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- 03/28/2023
Looking for ethical and sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans to upgrade your cold-weather wardrobe in 2023? We filtered out the top-rated ethical wool and organic cotton sweaters based on hundreds of reviews from sustainable fashionistas.
p.s. you may also like our roundup of 15 Best Organic Cotton Sweatpants & Eco Hoodies To Live In This Year
This post is about sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans.
It’s no secret that we have a soft spot for sustainable sweaters and oh-so-cozy organic cardigans with infinite layering potential.
Can you really blame us? There’s nothing better than a luxurious, warm knit to snuggle in during the coldest months of the season. You know what I’m talking about.
From classic, relaxed silhouettes in whimsical hues to statement-making quirky motifs, we simply can’t venture out into the brisk outdoors without our organic cardigans and chunky sweaters of choice. Best thing about a great quality sustainable sweater? You only need one or two to complete your cozy needs.
The thing about sustainable wool, alpaca, and cotton sweaters, however, is that they are expensive. So if you really want to make the most out of your knitwear, you should probably look for the ones that have emerged as the clear winners in ethical and versatile dressing.
This includes spicing up your cold-weather ensemble with mulesing-free wool from vetted and approved brands that treat the planet and all its inhabitants right.
Let’s make sure you’ll be able to frolic through winter in a snuggly attire that’s guaranteed to keep you warm until the early days of Spring.
Which natural fabrics are best to stay warm?
If you are looking for the best fabrics to keep you warm and cozy during the coldest months, this list provides some of the most popular natural materials for winter clothing. Wool is super warm and cozy; Flannel is lauded for its warmth, its durability, and softness; fleece is great at trapping body heat and sustaining warmth. Last but not least, cashmere is about 8 times warmer than a regular wool knit.
What are the best alternatives to wool for sweaters?
If you are looking for sustainable alternatives to wool, modal or cotton are the best candidates. Additionally, Tencel is touted as a fantastic fiber for winter as well (for layering).
Hemp fibers can also keep you warm and comfy just like wool because it’s an all-natural and biodegradable material with excellent thermoregulating properties.
So rest assured that you can keep yourself warm without having to opt for knits made from wool – all you have to do is put your trust in natural or regenerated alternatives (and we have a great selection below!).
Who makes the most sustainable sweaters?
If you are looking for the most sustainable sweaters and amazing, organic cardigans, look no further than our favorite ethical clothing brands: KOTN, Pact, Mate The Label, Neu Nomads, LA Relaxed, Vetta Capsule, The Knotty Ones, Universal Standards, Eileen Fisher, and Tentree. All these companies use premium and natural materials like wool, organic cotton, modal and cashmere to craft knits with the lowest environmental impact possible.
This post is about sustainable sweaters and cozy cardigans in 2023.
The best sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans
KOTN, one of our most beloved slow fashion brands, offers a slew of sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans for every aesthetic. Think modern, minimalist, and ethically crafted chunky sweaters, vests, jackets, and over-shirts that can double as transitional dressing staples or layering pieces for the cold-weather days ahead.
The eco-conscious materials? Cotton and luxurious 100% extra-fine lambswool that’s lightweight and warm, without any itch. Wait, there’s more. Did you know that the certified B corporation was voted ‘Best for the World’? They use resource-efficient manufacturing protocols that limit waste and recycle water.
Size: XS – 3XL
Price Range: From $88
Ethics: Sustainable Fabrics, B Corporation, Non-Toxic Dyes, Fair Trade, Charity Donations
Location: USA, worldwide shipping available
Sustainable Sweaters from KOTN:
Pact is one of the best ethical fashion brands for Organic Cotton Sweatpants, affordable comfy underwear, and all-things-cozy. But this time is all about their neutral-color, size-inclusive sustainable sweaters with infinite layering possibilities– a true capsule wardrobe staple, if you will.
From V-necks, to crew sweaters and turtlenecks and even work-appropriate classic Polo sweaters, the choices are so many! Every piece is made with organic cotton in a Fair Trade factory with the motto Earth’s Favorite Clothing. Even their packaging is crafted with 100% post-consumer recycled paperboard.
Size: XS – 3XL
Price Range: From $115
Ethics: Organic Cotton, Fair Trade Certified Factories, Sustainably And Ethically Made
Location/Shipping: USA, worldwide shipping available
Discount: SKL15 to get 15% off for first-time customers – Full priced items only and cannot be used with other offers
Organic Sweaters from PACT:
Aside from being one of the top e-destinations for Vegan Friendly Wool Alternatives, Mate The Label is ready to boost our sartorial experiments with wear-me-everywhere sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans crafted ethically and sustainably in Los Angeles, California.
Even their buttons are made from palm tree seeds which are hand-carved sustainably in Peru. Yes, we have a soft spot for their oh-so-soft cardis because the slouchy fit is perfect for cozy nights and lounging all day.
Size: XS-2XL
Price Range: From $268
Ethics: Sustainable Materials, Made In Los Angeles, Remate Circularity Program, Plastic-Free
Location: USA
Organic Cotton Sweaters from Mate The Label:
From women’s workwear to sustainable Tencel clothing and, of course, organic cardigans, Neu Nomads has ethical fashion’s winning formula memorized. Created ethically with energy and water-conserving methods, their lineup is non-toxic, OEKO-certified, and processed with AZO-free dyes.
Their cotton/cashmere sweaters layer like a dream over tanks, shirts, and bralettes and most styles come in a few different neutral colors to choose from. Plus, your order will come wrapped in recycled and biodegradable packaging –how cool is that?
Sizes: XS-3XL
Price Range: From $204
Ethics: Sustainable Plant-Based Fabrics, Non-Toxic Dyes, Fair Trade, 100% Biodegradable Packaging
Location: USA worldwide shipping
Cashmere Sweaters from Neu Nomads:
LA Relaxed may be lauded for their heavy-duty sustainable leggings and splurge-worthy linen dresses, but their amazing line of sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans is equally as dazzling.
Take the Crop Rib Cardi, For example. It’s made from Modal (aka sustainably harvested Beechwood pulp) and Tencel. Fancy a long version? Bloom Fleece Cardigan Is The quintessential option for you. Let’s not forget that the woman-owned brand also works with BLUESIGN- certified local dye houses and commits to strict GOTS standards!
Sizes: XS – 2XL
Price Range: From $74
Ethics: Made in LA, Woman Owned Business, Ethical, Small Batch Production, GOTS Certified, Fair Trade
Locations: USA, worldwide shipping available
A few favorites from LA Relaxed:
Vetta Capsule’s assortment of gorgeous sustainable dresses for fall is not the only thing that makes them unique! The brand aims to help women build the perfect capsule wardrobe with a month’s worth of outfits – all created in a family-run factory in NYC.
Of course, you can also shop for cuddle-worthy separates such as sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans made from GOTS-certified cotton. We are absolutely obsessed with the brand’s Convertible Chunky Sweater with a detachable turtleneck. Then, there is also the Cape Scarf, an office-approved piece that can be worn as a chunky scarf, or draped over your shoulders as a poncho.
Size: XS – XL
Price Range: From $168
Ethics: Made in the US, Sustainable And Organic Materials, Fair Labor, Solar Energy
Location: USA
Sustainable Sweaters from Vetta Capsule:
Get ready to adorn yourself with the comfiest and most luxurious sustainable sweaters and cardigans you’ve ever had! The Knotty Ones’ refreshingly modern knit collection boasts colors and textures that certainly won’t go unnoticed.
Staying true to their Baltic culture, some styles are covered with intricate tonal symbols traditionally used by their Pagan ancestors. Of course, there are solid options as well, but without any special detailing. Furthermore, the brand currently employs around 70 hand-knitters who work from home in rural Lithuania making 100% biodegradable knits based on “fully fashioned” production principles.
Sizes: S-L
Price Range: From $179
Ethics: Sustainable, Cruelty-Free Alpaca, Cotton And Wool Knits, Handmade In Lithuania, Woman-Owned Brand, Biodegradable Fabrics
Location: USA/Lithuania, worldwide shipping available
Sustainable Knits from The Knotty Ones:
Universal Standard is not only one of the best petite clothing brands for sustainable jeans but also a great place to shop for organic cardigans and sustainable sweaters for every body type.
Their sumptuous knits range from blanket sweaters and deep V necks to relaxed crew neck styles and even sweater dresses solely made from 100% Merino Wool or Recycled Cotton & recycled poly.
Plus, their sizes are the most inclusive on our list, ranging from a 4XS to a 4XL! if your size changes, the brand will replace your clothes and send your new size if you opt for the Fit Liberty Collection.
Sizes: XS-4XL
Price Range: From $135
Ethics: Eco-Friendly Materials, Fair Trade Certified, Upcycling/Recycling, Charity
Location: USA
A few favorites from Universal Standard:
Looking for places to recycle old clothes that cannot be donated and opt for new size-inclusivity and eco-conscious knits to refuel your wardrobe? Eileen Fisher offers luxuriously soft, organic cardigans and sustainable sweaters for modern women on the go.
From Peruvian Alpaca wool turtlenecks and Cashmere Silk boatnecks to regenerated merino wool cardis and organic cotton options, they have all your cozy needs covered. On top of that, the brand operates an alternative Fair Trade supply chain supporting over 450 families in and around Arequipa, Peru.
Sizes: XS to 3XL
Price Range: From $178
Ethics: Fair Trade Certified, Sustainable Fabrics, Donations Program
Location: Sold from The United States, worldwide shipping available
A few favorites from Eileen Fisher NY:
Tentree has always been one of our top favorite sustainable bra brands but their fashion game is equally as strong! They use eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, wool, recycled polyester, and Tencel to craft their versatile collections and plant 10 trees for every sale.
So rest assured that your new sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans won’t only be buttery soft and ridiculously durable, but also as ethical as they can get! Each one of Tentree’s 50+ knits is designed in Canada and manufactured sustainably all over the world.
Sizes: XS to 3XL
Price Range: $40-58
Ethics: Sustainable & Recycled Fabrics, Fair Labor, Donations, Plants Trees
Location: Canada, ships to the U.S.A.
Sustainable Sweaters from Tentree:
We absolutely love shopping second-hand! Vestiaire Collective is the best place to buy and sell pre-loved pieces whether they are brand new or vintage.
Sometimes, you can score luxury fashion styles up to 70% off the retail price. The certified B Corp has a wide range of knits from brands like Reformation, Saint Laurent, Prada, Ganni, Dior and so many more! Simply filter the results by condition, price, category, designer, and location to find your next favorite cold-weather staple.
Size: 4XS-9XL
Price Range: From $40
Ethics: Preloved options, 100% recycled and recyclable packaging
Location: Worldwide
Sustainable Sweaters from Vestiaire Collective:
This post was all about sustainable sweaters and cozy cardigans
From utterly cozy zip-ups and all-occasions-ready turtlenecks to cropped options that are equal parts stylish and comfy, our favorite sustainable sweaters and organic cardigans adobe will certainly be a true staple in your all-year-round arsenal.
Pro tip: these beauties can also double as fantastic Sustainable Gift Ideas for that always-cold friend who can’t leave the house without at least a few layers.
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