Organic cotton & wool jumpers

Choosing wool jumpers that last

Wool jumpers keep you warm because wool fibres trap air and hold heat even when damp. The catch is that many high-street wool jumpers contain only a small share of wool, with acrylic making up the rest, and those pill and lose warmth fast. Check the fibre line before you buy. A merino jumper is fine enough to wear next to skin, so it suits layering and office wear, while chunkier wool blends make the warmest wool jumpers for weekends and walks. Komodo knits most of the wool knitwear here, including merino and wool blend styles in bold and classic colours.

Organic cotton jumpers for every season

Organic cotton jumpers suit people who find wool itchy and anyone who wants a knit for spring and autumn. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, and a waffle or rib knit gives it extra texture and warmth. Komodo makes organic cotton jumpers in waffle knits and plain crews, and Mirla Beane adds a short sleeve organic knit with a sailor collar. Cotton jumpers are also easier to wash at home than most wool. Organic Knitwear lists every organic style.

Cardigans, roll necks and finer knits

Cardigans layer over dresses and tees, and a roll neck makes a winter jumper feel warmer without extra bulk. Mirla Beane makes cashmere mix jumpers and cardigans, and lace knit styles for lighter layering. For animal-free knits, Vegan Knitwear gathers the cotton and plant-fibre styles. Natural fibre knitwear in wool or cotton breathes better than acrylic and is more comfortable for a full day. A wool jumper with a V neck sits neatly over a collared shirt, while a crew neck works over a tee. A winter jumper in a heavier gauge is warm enough to replace a jacket on dry, still days.

How to wash and store knitwear

Hand wash wool in cool water with a wool detergent, press the water out in a towel and dry the jumper flat, which stops it stretching. Cotton knits can usually go on a gentle cool cycle. Fold knitwear rather than hanging it, and store it with cedar over summer to deter moths. Is wool sustainable? The honest answer looks at how wool compares, and Scarves and Gloves & Mittens finish a winter outfit.