9 Best Cashmere Sweaters From Sustainable Brands (2024)
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Cashmere is a staple in our sustainable wardrobes — these are our favorite brands offering options that are thoughtfully made, affordable, and size-inclusive.
For chilly evenings and crisp mornings, cashmere sweaters are a classy and versatile staple in our wardrobes. This soft and luxe fabric is sourced from goats, typically from the Gobi desert. Cashmere collection is tedious as the wool comes from the inner coat of goats, which only shed in spring and must be harvested by hand. This is why cashmere tends to be pricey and why questions arise as to how ethical the fabric really is.
Why consider sustainable cashmere?
Unlike regular cashmere, which can be harsh on the environment due to overgrazing by goats and unsustainable farming practices, sustainable cashmere is sourced more responsibly. This is done through stringent animal welfare practices that ensure the ethical treatment of goats — including their nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state. Rotational grazing is also implemented to avoid the overuse of land and to help protect the long-term health of local ecosystems. Sustainable cashmere brands also commit to fair labor practices for herders, helping contribute to better livelihoods in the communities where cashmere is sourced. These factors and more, make it well worthwhile to invest in cashmere from brands that commit to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain.
When it comes to the cashmere itself, the fiber is incredibly soft (softer than traditional wool) and is known for being lightweight yet warm, breathable, and durable. It’s a great investment because it’s not only gentle on your skin but, when sourced sustainably, gentle on the planet too. To shop this natural and biodegradable material in a more sustainable and ethical way, many brands opt to use recycled cashmere (we’ve got some for you below) or we recommend thrifting it. And for a vegan alternative, keep an eye out for clothing made with TENCEL (great for temperature regulation), or hemp (breathable and biodegradable).
Fortunately we’ve made it easy to source the best sustainable cashmere as each of the brands we’ve selected champion sustainability and ethical cashmere production in ways that respect animals, herders, and the land.
Our criteria:
We love throwing on a cashmere sweater when there’s a chill in the air — and it feels even better when sustainability and ethics are taken into account. These are our favorite brands offering cashmere options that are thoughtfully made, affordable, and size-inclusive. We make new additions to this list when emerging favorites meet the below criteria.
- SUSTAINABLE/ETHICAL | While cashmere always involves harvesting goats’ wool, we’ve selected brands that are transparent about their sourcing, and others that offer recycled or vegan alternatives.
- AFFORDABLE | Cashmere can be pricey since it must be hand harvested from goats only once a year. While it is unlikely to be the least expensive thing in your closet, we’ve included brands that offer more affordable options.
- SIZE-INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands on this list that offer a large range of size options so everyone can find a warm and cozy option.
To compliment your cashmere sweater, we’ve compiled our favorite ethical denim brands for easy styling. Top off your outfit with these fair trade coats and a pair of sustainably made boots for the cooler months!
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Sustainable
1. NAADAM
Best For | Ethical Mongolian cashmere essentials
Size Range | Women’s XXS – 3X, men’s XXS – XXL
Prices Starting At | $98
Sustainability is always in season with NAADAM, a socially conscious brand bringing you cashmere straight from the Mongolian Gobi Desert. This brand responsibly hand-combs its goats for the softest cashmere around. In addition to being mindful of animal welfare, NAADAM pays fair wages to herders and gives back to the local community. These famously affordable sweaters are available worldwide, so you can stock up and experience how cozy NAADAM sweaters are, no matter where you live.
Our Editor’s Review | “Right out of the bag, the sweater was velvety soft. After throwing it on, I was impressed again—balloon sleeves on a short person like me are usually a miss, but these were a near-perfect length. And the navy is dark, essentially just one shade away from black, so it matched my black pants but didn’t seem too monochrome either. And most importantly, I was incredibly warm but not sweltering hot. TL;DR? It checked all the boxes.” – Henah Velez, Contributing Editor [Read our full review.]
2. Reformation
Best For | Modern cashmere cuts
Size Range | XS – XL
Prices Starting At | $128
A leader in conscious and sustainable fashion, Reformation has taken the cashmere game to a new level. The LA-based brand offers stunning women’s sweaters crafted with a blend of recycled and pure cashmere. Made in a variety of colors and inclusive sizes, this eco-apparel collection is available for worldwide shipping.
3. Cuyana
Best For | Single-origin cashmere
Size Range | XS – XL
Prices Starting At | $248
Cuyana is the standard when it comes to sustainable elegance between the brand’s responsibly sourced leather and luxurious cashmere. For the woman-on-the-go, Cuyana offers capsule favorites of the highest quality, including cashmere sweaters, wraps, and turtlenecks. The crewneck sweaters and wraps are our top choice for layering, especially if your body temperature fluctuates between hot and cold. Ethically sourced from Mongolia and sewn in Italy, these cashmere pieces are available internationally. Locally-made but loved universally.
Customer Review | “These cardigans are amazing! Such a beautiful weight for year round wear. I have both the black and the ecru (I also have the funnel neck in ecru and in leaf and those are incredible as well!), both of which are in regular rotation in my wardrobe. They look equally polished with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses. Plus, they are lightweight enough (not at all bulky) to slip into a tote. Highly recommend!!!” – Nicole C. (Read all reviews.)
4. Quince
Best For | Affordable cashmere
Size Range | XS – XL
Prices Starting At | $50
Quince is a Good Trade favorite for their high quality, sustainable basics made at affordable price points, and their cashmere line is no exception. With everything from hats to dresses, you can deck yourself in soft, sustainable cashmere for the cooler months. Cozy up in your responsibly-made cashmere sweater, comfy in the knowledge that it was produced ethically with grade A Mongolian cashmere.
Our Editor’s Review | “Outside of my newborn’s skin, this lightweight sweater might be the softest thing I’ve ever touched. Although it took me a while to figure out how to wear the wrap — it’s designed to go in front instead of the back — once I figured it out, I fell in love with the waist accentuating detail in the front while the back is left loose. You can also take the belt off and wear it as an open cardigan.” – Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor [Read our full review.]
5. Everlane
Best For | Neutral tones
Size Range | Women’s XXS – XXL, men’s XS – XXL
Prices Starting At | $158
Everlane’s collection of cashmere sweaters is here to impress. Each sweater is made with recycled cashmere, with some options weaved from Italian ReCashmere® yarn for the ultimate durability and warmth. Neutral color options make it easy to mix and match Everlane’s cashmere with basics you already own, making these sweaters a wardrobe staple. You also have the option to choose from a number of cuts, including oversized turtlenecks and relaxed v-necks. Have one or have them all, we won’t judge!
Customer Review | “Love this sweater. It’s so soft & warm, without being heavy or bulky. The yellow color I looks great. Not too vibrant, but adds a great pop of color to a layered look.” – Ryan E. (Read all reviews.)
6. Gentle Herd
Best For | Cashmere workwear
Size Range | S – XL
Prices Starting At | $259
If you are a cashmere aficionado looking for an ethical and sustainable cashmere brand to get your fix, meet Gentle Herd. The brand sources their cashmere from Mongolia, promising their commitment to animal welfare in every step of production. Using natural materials, Gentle Herd creates high quality garments with eco-friendly practices, so you can luxuriate in their soft cashmere goods worry-free.
Customer Review | “This sweater is exactly what I was hoping for! So flattering, so soft.” – Hilary Valentine (Read all reviews.)
7. Patagonia
Best For | Recycled cashmere
Size Range | Women’s XXS – XXL, men’s XS – XXL
Prices Starting At | $199
For lovers of nature, Patagonia is your one-stop-shop for sustainable and ethically made outdoor wear. Using 95 percent recycled cashmere blends, this brand stocks adult cashmere sweaters that are made to last. While Patagonia does offer international shipping, the brand encourages you to shop locally whenever possible — you can find these sweaters stocked in Patagonia stores and authorized dealers worldwide. Talk about investing in sustainable practices.
Customer Review | “I absolutely love this sweater. I got it in a dark green. The softest sweater I’ve ever owned. I never want to take it off.” – Emily (Read all reviews.)
8. Stella McCartney
Best For | Luxury cashmere styles
Size Range | XXS – XL
Prices Starting At | $1,090
Stella McCartney, a leader in luxury, is committed to sustainable and ethical practices. These cashmere sweaters are made with regenerated fibers that would otherwise end up in landfills. Available in stunning colors and designs, these unisex sweaters can be rocked by anyone. And yes, international shipping is available, or you can find the label at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Ave, and a number of other high-end retailers.
9. White & Warren
Best For | Chic cashmere clothing
Size Range | XS – XL
Prices Starting at | $298
White & Warren crafts sustainable essentials that are design-driven and chic, for the next generation of fashion-forward women. The brand’s clothes come in compostable bags, and the recycled yarn for non-cashmere sweaters is made with bottles harvested from the ocean floor. With all kinds of apparel and accessories, we’re thrilled that White & Warren offers worldwide shipping. The brand has several stockists, too, so you can try on this cashmere IRL.
Customer Review | “Beautiful color, soft, great stitching details. Definately oversized so keep that I mind when ordering but another high quality piece from White+Warren” – Stephanie T. (Read all reviews.)
Featured image is from White & Warren.
