9 Sustainable Lightweight Sweaters For Layering (2025)

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.

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 $40, 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. Our 99 sustainable clothing guide also has numerous options for the best sweaters at all warmth levels. 🧶

1. NAADAM

Best For | Cashmere sweaters
Sweater Materials | Mongolian cashmere
Size Range | XXS – 3X
Price | $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.

Why Our Editor’s Love It | “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 the full review.]

Woman with long dark hair wearing glasses, a white oversized sweater, and black leggings takes a mirror selfie in a well-lit room with wooden floors and white walls.

A woman wearing a brown long-sleeve knit sweater with a collar and blue jeans stands against a plain light background.

2. Pact

Best For | Relaxed sweaters and cardigans
Sweater Materials | Organic cotton
Size Range | XS – 3X
Price | $58+

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 dolman 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.

Why Others Love It | “This is excellent for travel or everyday wear. I wore it as the set on a recent trip and was able to repurpose this top for multiple outfits. I love it!” – Stefanie K. (Read all reviews.)

Woman wearing a taupe lounge set with a white shirt stands against a neutral background; a red "The Good Trade Award Winner 2023" badge appears in the upper right corner.

A woman stands against a plain light background wearing a black short-sleeve top and matching black shorts, with one hand behind her back.

3. Outerknown

Best For | Retro fit sweaters
Sweater Materials | Organic cotton & recycled polyester
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $178+

Outerknown’s Nostalgic Sweater is an ode to iconic retro style, designed with those quintessential colorful 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.

Why Others Love It | “Love everything about this Sweater! The colors, comfort and fit are amazing! Everyone needs one!” – Jenny U. (Read all reviews.)

Woman with long brown hair wearing a gray sweater with navy, blue, and purple stripes, and blue jeans, sitting against a plain light-colored background.

A woman with long blond hair stands near an open vehicle at the beach, smiling, wearing a striped sweater and dark shorts. Surfboards are visible in the car.

4. Quince

Best For | Cardigans and sweater tanks
Sweater Materials | Mongolian cashmere, organic cotton, yak wool, linen
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $40+

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.

Why Others Love It | “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 all reviews.)

A woman wearing a sleeveless, ribbed beige knit top and high-waisted white jeans stands against a plain background. A red “The Good Trade Award Winner 2025” badge is shown in the top right corner.

A person wearing a dark brown V-neck sweater and a light-colored skirt stands against a plain, light background.

5. Kotn

Best For | Textured sweaters
Sweater Materials | Egyptian cotton, eco viscose, ECOTEC cotton, recycled cotton, recycled poly, recycled linen
Size Range | XXS – XXL
Price | $88+

Kotn’s sweaters are all about comfort, quality, and sustainability. They’re made from natural fibers like Egyptian cotton, linen, and ECOTEC cotton — meaning they’re super soft, breathable, and kind to the planet. Kotn keeps things low-impact by using eco-friendly dyes, cutting down on waste, and sourcing materials responsibly — from family-run farms in Egypt to upcycled cotton yarns in Portugal. Everything is designed to last, feel amazing, and come to you in recycled packaging (plus a reusable tote!).

Why Others Love It | “Perfect spring summer top. Quality fabric and dye and it’s just sheer enough without being too sheer.” – Sophie A. (Read all reviews.)

A person wearing a cream-colored, short-sleeve, open-knit cardigan with buttons and blue jeans, standing against a plain white background.

A person in a brown long-sleeve top and pleated skirt stands outdoors under a leafy tree, arms raised, with greenery and a building in the background.

6. Reformation

Best For | Oversized “boyfriend sweater”
Sweater Materials | Recycled cashmere blend
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $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.

A woman with long brown hair wears a light blue sweater and light blue jeans, sitting on a white surface against a plain background.

A woman stands against a plain background, wearing a red striped sweater over a white collared shirt with dark pants, with one hand in her pocket.

7. Jenni Kayne

Best For | Knit button up sweaters
Sweater Materials | Alpaca, cashmere, linen, cotton, wool
Size Range | XXS – 3X
Price | $195+

Jenni Kayne‘s lightweight sweaters are crafted from premium fibers like alpaca, cashmere, linen, cotton, and wool, offering timeless silhouettes designed to become cherished staples in any wardrobe. With a focus on effortless elegance and lasting quality, each piece is made to evolve with you and stand the test of time. These sweaters, available in inclusive sizing up to 3X, reflect a commitment to classic style — versatile, heirloom-worthy essentials you’ll reach for every day.

Why Our Editor Loves It | “Jenni Kayne is known for its oversized sweaters, so let’s start there! This polished yet fuzzy grey cardigan is a smart, feminine piece for throwing over any outfit. It looks great with jeans and a T-shirt (just make sure it’s long sleeve, since this a wool blend and it is itchy without a thin barrier protecting your skin!), but it also goes well with something more dressed up, like a black dress or your favorite blouse/pants office combo. The contrasting buttons make it feel extra luxe.” – Ashley D’Arcy, Senior Editor [Read the full review.]

A person wearing a grey knit cardigan over a white shirt and blue jeans, standing indoors near a window.

A person wearing a wide-brim hat, navy sweater, and wide-leg pants stands by a glass door on a modern patio with greenery and wooden stools visible.

8. Everlane

Best For | Neutral sweaters
Sweater Materials | Organic cotton, cashmere, alpaca wool, recycled nylon
Size Range | XXS – XXXL
Price | $77+

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.

Why Others Love It | “I love the sweater and the color. It holds its shape well throughout the day so it looks very elevated. I love the small details in the stitching which make it subtly fun.” – TBarb (Read all reviews.)

Woman wearing a light yellow knit sweater and white pants stands against a plain background; a red award badge from The Good Trade is displayed in the top right corner.

A person stands against a plain background wearing a navy cardigan, striped shirt, wide-leg jeans, and brown shoes.

9. Colorful Standard

Best For | Various color sweaters
Sweater Materials | Recycled merino wool
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $105+

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.

Why Others Love It | “Great size and shape. Looks great with red/white stripe shirt and it is a beautiful colour. I think it is a very flattering jumper. Good purchase.” – Susan R. (Read all reviews.)