Last Updated on December 18, 2024

Finding sustainable sweaters is easier than ever, thanks to brands embracing eco friendly materials and ethical practices. Whether you’re avoiding synthetics or looking for alternatives to traditional wool, there are plenty of cozy, planet friendly options out there.

Finding sustainable sweaters doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the secondhand market, like thrift stores, then explore these 9 sustainable sweater brands for eco friendly sweaters made from ethical and sustainable materials. Brands like Tradlands, People Tree, Sézane, and Patagonia offer high-quality options to keep you warm while staying mindful of the planet and your budget.  

sustainable sweater (weather)

When I first started my zero waste journey, I’ll admit — I sometimes felt overwhelmed. But I knew I had to start somewhere. 

I had already committed to eating more plant-based food, and I even started DIYing my cleaning supplies. Next up: my wardrobe!

Living in New England means unpredictable weather, even in the warmer months. If I skip bringing a sweater, I almost always regret it. There’s nothing worse than cutting a night short because you’re freezing. Seriously.

You can avoid all of that (and feel good about what you’re wearing) by investing in a sustainable sweater.  

why you’ll love eco friendly sweaters

• These brands offer quality, long-lasting fashion, so you won’t need to replace your sweaters every season.
• They focus on more than just minimizing harm — they aim to make the planet better. 
• Look good, feel good, and know your sweater makes a difference.

what to look for in ethical sweaters

No matter where you are on your zero waste journey, you may be wondering just what makes a sustainable sweater, well… sustainable. Start by asking yourself these questions:

what is it made of? 

Start simple. You’ll want to avoid sweaters made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or acrylic. All of these materials are made with microplastics, which can cause serious health problems and are not eco friendly. Because they are non-biodegradable, most will end up in a landfill, where they’ll stay for years.

Luckily for you, sweaters are one of the easiest pieces of clothing to find that are made with 100% natural fibers. Opt for brands that use wool, alpaca, or even cashmere if it’s properly sourced and processed.

One example of a sustainable natural material to look for is Shokay yak wool. Shokay is the world’s leading provider of responsible yak wool, which is all natural.

They have their own sustainable fashion line and supply yak wool to other brands. Known for its softness, yak wool is often compared to cashmere and is 30 times warmer than regular wool.

Shokay sources its yak wool directly from Tibet, where yaks live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Unlike fixed-location farming, traditional herding practices ensure yaks graze with minimal impact on the grass.

All herders follow natural herding practices to care for the yaks, guaranteeing the yaks are safe, secure, and free to roam around. 

Shokay is also committed to fair compensation and equitable working conditions throughout its supply chain. It’s a sustainable option due to its durability and timelessness. Sweaters made with yak wool are less likely to wear out quickly or go out of style, making them stand the test of time. 

Use my code GZW20 for 20% off any Shokay order. 

how is it made?

Compared to other clothing, sweaters are relatively simple to make, usually involving knitting rather than cutting and piecing together fabric. When done right, this process minimizes material waste, which is a big part of clothing waste.

That said, the dyes used for yarn can be harmful to the planet and often require large amounts of water. Choose brands that prioritize zero waste manufacturing, eco friendly dyes, and renewable energy to power their production, ensuring their ethical sweaters are better for the environment.

is it fair-trade certified?

As you look for a sustainable cardigan or sweater, make sure to look into the brand’s labor policies. Are they Fair Trade compliant? Opt for brands that are transparent about their processes or that have Fair Trade or SA8000 certifications.

Another big part of Fair Trade is making sure that the people making the clothing are treated well and paid fairly. You should never support a brand that uses slave or child labor.

could you wear it for years?

When it comes down to it, you need to choose a sweater that will last you for years at a time — and a part of that includes finding pieces that you can see yourself wearing for years.

Trends come and go, there’s no doubt about it. Pick relatively classic pieces so you know they will work with the rest of your wardrobe for years to come. 

the most environmentally friendly sweaters

Thrift stores and online thrifting are as eco friendly as it gets! There are so many ways to shop secondhand, and I can’t stress enough how much more sustainable (and budget-friendly) it is.

The best place to start? Your local thrift shops — there’s SO much clothing waiting to be rediscovered.

If you’re looking to shop for secondhand sweaters online, be sure to check out ThredUP, Poshmark, and Etsy. 

These companies are nice because they have filters that make looking for sustainable fabric, like cashmere, easy. ThredUP also has a fashion footprint calculator that may help examine your wardrobe habits. 

For more secondhand online store ideas check out: Online Thrift Stores and Vintage: 12 of the BEST Secondhand Shops. 

9 sustainable sweater brands I love

1. Colorful Standard

Ever met a brand that actually wants you to shop less and buy better? Colorful Standard does!  

• Colorful Standard makes crewneck sweaters from recycled merino wool. 
• 1 order shipped equals 1 tree planted. 
• Made using environmentally friendly dyed yarn – Oeko-Tex. 
• Zero waste production and manufacturing.

2. Tradlands

What’s the opposite of fast fashion? Drumroll please… slow fashion! Obvious? Maybe. Helpful for the environment? Definitely. 

• Tradlands is a women’s slow fashion brand inspired by classic tailoring (think menswear-inspired) with a focus on quality materials and eco conscious sweaters. 
• Favorite materials include recycled polyester, Tencel, cotton, and alpaca. 
• The manufacturing process also tries to minimize waste. 

3. People Tree

One of the reasons I love People Tree so much is that they’ve got plenty of sustainable cardigan options out there. 

• Considered to be one of the pioneers in the sustainable fashion world. 
• Their sweaters are 100% wool or 100% cotton. 
• They are hand-knitted by artisans in Nepal, who are paid fairly. 

What more could you ask for?

4. Sézane

Sézane is a French brand that specializes in sustainability. Don’t worry — they ship worldwide and even have a US-dedicated e-shop. 

• You’ll find timeless sustainable sweaters made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, to name a few materials. 
• If you’re concerned about the waste involved in ordering online, all of their boxes are made from recycled materials too. 
• Their sweaters are French (swoon), timeless, and eco friendly. 

5. Patagonia

Patagonia has forty years of environmental consciousness and sustainable fashion. 

• Their high-performance sustainable sweaters (you can climb a mountain in these threads) are typically made from wool, hemp, and organic cotton. 
• Donates to environmental nonprofits.
• A transparent company.
• Living wage and work environment conscious.

6. Outerknown

Outerknown is another brand I’ve mentioned on the blog before. Kelly Slater, all-star wave rider, started this brand. 

• It’s one of the most transparent brands I’ve ever come across — they even have a list of their suppliers on their site. 
• They use materials like recycled cashmere and merino wool in their sweaters.
•  A portion of their sales goes to the Ocean Conservancy. 
• The drawback to this company is that they are high priced.

7. Naadam

Naadam was created after the founders took a trip to Mongolia, where they saw goat herders were paid unfairly for their products. 

• Pay their suppliers (based in the Gobi Desert) fair, livable wages.
• They specialize in sweaters made from cashmere.
• Naadam uses Carbon Neutral Shipping methods.
• They use clean energy in their production plants. 

8. Amour Vert

Amour Vert is a women-owned and operated sustainable fashion brand that operates out of the US, with 97% of their clothing designed and made in California.

• Their production process is zero waste.
• They offer a wide selection of sweaters and cardigans made from organic cotton.
• It’s affordable.
• Amour Vert has partnered with American Forests and plants a tree in the US for every order.

9. Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher prides itself on being a sustainable slow fashion brand. These sweaters are stylish and ethical!

• They make their sweaters with recycled cashmere, merino wool, and organic cotton.
• Their merino wool is certified under the Responsible Wool Standard.
• The organic cotton is sourced directly from Peru, and all of the material is grown, spun, dyed, and knit on-site to support the local economy. 
• They have a clothing recycling initiative.

faqs

is knitwear sustainable?

Knitwear is just another word for sweaters. As mentioned, because there are not a lot of excess materials in knitting in general, sweaters are some of the most sustainable pieces of clothing out there. They can be sustainable because there is no excess fabric that goes to waste.

Remember to check out your brand’s manufacturing processes and Fair Trade practices to confirm that their eco friendly sweaters are just that: eco friendly. 

do sustainable sweaters last longer?

A sustainable sweater is made from high quality, eco friendly materials and crafted with durability in mind, making it longer lasting. By choosing timeless, well made pieces over fast fashion trends, you’ll enjoy sweaters that stand the test of time.

what’s the best way to care for my sweaters?

To maximize the lifespan of your sustainable sweaters, follow proper care instructions, such as hand washing or using a gentle cycle, and avoid excessive washing. Proper storage, like folding instead of hanging, can also help maintain their shape and fabric quality.

are eco friendly dyes safe for the environment?

Eco friendly dyes are designed to minimize harm to the environment. They use fewer chemicals and water than conventional dyes, making them a better choice for both the planet and your skin.

is cashmere ethical and sustainable?

You’ve likely noticed at this point that I keep mentioning how important it is to use sustainable cashmere. It can be hard to find as there is no certification label that guarantees an ethically made cashmere product.

Choose recycled cashmere first. If you’re set on a new piece, go straight to the source — ask the retailer where the cashmere is sourced and how the goats are treated. When in doubt, move on!

I got my favorite sweater from a thrift shop. Where did you get your favorite sustainable sweater from?