6 November 2025
Sunlight and colour: the hidden drivers of microfiber pollution in the ocean
- Plastics
We often associate wool garments with winter: a soft, warm sweater to snuggle into on cold days. But wool is much more versatile than most people realize. Thanks to its unique temperature-regulating properties, wool not only keeps you warm in winter, but also cool in summer. It’s breathable, moisture-absorbing, and odor-resistant: a natural ‘high-tech’ material that has been worn for centuries. No wonder wool deserves an essential place in a more sustainable wardrobe.
But… not all wool is created equal.
Unfortunately, behind many wool garments lies a polluting reality. Intensive farming practices, poor working conditions and animal-unfriendly treatments are still widespread in the industry. Local farmers, often small-scale producers with extensive expertise, are also struggling due to low prices and mass production.
Fortunately, there are brands that do things differently. Brands that optfor more ethical, transparent supply chains and collaborate with local wool farmers. They are committed to animal welfare, a healthier ecosystem and fairer wages for the people who do the work.
In this blog, we highlight some of these inspiring initiatives, so you can make more conscious choices and discover the world of more sustainable wool.
The Knitwit Stable
Knitted wool clothing from the Netherlands
Did you know there’s a brand in the Netherlands that sells knitted clothing and accessories from its own farm? Discover the Dutch knitwear brand The Knitwit Stable, which creates high-quality knitted garments from wool sourced from their own sheep, lovingly raised on its farm in Baambrugge. Each garment is handmade in their atelier, ensuring each item is crafted with care and attention to detail.
Book an appointment on their website to try on the unique, soft, knitted products and experience the unique charm of the farm or discover the products online.
Did you know that The Knitwit Stable, in collaboration with Yumeko, has created beautiful, locally produced products, such as a cosy wool blanket and a charming wool hot water bottle cover? Both companies are committed to transparent and more ethical production, and COSH! sees this collaboration as the perfect blend of sustainability, excellent quality and more responsible business practices.
Vauno
Knitted clothing made from North German Elbe wool
This is another cool knitwear brand, only this time from Germany. The German brand Vauno combines tradition and craftsmanship in its own unique way. Every garment or accessory is made in their own atelier, in the idyllic northern German region of Wendland, from Elbwolle: an expression of regional solidarity. With limited editions, they create unique pieces that stand out for their care and attention to detail. Further production steps take place within the EU, ensuring the highest more ethical labor standards. By choosing Vauno, you’re choosing not only quality but also more responsible production and timeless design.
Experience the warmth of true craftsmanship and visit the Vauno team in their charming farm shop in Weitsche, where you can take the time to browse and try on their high-quality wool products. Here you’ll also have the opportunity to gain insight into the production process. Or discover the unique knitted sweaters, scarves, blankets, and much more on the website of Vauno.
Baabuk
Wool, comfortable slippers
Are you looking for comfortable slippers made from natural materials like wool? Then Baabuk is the brand for you! This Swiss brand makes wool footwear, including comfortable slippers. They focus on transparency and work exclusively with 100% wool from New Zealand, a country where mulesing and other unethical sheep treatments are prohibited, and the water and washing process is more environmentally friendly because the water is recycled.
Curious about the Baabuk collection? You can shop or try the wool slippers at Supergoods in Mechelen and Antwerp.
Inti Knitwear
Handmade knitwear from the Netherlands
At Inti Knitwear, you’ll find high-quality knitted wool sweaters and scarves, handknit in Ecuador. While this may not seem local compared to Europe at first glance, Inti collaborates with pastoral 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 highlands. Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic because it contains less lanolin. It is also very soft and offers excellent insulating properties.
You can discover the Inti Knitwear collection at Tally-Ho in Amsterdam, Eigen Stijl and Eigen Stijl X King Louie in Arnhem, and Sus en So in Utrecht and Hilversum.
In Germany, Inti Knitwear is also available at Him & Laya in Hamburg, WESEN in Berlin-Neukölln, WESEN in Berlin-Kreuzkölln and Yavana and roberta. in Düsseldorf.
Alpaca Loca
Soft scarves made of alpaca wool
As the name suggests, Alpaca Loca offers wonderfully soft alpaca wool scarves. Their wool comes from the Andes Mountains in Peru and Ecuador. Through its partnership with small, local communities, Alpaca Loca supports the region’s economic growth.
Moreover, the brand helps alleviate poverty among alpaca herders. Alpaca Loca has established and personal relationships with these communities, who often rely on artisanal production.
Discover Alpaca Loca’s soft wool products in the Netherlands at BrandMission and Het Faire Oosten in Amsterdam. In Belgium, you can find them at Harvest Club.
Egos Copenhagen
Handmade wool slippers
Another great brand on this list that makes wonderfully warm wool slippers: Egos Copenhagen. This Danish brand makes shoes, slippers and accessories from 100% sheep’s wool. The production takes place in Nepal, where the products are handcrafted using traditional methods. Egos contributes 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 shop the collection at Moose in the City in Antwerp and Philimonius in Aalst.
LEV’01
Handmade wool shoes
LEV’01, a renowned shoe brand from Utrecht, is known for its timeless and comfortable shoes made entirely of 100% wool. Have you discovered their most popular product, the wool boot? It seamlessly combines comfort with timeless style.
Over time, LEV’01 has expanded its collection to include felt clogs and sneakers, all carefully crafted from the finest natural materials. Visit the LEV’01 store in Utrecht and immerse yourself in the world of wool, craftsmanship and comfort.
Jyoti Fair Works
Sweaters and accessories made of alpaca wool
At the German fashion brand Jyoti Fair Works, you’ll find timeless, high-quality fashion produced in a more ethical way. They work primarily with natural materials, such as alpaca wool. What makes this alpaca wool special is its origin. The alpacas live freely in their native habitat: the highlands of the Peruvian Andes, where they have been part of the local ecosystem for thousands of years. The animals are treated with care and are sheared only every two years in an animal-friendlier way.
And here’s a fun fact: the term baby alpaca wool doesn’t refer to the wool of young animals, but to the softest, finest undercoat of adult alpacas. This makes it one of the most luxurious and sustainable wools available.
You can shop the wool clothing by Jyoti Fair Works in their own store in Berlin and at supermarché in Berlin.
Tuya Sar
Elegant knitwear made of 100% cashmere from Mongolia
A wonderfully soft sweater made of 100% cashmere, doesn’t that sound like music to your ears? The Brussels brand Tuya Sar combines the centuries-old craftsmanship of Mongolian nomads with modern design in a refined and contemporary collection. In her collection, you’ll find elegant sweaters, warm coats and unique accessories crafted from 100% Mongolian cashmere, yak wool and even socks from camel hair. All crafted in a loving way in collaboration with local artisans.
Shop Tuya Sar’s elegant cashmere sweaters and cardigans in her store in Brussels.
Want to make something with more sustainable wool yourself?
Sjette
Make your own wool garment with wool scraps
Do you love being creative and want to make your own garment from more sustainable wool? Then you can visit Sjette in Lo-Reininge, Belgium. Here, “old” wool scraps are transformed into new balls of wool, pom-poms and mini ball boxes. You’ll also find new, local wool from more sustainable sources. Owner Isabel collects sheep and alpaca wool from neighboring farms and works with it herself. She handles every step of the process, such as washing, combing, dyeing and spinning, all by hand. Also fun: you can take workshops here!
