After a surprisingly warm fall, cozy season is finally upon us—and we are ready to snuggle up in our softest, most comfortable clothes. And whether that’s to sit in front of a burning fireplace or out and about at holiday markets or just for a Sunday stroll with our pups, we’ll need layers like scarves to keep us warm.
We’ve found seven brands producing scarves as sustainably and ethically as possible; the materials are recycled or naturally sourced (cruelty free), and then sewn or woven together in fair working conditions around the globe. Plus, they’re specifically designed to last for the long haul. Bundle up in your favorite sustainable coat this winter, toss on one of the scarves below, add a beanie, and enjoy the cooler temps. 🧣
1. Pact
Best For | Striped scarves
Sustainable Materials | GOTS certified organic cotton
Price | $48–$58 (on clearance for $14–$17)
Stripes are in this season, given what we’ve seen from NYFW and popular brand TOTEME. Pact’s scarves are a great affordable way to add stripes to your look, with clearance styles starting at under $15. Pact’s practices are impressive, too. Every scarf is crafted with GOTS certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade certified factory—and they’re carbon neutral. Through the Give Back, Wear Forward program, you can send old apparel back to PACT and they’ll donate gently used pieces to nonprofits that need them. The good news? Stripes rarely go out of style.
2. Sézane
Best For | Square scarves
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, silk, & wool
Price | $35–$90
Sézane, a certified B Corp based in Europe, stays on top of trends without the fast fashion approach. Instead, the brand sources eco-friendly and recycled materials for its designs, touts recycled packaging, and gives back to children’s education via its philanthropic initiative. There are two primary scarf styles here: Colorful silk squares and neutral houndstooth wool scarves. Whatever your preference (we’re partial to the squares!), they’re all finished with thoughtful details like long tassels and floral patterns. Starting at $35 apiece, you can invest in your wardrobe and in Sézane’s commitment to ethical practices.
3. Tartan Blanket Co.
Best For | Wool scarves
Sustainable Materials | Wool, lambswool, mohair, cashmere
Price | $60–$440
When temperatures seriously drop, it’s time to check out certified B Corp Tartan Blanket Co. The women’s collection includes standard, triangles, blanket, and oversized scarves—all made with wool. Wool is incredibly warm, durable, thermoregulating, and biodegradable, and there are various types here to choose from: recycled wool blends, lambswool, Mongolian cashmere, and Peruvian alpaca wool. (And two percent of every purchase is split to donate between environmental and humanitarian causes.) There are 150+ scarf styles, featuring every combination and color, and the average price is around $125.
4. Acne Studio
Best For | Checkered & plaid scarves
Sustainable Materials | Wool, wool blend, alpaca blend, cashmere, silk
Price | $170–$800
Based in Stockholm, Acne Studio knows a thing or two about winter style and sustainability. The team’s ethos is to: design quality products, be a responsible employer, and work with thoughtful partners who respect fair work. The prices here are an investment, but the materials are certified to be as eco-friendly as possible and meant to last for years to come. We love the checkered and plaid designs—they’re simultaneously fun yet elevated—though there are simple colors available as well. Acne Studios offers free delivery, free returns online, and there are brick-and-mortars across the globe, too.
5. Organic Basics
Best For | Ribbed scarves
Sustainable Materials | Recycled wool
Price | $105
Another European brand we love? Organic Basics, based in Copenhagen. These staple scarves are all made from recycled ribbed wool, crafted from textile waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Available in three colors—dusty rose, charcoal, and light blue—these scarves are exceptionally cozy and conscious, since they’re also carbon-neutral and don’t require any additional chemicals or dyeing processes. Pair with OB’s matching wool beanies for an easy cool-weather look.
6. Everlane
Best For | Affordable neutral scarves
Sustainable Materials | Cashmere, merino wool, alpaca wool
Price | $65–$140
If you’re on the hunt for a few neutral scarves that go with just about everything in your closet, you’re likely to find them at Everlane. From solid cashmere bandanas to alpaca wool patterns to merino waffle-knits, you can stock up on all the styles you need in one affordable place. How does Everlane keep prices accessible? The team works directly with factories, effectively cutting out the middlemen; check them all out (and their associated sustainability certifications) here to see for yourself. Beyond their thoughtful production and pricing, these scarves are also oh-so-soft, making them a treat to throw on every time.
7. Etsy
Best For | Supporting small businesses
Sustainable Materials | Varies; linen, tweed, wool
Price | $20+
Maybe what you’re looking for is a vintage scarf. Or maybe you want something handknit and chunky. Or, maybe you’re actually hoping for a lighter one to layer between seasons. Etsy has them all…and more. Support thousands of makers online by shopping small in one of three ways: Find a vintage style, order a ready-to-wear option, or get something custom made just for you. (Two stores we’re personally eyeing are the Linen Stitch Store for colorful transitional layers and Kate Irish Tweed Store for tweed scarves.) Etsy offsets the carbon footprint of each shipment, and many of the stores tout sustainable practices like using only natural materials or prioritizing local sourcing. Unlike the mass-produced stuff you’ll find in fast fashion, enjoy a one-of-a-kind scarf this winter and beyond.
Featured image is from Organic Basics
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