Ethical Sustainable Clothing

Warm Up Your Wardrobe Sustainably: 12 Best Sustainable Knitwear Brands 

The world of fashion is finally catching up to the growing desire for eco-conscious clothing. Knitwear, a staple in many wardrobes, is no exception. Finding the best sustainable knitwear brands is essential for those looking to combine style, warmth, and environmental responsibility.

Gone are the days when warmth and style couldn’t coexist with environmental responsibility. Sustainable knitwear offers a fantastic solution: cozy, comfortable garments crafted with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and using sustainable manufacturing processes.

Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or just starting your journey toward sustainable fashion, this guide will introduce you to some of the best sustainable knitwear brands that cater to a range of styles and budgets. 

best sustainable knitwear brands

12 Best Sustainable Knitwear Brands

When it comes to the best sustainable knitwear brands, these companies stand out for their commitment to ethical production, eco-friendly materials, and stylish designs. Each brand on this list has made significant strides in reducing their environmental impact while offering high-quality knitwear that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style.

From recycled fibers to organic cotton and fair trade practices, these brands are leading the way in sustainable fashion.

Nui Organics 

Brown sweater
Source: @nuiorganics on Instagram

Nui Organics champions timeless design and long-lasting garments crafted from natural fibers. 

The company’s commitment to sustainability starts with GOTS-certified organic cotton materials like merino wool, alpaca wool, and other natural yarns. 

Nui Organics caters to women, children, and babies, offering a cozy selection of knitted clothing for the whole family.

Totême 

Someone wearing a pink collared sweater
Source: @toteme on Instagram

Swedish brand Totême has become a fashion favorite for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality knits.

Eco-conscious consumers will appreciate the brand’s use of organic and recycled wool, all certified by the Responsible Wool Standard

Totême’s classic silhouettes and focus on quality ensure these wardrobe staples will stay stylish for years to come.

Patagonia 

Patagonia logo on a sign

Patagonia is one of the best sustainable knitwear brands, renowned for its outdoor clothes apparel that prioritizes both function and sustainability. 

The brand’s knitwear collection utilizes recycled materials like cashmere and wool blends, ensuring warmth without harming the environment. 

Patagonia’s commitment to activism and environmental causes makes it a great slow fashion choice for the conscious adventurer.

Discover more about Patagonia’s ethical standing here.

Amour Vert 

Folded cashmere sweaters
Source:@amourvert on Instagram

Embrace Parisian elegance with Amour Vert’s luxurious knitwear collection. This French brand goes beyond aesthetics; the company sources the most ethical and eco-friendly materials available. 

A woman wearing a purple sweater cardigan
Source:@amourvert on Instagram

Transparency is key for Amour Vert, with detailed information on production processes and materials. From traceability programs to eco-friendly dyes, the company ensures every step aligns with its sustainable mission.

Rapanui 

An outfit laid out on a bed with a striped vest
Source: @rapanuiclothing on Instagram

For knitwear that’s both stylish and environmentally responsible, look no further than Rapanui. 

This British brand focuses on organic cotton sourced from sustainable farms in India. 

Rapanui’s commitment extends to ethical labor practices, with SA8000 certification guaranteeing safe working conditions and fair wages.

A woman at the beach wearing a stipe sweater
Source: @rapanuiclothing on Instagram

Uniquely, Rapanui embraces a circular approach—its garments feature a QR code for easy return and future regeneration at the end of their lifespan. Scan this code to return your worn-out piece, and Rapanui will pay you for contributing to its sustainable cycle.

Kowtow 

A woman posing while wearing a pink maxi skirt and a green sweater
Source: @kowtowclothing on Instagram

New Zealand brand Kowtow isn’t just about comfort and style; it’s deeply committed to ethical practices and environmental responsibility, making it one of the best sustainable knitwear brands.

Kowtow’s ethical knitwear collection features luxurious organic cotton, ethically sourced wool, and non-toxic dyes. It offers a range of classic and statement pieces, from oversized scarves to chunky knits, perfect for building a timeless and sustainable wardrobe. 

The company also ensures fair labor practices throughout its supply chain, making it a great choice for the ethically conscious consumer.

Christy Dawn 

A woman wearing a knitted cardigan over a floral sundress
Source: @christydawn on Instagram

Embrace a touch of nostalgia with Christy Dawn’s unique approach to sustainable and ethical knitwear. This Californian brand uses deadstock fabrics and vintage finds to create one-of-a-kind boho sweaters, cardigans, and dresses. 

The company’s dedication to upcycling breathes new life into pre-existing materials, ensuring a positive impact on the environment. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, resulting in unique and beautiful garments that tell a story.

Girlfriend Collective 

A woman in sportswear with a white sweater on top
Source: @girlfriend on Instagram

While Girlfriend Collective is primarily known for its activewear, its commitment to sustainability extends to a growing line of cozy knits.

It utilizes recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer waste to create soft, high-performance fibers perfect for sweaters and joggers.

The company’s focus on inclusivity extends to size ranges, offering comfortable and stylish options for a variety of body types. 

Girlfriend Collective’s commitment to transparency and innovation makes it a leader in sustainable activewear and loungewear that effortlessly transitions into everyday wear.

Sheep Inc.

A woman wearing a green sweater with smiley faces
Source: @sheepinc on Instagram

By sourcing wool from sustainably managed farms in New Zealand, Sheep Inc. ensures high standards of animal welfare and environmental responsibility. 

What sets Sheep Inc. apart is its dedication to carbon neutrality, achieved through meticulous calculations of product footprints and investment in offsetting initiatives like reforestation and renewable energy. 

The company’s transparency extends throughout its supply chain, allowing customers to trace each garment back to the sheep it originated from. 

Moreover, Sheep Inc. promotes a circular economy by offering a lifetime guarantee on all products, ensuring longevity and reducing waste.

Outerknown 

A woman wearing a grey vest over a shirt
Source: @outerknown on Instagram

Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown brings a laid-back California vibe to sustainable knitwear. 

The brand’s commitment to fair labor practices extends beyond its factories; Outerknown co-owns a factory in Peru, ensuring workers receive a fair wage and work in safe conditions. 

Outerknown utilizes organic cotton and recycled materials throughout its collections, offering comfortable and stylish sweaters, hoodies, and cardigans perfect for everyday wear. 

Its commitment to sustainability even extends to packaging, using recycled materials whenever possible.

ASKET 

Close up of a white monk neck sweater
Source: @asket on Instagram

For those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic, ASKET offers a curated selection of high-quality knitwear made with complete transparency. 

ASKET’s website details the origin of each material, the ethical manufacturing process, and even the factory workers involved in creating the garment. 

ASKET uses high-quality, natural materials like organic cotton, merino wool, and recycled cashmere, ensuring its pieces aren’t only made from sustainable materials but also incredibly comfortable and long-lasting. Its focus on classic silhouettes and neutral tones allows you to build a capsule wardrobe of timeless knitwear staples.

Furthermore, ASKET has a Lifecycle Responsibility Program that offers repair services, provides spare parts, and facilitates the return of old items, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of its products. 

Sézane 

A woman wearing a green sweater and skirt
Source: @sezane on Instagram

French brand Sézane injects a touch of Parisian elegance into sustainable knitwear. It utilizes recycled materials like recycled cashmere and wool blends, ensuring luxurious comfort with minimal environmental impact. 

Sézane’s designs are known in the fashion industry for its feminine silhouettes and timeless details, offering a range of sweaters, cardigans, and turtlenecks perfect for creating a chic and sustainable wardrobe.

To further contribute to social good, Sézane launched the DEMAIN initiative. DEMAIN is a visionary program that’s raised over 5 million euros to support children’s education, healthcare, and opportunities for a better future. 

Among the many charities Sézane partnered up with include La Voix de l’Enfant, Sport dans la Ville, Démos, and Libraries Without Borders.

Final Thoughts 

This is just a taste of the incredible options available in the world of sustainable knitwear. From timeless staples to unique vintage-inspired creations, there’s a knitwear brand and style to suit every taste and budget. 

For more sustainable and ethically made options, check out our picks of top ethical clothing brands to help you shop more mindfully for the future.

Choosing eco-conscious knitwear empowers you to embrace comfort and style while minimizing your environmental impact. So, the next time you’re looking to add warmth and softness to your wardrobe, consider exploring these best sustainable knitwear brands.

Savannah Bailey
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