13 Best Sustainable Sweater Brands In New Zealand To Keep You Warm And Cozy
It’s chilly, you need layers, your old sustainable cardigan has become threadbare and you’re searching online for ‘sustainable knitwear’ ‘ sustainable sweater’ … this came up.
It’s hard to track down sustainable knitwear that is not only available in Aotearoa New Zealand but isn’t made from polyester and might last as long as 3 wears!
I’ve got ya.
The list below are sustainable sweater options (sustainable knitwear) that are available for you to purchase in Aotearoa New Zealand. Not all garments are made in NZ, but most are. If you end up purchasing a sustainable sweater or cardigan, make sure you read my blog on how to care for your wool clothes responsibly so you get as much life as possible out of your new piece of conscious clothing.
What you need to know before reading this:
Price ranges are in NZ dollars.
‘Made in’ refers to where the sustainable sweater is made, not inclusive of where the fabric is made.
I haven’t trialled all of these brands personally, but if I have, I’ve written a personal review.
Some of the sustainable jumpers I have reviewed were PR gifts.
None of these brands are perfectly sustainable. No brand, or person, is.
This blog is not sponsored.
Standard Issue
Cost: $130 - $800
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Merino wool/Cashmere/Cotton
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 10 days
Shipping: NZ
Kate’s review: Standard Issue sustainable knitwear has pulled me through many winters and I continue to reach for them over most other knits. Their ‘Care For Life’ commitment means they will repair my sustainable sweater if they ever need it (for a small fee) and the knits are incredibly adaptable for all situations.
Charly
Cost: $85 - $536
Size range: One size
Main Materials: Merino, Possum
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 14 days
Shipping: Worldwide
Maggie Marilyn
Cost: $125 - $295
Size range: XS - 4XL
Main Materials: 100% Merino wool
Made in: New Zealand & Pakistan
Returns: Within 7 days, tags on
Shipping: Worldwide
Kowtow
Cost: $169 - $289
Size range: XXS - XXL
Main Materials: Organic cotton
Made in: India
Returns: Within 14 days
Shipping: New Zealand and Pacific Islands
Kate’s review: I live in my KowTow green organic cotton sustainable jumper. KowTow is the most popular brand in my personal wardrobe. I cannot rate them highly enough.
Wixii
Cost: $114 - 346
Size range: XXS - XL
Main Materials: Cashmere, merino, cotton
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 7 days (NZ orders) and 14 days (international orders)
Shipping: Worldwide
Dorothy
Cost: Depends on order
Size range: Any, custom sizing
Main Materials: Fine kid mohair, merino mohair mix, 100% wool
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Not Listed
Shipping: Worldwide
Sills + Co.
Cost: $114 - $384
Size range: XS - XL
Main Materials: Cotton, cashmere, merino
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 14 days
Shipping: Worldwide
Tonic & Cloth
Cost: $220
Size range: 8 - 18
Main Materials: Merino wool
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 7 days
Shipping: Worldwide
Untouched World
Cost: $199 - $599
Size range: XS - XXL
Main Materials: Merino wool, possum, cashmere
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 30 days
Shipping: Worldwide
Kate’s review: One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s favourite sustainable knitwear brands, and for a good reason. They create incredibly high quality garments that I cannot rate more highly. Their pieces are certainly financial investments, but life long garments with low cost per wears over time.
Ruby
Cost: $99 -$249
Size range: 4 - 20
Main Materials: Wool, cotton, rayon
Made in: New Zealand and China
Returns: Within 7 days
Shipping: Worldwide
Itchy
Cost: $390
Size range: One size fits all
Main Materials: Wool
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Case by case
Shipping: NZ & Australia
Cost: $299 - $449
Size range: XS - XXL
Main Materials: Merino wool, possum
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 30 days
Shipping: Worldwide
Davaar & Co.
Cost: $359
Size range: XS - 3XL
Main Materials: Wool
Made in: New Zealand
Returns: Within 14 days
Shipping: New Zealand only
Sustainable Sweater Q&A
What materials are commonly used in sustainable sweaters?
Sustainable sweaters are generally made from ethically sourced wool, possum, or organic cotton. You’ll find some are also made from bamboo, hemp, Tencel (lyocell), and recycled polyester too. My personal favourite sustainable sweaters are made from wool and organic cotton.
Can knitwear be sustainable?
Yes, knitwear can be sustainable. Sustainability in knitwear involves various factors such as the choice of materials (e.g., organic cotton, ethically sourced wool), eco-friendly production processes (like low-impact dyes and water recycling), fair labor practices, and durability to extend the garment's lifespan. By prioritszing these elements, knitwear can significantly reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
