What’s the best part of chilly, blustery days? Hot chocolate…and we get to wear our soft, cozy sustainable sweaters, of course!
Besides, nothing feels better than wrapping up in ethically made sweaters and cardigans.
Think: slow fashion meets sweater weather.
As with all our fashion guides, including sustainable knitwear, we focus on brands that opt for sustainable materials and ensure ethical labor and production practices.
In the coming months, we’ll also be assessing brands across a range of criteria per our new Brand Rating System, this will consider for example climate impact, and water and chemical use. You can read more on that in our explainer.
Now, if you’re already shivering for something sustainable that won’t keep fueling the fires of the fast fashion industry, here are a few winter sweater ideas to pad out your winter wardrobe.
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. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
The Best Ethical Sweaters & Cardigans
Wrap up in GOTS-certified organic cotton—and Fair-Trade certified clothing—with Pact, one of our all-time favorite brands for snuggling up in.
Keep cozy in that cold Canadian climate with ethical sweaters from Frank And Oak. We tried their Ara Seacell™ Sweater and found it the perfect fit for keeping consciously cozy.
Index: Sustainable Cardigan & Sweater Brands
- Frank And Oak Jump to brand
- Toad&Co Jump to brand
- Outerknown Jump to brand
- Pact Jump to brand
- tentree Jump to brand
- Reformation Jump to brand
- Patagonia Jump to brand
Frank And Oak
Frank And Oak has not been rated.
About Frank And Oak
Price Range: $100–$149
Frankly speaking, Frank and Oak have some of the most affordable sustainable sweaters in the lot.
Their ethically-made sweaters boast a range of necklines like turtlenecks, Johnny Collars, crewnecks, and more—all in lovely earthy shades of evergreens, amber browns, burnt siennas, and orchids.
Fall favorite colors and simple styles make them staples for our Autumn minimalist wardrobe.
A personal favorite in our wardrobe is the Ara Seacell™ Sweater.
Made of innovative seaweed fabric blended with organic cotton, it’s not only sea-riously sustainable but just as silky smooth and comfortable as sustainable cashmere sweaters—but without the ethical questions.
Frank and Oak’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Their men’s and women’s sustainable sweaters are made from recycled fabrics like cotton and nylon is used, as well as cruelty-free wool, hemp, Kampok, and viscose.
The most notable of their sustainable materials is SeaCell™. The biodegradable and anti-microbial fiber comes from cellulose and seaweed, making it the ideal material for eco-friendly vegan sweaters.
Supply chain & labor practices:
“Sustainable clothes need sustainable foundations”, which is why each of their Canada-based supply chain partners have signed a Code of Conduct that guarantees workers are protected from unsafe working conditions, discrimination, low wages, and forced labor.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Carbon neutrality is the heart of Frank And Oak.
Deliveries to major Canadian cities are sent out by Electric Vehicles, and offset when those aren’t available.
Their stores, offices, and shipping materials are crafted using recycled materials and minimal waste. Thrifted furniture for the former, recycled paper mailers, and compostable polybags for the latter.
Inclusivity:
Their sustainable fashion cardigans and sweaters are available in XXS–XL for women and XS– XXL for men.
Community & charitable giving:
The Certified B Corp regularly partners with local communities on projects that support great causes.
An organic cotton t-shirt line designed by local artists, IPA beer supporting biodiversity loss, and a sponsored interactive art exhibit are a few of their highlights.
My Personal Review of Frank And Oak’s Ara Seacell™ Sweater:
Sustainability aside, the wonderfully smooth ribbed knit not only feels luxurious but also offers a sleek, flattering silhouette without clinging too tightly. I usually lean towards looser sweaters, and this one perfectly balances comfort and style. It’s also a versatile mid-weight piece, making it ideal for various seasons compared to heavier options.
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Toad&Co
Toad&Co has not been rated.
About Toad&Co
Price Range: $98–$239
Toad & Co’s cute sustainable sweaters are toad-ally worth the hype.
They’ve got no shortage of funky colors, prints, and styles in the creek for men and women alike—from the taffy colored Dolman sweaters for Barbie toad to the Butte Crew Sweater for grandpa toad.
While the women’s range is much more varied than the men’s eco-friendly sweaters, both sections have us jumping with joy, hopping with happiness, and leaping with love.
Materials:
Low-impact growing and clean manufacturing are two topics the sustainable sweater brand prioritizes.
Among their fibers, you’ll find fabrics that utilize both, like organic cotton, hemp fabric, TENCEL™, Lenzing modal, and recycled fabrics.
Supply chain & labor practices:
As co-founders of the Planet Access Company, the Toad & Co. warehouse trains and employs up to 70 adults with disabilities.
For their other manufacturers (whose facilities they visit every year), a commitment to human rights and environmentally conscious practices are non-negotiable.
Most of them have set amazing sustainability goals, like their partners in Turkey who have recently converted almost their entire factory to solar and wind energy.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
At their Santa Barbara based headquarters, all lights are converted to LEDs and a composting program is in place.
Every part of their packaging and shipping has been considered with recycled card-stock hang tags, FCS print materials, and redesigned poly bags that double as zero waste dog poo bags.
In efforts to support circularity, they’ve developed a Toad Again resale platform and vintage finds lines.
Inclusivity:
Sustainable women’s sweaters and cardigans range from XS–XL and men’s range from S–XXL.
Community & charitable giving:
Members of 1% For The Planet, they partner with organizations supporting environmental conservation and social welfare.
Not only do they partner with organizations as a whole, but they also contribute to specific fundraisers. You can read all about their current projects on their partners page.
My Personal Review of Toad&Co’s Butte Crew Sweater:
I own the Butte Crew and love how its recycled fiber construction is comfortable, super durable, and stylish—a trifecta that certainly earns it a place in any cold-weather minimalist wardrobe for men. I’ve been wearing it for almost a year now, and it’s still in great shape, with zero pilling or fuzz—definitely a winner.”
Review by Chris Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Outerknown
Outerknown has not been rated.
About Outerknown
Price Range: $118–$388
Founded by World Surf League champion Kelly Slater and designer John Moore, Outerknown is one of the top ethical menswear brands on the market.
Their men’s sustainable sweaters and knitwear do not disappoint. While their designs are largely limited to classic crew cuts and hoodies, you can choose between several different materials.
Women’s styles are more varied, including fair trade and cruelty-free cashmere sweaters, ponchos, turtlenecks, cardigans, and boxy flare bottom sweaters.
Pair them with your favorite sustainable sweatpants or ethical jeans for a winter-ready wardrobe.
Outerknown’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Organic cotton is the superstar fabric, often dyed with a closed-loop GiDelave™ diffusion process that uses 98% less water and less energy than traditional dying.
All sustainable cashmere sweaters are recycled, which joins their other recycled materials like polyester, wool, and cotton.
All fabrics are made with minimal or no chemicals, which earns them bluesign® approval.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Outerknown garments are made in Peru, Mexico, and China in Fair Trade USA-certified factories—for those seeking American-made women’s clothing.
Their suppliers agree to Fair Labor Association (FLA) standards by signing Outerknown’s Code of Conduct.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Using eco-friendly fabrics like recycled cashmere means that each warm sustainable cardigan will keep our planet cool by being associated with 96% CO2 savings and 82% energy savings.
They’re steadily implementing more circularity-embracing resale, repair, and recycling programs. You can currently buy and sell pre-owned Outerknown garments through Outerworn.
Inclusivity:
Men’s clothing runs S–XXL, and women’s from XS–XL.
Community & charitable giving:
Regular product collaborations see profits donated to Ocean Conservancy and other nonprofits aiding the heart of this brand: the sea.
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Shelter Waffle Henley:
“If ethically made wool sweaters are your winter jam, don’t miss the versatile Shelter Waffle Henley. Made of a 70/30 blend of wool and recycled cashmere, it’s probably the softest thing I currently own and is perfect for both lounging around in and going out and braving the elements. When it’s extra cold out, I layer it under one of their Blanket Shirts.”
Reviews by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Pact
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Fair Trade
GOTS
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade certification ensures that products are made according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards that protect workers and the planet. Overseen by organizations such as Fair Trade USA and Fairtrade International, it guarantees fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental sustainability, and community development funds, helping producers build more equitable and resilient supply chains.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.About Pact
Price Range: $94–$149
Pact is one of our favorite brands for sustainable basics.
And nothing says eco winter sweaters for women more than GOTS certified cotton that doubles as layering tools for any occasion (besides perhaps a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with your name on it.)
Knit and lightweight sweaters, zip organic hoodies, crew-neck pullovers, and long lounge cardigans make up their selection of ethically made sweaters for men, women, and kids.
Pact’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Each Pact cardigan and sweater is made with 100% Fair Trade and made with GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Because 74% of Pact’s organic cotton comes from India, its ethical production via Fair Trade certified factories is located there as well.
Not only are fair wages provided, but these artisan communities have benefited from more than $1 million in Fair Trade premiums (development funds that can support educational, health, and infrastructure projects).
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Pact uses water and energy-saving production methods and takes steps to minimize fabric waste.
They’re a Carbon Neutral Certified company—and the recyclable paper bags they ship garments in are, too.
Inclusivity:
Men’s sizes are S–XL with XS–XL sizes for women.
My Personal Review of Pact’s Knit Short Cardigan:
“The Knit Short Cardigan had become my all-time favorite chunky knit cropped cardigan. I use it for everything: throwing on in the morning to go feed my quail, adding a little warmth to a nice dress before going out to dinner, or just snuggling in it for a long work-from-home day. It’s really versatile, both in fit and look,and depiste how loose the knit is, it’s held up very well. I’ve yet to find any loose or snagged strings. While this particular style is no longer available, the Luxe Knit Cropped Cardigan looks similar, with the addition of a button front”.
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
tentree
tentree has not been rated.
About tentree
Price Range: $68–$118
Certified B Corp and Canadian brand tentree creates stylish organic clothing.
This includes a huge selection of sustainable men’s clothing, kid’s clothing, and women’s clothing—including affordable fair trade sweaters for all three.
Each of these ethical cardigans, cable crews, rib sweaters, turtlenecks, and more are consciously cozy.
tentree’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Their eco-friendly vegan sweaters are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton (many of them 100%) and REPREVE® recycled polyester.
Other recycled materials are used too, including nylon and wool (obviously, not vegan.) Some virgin wool may be used, too, but its RWS certification ensures you’re getting an ethical as well as sustainable wool cardigan.
Small amounts (~2%) of elastane are incorporated into some of the affordable sustainable cardigans.
Supply chain & labor practices:
tentree requires all suppliers and partners to sign their code of conduct. As per their Certified B Corp status, it has high standards.
All factories bear one or more certifications by WRAP, BSCI, SA8000, Fair Trade USA, and/or Fair Wear Foundation.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
tentree is Climate Neutral Certified and a member of The Responsible Packaging Movement.
This year, they aim to refuse all single-use plastics and in the process of switching to recycled paper mailers.
In addition to other sustainable practices like strategic shipping, they’ve also launched Circularity by tentree. The platform resells and repurposes gently-used and worn-out tentree garments.
Inclusivity:
Men’s sizes S–XXL and women’s XS–XL.
Reformation
Reformation has not been rated.
About Reformation
Price Range: $93–$535
From basic bundle-up layers to more luxurious fair trade certified alpaca sweaters, refer to Reformation, whose cute sustainable sweaters for women are versatile enough for at-home comfort or on-the-town class.
Choose between cropped turtlenecks, wrap cardigans, sweater vests, sweater dresses, off-the-shoulder shrugs, and some sexy sweaters that show a little skin.
Then bundle up in one of the brand’s sustainable coats for winter-walk ready attire.
Reformation’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Reformation’s eco-friendly materials include cashmere, alpaca wool, responsibly sourced yak wool, TENCEL™ lyocell fabric, and certified organic cotton.
To make their cashmere sweaters ethical, styles like the utterly elegant Garrett Cashmere Cropped Turtleneck utilize 90% recycled cashmere blended with just 10% virgin cashmere.
They also use NATIVA™, a traceable, CO2-capturing, regenerative merino wool sourced from Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and South Africa.
Their dying process has OEKO-TEX certification, ensuring garments are free of hazardous substances on Reformation’s Restricted Substance List.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Some of the sustainable women’s cardigans are made in China, but most manufacturing happens at Reformation’s own Los Angeles factories.
Factories are regularly audited for labor practices and are held to Reformation’s Code of Conduct based on Fair Labor Association (FLA) standards—meaning these are certified fair trade sweaters women can buy with a clean and cozy conscience.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Sustainable practices used by this fast fashion alternative include renewable energy, e-commerce marketing (which saves 30% energy), Green Business-certified office buildings, compostable bags, and eco office supplies (like recycled tire pens).
They’ve been carbon-neutral for nearly a decade and are aiming to be carbon-positive by 2025.
Inclusivity:
75% of Reformation’s management team are women or people from underrepresented groups.
The women’s ethical fashion sweaters come in sizes XS-XL.
Community & charitable giving:
Reformation donates to rotating organizations like ACLU and Planned Parenthood, and they give staff four annual paid days off to volunteer.
The Reformation Relief Fund provides short-term support to team members needing assistance.
Patagonia
Patagonia has not been rated.
About Patagonia
Price Range: $139–$269
Patagonia is one of the most conscious companies around (and has been long before slow fashion was trendy).
As a sustainable outdoor clothing brand, Patagonia’s sweaters are more than just comfortable; They’re designed for rough wear in harsh and cold environments.
Their men’s, women’s, and kids’ sweater tanks, sweater vests, quilted cotton pullovers, eco-friendly crewneck sweaters, and fleece snap necks are made with a variety of sustainable materials.
For example, the Men’s Better Sweater features 100% recycled polyester dyed in a low-impact process that substantially reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy, and water.
Patagonia’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Sweaters feature either organic cotton or recycled fibers (usually recycled polyester, but sometimes recycled cotton, recycled wool, or recycled cashmere).
All fabrics are colored with sustainable dyes, including PVC-free and phthalate-free inks.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Patagonia has ranked highly on Fashion Revolution’s Fashion Transparency Index for several years running.
The Footprint Chronicles detail exactly where each item is made.
Their factories are mostly Fair Trade USA certified and subject to regular third-party and Patagonia executive staff audits.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Patagonia’s green business initiatives include (but aren’t limited to): recycling machinery and chemicals, use of regenerative agriculture (they even piloted its first certification!), and eco-shipping materials.
In addition to some bluesign® approved garments, 100% of Patagonia’s cotton is organic and 87% of their garments contain recycled materials.
They also offer an impressive clothing buyback program, called the Worn Wear initiative—perfect for those seeking more affordable sustainable sweaters!
Inclusivity:
Patagonia offers XXS-XXL for most of their sweaters.
Community & charitable giving:
Did you know 1% for the Planet was co-founded by Patagonia?
They’ve donated over $140 million so far.
As if that’s not enough, Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard made it so that company stock now either goes into improving Patagonia processes or to the Holdfast Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to combating climate change.
And to help YOU get involved, the Patagonia Action Works tool lets you look up organizations and causes in your area.
Hailey is a full-time world traveler and a part-time content writer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. She loves exploring the world by participating in local sustainability projects. Her project highlights include volunteering at a farm animal sanctuary in Hawaii, a butterfly biodiversity garden in Laos, and an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand. All experiences which have further developed her passion for universal animal welfare and advocacy. In her free time you might find her cuddling stray animals, hand crafting, café hopping, and literally hugging trees.
