Whether it’s thrown on over a linen dress at the beginning of autumn or layered under a thick coat in the depths of winter, there’s nothing quite like the cosiness of a favourite knitted jumper.
As we transition from summer to winter wardrobes, and put sandals and swimwear to the back of the cupboard it’s time to start digging out our favourite knitwear. As the days grow colder, nothing beats fresh mornings spent at local markets, windy days at the beach and cosy bonfire nights, all of which wouldn’t be the same without a cosy knit.
Whilst vintage and charity shops are a great place to find affordable, sustainable knitwear, it’s not always easy to judge the quality of the fabric (unless you know the brand) or to find exactly what you’re looking for. Browse our conscious knitwear edit or read on to discover a few of our favourite ethical and sustainable knitwear brands to keep you warm this winter.
Navygrey produce simple and timeless jumpers, in understated colours. Key shapes and a neutral colour scheme mean their pieces will stand the test of time. Their core collection of classic, everyday essentials is consciously designed and underpinned by a commitment to sustainability. Their wool is handpicked from the best Merino sheep in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Each raw fibre lot can be traced back to the farm that produced it. Each piece is washed, combed, dyed and spun in one of Italy's finest mills which has been in the wool business since 1663. They are then knitted & washed in a small factory in Portugal, near Porto.
Babaà makes quality, everyday knitwear for men, women and children - the perfect go-to for a family winter wardrobe. Comfort is key, with designs ranging from oversized cardigans to fitted jumpers that all come in a wonderful array of colours. All the materials they use are 100% natural, which means yarns are not mixed in with acrylics or other synthetic fibres. Every piece is sourced and made in Spain to support the local textile industry. Babaà work very closely with their knitters and yarn providers, and benefit from their expertise.
Finisterre designs functional and sustainable knitwear for those that share a love of the coastline. Their hardy knitwear will keep you warm on even the coldest winter days. They have also recently released an eco-friendly fleece, in a similar style to the originial Patagonia design, that is made from recycled wool and recycled manmade fibres in a wool-rich blend.
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Modern-day knitwear designed by three friends who were struggling to find something a little more contemporary when it comes to their autumn/winter wardrobe. The Knotty Ones employ craftswomen to produce their knits and focus on reducing their impact on the environment wherever possible. They focus on individual pieces rather than collections when it comes to design. They have also set up a scheme that allows you to donate €10 directly towards funding the ambitions of the women they employ.
Everyday knitwear in beautiful earthy tones and neutral shades. Counting clouds design delicate yet functional knitwear that’s made to be worn for years to come. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter that can be layered as the winter arrives this is the brand to look at. In classic style, they value everyday beauty and the importance of manufacturing with locally sourced and sustainable materials. Counting Clouds make all of their knitwear in Spain in small, local workshops.
The world’s first carbon-negative sweater. The unisex Sheep Inc. sweater is made using Japanese 3D knitting machines in Spain with yarn spun in Italy out of 100% New Zealand Merino wool. Just what it says on the tin – there is a sheep included with your purchase that is allocated to you once you’ve registered your sweater. Sheep Inc. also stands by a no-discount promise because they are all about buying less and buying better.
Useful things made beautifully. &Daughter is a slow knitwear brand offering considered clothing for modern lifestyles. From classic cashmere sweaters to chunky ribbed roll necks, each piece is created by expert makers in the UK & Ireland, using natural yarns and evolving imperceptibly over the seasons. Each section of the garments is knitted individually, hand-linked then hand-finished to achieve the finest possible execution.
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