Winter is coming (in London it’s definitely already here) and as the temperatures drop and the nights draw in, we’re investing in that classic winter staple – the wool jumper. Here are some of our favourites.
updated: 01.10.19
It’s officially sweater weather. But not just any sweater, we’re talking sustainable woolies that will last well beyond this winter.
Wool is a natural fibre that biodegrades in soil in four months, and new research shows that it also biodegrades in water. This means that the issues usually associated with microfibres released while washing clothes are not as impactful for wool, making it a great sustainable choice for your winter wardrobe.
Not only that, wool is naturally self-cleaning, stain resistant and wrinkle free, so contrary to popular belief it’s actually super easy to care for wool garments.
Wool sweaters will last a really long time (well beyond #30wears), and there are plenty of places to get your jumper repaired if holes do appear. So if a wool garment is expensive when you first buy it, the cost per wear over a 30 year lifetime is amazing.
Here’s our round-up of some of our favourite sustainable jumpers to invest in for this winter and beyond:
Arion Hand Knit Sweater, £250, Birdsong
Made with 100% wool and hand knitted by elderly women in London, we love this sunny sweater by Birdsong. Not only does it bring brightness to your winter wardrobe, but also to the lives of the women who make it. This jumper is made with practised, expert hands at the Bradbury Centre in Kingston and the Knit & Natter group in Enfield, who are all paid a London living wage and also donate revenue from their knitting to worthy causes.
Dotted Stripes Reds Raglan Jumper, £186, Here Today Here Tomorrow
This warm crew neck jumper from Here Today Here Tomorrow is made of 100% wool and has been handknit by skilled Nepalese craftspeople, supported by the World Fair Trade Organisation.
Campaign for Wool Fair Isle Jumper, £135, Brora
This classic fair isle jumper by Brora was designed to celebrate Campaign for Wool’s annual Wool Week last month. Inspired by endless rolling hills and with a muted colour palette that reflects the Scottish landscape – where Brora makes and designs most of its knitwear. This fair isle knit is made from 100% British wool and has been airspun for a soft finish.
Cable Mockneck, $155, Everlane
The classic cable knit sweater gets a modern update with this boxy 100% wool mockneck jumper from Everlane. Everlane styles are designed to last, with transparent pricing and ethical supply chains.
Ana cashmere sweater, £1,150, Gabriela Hearst
Gabriela Hearst, recently worn by the Duchess of Sussex during the royal tour, is committed to luxury with a conscious and was the winner of the 2016/17 International Woolmark Prize for Womenswear. This 100% cashmere grey sweater is a timeless addition to your wardrobe, with a round neck and cosy ribbed cuffs and hem.
Women’s Recycled Cashmere Crew, $199, Patagonia
This snug crewneck sweater from Patagonia is made of 95% recycled cashmere/5% wool. Pre-consumer cashmere waste is sorted, mechanically broken down and spun into new yarn, then knit up in a beautiful and cosy pointelle stitch.
Hand-Knitted Crop Chevron Sweater, £595. Ally Bee
Nothing says Christmas like a bright red knitted jumper, which is why we love this hand-knitted crop chevron sweater in red flame by Ally Bee. Made of superfine merino yarn, this jumper was hand-knitted over 2-3 weeks in Tamil Nadu, India, by a knitting hub awarded B-Corp status for its high ethical standards. The jumper arrives with a complimentary unleached cotton draw-sting bag so you can protect your knit in storage.
Faye-Marie Wool Knitted Jumper, £175, Beaumont Organic
This relaxed fit jumper from Beaumont Organic is made ethically in Portugal using 100% virgin wool. It’s available in a range of colours but we love this classic evergreen.
Iris Knit Jumper, £295, Mother of Pearl
Although not wool, this Iris jumper by Mother of Pearl gets our vote because it is made of 100% organic cotton. In festive red with a scallop neckline and wrist detail, it’s the perfect sustainable choice for the holiday season.
Eloise Merino Wool Jumper, £165, Flock by Nature
This delicate blush pink jumper by Flock by Nature is knitted in extra-fine Merino wool, which is guaranteed muelsing-free. This jumper is not only an elegant winter warmer, but is also light enough to be worn across seasons making it the perfect investment piece for your wardrobe.
Avery Sweater, £328.43, Mara Hoffman
This colour-block relaxed fit sweater by Mara Hoffman is made in Peru using 100% organic cotton. Mara Hoffman uses responsibly sourced organic, recycled and regenerated materials wherever possible.
Read our tips for how to care for wool and read our guide for where to start with dressing ethically.
See our full list of recommended brands.