Don’t be a knitwit; shop sustainably.

Puns aside, buying sustainable knitwear is one of the most sensible wardrobe swaps you can make.

Reputable designers use low-impact high-quality materials and ethical labor practices to deliver a product with a minimal footprint.

And that’s exactly what we’ve curated in this list. Plus, these garments are built to last and won’t be filled with holes like a pullover from the mall.

In the coming months, we’ll be launching our new Brand Rating System, designed to evaluate brands using a range of comprehensive criteria, such as their climate impact and chemical use. For a full breakdown of this new system, take a look at our in-depth explainer.

We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.

Our Fave Eco-Friendly 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?

We frankly love Frank And Oak’s catalog of men’s and women’s knitwear essentials. Our wardrobe features several of this brand’s versatile pieces that we love for their sustainable style and consciously cozy fit.

Index: Ethical Knitwear Brands

  1. Mila.Vert Jump to brand
  2. Frank And Oak Jump to brand
  3. Pact Jump to brand
  4. Lanius Jump to brand
  5. Toad&Co Jump to brand
  6. Neu Nomads Jump to brand
  7. Rapanui Jump to brand

Mila.Vert

Mila.Vert has not been rated.

About Mila.Vert

Price Range: €90–€480

In true high European fashion, Slovenian luxury brand Mila.Vert offers arguably 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 low-impact 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 knitwear pieces are available in sizes XS–XL.

Frank And Oak

Frank And Oak has not been rated.

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.

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 responsible materials but pretty innovative ones, like kelp-based Seacell™.

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:

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.

My Personal Review of Frank And Oak’s Ara Seacell™ Sweater:

“Who knew seaweed fabric could be so snuggly? I certainly didn’t until I tried on the Ara Seacell™ Sweater, and now I can’t get enough! The soft ribbed knit has a luxurious feel and creates a flattering shape without being overly fitted. I typically like my sweaters loose, and this one offers just the right amount of room. It’s also a perfect mid-weight option, making it suitable for multiple seasons, unlike bulkier sweaters.”

Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content

Pact

Pact has not been rated.

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:

The majority 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.

Lanius

Lanius has not been rated.

About LANIUS

Price Range: €89–€349

LANIUS takes a conscious approach when it comes to developing ethical knitwear.

The 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.

Toad&Co

Toad&Co has not been rated.

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.

Toad&Co’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

This 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 litres 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″.

My Personal Review of Toad&Co’s Butte Crew Sweater:

“If sustainable men’s knitwear gets you all spun up, pieces like my personal favorite Men’s Butte Crew Sweater provide a warm layer that works with multiple outfits, making it a prime addition to a men’s minimalist wardrobe. Plus, because it’s recycled knitwear, it prevents fabric waste and is durable enough for even outdoor adventures. After almost a year of wearing it, it still looks as good as the day I got it—no pilling or fuzz.”

Review by Chris Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester

Neu Nomads

Neu Nomads has not been rated.

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.

Rapanui

Rapanui has not been rated.

About Rapanui

Price Range: £35–£90

If you’re looking for affordable 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 men’s knitwear option, the Seafarer Jumper offers a timeless ribbed design in elegant colorways, making it the perfect addition to a 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 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 uses renewable energy throughout its production process and ships everything in low-impact packaging.

Inclusivity:

Women’s garments are available in UK 8-18 (US 6-16) and men’s XS-XXL.