The Best Ethical Cashmere Sweaters For Fall (2026)
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Cashmere is a staple in our sustainable wardrobes โ these are our favorite brands offering options that are thoughtfully made, affordable, and size-inclusive.
For chilly evenings and crisp mornings, cashmere sweaters are a classy and versatile staple in our wardrobes. This soft, luxe fabric comes from the soft undercoat of goats, typically from the Gobi Desert. Mongolia is the world’s largest producer of cashmere from sustainably herded goats, though regions in northern China, Nepal, India, Iran, and Afghanistan also produce cashmere fibers. Cashmere collection is tedious as the wool comes from the inner coat of goats, which only shed in spring and must be harvested by hand. This is why cashmere tends to be pricey and why questions arise as to how ethical the fabric really is.
Why consider sustainable cashmere?
Unlike regular cashmere, which can be harsh on the environment due to overgrazing by goats and unsustainable farming practices, sustainable cashmere is sourced more responsibly. This is done through stringent animal welfare practices that ensure the ethical treatment of goats โ including their nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state. Rotational grazing is also implemented to avoid land overuse and help protect the long-term health of local ecosystems. Sustainable cashmere brands also commit to fair labor practices for herders, helping contribute to better livelihoods in the communities where cashmere is sourced. These factors and more make it well worthwhile to invest in cashmere from brands that commit to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain.
When it comes to the cashmere itself, the fiber is incredibly soft (softer than traditional wool) and is known for being lightweight yet warm, breathable, and durable. Itโs a great investment because itโs not only gentle on your skin but, when sourced sustainably, gentle on the planet too. To shop this natural, biodegradable material in a more sustainable and ethical way, many brands opt to use recycled cashmere (weโve got some for you below), or you can thrift it. And for a vegan alternative, keep an eye out for clothing made with TENCEL (great for temperature regulation), or hemp (breathable and biodegradable).
Fortunately, we’ve made it easy to source the best sustainable cashmere, as each brand we’ve selected champions sustainability and ethical cashmere production in ways that respect animals, herders, and the land.
What are the relevant certifications?
- The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS): Ensures cashmere is sourced from farms that meet strict animal welfare, environmental, and social criteria.
- SFA Cashmere Standard (Sustainable Fiber Alliance): Focuses on sustainable herding practices, biodiversity protection, and fair livelihoods for herders.
- Fair Trade Certified: Guarantees that workers and herders are paid fairly and work in safe conditions while supporting community development.
- OEKO-TEXยฎ Standard 100: Certifies that finished cashmere products are tested for harmful substances, ensuring theyโre safe for human health.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Applies when organic fibers (like organic cotton blended with cashmere) are used, ensuring strict environmental and social responsibility throughout production.
- Cradle to Cradle Certifiedยฎ: Evaluates products for material health, renewable energy use, and social fairness, relevant for brands integrating circular design principles in cashmere production.
Our criteria:
We love throwing on a cashmere sweater when there’s a chill in the air โ and it feels even better when sustainability and ethics are taken into account. These are our favorite brands offering cashmere options that are thoughtfully made, affordable, and size-inclusive. We make new additions to this list when emerging favorites meet the criteria below.
- SUSTAINABLE/ETHICAL | While cashmere always involves harvesting goats’ wool, we’ve selected brands that are transparent about their sourcing, and others that offer recycled or vegan alternatives.
- AFFORDABLE | Cashmere can be pricey since it must be hand-harvested from goats only once a year. While it is unlikely to be the least expensive thing in your closet, we’ve included brands that offer more affordable options.
- SIZE-INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands on this list that offer a wide range of sizes so everyone can find a warm, cozy option.
To complement your cashmere sweater, weโve compiled our favorite ethical denim brands for easy styling. Top off your outfit with these fair trade coats and sustainably made boots for the cooler months! And for even more cashmere sweaters, these Jenni Kayne sweater dupes have got you covered.
Table of contents
- Best For Ethical Mongolian Cashmere Essentials: NAADAM ($98+)
- Best For Modern Cashmere Cuts: Reformation ($168+)
- Best For Single-Origin Cashmere: Cuyana ($248+)
- Most Affordable Cashmere: Quince ($50+)
- Most Size-Inclusive: Jenni Kayne ($195+)
- Best For Recycled Cashmere: Patagonia ($199+)
- Best For Chic Cashmere Clothing: White & Warren ($335+)
1. Reformation
Best For | Modern cashmere cuts
Size Range | XXS โ XL
Prices Starting At | $168
A leader in conscious and sustainable fashion, Reformation has taken the cashmere game to a new level. The LA-based brand offers stunning womenโs sweaters crafted mostly from recycled cashmere, with some styles utilizing a small percentage of pure cashmere sourced from China. Reformation is transparent in the materials they use and is consistently working towards sourcing lower impact fabrics. Made in a variety of colors and inclusive sizes, this eco-apparel collection is available for worldwide shipping.
2. Cuyana
Best For | Single-origin cashmere
Size Range | XS โ XL
Prices Starting At | $248
Cuyana is the standard when it comes to sustainable elegance between the brandโs responsibly sourced leather and luxurious cashmere. For the woman-on-the-go, Cuyana offers capsule favorites of the highest quality, including cashmere sweaters, wraps, and turtlenecks. The crewneck sweaters and wraps are our top choice for layering, especially if your body temperature fluctuates between hot and cold. Ethically sourced from Inner Mongolia and sewn in Italy, these cashmere pieces are certified by the Responsible Cashmere Standard and are available internationally. Locally-made but loved universally.
Our Editor’s Review | “Made from 100% traceable, sustainable Italian cashmere, itโs incredibly soft and feather-light, yet still extremely cozy. I adore the fit of this sweater! It features a slightly cropped, high-low hemline that I can wear with jeans or trousers and immediately feel not only more elevated but also effortlessly put together.” – Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor at The Good Trade [Read the full review.]
3. Quince
Best For | Affordable cashmere
Size Range | XS โ XL
Prices Starting At | $50
Quince is a Good Trade favorite for their high quality, sustainable basics made at affordable price points, and their cashmere line is no exception. With everything from hats to dresses, you can deck yourself in soft, sustainable cashmere for the cooler months. Cozy up in your responsibly-made cashmere sweater, comfy in the knowledge that it was produced ethically with grade A cashmere straight from goats in Inner Mongolia.
Our Editor’s Review | “Outside of my newbornโs skin, this lightweight sweater might be the softest thing Iโve ever touched. Although it took me a while to figure out how to wear the wrap โ itโs designed to go in front instead of the back โ once I figured it out, I fell in love with the waist accentuating detail in the front while the back is left loose. You can also take the belt off and wear it as an open cardigan.” – Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor at The Good Trade [Read our full review.]
4. Jenni Kayne
Best For | Size inclusive cashmere
Size Range | XXS โ 3X
Prices Starting At | $195
For soft, lightweight, and luxurious pure cashmere sweaters, you can’t get better than Jenni Kayne. Using both undyed cashmere from China and GRS-certified recycled cashmere, each Jenni Kayne sweater is intentionally crafted as a long wearing, timeless staple you’ll be reaching for again and again. These sweater styles can be dressed up or down, are made in sizes up to 3X, and are perfect transitional pieces. Beyond sourcing sustainable materials, Jenni Kayne even gives back to organizations like Baby2Baby and Girls Inc. Now that’s quiet luxury that makes a difference.
Our Editor’s Review | “Thereโs just something about a half-zip done in 100% cashmere. Itโs perfectly boxy, has a quality YKK zipper, and is so, so soft. I had to remind myself not to sleep in it.” – Ashley D’Arcy, Senior Editor at The Good Trade [Read the full review.]
5. Patagonia
Best For | Recycled cashmere
Size Range | S โ XXL
Prices Starting At | $199
For lovers of nature, Patagonia is your one-stop-shop for sustainable and ethically made outdoor wear. Using 95 percent recycled cashmere blends that’s sourced from pre consumer scraps and made in Fair Trade Certified factories, this brand stocks adult cashmere sweaters that are made to last. While Patagonia does offer international shipping, the brand encourages you to shop locally whenever possible โ you can find these sweaters stocked in Patagonia stores and authorized dealers worldwide. Talk about investing in sustainable practices.
Customer Review | “This sweater is pricey but it is well made, comfy and beautiful. The red is a perfect color for you autumns out there. The fit is relaxed. Love it!” – Eli (Read all reviews.)
6. NAADAM
Best For | Ethical Mongolian cashmere essentials
Size Range | XXS โ 3X
Prices Starting At | $98
Sustainability is always in season with NAADAM, a socially conscious brand bringing you cashmere sourced straight from the Mongolian Gobi Desert. This brand responsibly hand-combs its goats for the softest cashmere around. In addition to being mindful of animal welfare, NAADAM pays fair wages to herders and gives back to the local community. These famously affordable sweaters are available worldwide, so you can stock up and experience how cozy NAADAM sweaters are, no matter where you live.
Our Editor’s Review | “Cashmere-enthusiasts, NADAAM is it for the thickest, softest, best-made cashmere on the market.“ – Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor at The Good Trade [Read the full review.]
7. White & Warren
Best For | Chic cashmere clothing
Size Range | XS โ XL
Prices Starting at | $335
White & Warren crafts sustainable essentials that are design-driven and chic, for the next generation of fashion-forward women. Their cashmere staples are crafted from Mongolian cashmere, and the recycled yarn for non-cashmere sweaters is made with bottles harvested from the ocean floor. With all kinds of apparel and accessories, weโre thrilled that White & Warren offers worldwide shipping. The brand has several stockists, too, so you can try on this cashmere IRL.
Customer Review | “The sweater is medium to light weight and excellent cashmere quality. The light pink will perfectly match any outfit color and will be a staple piece for fall, winter and spring.” – Theresa J. (Read all reviews.)
