10 Sustainable Cashmere Sweaters From Ethical Brands (2023)
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For chilly evenings and crisp mornings, cashmere sweaters are a classy and versatile staple in our wardrobes. This soft and luxe fabric is sourced from goats, typically from the Gobi desert. 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.
To shop this natural and biodegradable material in a more sustainable and ethical way, many brands opt to use recycled cashmere (we’ve got some for you below) or we recommend thrifting it. And for a vegan alternative, keep an eye out for clothing made with tencel (great for temperature regulation), or hemp (breathable and biodegradable).
These brands champion sustainability and ethical cashmere production, and many offer versatile and inclusive collections, making them accessible and affordable to all. To compliment your cashmere sweater, we’ve compiled our favorite ethical denim brands for easy styling. Top off your outfit with these fair trade coats and a pair of sustainably made boots for the cooler months!
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Sustainable
1. NAADAM
Best For | Ethical Mongolian cashmere essentials
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Prices Starting At | $75
Sustainability is always in season with NAADAM, a socially conscious brand bringing you cashmere 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.
2. Patagonia
Best For | Recycled cashmere
Size Range | XS–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, 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—you can find these sweaters stocked in Patagonia stores and authorized dealers worldwide. Talk about investing in sustainable practices.
3. Reformation
Best For | Modern cashmere cuts
Size Range | XS–3X
Prices Starting At | $198
A leader in conscious and sustainable fashion, Reformation has taken the cashmere game to a new level. The LA-based brand offers stunning women’s sweaters crafted with a blend of recycled and pure cashmere. Made in a variety of colors and inclusive sizes, this eco-apparel collection is available for worldwide shipping.
4. Cuyana
Best For | Single-origin cashmere
Size Range | S–XL
Prices Starting At | $248
Cuyana is the standard when it comes to sustainable elegance between the brand’s 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 Mongolia and sewn in Italy, these cashmere pieces are available internationally. Locally-made but loved universally.
5. Quince
Best For | Affordable cashmere
Size Range | XS–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 Mongolian cashmere.
6. Everlane
Ethics | Size inclusive cashmere sweaters
Collection Range | XXS–XXXL
Prices Starting At | $150
Everlane’s collection of cashmere sweaters is here to impress. Each sweater is made with recycled cashmere, with some options weaved from Italian ReCashmere® yarn for the ultimate durability and warmth. Neutral color options make it easy to mix and match Everlane’s cashmere with basics you already own, making these sweaters a wardrobe staple. You also have the option to choose from a number of cuts, including oversized turtlenecks and relaxed v-necks. Have one or have them all, we won’t judge!
7. Gentle Herd
Best For | Cashmere workwear
Size Range | S–L
Prices Starting At | $179
If you are a cashmere aficionado looking for an ethical and sustainable cashmere brand to get your fix, meet Gentle Herd. The brand sources their cashmere from Mongolia, promising their commitment to animal welfare in every step of production. Using natural materials, Gentle Herd creates high quality garments with eco-friendly practices, so you can luxuriate in their soft cashmere goods worry-free.
8. ASKET
Best For | Recycled Italian cashmere
Size Range | XXS–XXL
Prices Starting At | $230
ASKET aims to produce only meaningful essentials with maximum traceability on each garment, so consumers can know exactly who made their clothes and where they came from, every step of the way. We love their transparency about their goals, including their openness about shortcomings and room for growth, which you can read about on their website. Their intentional collection includes recycled cashmere sweaters, along with instructions for care and repair so you can make each garment last a lifetime.
9. Stella McCartney
Best For | Luxury cashmere styles
Size Range | XXS–XL
Prices Starting At | $750
Stella McCartney, a leader in luxury, is committed to sustainable and ethical practices. These cashmere sweaters are made with regenerated fibers that would otherwise end up in landfills. Available in stunning colors and designs, these unisex sweaters can be rocked by anyone. And yes, international shipping is available, or you can find the label at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Ave, and a number of other high-end retailers.
10. White & Warren
Best For | Chic cashmere clothing
Size Range | XS–L
Prices Starting at | $175
White & Warren crafts sustainable essentials that are design-driven and chic, for the next generation of fashion-forward women. The brand’s clothes come in compostable bags, and the recycled yarn for non-cashmere sweaters is made with bottles harvested from the ocean floor. With all kinds of apparel and accessories, we’re thrilled that White & Warren offers worldwide shipping. The brand has several stockists, too, so you can try on this cashmere IRL.
Featured image is from NAADAM
