18 Sustainable Sweater Brands To Stay Cozy And Warm (2024)
Image: Pact
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!
THE BEST SUSTAINABLE SWEATERS
A good chunky sweater is a must-have during the winter months when it is cold and freezing outside. It is also a great clothing piece to wear in the fall and spring when we still get some chilly weather.
Plus, sweaters are just so enjoyable to snuggle up in for those of us who love all things cozy!
Unfortunately, most sweaters we can buy nowadays are made from unsustainable, synthetic fabrics like acrylic and polyester. They are also produced by fast fashion brands that do not prioritize quality, so their knits quickly become pilly and misshapen.
But as conscious consumers, we thankfully do not have to get any of these anymore. Many sustainable clothing brands offer great eco-friendly alternatives that are just as cozy and warm, if not more.
In this article, we have selected 18 of them selling gorgeous sweaters that will make you love cold weather!
WHAT MAKES A SWEATER SUSTAINABLE?
A sustainable sweater is one made with eco-friendly fabrics and non-toxic dyes and produced using sustainable manufacturing processes.
It is also made to last you many years and is crafted in an ethical way. It means the brand has to ensure that workers in the supply chain work under safe, healthy conditions and are paid a fair wage.
A great way to make sure you are supporting a sustainable brand is to check it is transparent and if it received any third-party certifications, like B Corp, Fairtrade, Climate-Neutral, or OEKO-TEX.
WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?
Natural fabrics are usually the best options when it comes to sweaters. Our favorites are GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled cotton, TENCEL lyocell, recycled wool, and recycled cashmere.
Conventional wool is not ideal, so if you cannot find any recycled options, make sure the wool is organic or at least sourced ethically (look for certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard or the ZQ Merino Standard).
You can also find sustainable sweaters made from recycled polyester or recycled nylon.
NOW, OUR TOPS PICKS FOR COZY, SUSTAINABLE SWEATERS
1. PAKA
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Materials: Royal Alpaca, Superfine Merino, Recycled PET, Recycled Nylon, Tencel, Organic Pima Cotton
Price: $110-145
Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors. They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities.
Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested. Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!
Pictured is the Women's Cardigan knit with extra-soft Traceable Alpaca™ with a handwoven Inca-ID and signed by artisans who made it. It comes in three colors: Oxblood (shown), Quail, and White. You can find more sweater styles like zip hoodies and pullovers.
2. Pact
Size Range: XS-2X
Materials: Organic Cotton
Price: $88-94
Pact creates organic wardrobe basics for each member of the family. It has different styles of sweaters for both men and women, including some lovely crewnecks and V-necks.
It even sells a classic polo sweater, which is ideal if you need a more lightweight option!
Each sweater is available in at least three colors, but you can choose some more unique pieces featuring cool tie-dye patterns.
All the sweaters sold by Pact are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, and they are produced in Fair Trade-certified factories.
Pact also offsets the carbon footprint of its products, and it offers you a free shipping label that you can use to donate gently-used clothes to one of its partner charities.
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off your purchase
3. Amour Vert
Size Range: XXS-XL
Materials: Organic Cotton, Modal, Merino Wool
Price: $56-275
Amour Vert is a California-based ethical clothing brand selling gorgeous sweaters, including some lightweight models that are ideal for wearing in the spring or fall.
Most of them are available in several neutral solid colors, but a few styles also feature one-of-a-kind prints (the brand collaborates with artists to create these stunning patterns!).
Amour Vert has many organic cotton sweaters, as well as models made from a modal-organic cotton blend. It also designs pieces using non-mulesed merino wool sourced from mills in Italy and Australia.
You can even resell your unworn Amour Vert pieces and shop for pre-loved styles on the brand’s resale marketplace ReAmour!
4. Able
Size Range: XXS-3X
Materials: BCI Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Organic Cotton, Recycled Nylon, Polyester
Price: $54-168
With its ethically made pieces, Able strives to empower women through fashion all while prioritizing quality and sustainability.
The company crafts beautiful sweaters combining fit, style, and function. You can choose from a variety of models, such as turtlenecks, zip-up sweaters, sweater vests, classic pullovers, and sweater dresses.
The majority of them are made from a blend of recycled polyester and BCI cotton, which is a type of cotton farmed in a more sustainable and ethical way. You can also buy sweaters containing GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled nylon.
All the materials are made to stand the test of time, so you should be able to wear Able’s pieces for many years!
5. Tentree
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: Recycled Nylon, Recycled Polyester, Recycled Wool, Organic Cotton, Wool, TENCEL Lyocell
Price: $31-108
Tentree is on a mission to fight deforestation by planting ten trees for every product purchased. So far, it has planted over 93 million trees!
The brand has a large selection of men’s and women’s sweaters, from turtlenecks to mock necks to zip-up styles.
Most of them are sold in neutral colors and earthy tones.
They are all crafted with sustainable materials, including organic cotton, TENCEL lyocell, RWS-certified wool, and different kinds of recycled fabrics.
Tentree is also Climate-Neutral certified and a B Corp that was named “Best For The World” in the Community category in 2021. Its mailers are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.
6. Outerknown
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: Recycled Cashmere, Alpaca Wool, Merino Wool, Recycled Polyamide, Recycled Wool, Organic Cotton
Price: $178-228
Outerknown is an American sustainable clothing brand making Fair Trade-certified pieces for both men and women.
It sells various styles of sweaters, most of which are stylish crewnecks you will love wearing all season!
Many are crafted from recycled cashmere, but you can also find models made from organic cotton, alpaca wool, and Responsible Wool Standard-certified merino wool.
As a member of the Fair Labor Association, Outerknown makes sure to produce everything ethically. It also works with B Corp-certified suppliers and factories that have implemented sustainable manufacturing processes.
Plus, the brand has a resale platform where you can buy pre-loved styles, and it regularly supports different environmental non-profits.
7. Kotn
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Materials: Recycled Cotton, BCI Cotton, Organic Cotton, Lambswool
Price: $119-179
Kotn sells timeless women’s and men’s clothes using only natural and biodegradable fibers. It offers different crewneck sweaters, a few turtlenecks, as well as a lovely traditional Irish fisherman model.
Most of these are made from BCI cotton, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and GRS-certified recycled cotton.
If you prefer woolen sweaters, Kotn also has two styles that are produced from 100% lambswool.
The brand crafts its sweaters in Portugal using non-toxic, OEKO-TEX-certified dyes and utilizing low-waste cutting methods.
Kotn is also a B Corp that was voted “Best For The World” in the Community category, and it donates a portion of its proceeds to fund and build schools in Egypt, where it sources its cotton from!
8. Poppy Barley
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: Recycled Cashmere, Merino Wool, Lambswool, GOTS Cotton
Price: $101-202
Poppy Barley is a Canadian brand and B-Corp founded by two sisters in Edmonton, AB.
Their company is committed to rethinking every step to create sustainably made, fairly-priced products designed to be worn on repeat.
Known for their great-quality leather shoes and bags, they recently launched a new knitwear line! We tested their Retreat ReSpun Mockneck, which is made from 50% recycled cashmere and 50% merino wool, both sourced from Italy. It is very soft and comfortable and looks great with leggings and boots. The camel color is our favorite!
9. COMMAND
Size Range: S-2XL
Materials: Climate Beneficial Wool, Plant-based Dyes
Price: $285
COMMAND is a woman-owned business based in Seattle. Committed to simple materials and minimal processing, they design bold, contemporary knitwear for the modern woman.
All of their items are created with Climate Beneficial Wool from American ranches and made uniquely colorful by a local artisan with plant-based dyes.
Everything is crafted with materials derived directly from the earth and therefore can be safely returned to it. Aligned with the principles of the slow fashion movement, every item is made to order in their Seattle studio.
10. MATE the Label
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: Organic Cotton
Price: $148-216
MATE the Label is a women-run sustainable clothing brand providing us with pieces made from organic materials and non-toxic dyes. The company sells a nice crewneck sweater that you can get in white or black, as well as a new Organic Knit Cardigan (pictured here). They are crafted in a Fair Trade factory in Peru using 100% organic locally-grown cotton.
The sweater is very chunky, so it will keep you warm and cozy all winter long!
MATE the Label also has a similar cardigan if you prefer a button-up option to layer with other clothes.
The brand is a member of 1% For The Planet and is Climate-Neutral certified. It also has a recycling program, and it collects fabric scraps from its factories and incorporates them into new products.
11. ArmedAngels
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: Organic Wool, Recycled Wool, Organic Cotton, Alpaca Wool, Recycled Linen, Recycled Polyester, Recycled Cotton, TENCEL Lyocell
Price: $35-235
ArmedAngels has a huge collection of sweaters for both men and women.
You get to choose between many styles and fits, including basic turtlenecks and crewnecks, oversized sweaters, sweater dresses, and even sweater vests.
From pinks to blues, ArmedAngels offers many color options, but you can also pick more unique pieces featuring beautiful prints and patterns such as stripes or flowers.
The brand also crafts its pieces with sustainable materials, like organic or recycled wool, TENCEL lyocell, organic or recycled cotton, recycled polyester, or even recycled linen (which is really rare!).
ArmedAngels has a secondhand reselling platform, and it founded a non-profit that supports farmers in their transition to organic farming.
12. Mila.Vert
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Organic Cotton
Price: $231-390
Mila.Vert creates timeless and minimalist designs for your sustainable wardrobe. Its entire knitwear collection is very cozy and chic, so it is perfect if you want to feel put together without sacrificing comfort!
The different styles feature unique details like lovely knitted braid embellishments, geometric patterns, and voluminous cuffed sleeves.
The brand produces all its sweaters from 100% organic cotton and focuses on local made-to-order production. It means that there is no overproduction, and waste is minimized as much as possible.
Mila.Vert even offers custom-fit orders, so its skilled seamstresses can craft your sweater according to your exact body measurements!
All the brand’s pieces are produced locally in Slovenia, and the company ships them in plastic-free packaging.
13. Neu Nomads
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Cotton, Cashmere
Price: $70-379
Neu Nomads creates different kinds of classic crewneck and V-neck sweaters that you can pick in black, gray, white, or camel. They are all made from an ultra-soft cotton-cashmere blend, which means that they are very breathable and cozy!
The yarn is sourced from Mongolia, but the sweaters are knitted in a family-run factory in Nepal that pays fair wages and provides its workers with medical care.
The factory also sponsors the education of the children of underprivileged employees, ensuring that they get quality education at local private schools.
Neu Nomads makes its sweaters using non-toxic, AZO-free, and OEKO-TEX-certified dyes, and it ships them in recycled and biodegradable packaging.
14. Stella McCartney
Size Range: XXS-XL
Materials: Regenerated Cashmere, Wool, Cotton, Organic Cotton
Price: $750-2100
Stella McCartney is a sustainable designer brand offering many sweater options for women as well as for kids.
You can choose between chunky knits, cropped or oversized sweaters, longline models, and different cable knit cardigans.
Most of them feature unique designs, cuts, and patterns, so they will all make you stand out from the crowd!
Stella McCartney’s sweaters are made from regenerated cashmere, organic cotton, or traceable non-mulesing wool, and are colored using AZO-free dyes.
As a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, the brand ensures that all its workers work under safe conditions and are paid a fair wage.
15. ASKET
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: Merino Wool, Recycled Wool, Recycled Cashmere, Organic Cotton
Price: $115-230
ASKET creates timeless staple pieces for both men and women, using exclusively organic and recycled materials.
Its collection of knitwear consists of different crewnecks and turtlenecks that are designed to stand the test of time. There are some lightweight options, as well as more chunky sweaters made for colder weather.
ASKET’s sweaters are made in Europe using GRS-certified recycled wool and recycled cashmere, RWS-certified merino wool, or organic cotton.
We love that the brand is very transparent about its supply chain: it breaks down every clothing item into its raw components and discloses on the labels where each of the materials comes from!
16. Dedicated
Size Range: XS-XXL
Materials: Organic Cotton, TENCEL Lyocell
Price: $89-189
Dedicated is an ethical clothing brand selling many styles of sweaters for women and men. Whether you are looking for a warm turtleneck, a crewneck, or a stylish sweater dress, the company has it all! Dedicated regularly collaborates with artists from all over the world, so it offers many unique prints and fun designs alongside its more classic solid colors.
Most of the brand’s sweaters are made from GOTS and Fairtrade-certified cotton. You can also pick some models made from a blend of organic cotton and TENCEL lyocell, which is derived from sustainably-harvested wood pulp and produced in a closed-loop system.
17. Kowtow
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Materials: Organic Cotton
Price: $89-219
Kowtow is a certified B Corporation with a large selection of sweaters (mostly crewnecks) featuring lovely colors and unique patterns.
All of them are made of 100% Fairtrade-certified organic cotton and dyed using GOTS-certified non-toxic dyes.
The brand also crafts them with a zero-waste approach, ensuring that no excess yarn is used during the production process.
Kowtow works with Fairtrade-certified farmers and manufacturers throughout its entire supply chain. The company also has a recycling program, and it even offers you to repair any minor damage on the garments completely free of charge! This is incredibly rare!
18. Christy Dawn
Size Range: XS-XL
Materials: Alpaca Wool, Organic Cotton, Cotton
Price: $238-528
Christy Dawn is committed to honoring the planet and the people living on it by supporting sustainable and regenerative practices throughout its supply chain.
The brand sells beautiful crewnecks, turtlenecks, and collared sweaters, all of which are designed to serve as staples in your wardrobe for many years.
Most of Christy Dawn’s sweaters are made of alpaca wool, but you can also choose some organic cotton-alpaca wool blends. The alpaca wool is handspun and knitted by Peruvian artisans, and made using selective grazing and indigenous farming practices.
Our favorite piece is the Ricky sweater, a classic fisherman sweater handknit with six different stitch techniques. It is incredibly cozy and has cool bobble details, and you can even get one of these for your kids!
About the Author
Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.
MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
WANT to find MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!
Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.
