Britain has a long history of producing amazing knitwear and it’s something many independent ethical knitwear brands are choosing to celebrate.
We’ve rounded up our favourite ethical knitwear brands in the UK who are all redefining what knitwear can do.
Forget the dodgy jumpers your gran knitted and embrace natural fibres, long lasting investment pieces and less washing.
Seriously, ethical knitwear is where it’s at.
5 British Ethical Knitwear Designers You Need This Winter
1. Flock By Nature
Think knitwear and you don’t often think basics.
But new British and eco-friendly knitwear brand Flock By Nature is bringing back the soft woolen layers your grandmother would have approved of.
Only now they’re super-soft and covetable. Timeless sweaters and cardis in pastels and greys are made from 100% merino wool which has been thoughtfully produced.
The brand has already got the Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury which recognises Flock By Nature as a responsible brand with an eco-friendly production model. Slow down and cuddle up.
2. Loopy Ewes
Loopy Ewes is the real deal. A shepherdess, designer and maker she has her own flock of rare breed sheep in the Cotswolds, sends the fleeces to Cornwall to be turned into wool and creates modern textiles for homewares and blankets.
This is sustainable closed loop making at its finest.
We’re in love with her bright geometric knitted cushions and hot water bottles covers that are created on a hand powered knitting machine in her studio.
3. Ally Bee
Poncho jumpers could be the thing that’s been missing from your life thus far and made from a mix of ethically sourced merino wool and cashmere.
British knitwear brand Ally Bee takes its eco-credentials seriously, operating a ‘cradle to cradle’ commitment using yarns produced from farms who have high standards of land management and animal welfare, there’s minimal packaging and the clothes are designed to last.
Think stylish not seasonal.
4. People Tree
People Tree has lead the way in ethical fashion for over a decade.
And its knitwear for this winter is a joy to behold.
Burnt oranges, rich blues and mustard yellow chunky honeycomb cardis and jumpers are all made in fair trade factories and embroidered by artisans in Nepal.
There’s also fishermen’s knits and thinner Scandi-inspired stripes. Be bold this season.
5. Genevieve Sweeney
Who said knitwear had be boring?
Over at ethical knitwear brand Genevieve Sweeney, knitwear takes on a 70s disco via Northern Soul vibe.
Launched two years ago the premium brand works with British mills and suppliers on its cool colour-blocked designs, interwoven with complex jacquards and metallic accents.
Each piece is finished by hand and is intended to stand the test of time.
Invest in a future British heirloom.
