As the darker evenings draw in, the urge to add layers and comfy knits to our wardrobes becomes stronger.
We want to be confident in the ethics of the brands we wrap ourselves up in, but this can be difficult as the fashion industry has an unsustainably large footprint on the planet. It can be linked to intensive water use, unsafe working conditions, toxic chemical use, overproduction and vast quantities of waste.
Thankfully, there are many brands around the world, just like Considered Jewellery, who have made ethics and sustainability a core part of their brand, production and supply chain. For when you want to pair your ethical jewellery with earth-kind knitwear, here are 6 of our favourite sustainable brands to add to your winter wardrobe.
SLOW LOve
Slow Love is a sister brand to The Preloved Edit. Their jumpers are mainly hand knitted, by a skilled group of women workers. The brand only commissions very small numbers at a time and their aim is to create pieces that, if looked after well, will last for decades.
ALbaray
Albaray's mission is to create clothing that stands the test of time, without compromising on quality. All of their clothes are made from responsibly sourced fabrics, such as recycled polyester, and their suppliers work to industry standards like SMETA, GOTS and Oeko-Tex® to ensure they meet the highest standards when it comes to health and safety, environment, business ethics and labour standards.
Bibico
For sustainable knitwear made from soft merino wool, think Bibico. Easy-to-wear everyday jumpers & cardigans that will add colour and conscience to your wardrobe. Bibco want to make beautiful clothes without harming the environment. They use natural & sustainable fabrics to make their clothes and work with Fairtrade groups who support women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Knotty Ones
Knitwear that aims to elevate the women and heritage behind their pieces. The Knotty Ones only work with ethical suppliers from around the world who source natural, high quality, cruelty-free yarns. The brand works with independently employed female artisans, local family-run wool farms and partner factories, run by highly talented women with a passion for all things yarn-based. All of their yarns are plastic free and biodegradable, even down to their buttons and compostable packaging.
Navy Grey
British knitwear Navy Grey has a collection created using undyed English wool, with their entire supply chain being contained within 200 miles. Founded in 2019, the brand uses mulesing-free fibres certified by the Responsible Wool Standard, and is increasingly looking to use regenerative wool that has a positive impact on the environment. Committed to using business as a force for good, Navygrey has been a B-Corp since the beginning which means you can be assured they work in an ethical way.
& Daughter
Wear 100% natural wool and cashmere yarns, which are spun on a nature reserve in Loch Leven in Scotland. From work-wear to weekend, British brand &Daughter is the epitome of slow fashion, its knits are all produced in the UK and Ireland in small batches, using 100% natural and locally-sourced yarns.
Baukjen
B-Corp certified Baukjen are champions of slow fashion, caring for people and the planet, and campaigning for change. From supporting poverty-stricken areas, to drastically reducing our carbon emissions. They are committed to disrupting the fast fashion model whilst still supporting small-scale facilities through sustainable practices, recycling of garments and fabrics and a commitment to a more ethical supply chain, just like we are.
Everlane
Everlane partner with the best, ethical factories around the world. Sourcing only the finest materials and sharing those stories with us, even down to the true cost of every product they make. It’s a new way of doing things and like us, they caall it radical transparency.
We’re dedicated to creating transparent jewellery but also to promote responsible brands in the fashion industry to help you buy with confidence no matter what you are shopping for. Feel free to drop us a line with any questions, we’d love to hear from you.