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Need an ethically-made knit jumper or cozy, oversized sweater to help you keep warm during the cooler months? Or just looking to replace a well-worn one that no amount of mending can spruce up?
You’ve come to the right page. Here’s a list of brands that produce stylish cozy knits, jumpers and sweaters that we’ve curated just for you; we hope this post helps narrow your search and helps you find that perfect wardrobe addition!
1. Kowtow
A pioneer in the eco fashion space, Kowtow launched in 2006 and has found a cult following thanks to its sustainability practices and clean, modern aesthetic. Featuring a swath of eco-friendly materials including GOTS-certified organic cotton and regenerative fabrics such as mohair and wool, the collections are designed in New Zealand and ethically produced in Indian fairtrade factories.
Kowtow’s knitwear is highly distinctive, featuring bold colours and appealing minimalist shapes that grab the eye. Available in sizes XS to L, a Kowtow piece is an investment that will give maximum returns –in love, comfort and warmth– over many, many years.
Prices: Price range AUD$229–$639.
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: kowtowclothing.com
2. Kotn
Conscious fashion brand Kotn has built a reputation on produce ethically-made, premium basics and essentials at accessible prices points. Designed in Canada and sustainably-made in the Nile Delta using 100% Egyptian cotton, its range of fitted turtlenecks and classic sweatshirts are designed for fit, comfort and warmth. Each style comes in a range of fashionable colours (charcoal, sky and cocoa to name a few) and XS-XXL sizing so you’re bound to find something that looks amazing on.
Prices: Starting price US$45 for turtlenecks and sweatshirts $85.
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: kotn.com
3. Amour Vert
Creating quality, modern wardrobe staples from eco-friendly fabrics such as TENCEL Modal, TENCEL Lyocell and certified organic cotton, Amour Vert has found success with the conscious, stylish working woman. Founded in 2010 with a mission to revolutionise the fashion industry, the sustainable fashion brand continues to responsibly produce its beautiful collections in limited quantities in a factory just a few miles from its San Francisco office. Its range of cosy knitwear made from organic cotton through to wool is so divine, you’ll find it difficult to choose which one to buy. Our picks? The Cheredal in Expressionist Multi sweater ($158), Beaumont Sukey Sweater ($238) and Kordal Cable Knit Fringe Sweater ($395).
Prices: Price range US$158-$395.
Shipping: Worldwide shipping available.
Shop: amourvert.com
4. Universal Standard
Established in 2015 and known for producing size-inclusive premium essentials for women (sizes 00-40), this American fashion label hopes to become the most inclusive fashion brand in the world. It produces a broad range of timeless knits, sweaters, cardigans and turtlenecks that you can wear again and again, mix and match and layer.
While the brand doesn’t exclusively source eco-friendly fabrics, it does feature natural and sustainable materials in its range; fibres such as wool, Modal and cotton appear throughout the collections. Universal Standard also responsibly manufactures its garments in the USA, France, Peru and China. According to the company, the founders have personally visited and audited all factories to ensure they meet labor standards and requirements.
Prices: Price range US$99 –364.
Shipping: Worldwide shipping available.
Shop: universalstandard.com
5. Revel Knitwear
Ethically handmade knitwear with a focus on classic designs, slow batch production and quality fabrics, Australian label Revel Knitwear produces a beautiful range of chunky, oversized knits that you’ll want to wear over and over again, particularly in winter.
Made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool and alpaca, and featuring neutral and bright colours, these knits are investment pieces that, when looked after, will become keepsakes. Revel Knitwear also offers a made-to-order service.
Prices: Price range AUD$180–369.
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: revelknitwear.com
6. Cue
Australian fashion label Cue built its reputation on creating design-forward work attire for the modern, professional woman. Launched in 1968, the brand has manufactured its collections locally (except its knitwear which is responsibly produced in China). Accredited by Ethical Clothing in Australia (ECA), Cue has led the charge in responsible garment manufacturing in Australia.
The brand’s collection of stylish knitwear includes cardigans, chunky textured sweaters, cable knit sweaters and rib knits made from cotton blended yarns, and available in S to L sizes. Whether you’re after an ethically-made long-sleeve button cardigan or fluffy sweater for the home, office or home office, you’re sure to find it at Cue.
Prices: Price range AUD$89–245.
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: cue.cc
7. Thought Clothing
Thought Clothing is a UK-based sustainable fashion label producing on trend, yet transeasonal collections that feature natural, organic and eco-friendly fabrics and are manufactured in factories that uphold high ethical standards.
Thought’s beautiful range of knit wraps, jumpers and cardigans feature sustainable materials such as ethically-sourced wool, organic cotton and hemp. Knits are available in XS to XL sizing.
Prices: Price range £35.00–£89.95
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: wearethought.com
8. Outerknown
An American ethical label founded by world champion surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown offers a classic range of sweaters for men and women made from sustainable materials such as organic Pima cotton, linen and recycled cashmere. The brand responsibly produces all its garments in fairtrade factories and is expanding its sustainability initiatives to incorporate circular design.
Choose from a range of styles including mock neck sweaters, crew sweaters and slouchy cardigans in basic colours. Sizes XS to L are available.
Prices: Price range US$178–$487
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: outerknown.com
9. Nanushka
European fashion label Nanushka produces beautiful, lust-worthy collections that blend creative designs, natural and eco-friendly fibres and fashion technology. The collections are expertly crafted in Europe and are distinctive in its minimalist design. Stocked in high-end department stores across the globe as well as Net-a-porter, Nanushka is an investment for the contemporary, design-conscious woman.
Browse the website and you’ll find cropped knit sweaters, cable knit sweaters, chunky knit sweaters and knitted hoodies. Ideal for shoppers with luxury tastes.
Prices: Price range US$123–$327
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: nanushka.com
10. The Ark Clothing Co.
The Ark Clothing Co. is a Melbourne-based premium women’s fashion label that ethically manufactures all its garments in Australia and is accredited with ECA. Much of its knitwear incorporates regenerative and biodegradable fabrics such as Supimo cotton, Merino wool and cashmere.
The Ark knitwear range includes classic ponchos, longline knit styles and turtleneck that are suitable for work and play.
Prices: Price range AUD$219–$369
Shipping: International shipping available.
Shop: theark.com.au
Disclosure: This list features EWP partners and if you make a purchase through an affiliate link, we may make a small fee. All monies help us to cover operating expenses. Details are correct at time of publishing. This curated list does not fully take into account all the ethical considerations that are unique to each individual. Before making a purchase, we encourage you to do your own research paying particular attention to the supply chain and your own particular set of ethics. Click here to read more about our policies.
Recommending reading:
- 12 Ethical Brands Producing Organic Activewear, Yoga Wear and Athleisure Clothing
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Ethical and Eco-Friendly Underwear Brands in Australia
- Is Fashion Week Becoming More Sustainable – Or Is It Just Greenwashing?
- 5 Ethical Fashion Books Newbies Must Read
- 10 Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Podcasts to Tune Into
- The Problem With Cashmere
- A Guide to High-Performance Vegan Running Shoes
- Dirty Luxury: How Fashion Contributes to Pandemics
Cover image via Kotn.
