I wore a beanie today. Not to look cool (although my beanie is super cool), but not to be cold. A seemingly unremarkable choice, yet one that says that fall-soon-to-be-winter is officially here and that *DRUMROLL* sweater weather has officially begun!
But this year is slightly different. We not only need warmth, but also comfort, in every sense of the word. We want to feel protected, reassured, bundled up. A sweater can do all those things for us, at least symbolically. Add that to the fact that we’re all working from home and I think we might be entering cozy sweaters’ biggest year yet.
So I did my research and found 10 brands making ethical sweaters, that are both beautiful and warm!
Side note. High quality sweaters made with natural fibres often come at a price. On November 26th, it will be Black Friday, so if you want to wait until then, some of those brands might have interesting discounts. I’m usually not a Black Friday type of person, but if it’s to buy durable and sustainable pieces that you’ll want to wear for a long time, I think you should definitely consider it.
Speaking of which, Farfetch asked to share my tips on how to shop sales sustainably, meaning not from a place of excess and disposability, but of selectiveness and durability. I’m super happy with the result (it’s Ben, my boyfriend, who took the pictures). Go read the interview, it’s right heeeeere :)
Now, back to our main programming: cozy ethical sweaters!
KOTN
Based in: Toronto
From polar fleece to sweatshirts to knits (the brand’s newest addition!), KOTN makes everything with sustainable cotton, whether it comes from independent producers in Egypt or from Turkey, where it’s BCI certified (Better Cotton Initiative). The same high traceability standards apply to the production process which either takes place in Egypt or Portugal.
Eliza Faulkner
Based in: Montreal
If you’re looking for both warmth and delicate details, look no further than Eliza Faulkner. This season, I’m particularly loving her ribbed turtlenecks with Oeko-Tex certified bamboo fabric and that grey frilly sweatshirt with organic cotton. Newly second-time mom, I think she had comfort on her mind and conveniently enough, us too.
Frank + Oak
Based in: Montreal
All their sweaters are mainly made from recycled fibres, from cotton to polyester, and their newest ones have that wear-me-everyday quality! Good to know: they offset their eCommerce packaging and shipping carbon footprint by planting trees in collaboration with Earth Day Canada.
Betina Lou
Based in: Montreal
Not many Montreal companies manage to have their knits produced locally, but Betina Lou is one of them. Their styles definitely fall in the minimalist category which totally fits their timelessness philosophy. They’re the kind of ethical sweaters you’ll want to keep for a lifetime.
Universal Standard
Based in: New York
Self-proclaimed most inclusive brand in the world—sizes go from 4XS to 4XL—, Universal Standard specializes in classic styles that fit to a T. They have luxurious options made in pure wool and cashmere or more laidback (and less expensive) ones, like simple hoodies and crew neck sweatshirts.
Odeyalo
Based in: Montreal
When I think of Odeyalo, I automatically think of comfort—loose fits and top quality, cozy fabrics. Every piece, including sweatshirts, is made in Montreal always with slow fashion in mind. Fun fact: they give their fabric scraps to Atelier Retailles which then upcycles them into paper.
Paloma Wool
Based in: Barcelone
In need of warmth AND funkiness? Paloma Wool is your go-to gal. The Barcelona-based company produces all its knits in Spain from cruelty-free certified wool. The latest collection stars psychedelic prints and it’s incredible. I want everything.
Caulis
Based in: Montreal
Leah Legault, Caulis founder, produces her delicate pieces using her own knitting machine and every garment is made to order to avoid surplus waste. What I find particularly impressive is that she sources her natural yarns locally and then dyes them HERSELF! Instagram tells me that her machine is broken, so she’s currently on a forced temporary hiatus, but production should resume in no time.
Patagonia
Based in: California
Patagonia’s social and environmental commitments are no secret. Since 1985, 1% of their sales have been going towards the preservation and restoration of natural habitats. Plus, they intentionally work with a small number of manufacturers to ensure the welfare of their workers. And all of their sweaters and sweatshirts are eco-conscious in some ways, whether it’s organic cotton, recycled polyester, or fair-trade sewn.
Sézanne
Based in: Paris
Whether you’re dreaming of a corduroy hoodie (yes, there is such a thing 😍) or a ‘my grandmother made it’ type of sweater, Sézane’s got you covered. Some of their good deeds include their choice of fabrics, 70% of which are eco-friendly with many carrying the GOTS or Oeko-Tex certification. Finally, the traceability level of their production process is pretty impressive—especially for a company of that size—and is supposed to be even better in 2021.
What’s your favourite brand making ethical sweaters? Let me know in the comments!
Joëlle Paquette is a sutainable fashion and clean beauty blogger and copywriter based in Montreal, Canada. After 10 years of working as a journalist for different magazines, she now specializes in writing conscious content for brands built on strong environmentally and socially responsible values. She also pet a corgi once—a very special day she will never forget.
Follow her on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss out on anything @veryjoelle 🌼
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