Warm Vegan Alternatives to ‘Winter Woollies!’
Finding vegan alternatives to winter woollies keeps you warm while staying true to your values. Traditional wool is made from sheep, goats, or other animals, which means it doesn’t suit a vegan lifestyle. Many choose to avoid wool because it can involve poor treatment of animals during shearing, transport, and slaughter.
Plus, wool farming can harm the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of cosy, cruelty-free alternatives. This list breaks down some of the best vegan fabrics and where to find them, so you’ll never miss out on winter comfort.
This organic cotton chunky turtleneck sweater, is ideal to cosy up, on cold winter nights. In an attractive slate grey colour, it’s made from thick 100% organic cotton, for lasting warmth. It features a chunky turtleneck, ribbed cuffs and hem.
Organic cotton is an easy swap for animal-based knits. It feels soft against the skin and doesn’t use toxic pesticides, which is better for farm workers and the planet. Many brands now offer thick, chunky cotton jumpers and beanies in all shapes and sizes.
Cotton holds warmth well, especially when layered, and it’s machine washable. Try double-knit cotton for a heavier feel that stands up to chilly winds. With organic cotton, you get breathability and comfort without any animal products.
A Heavyweight Organic Cotton Men’s Jumper
Cold mornings call for kit that works as hard as you do. A heavyweight organic jumper delivers that sweet spot of warmth, comfort, and quality, without fuss. This heavyweight organic men’s jumper is a lovely alternative to wool, and just as warm for outdoor walking and activities. Also in grey and mustard.
Enjoy Superior Comfort and Warmth
A heavyweight knit offers serious insulation, yet it does not need to feel bulky or stiff. Organic cotton manages heat well. It traps warm air close to the body, then lets excess heat escape. You stay warm on the platform, yet you do not overheat once you are on the train.
Embrace Sustainability and Health
Heavyweight organic jumpers support cleaner production from soil to shelf. Organic cotton often uses far less water than conventional cotton, with industry sources pointing to reductions of around 91 percent when grown under responsible systems and rain-fed conditions. Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which supports soil health and reduces water pollution.
Every time you reach for an organic jumper, you back farming that protects soil and biodiversity. Organic fields support more wildlife and healthier ecosystems due to the absence of synthetic pesticides. Lower water use, cleaner run-off, and better land stewardship reduce pressure on local communities.
Organic Cotton Beanie Hats
This organic beanie is from Freedom for Animals, with profits helping to support their work helping bored and abused animals in zoos and circuses. And at end of life, it safely biodegrades back to the earth, leaving no trace behind. It’s even softer on skin, so ideal for people with eczema or psoriasis.
We all know that you lost most heat from your head, so if you’re out and about in England’s chillier seasons, it’s important to invest in a good hat. However most hats are made from acrylic (synthetic materials) that are not that warm, and leach microplastics in washing machines, when laundering.
Rapanui (Isle of Wight) makes lovely warm organic cotton jumpers. All are made with green energy and sent in plastic-free packaging. They use special weaves to be as warm as wool. Also available for men, the jumpers are also as waffle-knit design and cardigans.
Heavy Knit Organic Cotton Jumper
This heavy knit organic cotton jumper is ideal for cold days, either lounging around the house, or taking walks in nature. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s beautifully soft and features shorter sleeves and body for a streamlined oversized look.
Soft and warm, the jumper features a round neck with regular fit, and slightly longer body and sleeves. A relaxed vintage look, sure to become a daily favourite.
A Quality Organic Cotton Men’s Jumper
You can safely wash it, without releasing microplastics in the washing machine. And at end of life, it biodegrades back to the earth.
This nice organic cotton sweater makes a lovely staple for chilly days. This is a good basic staple, buy a few to last you for years.
This sweater is a regular fit with a round neck, with long sleeves. Don’t fancy green? No worries, this nice sweater is sold in many other colours:
- Beige
- Black
- Dark grey
- Dark red
- Navy
Why Cotton Instead of Wool?
Although sheep do need shearing to avoid over-heating, falling over (right one up if you see it upside down or it will die) and to see predators, the conventional wool industry has many issues.
Some sheep are sheared too early (leading to hypothermia) and others suffer ‘mulesling’ (having chunks of skin sliced away to prevent flystrike, without painkillers). And many sheep are killed, when they get older and their wool production slows down).
If you wear wool, choose companies that don’t kill the sheep, simply shearing the wool: like vegetarian wool or sheepskins.
