15 Best Organic and Eco Friendly Women’s Baselayers and Sweaters
Eco-Friendly Women’s Baselayers and Sweaters
Baselayers and Sweaters a Cold Weather Tradition
How do you celebrate fall? Do you take a trip to the mountains to photograph the gorgeous autumn colors? Do you curl up on the couch with a good book and a pumpkin spice latte? No matter what most signals the arrival of Fall for you, there’s one thing most women can agree on: layering is a cool weather tradition.
Baselayers and sweaters for women are the staples of the fall wardrobe. Regardless of your lifestyle, whether you enjoy the outdoors regularly or spend most of your time in the office, we’ve included styles for you on our list of the top fair trade, eco-friendly women’s baselayers and sweaters. From hoodies and pullovers to sweatshirts and crews, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best fair trade, earth friendly and green sweaters and baselayers for cool, breezy weather.
Kora Shola 230 Zip
Type of Women’s Clothes | Midweight Zip-Neck Baselayer
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Ethically Sourced, Fair Trade, Give Back, Sustainably Sourced
Adventure | Climbing in the Appalachians
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $160
Kora was founded with the idea of utilizing Yak Wool. Owner, Michael Kleinwort spent years refining and testing the yaks’ wool until he came up with a fabric that could withstand even the most extreme of conditions. In addition to this technology, every Kora purchase benefits communities in the Himalayas where Yak herders can be found. Kora is dedicated to sustainable, fair trade sourcing and eco-friendly construction. For our Kora review, we’d love to introduce you to the Shola 230 Zip, which is comprised completely of that fabric.
The Shola 230 Zip is a fitted baselayer that’s meant to protect you against extreme cold and snowy conditions. However, the material is lightweight ad breathable, meaning you’ll be comfortable as you move and perspire. The extra-long fit covers your midsection, so you’ll be protected as you bend and move. Extra articulation in the armhole makes this base layer ideal for climbers or skiers. Finally, you’ll love that yaks’ wool is naturally odor repellant. The Kora Shola 230 Zip is machine washable, but yaks’ wool composition means fewer washes.
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Patagonia Women's Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck
Type of Women’s Clothes | Midweight Zip-Neck Baselayer
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Fair Trade Certified, Bluesign Certified Fabric, Ethically Sourced, Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing, Give Back
Adventure | Skiing in Vermont
Women Baselayer Sizes | XXL, XS, S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $69
Next on our list of the top women’s fair trade base layers and sweaters is out Patagonia review. We’ve mentioned Patagonia several times on Citrus Sleep. That’s because the company sources each product ethically and with fair trade certification. Many Patagonia products are made from recycled and sustainable sources. The Women’s Capilene Midweight Zip Neck is no exception. Crafted from Bluesign certified fabrics, the base layer is certified to contain no toxic chemicals, and to be fair trade sourced and sustainably made. Once the eco-friendly material is made, the product is set to Colombia where it is hand stitched under fair trade conditions.
This base layer is available in eight colors; choose from feminine pastels or a basic black. Reviews of the Capilene Midweight Zip Neck say the fit is true to size. Expect a snug fit, but enjoy extra wiggle room in the arms. Reviews say the shirt moves with you. Features include a locker loop for hang drying, moisture wicking capabilities and a long zipper in the front to help keep you cool.
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Columbia Northern Ground Half Zip Fleece Shirt
Type of Women’s Clothes | Fleece Shirt
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Eco-Friendly, Responsibly Sourced, Give Back, Social Responsibility
Adventure | Snowboarding on Mammoth Mountain
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS
Women’s Baselayer Price | $60
We love Columbia. Of all the companies we regularly explore, Columbia is one of our favorites. First, the quality of Columbia gear is second to none. Expertly stitched and crafted outdoor gear will last you a lifetime, and each item is accessibly priced. Secondly, Columbia has shown a great commitment to responsible sourcing and environmentally friendly manufacturing. The company has also invested millions of dollars in charitable giving as well as global volunteer efforts.
For this most recet Columbia review, we’re showcasing the Women’s Northern Ground Half Zip Fleece Shirt. You can choose from three colors: dynasty, bluebell or red camellia. Then, pull the fleece over your head and you’re ready for even the coldest winter sports. Snowboarding in California? Hiking in France? Moisture-wicking fleece and Polartec Power Stretch technology will keep you dry, comfortable and performing your best.
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Type of Women’s Clothes | Scuba Hoodie
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Socially Responsible, Give Back
Adventure | Running in New York City
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M, L
Women’s Baselayer Price |
Next on our list of the top eco friendly and socially responsbile women’s sweaters and base layers is our Lululemon review. We love supporting Lululemon because the company is so generous in its efforts to give back. In fact, Lululemon supports non-profit organizations such as I GROW CHICAGO and OURMALA.
This hoodie is one of our favorite picks from the Lululemon catalog. It’s simple, but has all the details you need to stay comfortable – and organized – as you work out. Made from blended light cotton fleece fabric, the sweater is lightweight, warm and just as comfortable as your other favorite sweatshirts. The elastic zipper pull doubles as an emergency hair tie. Finally, the weather may be cool, but training for a 5K will warm you up. A large hood helps keep your post-sweat hair under wraps on your way from the studio or a late night run.
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Lole Unite Zip-Up Hoodie
Type of Women’s Clothes | Zip Up Hoodie
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Give Back, Supports Women’s Causes, North American Company
Adventure | Kentucky Apple Festival
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $77
Just as we love the Lululemon Top for its creative simplistic style, we also like what this Lole hoodie has to offer. The Unite Zip-Up Hoodie is absolutely essential for your wardrobe. Many women choose to buy two of these hoodies: one for everyday use and one to keep in the car for emergencies. You can choose from five different colors; we love the soft pasted of desert flower, but you may prefer the Unite Zip Up Hoodie in Curacao or Mirtillo. Roomy, rounded hems and a generous hood ensure a classic “hoodie fit,” and the polyester / cotton blend is soft and ultra-warm. Keep your hands in the huge side pockets on those super-cold days.
We can’t share a Lole review without mentioning what the company does for women. Canadian based, Lole partners with many initiatives which support women, both in business and in health. The company also offers the Yellow Label Program. You can return your gently loved outerwear to Lole and they will, in turn, donate those items to women who wouldn’t otherwise have access.
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Carhartt Base Force Cold Weather Crewneck Top
Type of Women’s Clothes | Crewneck Top
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Fair Trade, Responsible Labor, WRAP Accredited
Adventure | Cool Weather Camping in Montana
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $40
Are you headed on to a camping trip in the mountains? This Carhartt review is just for you. For this review, we chose the Carhartt Base Force Cold Weather Crewneck. It’s super soft, ultra-comfy and fits a woman’s shape perfectly. Tapered at the waistline, this thermal underwear top affords plenty of room around the bust and shoulders. Never binding or tight, this base layer is perfect for every body shape.
We think you’ll also appreciate the little details Carhartt included in this Crewneck Top. First, there’s no tag! As you move, you won’t worry about itching or chafing. Secondly, you’ll love the thumbholes which are stitched into the sleeves to keep you covered. Finally, the fabric used to create this shirt is odor resistant and moisture wicking. Even if you wear this as a work shirt, you’ll stay cool and confident all day. Each product created by Carhartt is WRAP accredited. WRAP is the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production certification which ensures that each garment produced by Carhartt and other companies is fair trade, eco-friendly and globally responsible.
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Type of Women’s Clothes | Hooded Sweatshirt
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Natural, 100% Cotton, Give Back
Adventure | Fall Festival Hayride
Women Baselayer Sizes | Even Sizes 2-16
Women’s Baselayer Price |
We instantly fell I love with the feminine lines and patterns of the Marlston Hooded Sweatshirt by Joules. The sweater for women is made from 100% cotton, which is naturally and sustainably sourced, and is guaranteed to make you feel warm, fuzzy and snuggly. This casual hoodie is perfect for evenings in or evenings out. Raglan style sleeves and a fitted silhouette make this casual yet sexy and the adjustable hood is a feature you’ll adore. Women who have reviewed the Joules Marlston Hooded Sweatshirt say they can’t leave the house without friends asking where they bought it.
We chose to include a Joules review in our list of the top eco friendly, fair trade baselayers and sweaters because the company is notoriously philanthropic. Since the company’s launch in Great Britain in 1989, they’ve chosen to give back to the global community. The company supports organizations such as The Prince’s Trust, Farms for City Children and Hospice UK.
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Mango Distressed-effect Sweatshirt
Type of Women’s Clothes | Distressed Effect Sweatshirt
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Sustainable Practices, Fair Trade, Eco-Conscious Company
Adventure | Post-Hike in South Downs Way, England
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M
Women’s Baselayer Price | $46
Next is our Mango review. We’ve mentioned Mango in previous posts, but we love that the company features so many sustainable, eco-friendly and even recycled products in its catalog. This distressed-effect sweater for women by Mango was created using water-conserving practices, and it contains 68% cotton in its composition. Plus, it’s comfortable. Women who have worn this top say it’s the perfect piece to pull over post-workout or hike. A soft cotton / polyester blend will help to regulate your body temperature.
You can choose from three different colors and three different sizes. Maroon, khaki and pastel pink are available in extra small, small and medium. Pair this sweatshirt with your favorite yoga pants or with a classic boot cut jean.
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Mountain Hard Wear Women’s Kinetic Tight Baselayer
Type of Women’s Clothes | Baselayer Tights
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Sustainable, Fair Trade, Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
Adventure | Training for the Great Wall Marathon
Women Baselayer Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $130
It occurred to us as we compiled this list of the top eco-friendly cool weather styles for women that you may be in search of a thermal underwear baselayer pant. If that’s the case, this Mountain Hard Wear review is just for you! The Women’s Kinetic Tight by Mountain Hard Wear is made from a moisture wicking blend of eco friendly synthetics and sustainable natural materials. Polartec Power Wool keeps your skin dry as you work out, while providing you with natural odor resistance.
Mountain Hard Wear’s parent company is Columbia, so you can be certain the company’s got the planet’s best interests at heart. Mountain Hard Wear always sources products and materials through socially responsible means, and styles in the catalog are each made using fair trade practices. Women who have reviewed the Women’s Kinetic Tight say the fit is ultra comfortable. Seams don’t chafe, and the fabric is incredibly breathable. Be aware that the size runs slightly small, so you may choose to order a size up from your usual.
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U.S. Outdoor Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crew
Type of Women’s Clothes | Long Sleeve Crew
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | 100% Sustainable Wool, Naturally Antimicrobial, Give Back, Eco Friendly
Adventure | Snowball Fight in Helsinki
Women Baselayer Sizes | M, L
Women’s Baselayer Price | $90
When you purchase outdoor gear from U.S. Outdoor, you’re helping to preserve and protect the planet. U.S. Outdoor partners with organizations like the US Forest Service and Planet Granite which work to ensure the health of the earth. U.S. Outdoor also supports organizations like the Oregon Cancer Ski Out to better the global community.
For our U.S. Outdoor review, we’ve chosen this baselayer long sleeve crew. What do we love most about the Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crew? We love that it’s made from 100% merino wool. As you know, wool is one of the most sustainable, green and eco friendly materials on the planet, and it’s also antimicrobial. As you work out, the wool will keep you warm and protected while naturally reducing odors. Wear this long sleeve crew under your winter jacket as you shovel snow or wear it as you run around the block. The breathable wool will keep you comfortable, warm and will allow your skin to breathe.
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Orvis Signature Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt
Type of Women’s Clothes | Fleece Pullover
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Give Back, Green, Eco-Friendly, Supports Animal Organizations
Adventure | Yoga in Central Park
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $79
Next on our list of the top eco friendly, fair trade women’s base layers and sweaters is our Orvis review. Orvis is well-known for its dedication to nature. In fact, each year the company donates a full 5% of profits to organizations which protect nature. The company also launched the Orvis Canine Cancer Campaign which supports Morris Animal Foundation, raising over a million dollars toward canine cancer research.
If you want to feel good about buying your next fleece pullover, consider this Signature Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt. The style is relaxed, yet it fits in just the right places. It’s long enough to wear over your favorite leggings or yoga pants, and the raised collar keeps you warm on even the coolest of fall or winter days. Orvis has made this pullover available in wine, slate blue and light gray. You can choose from sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, and the generous length is suitable for all body types.
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United by Blue Standard Zip Up Hoodie
Type of Women’s Clothes | Cotton Sweatshirt
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | 100% Organic Cotton, Give Back, Socially Responsible, Ethically Sourced
Adventure | Helicopter Ride Over Las Vegas
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $78
The Standard Zip Up Hoodie by United by Blue is one of the most comfortable on our list of the top socially conscious base layers and sweaters for women. It’s got a relaxed fit, and is perfect for hanging out on fall weekends with friends; wear the Standard Zip Up Hoodie with jeans for an autumn cookout or pair it with your favorite maxi skirt for a casual, boho look. This sweatshirt is made out of organic cotton. The look of this sweatshirt is fun yet casual and you’ll be tempted to wear it every day!
We chose to include a United by Blue review because of the nature of the items in the company’s catalog. Every product listed with United by Blue is ethically chosen. A percentage of the sales from United by Blue will go towards their efforts to remove trash within our local communities. Take a look at the Blue Friday initiative.
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MPG Sport Luxe Turtleneck
Type of Women’s Clothes | Knit Turtleneck
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Give Back, Ethically Sourced, Socially Responsible Company
Adventure | Ballet Class in Paris
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $35
MPG Sport is another of our favorite “give back” companies. The business was actually started by refugees from 1972 Uganda. The Mondetta Charity Foundation is a recipient of a portion of the proceeds of MPG Sport purchases. Mondetta Charity Foundation seeks to help children who are refugees from developing countries today. For our MPG Sport review, we chose this Luxe Turtleneck as our ideal thermal underwear. The Luxe Turtleneck base layer is ideal for women who enjoy yoga, ballet or even jazz dance. Pair this with a pair of performance leggings and enjoy soft, breathable comfort in a classic style. Darts add shape and form to the shirt, and the 90% modal, 10% cotton blend keeps your temperature regulated.
You can choose from Navy Charger Blue or Heather Charcoal Grey. Either way, you’ll love the moisture wicking, butter soft fabric that allows you to move freely, the way you want. The shirt is washable, so you can put it on for each week’s class.
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Type of Women’s Clothes | Crew Sweater
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Military Discount, Recycled Products, Give Back Programs
Adventure | Off Season Beach Trip to Portland
Women Baselayer Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price |
Southern Tide is what you could consider an all-American company. Based in Texas, Southern Tide offers, as you might expect, southern styles. Women’s and children’s fashions as well as accessories and beachwear are all featured in the Southern Tide catalog, and you can buy with confidence knowing the company adheres to strict quality standards. In addition to the quality of the products, we chose to write this Southern Tide review because the company has a reputation for giving back to the earth and the community. Ocearch and Folds of Honor are both recipients of donations from Southern Tide, and the company partners with local community organizations as well.
For this review, we chose to showcase this super-Southern Rebecca Dot crew sweater. The Rebecca Dot Crew Sweater is incredibly soft. In the summer, we use it as a beach cover-up. In the cooler months, this sweater is perfect for walks on the beach in the off season as well as an all-purpose pullover to keep the chill away. Women who have reviewed this sweater say it runs true to size, and that the colors are “heavenly.”
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Coalatree Greet The Outdoors Hoodie
Type of Women’s Clothes | Organic, Recycled Hoodie
Women’s Baselayer Benefits | Organic, Recycled, Eco-Friendly, Give Back
Adventure | Mountain Biking in Patagonia
Women Baselayer Sizes | S, M, L, XL
Women’s Baselayer Price | $49
Looking for a unisex, versatile hoodie that’s made from organic and recycled materials? This Coalatree review is perfect for you! Coalatree’s Greet the Outdoors Hoodie is just what you need for your ext backpacking, camping or mountain biking adventure. It’s lightweight enough to roll up and stash in your pack, but heavy enough to fend off the elements. Available in black, this hoodie is crafted from organic and recycled materials, including cotton and polyester. That means there’s less waste going into the landfills. What’s better is that Coalatree subscribes to a waste-free mentality. Every year, scrap fabrics from the Coalatree plant in Utah are used to make blankets for the homeless.
Additionally, every purchase from the Coalatree catalog supports non-profits like Boys and Girls Clubs, JourneyUp, Save Our Canyons and others. When you sport this hoodie, you’ll be showing your support for a truly eco-minded company.
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Cooler Weather Means Warmer Layers For the Autumn and Winter Seasons
Cooler weather means warmer thermal underwear layers! If you’re like most women, layering is somewhat of an autumn and winter tradition. Whether you’re hitting the gym, adding more players to your ski clothes gear, pounding the pavement, playing in the snow or just lounging by a campfire, there are eco-friendly winter baselayers and sweater styles on this list you’re sure to love. Choose a few winter clothes items and then choose how you want to play, because you know the end of warm weather doesn’t mean the end of outdoor adventure!
Jessica Lauren is Founder, contributing Author and Owner of Citrus Sleep. Citrus Sleep is an online publication that highlights brands, sleep products, women’s fashion, subscription services and ideas creating positive social change and promoting a healthy lifestyle. After spending nearly a decade working in PR and marketing for several brands and startups, Jessica knows what truly drives conversions, sold-out launches and guest posts.
Follow Jessica at @jessicalaurencs | Jessica Lauren