’70s rainbow!
78% organic cotton, 22% COOLMAX® EcoMade polyester. Organic cotton cuts out all the harmful synthetic chemicals used to grow conventional cotton, making for safer working conditions for farmers and a healthier planet. COOLMAX® EcoMade fibers are recycled, giving new life to plastics headed for landfill
