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The best cozy basics are the most sustainable. They’re designed to minimize their negative impact and increase their positive impact on the environment and the workers across their supply chain. That means that materials are carefully chosen. Organic cotton is used over conventional cotton which uses 91% less water. Recycled materials are chosen over virgin materials which can save on textile waste. These cozy knits are also made in factories ( from Portugal to China to Los Angles) that are vetted, certified and ensure that fair trade and labor laws are upheld. And, the best brands that produce these sustainable sweaters will give back to human rights programs for garment workers, build schools for cotton farmers or plant trees to promote biodiversity. Bet you never knew that your sweater could make such a impact?
We rounded up the coziest knits from B-Corps and other companies that are focused on making clothing as ethical and sustainable as possible. Built for every price range and for every style from vegans to the zero waste lifestylers, these pieces are consciously designed for all. And, while you won’t find fast fashion prices, you will find that what these brands offer is worth so much more.
Reformation: Recycled Cashmere
Based in Los Angeles, Reformation has become known for their covetable dresses, sustainable sweater and on-trend everyday pieces that are made from recycled, dead stock and all natural fabrics. The brand is certified Climate Neutral and has complied with California’s Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010 to ensure that the working conditions of their manufacturing partners are lawful and safe.
Environmental Impact: All pieces are made of using a combination of deadstock, renewable plant materials textiles and recycled fabrics. This ethical fashion brand focuses on keeping the water clean, minimizing the consumption, and reducing their plastic and overall pollution. Additionally, over 75% of the management team are women or people from underrepresented populations.
Epoque Evolution: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Epoque Evolution (Epoque means “the emergence of a new beautiful era” in French) was brought to life in 2018 by two friends who traveled together to Morocco. This trip inspired them to create a sustainable collection of versatile tops, sweaters, skirts, dresses, jackets, and trousers that could fit in a single backpack and be worn at all hours of the day.
Environmental Impact: Epoque Evolution’s collections are made from organic, upcycled, deadstock and post-consumer waste recycled fibers and they are low-maintenance (no dry cleaning and no toxic chemicals). For example, its best-selling legging are made from ECONYL which is an 100% regenerated nylon fiber from fishnets and other nylon waste. It also works with mills that manufacture consciously. In fact, one of the mills it works with in Italy recovers 30 million liters of water each year, which are then reused, and 47,000 kilos of selvage (waste) are repurposed.
Organic Basics: Unisex & Organic Cotton
Organic Basics is a brand that supports sustainable and ethical production. As for the offer, the palette of products includes underwear and non-wired bras in basic colors.
Environmental Impact: The highest quality GOTS-certified organic cotton delivers pieces that are antibacterial and heat regulating, which means they need less washing. By that, you preserve the water and contribute to sustainability. And, each piece is shipped in recycled packaging.
Pact: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Pact is a Colorado-based brand that offers organic basics that you can stock up on for the entire family. That means that they’re sustainable sweaters are comfy enough to wear everyday.
Environmental Impact: A lot of the items on the site are made from GOTS certified organic cotton. That means the farmers are paid a fair wage and that the cotton is grown without pesticides. The brand also places a focus on toxic-free dyes in their clothing, plastic-free packaging and other sustainable initiatives like using recycled materials that they highlight to their customers.
Ten Tree: Ethically Made In China
Ten Tree is a brand that focuses on making a positive impact through clothing that is sustainably sourced, made ethically and gives back. Materials like tencel, organic cotton and recycled polyester are used throughout their classic designs to minimize waste and reduce water use.
Environmental Impact: As a B Corp, Ten Tree puts profit and purpose on the same platform. A big purpose of the brand is to make a positive environmental impact. For every item purchased, 10 trees are planted. Purchase one of their sustainable sweaters and can plant ten trees to rehabilitate natural ecosystems through several charitable organizations. To date 61,614,184 trees have been planted worldwide to sequester 11,816,526 tons of CO2.
KOTN: Certified B Corporation
If you’re looking for sustainable sweaters and sweatshirts why not try out KOTN? They specialize in comfortable clothing for every day. This is a great way to step up your work-from-home wardrobe.
Environmental Impact: KOTN is Certified B-Corp. Plus, they work with local farmers in Egypt and Portugal to source their 100% organic cotton and help conventional farms to put into place practices that will allow them to move away from pesticides and towards organic agriculture. They work with a local NGO to provide education to the children in their farm community. “To date: 10 schools funded, 7 schools built, 88% girls.”