Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

9 Socially Conscious Sweaters for Cozying Up in Comfort This 2022

There’s nothing that can harsh the beginning of 2022 like the realities of our modern era. It just doesn’t feel right to be all snuggled up when people and places all over the world are suffering. Fortunately, slow fashion has an answer. Next time you’re shopping for a soft, snuggly pullover or cardigan, pick from one of the growing number of socially conscious apparel brands that are using commerce to do good in the world.

From restoring waterways to paying laborers a living wage, from repurposing waste material to contributing to marginalized communities, these fashion companies are leading the charge to make sure that one guy’s warm day doesn’t come at the cost of another guy’s well-being. And did we mention that the sweaters they make are the highest quality you’ll find anywhere? Whether cotton, cashmere, wool, or alpaca is your pleasure, these socially conscious, sustainable sweaters don’t ask you to compromise quality for the sake of your principles.

Wrap yourself up in one of these sweaters from any of these socially conscious fashion brands, and you’ll feel as warm and fuzzy on the inside as you do on the outside.

Fjallraven Greenland Re-Wool Cardigan

Fjallraven Greenland Re-Wool Cardigan

We all know Fjallraven as the last word in cold-weather gear. But did you know the firm is also a leader in sustainable manufacturing? We didn’t until we made the acquaintance of its Re-Wool line. This version of its popular Greenland cardigan repurposes scrap material from the Italian wool garment industry for a robust, ribbed zip-up that is as cuddly as Mr. Rogers and as tough as Mr. T.

Cotopaxi Libre Midweight Sweater

Cotopaxi Libre Midnight Sweater

You can’t get better than the best. The OG sustainable sweater is back and better than ever in a finer, lighter weight llama wool yarn and a slew of vintage-inspired colorways. Made from start to finish in Bolivia using local materials, this sweater directly supports farmers and craftspeople in the region. The Libre sweater is how Cotopaxi made it cool to be a B-Corp, and it’s only getting cooler with time.

Naadam The Essential $75 Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

aadam the essential 75 cashmere

While traditional cashmere production is problematic as hell, Naadam sweaters boast a low carbon footprint, clean-energy-powered manufacturing, better pay for their indigenous workforce, and sustainable grazing for the sheep that make their sweaters. This bestselling pullover is comfortably slouchy, heavenly soft, and at $75, shockingly affordable. Go ahead, get a couple of different colors.

Faherty Sconset Crew

Faherty Sconset Crew

Faherty’s cool coastal vibe isn’t just for summer wear. With its tight weave and oh-so-soft blend of cotton and cashmere, the Sconset Crew is begging to be taken on a moonlit beach walk. Want something a little heavier? Try their Totem Cardigan, which we love for its extra heft, cozy rolled neck and (has to be said) undeniable Lebowski vibe.

Tact and Stone Pichu Alpaca Wool Sweater

Tact and Stone Pichu Alpaca Wool Sweater

Hand-loomed by Fair Trade artisans in the Peruvian Highlands from sustainably raised alpaca wool, this sweater is dye-free, saves 725 gallons of water in its manufacture, and feels like an angel’s embrace. Been looking for the iron fist of uncompromising sustainability wrapped in the velvet glove of cloud-soft alpaca wool? You’ve arrived, my friend.

Patagonia Fog Cutter Sweater

Patagonia Fog Cutter Sweater

Whether you’re hard at work, or just want to look that way, the Fog Cutter sweater offers all the workwear cred you can handle. Made from recycled cotton and hemp for ultra-low environmental impact, this comfort-cut sweater accommodates both heavy layering and lazy days on the couch with equal aplomb.

Editors' Recommendations

Stitch Fix Ditches the Fees and Goes Free(style)
Rocking out a Stitch denim over white tee outfit.

Rocking out a Stitch denim over white tee outfit.

Looking to get new fall gear, but have no time to hit the stores and no desire to navigate parking and people? Stitch Fix has got you covered -- for free. 

Read more
Inside Allbirds’ New Activewear Line That’s Actually Sustainable
allbirds natural run collection news  tee

Allbirds' 'Natural Run Tee.'

Activewear is designed to cool while users work up a sweat. But its manufacture also eats tons of carbon-based fuels in the process. 

Read more
3 Best Sustainable Fashion Brands for Earth Day 2022 and Beyond
Cariuma

There's a whole new way to rethink what you're wearing for Earth Day and every day beyond that. Every portion of your wardrobe these days can be made more sustainable and eco-friendly, and we're not just saying that (keep reading for more). The best sustainable fashion brands are about as cool and eco-conscious as it gets, from the way they approach the design process to the finished product in your closet.

When sneakers can be made with coffee and sweaters can be made with sustainable cashmere, it's worth giving 'em a shot (again, keep reading). Suffice to say, just when you thought you had it all figured out, some of our favorite new brands have arrived on the scene to shake things up.

Read more