9 Lightweight Sweaters For Layering In 2024
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’ve lived in lightweight sweaters from the top sustainable clothing brands for years — these are our versatile favorites made from natural ingredients and ethically produced at a range of price points.
If there’s one piece of clothing you’ll find at our desks, in our carry-on bags, or actually wearing at any given time, it’s a lightweight sweater. It easily dresses up (or down) any outfit, helps regulate our temperatures (particularly in cold offices!), and inconspicuously hides any of those lunchtime stains or elbow holes we may have. (Just us?)
But seriously: A breathable, durable, and well-fitting sweater is always in our wardrobe. And while the quality of knitwear is generally going down in the industry, the brands below are committed to quality materials like organic cotton, cashmere, and wool. (As for our faves, NAADAM, Reformation, and Lora Gene sweaters are must-haves — the quality materials, intentional production, and range of colors and designs are ideal for our capsule collections!)
Our methodology and criteria
Our team has personally worn and loved sweaters from the top sustainable clothing brands — and reviewed hundreds more sustainable brands — over the past ten years. The list includes our favorite selections for lightweight and transitional sweaters that meet the below criteria.
NATURAL MATERIALS| The brands below all leverage natural or recycled materials, including GOTS certified organic cotton, recycled nylon or polyester, and responsibly sourced Alpaca, Merino, and Yak wools. These high-performance materials are exceptionally durable, made to last season after season.
AFFORDABLE | Building a sustainable wardrobe shouldn’t break the bank — the price points below start at $30, without sacrificing quality. If some prices feel out of reach, we recommend looking at any secondhand collections where possible or thrifting locally!
ETHICS | The brands featured here abide by a strict standard of ethics, including responsible production, fair wages and working conditions, and thoughtful fabrics. Many also carry certifications such as BCSI compliance for factory regulations, or GOTS certified materials.
If you’re looking less for layering and more for warmth, check out our recommendations for sustainable sweaters and cardigans. 🧶
1. Pact
Best For | Relaxed sweaters and cardigans
Materials | Organic cotton
Sizes Available | XS–3X
Prices Starting At | $88
Pact’s pieces are essentials for our wardrobe: They’re all crafted with organic cotton (aka warm but not suffocating!), sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories, and at a reasonable price point. The lightweight layers here all have a relaxed, casual feel — from the popular airplane cardigan for layering to the classic wide-neck sweater, all available in a variety of colors to mix and match. Superior in quality and in ethics, these lounge-worthy sweaters are our sustainable go-to all year long.
Customer Review | “Perfect 3 season sweater. Lightweight, high quality. Purchased this to have a layer for warmer weather. It’s boxy, cropped fit works well on it’s [sic] own or over a tank. Highly recommend and imagine I’ll be purchasing in another color at some point this spring.” – Melissa P. (Read more reviews)
2. Reformation
Best For | Oversized “boyfriend sweater”
Materials | Recycled cashmere blend
Sizes Available | XS–XL
Prices Starting At | $168
There are few brands as stylish as Reformation, and its Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater is très chic — especially as seasons transition. Made from a recycled cashmere blend, this dreamy lil’ piece comes in nine beautiful colors, including bright red, deep olive, and French-inspired stripes. All pieces at Reformation are sustainably and ethically made, and the brand’s been fully climate neutral since 2015. Whether you pair this oversized sweater with a skirt on warmer days or throw together with a scarf on crisper ones, you’ll look as fashionable as ever.
3. Everlane
Best For | Neutral basics
Materials | Organic cotton, cashmere, alpaca wool, recycled nylon
Sizes Available | XXS–XXXL
Prices Starting At | $78
For seasonal staples, check out Everlane’s wide-ranging collection. There are plenty of lightweight sweaters here, from neutral V-necks to colorful cardigans (and a wide range of styles in between!). Everlane’s materials are all thoughtfully sourced, including organic cotton, GRS-certified recycled cashmere, and recycled nylon — and the team’s got some impressive sustainability certifications to boot. Enjoy free shipping over $100 and easy returns within 30 days.
Customer Review | “Great wardrobe essential. I wanted to invest in lighter sweaters and I’m really happy with this one. It’s a good staple and I’ll look to order in more colors. It’s also not itchy.” – Roxane B. (Read more reviews)
4. Quince
Best For | Cardigans and sweater tanks
Materials | Mongolian cashmere, organic cotton, yak wool, linen
Sizes Available | XS–XL
Prices Starting At | $29.90
Quince’s sustainable sweaters are made to last, thanks to the quality materials, like Grade A Mongolian cashmere and organic cotton. And because the team can ship directly to you versus working with traditional middlemen, the prices are also much more accessible. The details are also impressive, from the La Ligne-inspired stripes to the maternity-friendly fits to the versatile cashmere tees. Strategically designed, sustainable, and sophisticated — whatever the season.
Customer Review | “Lovely layering piece. This piece flatters curves without being too revealing or pinching. It is cropped, but there is enough length to tuck into high waisted pants. It looks great underneath a jacket.” – Tera L. (Read more reviews)
5. Colorful Standard
Best For | Various colors
Materials | Recycled merino wool
Sizes Available | XS–XL
Prices Starting At | €95
Sweater lovers: You’ll want to bookmark Colorful Standard’s line. 😅 The “Recycled Merino Wool Light Crewnecks” are available in a whopping 22 colors, including everyday basics, richer hues (like Pacific Blue and Bubblegum Pink), and pastel pigments (like Soft Lavender and Honey Beige). One thing’s for sure across them all: They’re responsibly made in Portugal using 100 percent recycled wool and eco-friendly dye. Merino wool is warm yet breathable, and the feminine silhouette shows off your shape — professional enough for work, casual enough for home.
6. NAADAM
Best For | Cashmere
Materials | Mongolian cashmere
Sizes Available | XXS–3X
Prices Starting At | $128
NAADAM is the expert on cashmere. The team sources its cashmere directly from the Gobi Desert, partnering with local Mongolian communities and offering fair, equitable wages. And while you could certainly find chunky knit sweaters and heavy-duty hoodies here, NAADAM also carries lightweight cashmere, too. We’re big fans of the reversible designs (we love a two-in-one, what can we say?), as well as the airy, flowy styles. If you’re like us — always cold in the office but warm outdoors — NAADAM’s sweaters are a non-negotiable.
Customer Review | “Love this sweater! I have it in 3 colors now —- very lightweight and flows beautifully. Love the boat neck style and the long sleeves with detailing near the end of the sleeves.” – Susan L. (Read more reviews)
7. James Street Co.
Best For | Knit button ups
Materials | Alpaca & merino wools
Sizes Available | XS–XL
Prices Starting At | $294
James Street Co. touts itself as “an obtainable luxury brand,” blending together the old and new. Knitwear designer Jess Reese works with teams in Los Angeles and Peru to craft sustainable sweaters — and since the brand’s based in Utah, you could say they know a thing or two about colder temps. The Knitted Margot is a fun take on layering, designed like a regular button-up but sewn with thicker Alpaca and Merino wools. Cozy, cool, and conscious, these are *chef’s kiss* for layering over a tank or under a coat.
8. Lora Gene
Best For | Sheer sweaters
Materials | Mohair, wool, linen, cotton
Sizes Available | XS–5XL
Prices Starting At | £110
Lora Gene sweaters are as stunning as they are sustainable. The majority of pieces here are made to order, so there’s no excess waste and each sweater is crafted just for you. Moreover, the team upcycles wool and cotton from Italy and linen from Bulgaria to ensure minimal fabric waste. We’re eyeing the sheer sweaters as temperatures rise; they’re edgy and effortless enough to wear on a night out on the town or to brunch (but not so insulating that you’ll feel stuffy!). Support this woman-owned B Corp and grab one of these lightweight pieces to try for yourself — you won’t regret it.
Customer Review | “Another wonderful piece, super warm and comfortable and very versatile. I look forward to wearing it more in colder weather.” – Barbara T. (Read more reviews)
9. Outerknown
Best For | Retro fits
Materials | Organic cotton & recycled polyester
Sizes Available | XS–XL
Prices Starting At | $178
Outerknown’s Nostalgic Sweater is an ode to iconic retro style, designed with those quintessential rainbow stripes. The material itself is a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, woven together in a breathable waffle knit pattern. Whether you plan to be indoors or outdoors, this sweater is comfortable enough to wear all through the seasons. As a sustainable apparel brand, Outerknown also believes in circular design and minimizing waste, so check out their Pre-Loved Collection for other layers at discounted prices.
Customer Review | “A fantastic sweater with a color scheme that evokes surfboard colors from the 60’s and 70’s. A perfect fit that is made from quality materials. Can be worn with almost anything to step up your look…” – Edward H. (Read more reviews)
Featured image is from Reformation
