The fall season has officially begun, so we’re all looking for warm sweaters, scarves and coats to cozy up in. We recently published an article about sustainable fibers (click here to read) and many of you were more interested in the ethical spectrum of sustainable materials and fibers.

So here’s a list of the most ethical and sustainable materials that will keep you warmer than wool for the following months:

1. Beech Tree Fiber

Modal is a variety of rayon, made exclusively from the renewable fiber of beech trees. Beechwood fibers make an amazing modal fabric that is biodegradable and free of pesticides. Their blends are cool to the touch, breathable and luxuriously soft. Made in a closed-loop process, the fibers are twice as soft as cotton, hold vibrant colors, and maintain their exquisite hand even after repeated washing. Silky smooth and so indulgently soft, the beechwood fabric is the absolute highest-quality blend of Modal and spandex that makes for tops, tees, and dresses you’ll never want to take off.

From all the brands that use beechwood fibers, we recommend Amour Vert (read more here), because with every t-shirt purchased they plant a tree. So when you’re trying to dress warm, start with the right t-shirt. Tees for trees, YAY!

2. Cork

Cork fiber is harvested from the bark of a specific type of oak tree that naturally re-grows its bark, making it a renewable resource. It’s lightweight and naturally insulating material. Cork fabric keeps the wearer warm, is extremely breathable and super comfortable. Although cork is now more compared to leather, you could soon be seeing cork on the labels of your winter coat or running and hiking gear as clothing companies catch on to its functionality.

3. Hemp

Hemp is an extremely fast-growing crop, producing more fiber yield per acre than any other source. It can produce 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax using the same amount of land. Hemp fiber is one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers. It also holds its shape, stretching less than any other natural fiber. It doesn’t wear out, it wears in. Hemp is also naturally resistant to mold and ultraviolet light. Its porous nature allows hemp to “breathe,” so that it is cool in warm weather. Furthermore, air which is trapped in the fibers is warmed by the body, making hemp garments naturally warm in cooler weather. [Original source]

By the way, check out the brand Hoodlamb. They make vegan hemp clothing for outdoor and everyday adventures. They also have a collection for men. But for us, the most interesting items in their whole collection are denim jackets made of hemp. Traditionally denim is made of cotton, which harms the planet and people in ways most can’t imagine (read more here).

4. Organic cotton

Cotton can be made into either warm or cool clothing. It allows our skin to breathe and is enormously versatile. Cotton is everywhere in our lives – we wear it, we sleep in it and we sit on it – and is used by almost everywhere around the world. That being said, why should we choose organic cotton over conventional one? Mainly due to the environmental impacts on the Earth. Growing conventional cotton damages the soil, has a huge impact on the air, uses way more water and energy. It also has a very dangerous effect on peoples health – the ones who grow it and also wear it. (Read more here). With organic cotton clothing, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for environmental and social benefits. Organic cotton is a strong and resilient material. To process it, strong chemicals that weaken the fibers are not used. Your organic clothing will last longer, be more durable, and will look great too. You don’t have to sacrifice style to go organic.

Do you know any other ethical and vegan fabrics that keep you warm? Let us know below!

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