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Sustainable fashion labels are making upcycled and natural fiber sweaters the must-wear items of the season.
It’s officially sweater weather — but before you buy a new, cozy knit pullover, consider opting for an upcycled or natural fiber sweater instead. Plus, not sure what to do with your old, stretched, tattered sweaters? We’ve got tips for how to upcycle those, too.
Sustainable sweater options abound and can be made from a range of materials including organic cotton, deadstock scraps, and upcycled ocean plastic turned into polyester yarn. Of course, the most sustainable sweater is the one already in your closet. Wear it until it’s unwearable, and when it’s time to upgrade, shop sustainably. You can also shop secondhand, by thrifting at your local resale shop or checking online secondhand platforms that offer used products.
How to upcycle old sweaters
But first… what exactly is upcycling? Unlike recycling — which destroys an item so that it can be used to make something new — upcycling involves transforming a used item into something new from its current state. Although upcycling and recycling both reduce the number of used products that wind up in landfills, upcycling is a more eco-friendly option for tackling waste.
The process of upcycling requires fewer resources, namely energy and water. Plus, in terms of clothing, it’s a more favorable option because many garments like embellished clothing and blended fabrics can’t be recycled.
Have a few old sweaters lying around? The good news is that you don’t have to say goodbye to them altogether. You can upcycle them into something new! Repurpose your shabby jumpers and frayed cardigans into a beanie and mitten set. Or turn them into pillowcases or a comfy patchwork blanket. The options are endless.
Sweaters to shop
Not into DIY? There are a number of sustainable labels turning old sweaters into high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces. Here are some of the best brands to shop for upcycled sweaters.
Stella McCartney
From the queen of sustainable fashion, an organic, first-of-its-kind creamy butter yellow sweater made from Kelsun seaweed fiber and organic cotton.
Everlane
With a comfy boxy fit and chunky rib stitch, The Organic Cotton Crew Sweater is a cool-weather layering essential. Made with 100 percent organic cotton, you’ll wear this stylish sweater with everything from denim and yoga pants to your cutest skirts. Layer under a blazer for a really sleek look.
Eileen Fisher
For the softest cardigan, this Eileen Fisher is a must. Its cozy high collar and open front (with pockets!) add to the comfort of the fluffy cotton boucle that provides warmth without weight. You’ll be warm and comfortable all season long in this cardigan.
Naadam
Designed with a relaxed fit and textured ribbed knit, the Chunky Cotton Crewneck Sweater is made from 100 percent organic Tanguis cotton — a soft, durable fiber grown along Peru’s coast that naturally resists pests and thrives with minimal water.
Mate the Label
Made with organic cotton and upcycled wool that use less water and carbon than conventional materials, this funnel neck sweater is free from chemicals. Mate the Label believes the best way to limit your impact is to buy quality goods that will last a lifetime. “That’s why we make seasonless styles that are meant to be worn every single day, year-round,” the label says.
Baserange
The Chunky Mea Sweater is a recycled wool pullover with a crew neckline and dropped shoulders for an easy, relaxed shape. Crafted in France, it carries GRS and Oeko-Tex certifications. The recycled wool is sourced from a nearby facility in Occitania that transforms donated garments into high-quality yarn in a closed-loop system. As the most recycled and longest-lasting natural fiber, wool can endure for decades and be reused multiple times, significantly lowering methane emissions, land use, and water pollution.
Christy Dawn
From LA’s premier eco dressmaker, Christy Dawn delivers on this Cindy Cardigan, too. It is a classic chunky fisherman knit cardigan, featuring a V-neck and cropped length perfect for dressing up or down. Made with a natural cotton and linen blend yarn it’s perfect for those in-between days where you’re not ready for a jacket but need a bit of warmth and style.
