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Stocking stuffers are proof that the best things do come in small packages. From indulgent self-care and covetable accessories to useful kitchen essentials and a few things for the kids you know and love, there’s a sustainable stocking stuffer for everyone in our guide. And for under $50, they can’t be beaten.

Even the most eager lot of shoppers get stumped when it comes to the art of gift-giving around the holiday season. But fear not, think of us as Santa’s conscious little helpers who’ve compiled the best eco-friendly stocking fillers that’ll make the process of finding the best gifts that much easier.

Upping your gift-giving game this season doesn’t have to put a huge dent in your wallet. This guide is proof that there are plenty of low-cost presents which can have a delightful impact when they’re unwrapped.

So, whether you’ve drawn your favorite coworker in the office Secret Santa or have an overworked friend who could do with a decadent self-care routine, we’ve got you (and them) covered with our list of eco-friendly stocking filler ideas worth $50 and under.

Note that this guide contains partners and affiliates. As always, we only feature brands that meet strict standards for sustainability and our brands that we love, that we think you’ll love too!

Sustainable Stocking Fillers For The Party Host

1. Spices by Diaspora Co.

Know a passionate home chef who loves to cook? Then Diaspora Co.’s range of spices will be a highly welcome addition to their pantry. 

Featuring traditional Indian spices that go beyond turmeric and interesting flavors like taco masala, steak masala, and more, these seasonings are sure to add an exotic aroma and delicious flavor to their dishes.  

Feel free to add a spice spoon for just a dollar to make this gift that much more thoughtful.

Why we love it: BIPOC Woman-owned, Ethically Sourced Spices, Fair Trade

Price: $30+

Diaspora spices

2. Zero Waste Napkins @ Passion Lilie

Give them a pretty reason to let go of those unsustainably disposable paper serviettes with a little help from these chic cotton napkins from Passion Lilie.

Crafted from leftover production fabrics, these napkins are eco-friendly, reusable (read: machine washable), and they look really good. Your host will enjoy whipping out one of these suave serviettes out every time they cook up and serve up a storm.

Why we love it: woman-owned, handwoven, hand dyed, zero waste, fair trade, ethically made

Price: $20-$32

White and blue striped sustainable napkins

3. Zero Waste Dish Cleaning Set @ Green Eco Dream

For the one who likes to keep things clean and tidy, this zero-waste stocking filler will reduce their dependence on plastic items for good.

Complete with a castille natural dish soap, loofah dish sponges, bamboo soap dish, and brush, along with a Swedish dishcloth made from cellulose and organic cotton, this cleaning set is the most practical present you could give. (Check out Green Eco Dream’s gift sets for more eco-minded giftable bundles.)

Why we love it: natural materials and ingredients, plastic-free, zero waste

Price: $42

 Zero Waste Dish Cleaning Set

Eco-Friendly Stocking Fillers For Kids and Babies

4. Fair Trade Baby Booties @ Made Trade

Handcrafted from natural wool, these adorable baby booties are a great stocking stuffer for newborns this Christmas. These cute booties feature a soft sole and are designed for babies that haven’t begun walking as yet.

Shaped like animals with great attention to detail, whether it’s bunnies, bumblebees, elephants, or unicorns, you’re sure to find an adorable pick from their range of booties.

Why we love it: handcrafted, fair trade, natural wool, ethically made

Price: $27

Fair Trade Baby Booties

5. Beeswax Crayons @ Honeysticks

Made from food-grade pigments, these long beeswax crayons will keep the little artists happily submerged in their drawing books.

We love the fact that these crayons are totally free from petroleum-based waxes. 

Just don’t forget to encourage them to color outside the lines!

Why we love it: petroleum-free, non-toxic colors

Price: $23

Beeswax Crayons

6. Organic Cotton Pig Rattle @ Made Trade

The cutest little gift for the rugrat you love tickling, this hand-knitted organic cotton rattle is ethically made by female artisans in Bangladesh. A huggable wonder, this pig rattle will be a welcome addition to their playpen of toys.

Why we love it: handcrafted, organic cotton, ethically made

Price: $23

Organic Cotton Pig Rattle

Sustainable Stocking Fillers For Their Self-Care Routine

7. Refillable Trial & Travel Kit @ Activist Skincare

For beauty-conscious women who are always on the lookout for the best in skincare, this trial kit by Activist Skincare is the perfect gift you can give them.

From cleanser to moisturizer, these kits contain a four-step skincare routine with options that cater to both dry and blemish-prone skin to help them feel and look their best. The brand is known for using a blend of ethically sourced natural botanicals and the most gentle active ingredients that are completely vegan.

And we wouldn’t underestimate these bite-sized beauties! Besides having a TSA-approved volume that can easily be tossed into carry-ons, these bottles hold two to four weeks’ worth of usable product that can always be topped up with refills.

Why we love it: woman-owned, cruelty-free, non-toxic, ethically sourced ingredients, zero waste, refillable packaging, gives back

Price: $50 (includes $25 gift card)

Refillable Trial & Travel Kit

8. Organic Body Lotion @ Fat And The Moon

Made from hydrating organic ingredients like rosewater, aloe vera, sunflower oil, and shea butter, this body cream is a great stocking stuffer for the beauty junkies in your life.

P.S. The brand recommends storing it in the fridge to maximize its shelf-life since it’s made using organic ingredients.

Why we love it: organic, ethically made

Price: $44

 Organic Body Lotion

Eco-Friendly Stocking Fillers For The Ones On The Go

9. Organic Cotton Fanny Pack @ Made Trade

A functional stocking stuffer for the adventurous globe-trotter or the one who is always on the go, this organic cotton fanny pack is the perfect hands-free carryall that makes rushing through airport security or getting errands done around town feel like a breeze.

Spacious and wide enough to fit all the essentials — phone, keys, and wallet included — and made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, this purchase will also help donate meals to kids and families in need. (For more petite-sized ethical gifts, check out Made Trade’s stocking stuffers collection.)

Why we love it: organic cotton, GOTS-certified low-impact dyes, fair trade

Price: $35

Organic Cotton Fanny Pack

10. Reusable Stasher Bags @ Green Eco Dream

The most practical eco-friendly stocking stuffers on our list, these reusable silicone stasher bags remove the reliance on single-use plastic wraps and make way for a low-impact alternative for their food storing needs.

Available in a range of options to choose from, we highly recommend getting the four pack bundle for optimum use.

Why we love it: reusable, plastic-free, BPA and phthalate-free

Price: $10-50

Reusable Stasher Bags

Personalized Stocking Stuffers Your Loved Ones Will Cherish

11. Kantha Connection Bracelets @ WorldFinds

Ethical stocking fillers for the social butterfly in your life, these bracelets have a bohemian charm to them and send a strong message. Titled by values like “Unity”, “Joy”, “Hope”, and “Compassion” to name a few, these thoughtful trinkets will help your loved one feel inspired knowing that their gift has made a difference.

Handmade by Indian female artisans, every purchase sets them on the path to attaining financial empowerment and independence.

Why we love it: handcrafted, repurposed from scrap textiles, ethically made

Price: $17 each

colorful recycled bracelets - fair trade stocking stuffer idea

12. Hand Stitched Recycled Notebook @ Etsy

Personalized stationery is the best kind of gift to give and receive. And what better way to help your loved ones start the new year on the right note than with a bespoke notebook?

This notebook lets you add custom text of up to 256 characters that are typed up on a vintage typewriter for added aesthetic.

Whether its their favorite motivational quote or lyrics to their go-to song, make use of its lengthy personalization space to delight your loved ones with a gift they’ll cherish.

Why we love it: handcrafted, recycled paper

Price: $10+

Hand Stitched Recycled Notebook

13. Personalized Jewelry @ ABLE

For the accessory aficionados who relish in the ability of jewelry to polish off their daily look with a personal touch, these customizable pieces by ABLE make for the best stocking stuffers.

Add a monogram corresponding to their initials and help them convey exquisite individual style through either one or more of these personalized rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Why we love it: women-run business, ethically made, pays living wages

Price: $38+

Ethical olden personalised jewelry

Gifts For The Avid Low Wasters or Package-Free Newbies

14. Reusable Food Huggers @ EarthHero

The perfect eco stocking fillers for the at home chefs you know and love, this set of food huggers make for a brilliant storage solution that’ll encourage them to go plastic-free.

Whether it’s a chopped onion they are saving for later or a half-sliced apple, these reusable silicone food huggers are a great way to prevent chopped veggies and fruits from turning brown or causing a stink in the refrigerator.

Why we love it: reusable, BPA and phthalates-free

Price: $17

 Reusable Food Huggers

15. Zero Waste Soap Cubes @ Terra Tory

Once considered your grandmother’s go-to powder room essential, these soaps are a great zero-waste swap that beauty lovers will cherish.

Surprisingly multi-purpose, from washing hands to perfuming the closet, and serving as a perfect little zero waste stocking stuffer, these soap cubes are something they’d definitely want to have on hand.

Why we love it: handcrafted, zero-waste, plastic-free

Price: $20 each

Zero Waste Soap Cubes

Plus a Few Sweet Treats:

Fair Trade Chocolate Bars @ Thrive Market

It won’t be Christmas without some chocolate-filled indulgence, and these bars are the best way to ring in the festive spirit. This chocolate bundle by Divine lets you choose six bars from a range of richly-flavored varieties made from fair-trade cocoa.

Every Divine chocolate bar purchase supports a wide network of cocoa farmers in Ghana, making these bars the perfect ethical stocking fillers.

Why we love it: sustainably farmed, ethically sourced cocoa, preservative-free

Price: $17 for six bars

 Fair Trade Chocolate Bars

Organic Dark Hot Chocolate Mix @ Equal Exchange

If you ask us, chocolate is the best kind of stocking stuffer. It’s the kind of gift that everyone enjoys and is happy to consume immediately upon unwrapping. And this dark hot chocolate mix is no exception.

Made from fairly traded organic cocoa, some hot milk poured over this powdered mix is all that is needed to enjoy its delicious taste.

Pair this hot cocoa mix with the Divine chocolate variety pack from our guide for the chocolate lovers you know.

Why we love it: fair trade, organic cocoa

Price: $7

Organic Dark Hot Chocolate Mix

Need More Ideas? Discover More Gift Guides:

35 Ethical & Eco Gifts For Everyone On Your List

The Best Experience Gifts For Individuals, Couples, and Families

Eco-Minded Gifts for The Traveler

About The Author:

Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her. When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers

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9 Sustainable Non-Toxic Bedroom Furniture Companies for a Safer Sleep

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As you curate or redesign your evening sanctuary, you may be wanting to limit your exposure to VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other potentially toxic chemicals. The EPA reports that many VOCs are 2-5 times higher indoors than outdoors, and that these VOCs are widely used in household products, including furnishings. Thus the need for this guide to non-toxic bedroom furniture companies!

What is Sustainable and Non-Toxic Bedroom Furniture?

I know it can be overwhelming to find out that there is relatively little regulation in the U.S. over the chemicals that are allowed to enter our home. If you’re looking for companies that are taking environmental and human safety seriously, there are several non-toxic bedroom furniture brands doing so. Here is some of the criteria I looked for when making this list.

Solid Wood is a Safer Bet

Composite wood products must be stuck together, and that’s typically done with glue that contains formaldehyde. There are some companies making composite wood products with more sustainable alternatives, but I would recommend either sticking to solid wood or looking for an explicit explanation of the alternative glue being used. (Ideally the composite wood product would also be tested by a third party. More on that in a moment.)

In terms of sustainability, look for wood that is reclaimed or responsibly sourced from well-managed forests and at the very least, not coming from old-growth or endangered forests.

Unfinished or Low VOC Finishes

Most wood furniture is finished with some type of finish. These can be natural oil finishes like linseed oil or they may also be polyurethane (plastic material). Generally natural oils and water-based finishes are recognized as emitting lower levels of VOCs. And I’m always a fan of avoiding fossil-fuel products where I can.

Some of the brands on this list even have unfinished wood options, which would be the safest bet.

Natural (or Even Organic) Materials

Synthetic fibers make up 64% of global fiber production. In other words, the majority of fabrics we see today — whether in clothes, home textiles, or upholstered furniture — are either fully or partially synthetic.

Look for materials like natural latex, organic cotton, and linen in your non-toxic bedroom furniture. Even natural materials often are colored with synthetic dyes, but we’re doing the best we can!

Third Party Certifications

To be clear, no certification is going to be perfect but there are several certifying parties adding an extra layer of protection to non-toxic related claims.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): As is in the name, GOTS is a standard for organic textile processing and certifies the entire supply chain of a textile. It can be used to certify fiber products like fabrics, clothes and mattresses.

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard): This standard certifies products, like mattresses, that are made from organic natural rubber latex.

GREENGUARD Gold Certification from UL: This is a globally recognized certification from the Greenguard Environmental Institute that verifies products for low emissions of VOCs indoors.

FSC-Certified (Forest Stewardship Council): The FSC certifies wood and other forest products to ensure that they come from forests meeting certain environmental and social standards.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: Tests the finished textile for harmful substances — this is a fabric-specific certification, so it covers things like sheets or upholstery fabric, not the wood frame or foam underneath it.

Fair Trade Certified: Verifies that a factory meets standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical labor practices — this is a certification about how a product was made and by whom, not about the materials themselves.

Where to Find Sustainable and Non-Toxic Bedroom Furniture

With those considerations top of mind, I’ve curated my top picks for sustainably-crafted furniture (and mattresses) for your bedroom.

1. Avocado

Best for: reclaimed wood bedroom furniture and non-toxic mattresses in one place

Categories: Mattresses, Crib Mattress, Kids Mattress, Beds, Bedding, Nightstands, Dressers
Price Range: $750 (Twin platform bed) – $7,999 (California King frame with headboard)
Shipping: Ships furniture within the contiguous U.S.

Conscious Qualities: GOTS and GOLS Certified USA Mattress Factory, FSC-Certified USA Woodshop, GREENGUARD Gold Certified Products

Avocado was first founded as a green mattress company, making GOTS-certified organic non-toxic mattresses that meet STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® standards. The brand has since expanded into bedding and furniture with the same high standards, using sustainably sourced wood, organic fabrics, and zero VOC finishes. But the highlight for me is that the brand makes their mattresses in their own GOTS-Certified facility in California!

mid-century modern sustainable non-toxic bedroom furniture

2. Savvy Rest

Best for: Fully natural, organic furniture and bedding

Categories: Beds, Mattresses, Pillows
Price Range: $400 (bedside table) – $5,899 (King split top mattress)
Shipping: Free White Glove delivery within continental U.S.; contact for quotes outside 48 contiguous states

Conscious Qualities: Organic & Natural Materials, Zero VOC Finishes, Unfinished Option, USA-Made

Savvy Rest uses the best of the best when it comes to non-toxic bedroom furniture and mattress materials. The beds are made from responsibly sourced Appalachian wood and finished with zero VOC linseed oil, zero-VOC stain or can be left unfinished. The mattresses are made in a GOTS-certified facility with GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified natural latex, certified organic wool and certified organic cotton.

The highlight for me is their adjustable bed and split top mattress —I haven’t seen a non-toxic bedroom furniture company offer something like this before.

*Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off

Savvy Rest non-toxic bed frame with non-toxic mattress on the top of a mountain

3. Medley

Best for: Natural latex furniture, from mattress to bed

Categories: Beds, Mattress, Dressers, Nightstands, Accent Chairs, Benches + Ottomans
Price Range: $795 (nightstand) – $6,595 (King bed)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.

Conscious Qualities: FSC-Certified Wood, GOLS-Certified Latex, USA-Made

Medley’s specialty is contemporary sustainable and non-toxic furniture. Their eco-friendly bedroom furniture is made with responsibly-sourced wood, organic natural latex, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified wool, and zero-VOC finishes. The brand also carries a mattress made in Illinois from 100% GOLS-certified latex.

Medley is at the top of my list because of their commitment to safe materials, sustainability, design, durability, and craftsmanship.

Non-toxic bedroom featuring upholstered beige bed and wood nightstand

4. Birch

Best for: award-winning organic mattresses

Categories: Mattresses, Kids Mattress, Beds, Bedding
Price Range: $199 (metal frame) – $4,498 (Cal King elite natural mattress)
Shipping: Ships to U.S. and Canada

Conscious Qualities: GOTS-Certified Factory, Fair Trade Certified Factory, GREENGUARD Gold-Certified Products

With “Best Organic Mattress” awards from outlets like CNN and Forbes, Birch’s popular mattress is made with quality natural materials like organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex. Birch’s foundation is made with spruce hardwood and organic cotton; note that their bed frame’s upholstery option is polyester (plastic) fabric, so I would avoid that variant.

Oak non-toxic mattress, bed and bedding from Birch

5. Cisco Home @ Urban Natural

Best for: design-forward, made-to-order bedroom furniture

Categories: Beds, Dressers, Nightstands, Accent Chairs + Sofas, Benches + Ottomans
Price Range: $3,588 (Twin bed) – $10,979 (King bed)
Shipping: Ships within contiguous U.S.; white glove delivery available with fee

Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Furnishing Council Founding Member, FSC-Certified Wood, Organic Material Options, USA Made,

Cisco Home’s Inside Green collection is your ticket to sustainable and non-toxic bedroom furniture. From upholstered beds to benches, your selection will be made to order with FSC-certified wood, jute, hemp, organic latex, organic cotton and wool. Just note that their default furniture options don’t automatically include their best eco materials, which could be a little confusing, so I want to flag it. For the most eco-minded option, select “Organic Upgrade” on the product pages to get the Inside Green collection version.

Light fabric upholstered non-toxic bed and ottoman

6. Healthier Homes

Best for: natural material bedroom seating, storage, and accents

Categories: Accent Chairs, Dressers + Nightstands, Storage, Bedding, Decor
Price Range: $390 (nightstand) – $6,399 (cashmere mattress)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.

Conscious Qualities: Solid Hardwood, Natural Fabrics, Non-Toxic

Founded by the “world’s first healthy home builders” Jenny and Rusty are on a mission to make non-toxic natural furnishings more easily accessible to their community. Healthier Homes is a destination for all things non-toxic home, from furniture and mattresses to decor and even paint. My favorite piece is their Mindi Organic Wood Bedframe, for a natural elevated boho vibe that showcases the wood’s natural grain without any toxic finishes.

7. Thuma

Best for: minimalist modular bedroom furniture

Categories: Bed, Dresser, Shelving, Bedside Tables, Mattress, Bedding
Price Range: $895 (Twin bed, frame only) – $2,595 (King bed with upholstery)
Shipping: Ships within U.S. and Canada (international customers can use freight forwarder)

Conscious Qualities: Upcycled Solid Rubberwood, GREENGUARD Gold-Certified Products

Everything Thuma sells is thoughtfully designed with functionality top of mind. Thuma’s dresser is modular and adaptable to varying needs with 7 different configurations (including a bedside table). The bed’s pieces are also configurable — buy just a bed frame or add on a headboard and/or cushion knowing that everything is designed to work together seamlessly.

With nearly 21,000 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, this is the brand in this guide I’d feel most confident recommending sight-unseen!

Dark wood non-toxic bedroom furniture from Thuma

8. My Green Mattress

Best for: organic mattresses for kids and babies

Categories: Mattresses, Kids Mattresses, Crib Mattress, Bed Frames, Bedding
Price Range: $399 (crib mattress) – $2,399 (Cal King mattress)
Shipping: Free shipping within U.S.

Conscious Qualities: GOTS + GOLS Certified Mattresses, USA Made, Zero Wood Stains

The certified organic mattresses from My Green Mattress are all made in their own factory in Illinois. These quality mattresses come with a year-long sleep trial and 20-year warranty so you can rest easy about your purchase. The Amish-made platform bed is made with the same commitments and is left unfinished with zero wood stains.

While the company has certified organic crib mattresses and kids mattresses, they don’t yet have a bed frame for kids. So you may want to head to Green Cradle for the solid wood crib.

Organic crib mattress made from sustainable materials

9. The Futon Shop

Best for: futons and natural wood bedroom furniture

Categories: Mattresses, Beds, Futons, Dressers & Bedside Tables, Bedding, Crib Mattresses, and even Dog Beds
Price Range: $375 (nightstand) – $4,649 (6-drawer dresser)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (custom quotes elsewhere) or free in-store pickup

Conscious Qualities: Organic Materials, Solid Wood Options, Zero VOC Finish Options

If you’re looking for a non-toxic futon frame or sofa bed mattress, The Futon Shop is just your place. The retailer offers organic cotton, natural Dunlop latex, and natural wool mattresses for both sofa beds and regular beds. Many of their futons and platform beds are made with solid wood. Look for the options like this one that say “Chemical Free” or “Natural” for non-toxic bed frames finished with linseed oil only. I also love that the company is women-owned — still a rarity among furniture companies.

Non-toxic light wood bed frame and mattress

Why Non-Toxic Bedroom Furniture Matters

The EPA states that they “from an indoor health perspective”, they have “no authority to regulate household products”, which is concerning to say the least.

That said, the EPA does have the authority to regulate on certain chemical substances in the Toxic Substances Control Act which has protected us from chemicals like asbestos and lead-based paint.

And after California Air Resources Board issues requirements, the EPA released formaldehyde emissions standards for composite wood products, as formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. (The standards lower the maximum formaldehyde emissions a composite wood product can have, but does not require the emissions to be zero.)

Many states have their own regulations around VOCs. I won’t bore you with the details, but you may want to search for your own state’s stance on VOCs.

All this to say, while there is some regulation around toxic chemicals in our products the standards still allow for many toxic chemicals in what we bring into our home, like furniture. So I hope that this guide has supported you in looking for safer products for your bedroom oasis.

More Furniture Guides:

15 Best Non-Toxic Furniture Brands for a Healthier Home

11 Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Beds for a Sustainable Slumber

7 Best Places for Sustainable and Non-Toxic Nightstands

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The Best Sustainable Sweaters To Keep You Cozy and Comfy

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Cozy sweaters are the cornerstone of any cool-weather wardrobe — make it a conscious choice with our curation of sustainable sweaters.

Most of the conventionally available sweaters are made from cheap acrylic fibers that not only give you the ghastly static cling but are actually made from non-biodegradable plastic. Since sweaters are those one-and-done investments you’ll hardly consider replacing for years to come, we suggest making them an eco-friendly natural and/or recycled fabric choice instead.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some fabulous—and totally snuggle-worthy—options to help you stay warm in some serious style. Ranging from turtlenecks, crewnecks, cardigans, and a lot more, all you have to do is just add a fireplace and a steaming hot cup of cocoa, and we’re good to go.

Where To Find Eco-Friendly Sweaters

Note that the guide contains affiliate links. As always, we only feature brands that meet strict criteria for sustainability we love, that we think you’ll love too!

1. Kotn

Best for: timeless sweaters with thoughtful details and polished silhouettes

Kotn has seriously stepped up its style game this season. They’ve always been on my list for sustainable basics (I have a turtleneck and sweatshirt from the brand that are great quality) but their recent sweaters and cardigans are elevated without losing their timeless, relaxed core aesthetic.

And with garments made of 100% direct trade cotton, 100% merino wool, or alpaca recycled nylon blends in colors like Cardamom, Tawny Port, and Chocolate Plum, you don’t need to sacrifice color to shop your values.

Conscious Qualities: Ethically Made, Natural Fibers (Egyptian cotton, alpaca, merino wool), B-Corp Certified

Size Range: XS–XL
Price: $$ – $$$

Off the shoulder sustainable sweater in Tawny Port

2. Outerknown

Best for: organic cotton sweaters for outdoor living

With warm weather essentials that look like they could be a part of a chic coastal grandma’s wardrobe, Outerknown’s ethically made sweaters will have you feeling like the main lead in a Nancy Meyers movie.

Think boyfriend cardigans, wrap-over styles, slouchy crew neck sweaters, and turtlenecks available in sumptuous cashmere, merino wool, and recycled fibers.

Why we love it: sustainable materials, fair trade, ethical production, supply chain transparency, resale program

Size Range: XS–XL

Price: $$$

Nostalgic rainbow striped organic cotton sweater from Outerknown

3. Toad&Co

Best for: bold-pattern sweaters with a give-back mission

Shake up your sweater drawer with an eye-catching pattern and a little help from Toad&Co.

Full of bright color combinations, versatile necklines, and varied styles that’ll convince you to make their sustainable sweaters your daily winter uniform, Toad&Co uses woolen blends and recycled fibers to create its knitwear range.

Ever since its inception in 1996, the brand has partnered with a warehouse that employs and trains individuals with developmental disabilities, while facilitating outdoor adventures for them.

Why we love it: sustainable and recycled materials, community-oriented

Size Range: XS–XL

Price: $$-$$$ 

Pink and brown floral printed sustainable sweater from Toad & Co

4. Christy Dawn

Best for: regenerative alpaca sweaters

Offering a range of ethical sweaters that’ll mentally transport you to a cozy countryside cottage, Christy Dawn’s winter essentials are made using deadstock materials, alpaca wool, and organic cotton.

Each sweater in their farm-to-closet alpaca collection is hand spun and knit by Peruvian artisans who are paid a living wage. Christy Dawn has partnered with Peruvian alpaceros (alpaca breeders) who steward and help restore parts of the high grasslands that are home to peatland, a type of wetland that stores a vast amount of carbon.

Why we love it: sustainable materials, regenerative

Size Range: XS–XL

Price: $$$

Black fuzzy sustainable sweater made with regenerative materials

5. Cottonique

Best for: comfy sweaters safe for those with skin sensitivities

Made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton in the brand’s own B-Corp and GOTS-certified factory, Cottonique’s organic sweaters are free from synthetic knit fibers, latex, synthetic dyes, bleach or other harsh chemical finishes. Even the label is 100% cotton and the cuffs are elastic free, to ensure comfort even for those with severe skin sensitivities.

I tried their close neck knitted sweatshirt in Natural and it was super comfortable, even when worn alone without a layer underneath. While limited in colors, I like that the brand doesn’t use synthetic dyes, and I found the natural cotton to be a beautifully warm soft cream color.

Conscious Qualities: B-Corp & GOTS-Certified Factory, 100% Organic Cotton

Size Range: S-XL
Price: $

6. The RealReal

Best for: secondhand designer sweaters

For the fashionably forward who’d like to level up their winter dressing to include a designer label or two, The RealReal has an array of covetable secondhand sweaters to choose from. Whether you fancy a vintage tweed piece by Chanel or a classic crew neck by Ralph Lauren, these gently-used pre-owned designer pieces are sure to help you put the right sartorial foot forward for countless cold-weather seasons to come.

Making a secondhand investment not only allows you to breathe new life into an existing garment but also empowers you to ditch the throwaway culture. The fact that it’s designer is only the cherry on the icing!

Why we love it: secondhand, quality products

Size Range: XXS–4XL

Price: $$$-$$$$

Purple secondhand cardigan sweater from The RealReal

7. Patagonia

Best for: cozy recycled wool sweaters for the cabin

A brand that nails the functional and utilitarian gorpcore aesthetic, Patagonia’s range of sustainable sweaters will not only keep you warm this winter but help you weather just about any storm while you’re hitting the great outdoors.

Their signature Better Sweater® is made using a plush recycled fleece with a sweater-knit look, that makes for the perfect lightweight insulating layer if you intend on hitting the slopes this winter.

Patagonia works with Fair Trade Certified™ factories to produce their clothing using recycled fibers.

Why we love it: recycled materials, fair trade, supply chain transparency, secondhand & repair program

Size Range: XXS–XXL

Price: $$$

Patterned green sustainable sweater pullover

8. tentree

Best for: versatile everyday knitwear

Whether you’re planning on teaming yours with jeans, wear it layered over a shirt or tucked into trousers, tentree has a range of versatile sweaters and eco-friendly cardigans to choose from. Think slouchy buttoned cardigans, turtlenecks, cable knits, and even chic sweater dresses to pair with tights and knee-high boots.

Ethically made from organic cotton and recycled fiber blends, reviewers claim their sweaters are easy to wear dressed up or dressed down for numerous occasions.

Why we love it: sustainable materials, ethically made, plants 10 trees with each order

Size Range: XS–XL

Price: $$-$$$

Beige and brown patterned eco-friendly sweater from tentree

9. Eileen Fisher

Best for: regenerative wool and cashmere staples

Eileen Fisher’s range of sustainable sweaters is proof that warmth and style aren’t mutually exclusive. Offering a range of sustainable turtlenecks, V-neck jumpers, crew neck knitted tops, hooded cardigans, and more such versatile styles in an array of fun hues, these warm-weather essentials were created to be dressed up or down.

Crafted using materials like organic cotton, cashmere, and wool that supports Argentinian ranchers who regenerate depleted grasslands through holistic farming methods.

Why we love it: sustainable materials, regenerative, ethical production, circular fashion practices

Size Range: XXS–3XL

Price: $$-$$$

Pink slow fashion sweater from Eileen Fisher

10. Bare Knitwear 

Best for: elegant natural alpaca sweaters

It’s rare to come across sweaters so cool that you can’t wait to build an outfit around them. But with Bare Knitwear, it’s possible.

Featuring a range of standout sustainable sweaters that span turtleneck pullovers, zip-through cardigans, and slouchy crewnecks, their sweaters are crafted from the most sumptuous alpaca wool blends in a surprisingly natural, un-dyed styles.

Why we love it: sustainable materials, ethically made, slow fashion

Size Range: XS–L

Price: $$$

Gray sustainable turtleneck sweater from Bare Knitwear

11. Reformation

Best for: recycled cashmere sweaters in fashion-forward styles

Fancy a sweater you can wear with everything and will keep you feeling cozy-chic for years to come? Whether you like them boxy or snug, Reformation has a wide range of sweaters to suit every style preference. Along with some slick sweater dresses that’ll help you channel some French girl aesthetic.

Most of the sweaters offered by Reformation are crafted from recycled cashmere, with some options made using regenerative merino wool, alpaca wool, and organic cotton.

Why we love it: Recycled cashmere, Supply chain transparency, Circular practices

Size Range: XS–XL
Price: $$-$$$

👗 For More Slow Fashion Content:

More Cool-Weather Guides Like This:

Responsibly-Made Coats to Keep You Toasty

Sustainable Slippers to Get Cozy In

Bundle Up With These Cozy Conscious Winter Accessories

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10 Sustainable Formal Dresses to Rock At Your Upcoming Special Occasions

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Whether you’re planning for an upcoming wedding, prom, gala, or any other special occasion, these ethical and sustainable formal dresses will be just the fit.

A lot of formalwear is made from irresponsibly sourced silk or polyester and is worn just once. It’s time to turn that around!

This guide will share sustainable formal dress options that have frocks you can rock to weddings, dances, galas, concerts, or any other event you have coming up.

How to Find Sustainable Formal Dresses

The most sustainable garment is the one already in your closet!

Do you have a special occasion dress or piece of formalwear that could fit the bill? While wearing an outfit only once to an event has unfortunately become the norm with social media, we can help counteract the culture by normalizing outfit repeating to special occassions again!

Another sustainable option is to make the most of what already exists by borrowing from a friend or family member or swapping with someone you know has a formal dress. This is something my friends and I did for high school dances like homecoming and prom. A friend’s Junior Prom dress became my Senior Prom dress the next year!

If there’s no one with your style and size, you can also expand your search of formalwear by browsing online resale platforms. Vestiaire Collective has a fabulous selection of dresses from designer brands for great prices, as does The RealReal. I’ve used The RealReal site to purchase dresses for weddings and other occassions.

If you just need a special occasion dress for one event, consider rental sites like Rent the Runway that offer affordable ways to get formalwear for a limited time.

If none of these options are available to you or you really feel ready to invest in an extra-special garment that you can wear for years to come, keep scrolling for our list of brands with sustainable and ethical formal dresses.

Brands With Sustainable Formalwear & Special Occasion Dresses

These brands have party-perfect minis, chic cocktail dresses, elegant evening gowns, and even pieces that would make for fabulous sustainable prom dresses!

Note that this guide contains partners and affiliate links. As always, all brands meet rigorous standards for sustainability and are brands we truly love — and that we think you’ll love too!

(You might also want to check out this guide for sustainable wedding dresses or this guide for more causal eco-friendly dresses.)

1. Rare & Fair

With elegant draping and feminine detailing, Rare & Fair’s dreamy dresses are certainly eye-catching — and the story behind each piece makes them all the more beautiful. Rare & Fair partners with artisans in Thailand, working closely with village co-operatives and small family businesses. The conscious UK-based brand sources sustainably-grown cotton from small-scale farmers following ancestral agricultural practices and small-scale silk sourced from communities in Thailand using traditional methods.

Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Traditional Fibers, Local Plant-Based Dyes, Craft Preservation, Ethical Production

Size Range: XS-L

Price Range: £££ / $$$

Browse Rare & Fair

Green ethical dress from Rare & Fair

2. Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn’s dresses are vintage-inspired but totally timeless. Their feminine frocks can be worn as house dresses or semi-formal wear to weddings, bridal showers, baptisms, or other not-quite black-tie occasions. Their dresses are either made from reclaimed fabrics ethically in Los Angeles or from regenerative organic cotton that is sourced in partnership with a small collective in India.

You’ll also find sustainable special occasion dresses from Christy Dawn made with regenerative silk, like the dress pictured here!

Conscious Qualities: Reclaimed or Regenerative Fabrics, Ethical Production

Size Range: XS-3XL (extended sizing collection)

Price Range: $$$

Browse Christy Dawn

3. Reformation

Reformation is a leader on sustainability among larger fashion brands, between their climate positive roadmap and better material sourcing (including recycled cotton, TENCEL Lyocell, and regenerative fabrics) to their supply chain transparency, limited production model, and circularity practices.

And the brand is making it easy to shop for sustainable special occasion dresses with their selection features like “Going Out Dresses” and “Wedding Guest Dresses”.

Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Materials, Responsible Production Practices, Decarbonization Initiatives

Size Range: 0 – 12

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Browse Reformation

red floral sustainable formal dress from Reformation

4. Bastet Noir

Making each piece to order using upcycled materials, Bastet Noir is a zero-waste fashion label. The brand’s sustainable formal dresses and other elegant apparel — including silk jumpsuits — are made by women in North Macedonia. 100% of Bastet Noir’s profits are reinvested into the women’s businesses and their children’s education.

Conscious Qualities: Repurposed Materials, Made-to-Order, Gives Back

Size Range: 4-10 + custom sizes

Price Range: $

Browse Bastet Noir

Red silk jumpsuit - sustainable eveningwear

5. AMUR

Standing for A Mindful Use of Resources, AMUR uses earth-minded fabrics including hemp, linen, cupro (a silky fiber made from cotton linter, a byproduct of cotton production), modal, and recycled polyester. AMUR has some seriously stunning gowns that would make for great sustainable prom dresses or black tie-dress code outfits. AMUR could use more information on their labor standards and production practices though.

Conscious Qualities: Earth-Minded Fabrics

Size Range: XXS-XL

Price Range: $$$$

Browse AMUR

Green sustainable dress from Amur

6. BAACAL

Frustrated that brands often stop their size range at 12 despite the average American woman wearing size 16, BAACAL creates conscious clothing for the “true majority”: women who wear sizes 10-22. The plus-size sustainable fashion brand uses upcycled, vintage, and other existing materials for their collections.

Conscious Qualities: Upcycled Fabrics, Small-Batch Collections, Size-Inclusive

Size Range: 10-22 (unique sizing system of 1-4)

Price Range: $$$

Browse BAACAL

Red ethical formal dress from BAACAL

7. Symbology

Symbology partners with women artisans who handcraft beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. These artisans use traditional techniques such as block printing and hand-embroidery and are all paid living wages. The fair fashion label has striking dresses made with flattering silhouettes and many styles are offered up to size 3XL.

Conscious Qualities: Cultural Preservation, Fair Trade

Size Range: XS-3XL

Price Range: $$

Browse Symbology

Red sustainable dress from Symbology

8. Lahive

Bold and unique, Lahive’s stand-out dresses and other ethical formal wear will make a statement at cocktail hour or a night out downtown. The LA-based brand produces their luxe, textural pieces in small batches using upcycled materials in a factory run by solar power.

Conscious Qualities: Upcycled Fabrics, Renewable Energy, Local Production

Size Range: XS-XL

Price Range: $$$

Browse Lahive @ ourCommonplace

sustainable black formal dress from Lahive

9. Hope for Flowers

Hope for Flowers was founded on three guiding principles: the health of people, health of the planet, and equity in profit. The brand uses thoughtfully considered materials for their ethical formal dresses and other apparel like organic cotton, organic linen, and Tencel. Hope for Flowers also sources only from factories that pay living wages and ensure safe conditions.

Conscious Qualities: Black Woman-Owned, Organic & Eco Fabrics, Ethically-Made

Size Range: XS-L

Browse Hope for Flowers

White sustainable dress from Hope for Flowers

10. Cécile de Fleur

Elegant, sophisticated, and designed with sustainability in mind, Cécile de Fleur’s eco-friendly wedding dresses are designed to be worn again and again. [Check out our guide to sustainable wedding dresses here.]

The brand’s chic dresses are crafted in New York City using cruelty-free peace silk and intricate French leavers lace, and are colored with GOTS-certified dyes.

Conscious Qualities: Peace Silk, Eco Dyes & Packaging, Local Production, WOC-Owned

Size Range: 0 – 12

Price Range: $$$$

Browse Cécile de Fleur

You May Also Want to Check Out:

Eco-Friendly, Ethical, and Vegan Bags

Brands with Elegant Ethically-Made Flats

Sustainable Wedding Dresses for Your Special Day

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