Sustainable Sweaters
It’s still warm in the afternoons here in Sacramento, but I’m gearing up for cool weather and my beloved layering! I know we’re all into that perfect sweater, so here are some gorgeous sustainable sweaters and cardigans for fall and winter with some styling ideas thrown in.
I admittedly own too many sweaters. In my quest to keep my closet size under control, I try to practice the one-in-one-out method to at least keep the number of items I own consistent (see my tips for maintaining a minimalist wardrobe).
Every year, I do my seasonal wardrobe storage dance and marvel at how many sweaters I have. But as I look at them, I don’t want to part with a single one.
I always worry I won’t wear them all during the cold season, but I always do, since the right layering tanks and tees and a good sweater keep me alive and stylish from now til April!
Pact is one of my go-tos for sustainable clothing, especially closet basics. You can read my Pact reviews post to see what other great items I love from them and why they make my commitment to sustainable living so much easier.
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Sustainable Sweaters
As with all my fashion roundups and outfit sharing, my first goal when shopping is find an item that I will love and wear A LOT. I’m beyond the days of buying something because it’s cute or a great deal.
Only items that are exactly my style come home with me! After I’ve narrowed down the kind of piece I’m looking for, I try to find at least one aspect of a brand or garment that seeks to be more sustainable.
Companies are doing a lot of different things to make a difference, so I don’t have a strict set of rules of a company’s stewardship or materials, but I do want something! And I’m obviously weighing companies that are ethically AND sustainably conscious more and more.
If you’re unsure about sustainable fashion terminology, I’m right there with you. As I learn more, I’m trying to write posts so we can all understand a little better.
Start with this rundown of what are sustainable clothing materials. It lists out a bunch of eco-friendly materials you can look for and why they’re better!!
What is a B Corp Brand and why you should be supporting them is a good place to start. B Corps quickly and easily signify a brand that’s been audited to do better somehow.
Understanding what the term carbon neutral means is also handy!
Sweater Outfit Ideas
When selecting sweaters for your wardrobe, try to get a variety of styles and colors, but only those that you’ll regularly wear!
If you’re really just building out your sweater collection, I’d encourage you to start with one dark and one light option. The former could be black, navy blue, or olive green. The latter could be a tan or beige.
You can try one with a higher neck or chunkier knit. From there you can see what you wear more and like. When it comes to turtleneck sweaters and layering, I prefer looser necks and a looser cut in general. If you’re a sweatshirt kind of person, check out these ideas for how to dress up a sweatshirt!
Layer with a collared button down shirt
I adore the look of a sweater over a collared button down. Now, most of my button down shirts are looser and a softer material, so they aren’t constrictive under the sweater. I really love peaking the shirt out of the cuffs and then the collar of course.
Layer V-necks a neckline to match
V neck sweaters are great (Especially for making a sweater feel less constructive). I like to make these feel more intentional with either a necklace that hits my décolleté above the point of the V. You can also make a nice layering with a camisole underneath. I love this lace trimmed one.
Mix & Match Solids & Patterns
With a solid color sweater, I LOVE the juxtaposition of it with a striped or solid in a contrasting color. For black or navy blue sweaters, this tans and creams. For gray sweaters, think a shade of blue (light dark).
The above sweater is a men’s sweater, but I have it in an oatmeal color and love it. My mom bought me a dark brown Pendleton wool sweater for Christmas last year and I love it so much, when I saw this oatmeal color in store, I wanted it.
Because it a men’s cut, I sized down a bit and knew it would be a bit loose. I wear a small and it’s just the right vibe for fall/winter outfits – and perfect for layering! It would look great over any of these fall dresses!
How to Store a Sweater
Store Sweaters Clean
This is more serious when you’re talking about winter clothes storage when you’re clothes will be sealed and shut away, but it’s a great thing to keep in mind. A sweater with stink can attract moths and create stains, so be mindful of rewearing a sweater and knowing when it’s best to wash it.
I usually like to let my sweaters air out a bit before I even refold them to put on the shelf.
Store Sweaters Folded
Sweaters can easily loose their shape if they’re hanging up, so it’s best to fold them. I like to fold my sweaters “shop style”” (basically how it’d look in the store). I lay it flat (front-side down), fold the arms and outer inches in toward the center, and then fold in half so the neckline in on top.
See more organic women’s clothing options! And wear any of these as part of a fall photos outfit idea!
How to Hand Wash a Sweater
Sweaters are a lovely thing, but you need to take care of them when the time comes.
Don’t Wash After Each Wear
First, I don’t wash them after every wear as the washing process can break down fibers. I usually do it only when there’s a stain or if I’v had a warm day. Side note, I’ve noticed that wearing a shirt with sleeves underneath (as opposed to a tank) keeps me drier and less smelly, which thereby limits the need to wash my sweater.
Gentle Cycler & Gentle Soap
Second, use a gentle cycle and a plant-based laundry soap. And DON’T put them in the dryer. Lay them flat to dry – I like to fold a bath towel in half and let the sweater lay flat on there to dry.
The Almighty Sweater Stone
Finally, if you get pills in your sweater, use a sweater stone. The pumice stone gently pulls away balls of material without harming your sweater!
Dry Cleaning
And I just take some sweaters to the the dry cleaner. Try to find a cleaner who uses more sustainable practices and skip the plastic bag with a reusable garment bag (great for taking and bring home dry cleaning).
List of Brands
Sustainable Fashion
Want more sustainable fashion? One of the best ways to live sustainably is to rewear pieces again and again! It starts with learning how to find your style.
Check out what to wear with a leather jacket, how to wear a poncho, what to wear with linen pants for day to night, what to wear on black jeans, and the best organic cotton tshirt options!
You’ll also want to check out this list of second hand online stores, my tips for creating (and maintaining) a minimalist wardrobe, and these stylish and sustainable shoe companies!
I’ve also created seasonal basics by season:
