10 March 2025
A warm wool sweater is great for getting through the cold winter months. But did you know that the temperature-regulating properties of wool can keep you just as fresh in the summer? So it seems like an ideal material to have in your closet.
Unfortunately, not every wool garment is equally good for the planet and animal welfare. Not only the environment and animals, but farmers also suffer from environmentally damaging farming practices. Small wool farmers and communities often struggle, so here we highlight some brands that support local wool farmers:
vauno
vauno combines tradition and craftsmanship in a truly unique way. Each garment or accessory is crafted in their in-house workshop in the idyllic Wendland region from North German elbwolle – a genuine expression of regional connection. With limited editions, they create one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out due to care and attention to detail. Further production steps take place within the EU, ensuring the highest ethical labour standards.
By choosing vauno, you’re opting not only for quality but also for responsible production and timeless design.
Feel the warmth of true craftsmanship and visit the vauno team in their charming farm shop in Weitsche, where you can take your time to browse and try on the high-quality wool products. You’ll also have the opportunity to get an insightful glimpse into the production process.
You can also discover their unique knitted jumpers, scarves, blankets, and much more on vauno’s website.
The Knitwit Stable
Ever heard of a knitwear label that has its own farm? Discover the dutch knitwear label The Knitwit Stable that produces their own high-quality knitted garments from their own sheep which are lovingly raised on their farm in Baambrugge. Each piece is handmade in their on-site workshop, ensuring that every item is crafted with care and attention to detail.
Make an appointment on their website to try on the unique, soft knitted products and experience the unique charm on the farm or discover the products online.
Did you know that The Knitwit Stable, in collaboration with Yumeko, has created wonderful locally produced products like a cosy wool blanket and a charming wool hot water bottle cover? Both companies place great emphasis on transparent and ethical production, and COSH! views this partnership as the perfect blend of sustainability, outstanding quality, and responsible practices.
Baabuk
For more sustainable and transparent woolen footwear have a look at Baabuk.
What is so special is that the swiss brand preserves their artisanal heritage while producing wool slippers, sneakers and boots.
Did you know you have the option to costumise your own personalised boots as well?
Inti Knitwear
Inti Knitwear’s hand-knit sweaters and scarves are made in Ecuador. At first glance, this may not seem local relative to Europe, but Inti works with pastoralist communities who spin and knit wool locally into beautiful sweaters. The sweaters are made from the soft wool of alpacas that live in the Ecuadorian high mountains. Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic because it contains less lanolin, the wool is very soft and also has good insulating properties.
You can discover Inti Knitwear’s collection at Tally-Ho, Het Faire Oosten and BrandMission in Amsterdam, at Eigen Stijl and Eigen Stijl X King Louie in Arnhem. In Germany, Inti Knitwear is also available at Him & Laya in Hamburg, WESEN in Berlin-Neukölln, WESEN in Berlin-Kreuzkölln and at Yavana, roberta. and roberta.Unterbilk in Düsseldorf.
Alpaca Loca
As the name suggests, you will also find wonderfully soft sweaters made of alpaca wool at Alpaca Loca. The wool comes from the Andes Mountains in Peru and Ecuador. Through the collaboration Alpaca Loca has with small, local communities, the brand supports the economic growth of the region.
In addition, the brand helps alleviate poverty among alpaca herders. Alpaca Loca has established personal relationships with these communities, many of which rely on artisan production.
Discover Alpaca Loca’s soft products in BrandMission stores. You can also find the collection at SOFlien, HOST, The Maker Store, Het Faire Oosten, Harvest Club, My Melonade and Tally-Ho.
Aiayu
Aiayu makes more sustainable clothing, bedding and blankets from cashmere and yak wool. The cashmere comes from small nomadic goat herders. It is then processed by hand using traditional techniques. The yak wool comes from nomadic Mongolian shepherds. Thanks to a Swiss cooperative that Aiayu works with, the shepherds receive a stable and fair income.
Discover Aiayu’s more sustainable collection at the Duka Moodstore in Bruges.
Egos Copenhagen
Looking for wonderfully warm shoes and slippers made of wool? You can find those at Egos, the Danish brand makes shoes, slippers and accessories from 100% sheep’s wool. Their production takes place in Nepal, where the products are handmade using traditional methods. Egos wants to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nepal, which is why the brand has been certified by the World Fair Trade Organization since 2009.
You can discover the collection at Moose in the City in Antwerp, Philimonius in Aalst and Eigen Stijl in Arnhem.
Scarves and stuff by Solange
Solange’s elegant knitwear is also ethically made. The knitting yarn comes from the German family-owned company Lang. Lang has a factory in Italy, employees there receive fair wages and work in safe and good conditions.
The origin of the wool is fully traceable. Solange’s scarves, hats and sweaters are made with wool sourced from farmers in Peru, Scandinavia and England.
Would you like to rent one of the designs? Discover the collection at Dressr!
LEV’01
LEV’01, a distinguished footwear label from Utrecht, is celebrated for its timeless and comfortable shoes crafted entirely from 100% wool. Have you had the chance to discover their most popular product, the wool boot, which seamlessly blends comfort with style? Over time, LEV’01 has expanded its collection to include felt clogs and sneakers, all meticulously made from the finest natural materials.
Immerse yourself in the exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled comfort of these handmade shoes, and visit their store in Utrecht to explore the full range.
