7 Sustainable Knitwear Brands To Warm You, Not The Planet
Don’t be a knitwit; shop sustainably.
Puns aside, pushing sustainable knitwear is one of the easiest eco-friendly wardrobe swaps you can make.
Reputable designers use high-quality materials, manufacturing techniques, and labor practices to deliver a product that doesn’t harm the environment as much as traditional pieces.
Plus, these garments are built to last and won’t be filled with holes like a pullover from the mall.
Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.
The Top Snuggly Sustainable Knitwear Fits For A Fashionable Fall
Pact continuously delivers exceptional fair trade cotton knitwear in the form of sweaters, hoodies, jackets, and jumpers from ultra-comfortable organic cotton.
Ethically sourced, cruelty-free wool and GOTS-certified organic cotton?
No wonder we frankly love Frank And Oak’s vast catalog of men’s and women’s ethical knitwear essentials.
Think we’re pulling the wool over your eyes? Check out the bottom of the article to find out how we chose the best ethical knitwear brands.
The Full List Of Eco-Friendly Knitwear Designers
- Mila.Vert | Visit Store
- Frank And Oak | Visit Store
- Pact | Visit Store
- LANIUS | Visit Store
- Toad&Co | Visit Store
- Neu Nomads | Visit Store
- Rapanui | Visit Store
1. Mila.Vert
About Mila.Vert
Price Range: €90–€480
In true high European fashion, well, fashion, Slovenian luxury brand Mila.Vert has some of the most exceptional sustainable women’s knitwear on our list.
Founder and designer Tina Logar Bauchmüller created the brand after the birth of her second daughter. Since then, she’s worn her values on her sleeve, creating beautiful sweaters, tunics, cardigans, dresses, bottoms, and accessories from thoughtful, eco-friendly materials.
Items like the Knitted Striped Pullover made from 100% organic cotton are the perfect wardrobe staple for the versatile winter and fall and outfits.
Mila.Vert’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Mila.Vert’s organic cotton knitwear is made 100% organic cotton, as with many of their garments.
A select few non-knitwear items utilize European linen, TENCEL™, and recycled wool.
They buy their fabrics from trusted fabric agents and resellers, who ensure the materials they use are Earth-friendly as well as ethically produced.
Supply chain & labor practices:
They have a locally-based production chain in Slovenia, EU with partners like Liniatex, Krona, eSPe sewing, and Jakopina. This allows Mila.Vert to maintain high-quality ethical knitwear production and transparency.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
In order to mitigate left-over clothing waste and avoid overproduction, Mila.Vert’s clothing garments are manufactured in small pre-ordered batches.
The small batches allow them to stay eco-friendly without producing excessive textile waste.
Inclusivity:
Mila.Vert is a woman-owned company consisting of a five-member team working to create beautiful, long-lasting pieces.
The women’s ethical knitwear pieces are available in sizes XS–XL.
2. Frank And Oak
About Frank And Oak
Price Range: $100–$149
Sustainable men’s and women’s knitwear that’s durable, long-lasting, and timeless?
Sign us up for whatever Frank And Oak is having.
Sustainable brands like Frank And Oak make a wave in the fashion industry through ethical oversized cardigans, sweaters, hoodies, crewnecks, pullovers, and more.
Everything is made of not only sustainable materials, but pretty innovative ones, like kelp-based Seacell™.
Never thought about getting snuggly in seaweed fabric?
Neither had we until we tried on the Ara Seacell™ Sweater and now (al)gae do we love it! The ribbed knit design makes for a slimming, flattering fit, while the silky Seacell™ threads provide some real lived-in luxury.
Frank And Oak’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Frank And Oak uses ethically sourced, cruelty-free wool, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and other recycled materials, like nylon and polyester.
Their Seacell™—which is semisynthetic lyocell fabric made of kelp—is usually blended with organic cotton.
Instead of chemical dyes, Frank And Oak uses sustainable dyes made from plants and water-extracted minerals.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Frank And Oak maintains a snug fit on its production standards, holding all of its 28 factories in China, Bangladesh, and UAE to Certified B Corp standards, per their certification.
The brand ensures accountability by having 100% of its partners sign a Supplier Code of Conduct and receive at least one third-party audit from WRAP, Sedex, SA8000, and BSCI.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Besides innovative manufacturing techniques, like “hydro-less denim,” Frank And Oak utilizes recycled packaging. This includes recycled paper kraft boxes and mailers alongside compostable poly bags.
They also provide customers the chance to recycle old jeans through the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program.
Inclusivity:
Ethical men’s knitwear pieces are available in sizes XXS–XXL and 28-38”. Women’s options can be found in XXS–XXL and 23″ to 32″.
Community & charitable giving:
Your purchase from Frank And Oak will help keep more than you warm this winter.Their charitable endeavors are numerous and varied, from supporting local artists to donating to those fighting biodiversity loss.
3. Pact
About Pact
Price Range: $94–$149
Pact is Earth’s Favorite™ and easily one of the best eco-friendly knitwear brands.
We’ve tested several of the shorts, sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, tees, and other garments and can attest to their comfort, durability, and quality.
And while our all-time favorite chunky knit cropped cardigan from them is no longer among their fair trade knitwear lineup, we’re looking to prepare for the cold winter ahead by adding the Honeycomb Knit Crew Sweater to our wardrobe.
Available in colors as warm as the sweater itself looks, like Camel, to the beautiful Celestial blue, choosing just one is no easy feat!
Pact’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
This ethical clothing brand makes it easy to find sustainable knits by utilizing GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Most are 100% organic cotton, but a few pieces contain small amounts of elastane for a bit of stretch.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Most of Pact’s garments are manufactured in fair trade factories in India.
Over 50% of the organic cotton is sourced from locations across India where employees are treated with respect and receive a living wage.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
For shipping purposes, Pact utilizes Vela bags, a carbon-neutral, FSC-certified, recyclable paper bag.
They measure their greenhouse emissions through SimpliZero and offset emissions through various initiatives, like reforestation and renewable energy.
Inclusivity:
Pact offers eco-friendly knitwear for men in sizes S–XL.
Women’s sustainable knitwear is available in XS–2XL.
Community & charitable giving:
Finding your sweater collection had grown out of control?
Clear your closet and your conscience by donating them (from any brand) to those in need through Pact’s Give Back. Wear Forward program.
4. LANIUS
About LANIUS
Price Range: €89–€349
German brand LANIUS takes a conscious approach when it comes to developing ethical knitwear.
The sustainable knitwear designer crafts ultra-comfy pullovers, cardigans, and sweaters from high-quality alpaca wool, cashmere, and organic cotton.
Knitted pull-overs made from high-quality alpaca wool like the Troyer are perfect for cuddling up in the colder months and are built to last longer than any fast fashion trend.
LANIUS’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
LANIUS produces most of its ethical handmade knitwear from organic cotton, cashmere, and various types of ethical wool, including alpaca wool, yak wool, and mulesing-free wool.
Many of their garments are certified by GOTS, GRS, and OCS.
Supply chain & labor practices:
LANIUS designs pieces in Cologne before it’s manufactured by various partners certified by either BSCI, SA8000, GOTS or the Fair Wear Foundation.
Most of their partners are in Europe, but they work with sites in Eastern Asia and South America as well.
In addition to third-party audits, LANIUS regularly visits their partners, ensuring fair wages, working conditions, and standards are met.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
LANIUS is Climate Neutral Certified and only utilizes environmentally-friendly packaging made from paper or recycled plastics.
They invest in various renewable energy projects across Asia to offset carbon emissions further, and offer options for clothing care, repair, resell, and rental.
Inclusivity:
Their Fair Trade knitwear comes in women’s EU sizes 34–44.
Community & charitable giving:
LANIUS contributes to various organizations like Healthy Seas and FEMNET.
5. Toad&Co
About Toad&Co
Price Range: $98–$239
Toad&Co has ridden the new wave of slow fashion, producing high-quality knitwear for men and women.
The California-based company crafts exceptional sweaters, hoodies, pullovers, cardigans, and accessories made from natural yarns.
If sustainable men’s knitwear gets you all spun up, pieces like our personal favorite Men’s Butte Crew Sweater provide a warm layer that works with multiple outfits, making it a prime candidate for a minimalist men’s wardrobe.
Plus, because it’s recycled knitwear, it prevents fabric waste and is durable enough for even outdoor adventures.
Toad&Co’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
This sustainable knitwear brand uses several different fibers, like recycled wool, non-mulesed wool, organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled cotton, recycled nylon, and hemp fabric.
Many of the knits have certifications like OEKO-TEX or bluesign® approval.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Some items are produced in the United States, but all of Toad&Co’s international partners are audited and visited annually, ensuring code of conduct compliance.
Their warehouses are managed through Planet Access Company (which they cofounded). This program employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Toad&Co plans to follow 100% of The Responsible Wool Standard by 2024 and swap all synthetic fabrics to recycled materials by 2025.
They currently ship products in FSC-certified paper sleeves with water-based or algae ink but plan to get rid of all other plastic packaging by 2026.
Toad&Co hopes to reduce water usage by 100,000 liters per year by 2025 and obtain net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Inclusivity:
The recycled knitwear for women is available in sizes XS–XL and 0”–14” waists. Men’s options are available in S–XXL and wait 30”–38″.
Community & charitable giving:
Another organization seeking to improve the likes of disabled individuals through travel opportunities, they also co-founded Search for Adventure.
As members of 1% For the Planet and Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, they make monthly donations to multiple organizations—need we say more?
6. Neu Nomads
About Neu Nomads
Price Range: $289–$379
Neu Nomads walk the walk when it comes to sustainable cashmere knitwear.
The Long Cardigan is dramatic, flowing, and perfect for layering over tees, tanks, or sweaters.
Otherwise, cashmere sweaters, leggings, hoodies, v-necks, and crewnecks will keep you warm throughout the winter.
Neu Nomads’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Neu Nomads produces sweaters and cardigans from an ultra-soft ethical cashmere cotton blend sourced from Mongolia and produced in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Their non-toxic, OEKO-TEX-certified, and AZO-free dyes are sourced from Switzerland.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Neu Nomad prioritizes ethical manufacturing and empowering women, with 85% of its clothing manufactured in a family-owned factory in Delhi. The rest are produced in female-owned sites across Lithuania, Portugal, and Nepal.
They conduct regular audits, ensuring safe working conditions and treatment.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
A slow fashion brand through and through, they craft pieces to last and with circularity in mind when they do wear out.
You can return all Neu Nomads garments for recycling through their TREET partners.
Many of Neu’s partners use renewable energy and non-toxic manufacturing practices, helping reduce their carbon footprint.
They also ship items in 100% biodegradable poly bags with paper packaging made from locally sourced recycled cotton.
Inclusivity:
Neu Nomad provides sizes from XS–XXL, but XXS and XXL sizes can be ordered upon request via email.
Community & charitable giving:
Through Neu Women, the sustainable brand celebrates and bolsters female entrepreneurs making strides in the work of sustainability.
7. Rapanui
About Rapanui
Price Range: £35–£90
If you’re looking for affordable, sustainable knitwear, UK brand Rapanui has plenty of responsible options to wrap yourself in.
The up-and-coming brand produces high-quality sweaters, pullovers, crewnecks, cardigans, and more, in both classic cable and satisfyingly textured waffle knits
For a sustainable men’s knitwear option, the Seafarer Jumper offers a timeless ribbed design in elegant colorways, making it the perfect addition to a new sustainable wardrobe.
Having tried it ourselves, we’re impressed with the quality of the soft and comfortable fabric, perfect for layering during colder weather but also nice against the skin if worn solo.
Rapanui’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Rapanui makes its ethical knitwear from organic cotton sourced primarily from farms in India.
They use only vegan fabrics and any printed products have OEKO-TEX certification.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Rapanui’s business partner in India is SA8000-certified, ensuring safe working conditions, respect, and living wages.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The sustainable British knitwear brand takes a circular approach, with all pieces containing a QR code that makes them easy to return once they reach the end of their shelf life.
Upon return, customers receive a discount, and the garments are repurposed and recycled into new clothes.
Rapanui utilizes renewable energy throughout its production process and ships everything in eco-friendly packaging.
Inclusivity:
Women’s garments are available in UK 8-18 (US 6-16) and men’s XS-XXL.
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How We Chose The Comfiest Ethical Knitwear Designers
So, how did we weave in and out of brands to find the best sustainable knitwear designers?
We knit together a list of strict criteria using our sustainable fashion guidelines.
Materials:
To counter the un-cozy acrylic and non-recycled synthetic knits out there, we carefully looked for non-synthetic materials and organic fibers.
Materials that can be composed (or repurposed into new pieces), like organic cotton, alpaca, ethical or recycled cashmere, hemp, and ethical wool, are first choices—as long as they have cruelty-free sourcing.
If a piece contains synthetics, recycled yarns are a must, though we understand that recycled spandex or elastane substitutes are still rare, so we make an exception for small amounts of this.
- Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Recycle Standard (GRS), OEKO-TEX®, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), bluesign®, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Supply chain & labor practices:
Supply chain transparency, fair working conditions, living wages, and ethical labor practices help tie the knot.
Third-party certifications help prevent greenwashing, but even the most reputable organizations (like B Corp) must be scrutinized.
- Certifications: Fair Trade, Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), Social Accountability International (SA8000), Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Sedex, B Corporation (B Corp), Fair Wear Foundation
Carbon commitments & green practices:
We snuggle up to brands with carbon offset programs, renewable energy, garment recycling programs, and eco-friendly packaging.
Inclusivity:
We love to see brands with a diverse range of models, clothing sizes, and employees, like woman-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses.
Community & charitable giving:
Not every brand can give back, but those who contribute with profits, time, or products are paving the way for future improvements and innovations.
Final Thoughts On Eco-Friendly Knitwear Brands
Have you warmed up to eco-friendly knitwear yet?
The clothes in your closet don’t only impact how you feel on a given day or how people perceive you—they have significant effects on the environment and habitats across the globe.
Selecting sustainable materials, brands, and production methods will provide you with longer-lasting pieces and help reduce harm from the fashion industry.
Do you know someone looking forward to sweater weather?
Send them this list of sustainable knitwear brands, so they cuddle up in a more conscious way.
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