13 Sustainable Wool Sweaters for Fall 2021

With fall in full swing, there’s nothing like slipping on a soft, warm wool sweater while enjoying the chillier temps. 

While wool seems like an inherently sustainable material, the practices surrounding wool production can be highly unethical and unsustainable. 

So how do you find sustainable wool sweaters?

Based on my sustainability criteria, here are three areas to consider when shopping for a sustainable wool sweater:

Material

Regardless of which type of wool you opt for, choosing products made from recycled wool is the best option. 

If purchasing merino wool, ensure the product is made in New Zealand or the USA and has a ‘mulesing- free’ label

Certifications 

To verify that merino wool has been sustainably and ethically sourced, look for: ZQ Merino Standard, Soil Association Organic Standards.

To verify that cashmere wool has been sustainable and ethically sourced, look for: Good Cashmere Standard, Sustainable Fibre Alliance, Kering Standard on Cashmere

If the product is made with recycled wool, look for: Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS). 

Regardless of the wool type, look out for these certifications: Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Certified Organic Wool, Certified Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane Label, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Packaging

Opt for brands that use recyclable/ compostable/ biodegradable packaging as well as carbon neutral shipping methods. 

If paper packaging is used, look for a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.