Fall/Winter Knitwear Yarn Guide: Durable, Affordable & Planet-Friendly Options
As soon as the first crisp breeze of autumn arrives, it’s time to start thinking about updating our wardrobes to keep warm through the colder, darker months. Choosing the right knitwear can be tricky if you're not familiar with the characteristics of different yarns.
For me, durability, sustainability, and affordability are the three key factors I consider when selecting knitwear. In this post, I’ll walk you through the best yarn options for autumn and winter—highlighting their benefits, how to care for them properly, and which fibers to avoid if you want to make more conscious choices for both your wardrobe and the planet.
Natural Yarns
Natural fabrics are often the best option when it comes to both sustainability and quality. With proper care, they can last for years—making them a smart long-term investment. While the affordability of natural yarns can vary widely (from accessible basics to luxury-level fibers), they are generally more expensive than synthetics. This is largely due to the complex production processes, ethical farming practices, and natural material sourcing involved.
There’s a good reason natural yarns are so often recommended—they offer real value and play a big role in making fashion more sustainable.
Wool
Wool is a classic staple for cold-weather fashion and for good reason. It's naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, and biodegradable. For autumn and winter, Merino wool is a favorite for its fine, soft texture ideal for base layers and sweaters, while Shetland or Icelandic wool is more rugged and better suited for outerwear or knit accessories.
Durability: Wool is naturally resilient and can retain its shape for many years with proper care. Merino is softer but slightly more delicate than traditional wools, so it is perfect for layering garments, they’re thinner and can be worn underneath other garments. However, wool is prone to pilling if not cared for properly. If washed incorrectly, it can shrink, become stiff, or even itchy to wear.
Care Tips:
Hand wash in cold water with wool-specific detergent.
Never wring—gently press water out and dry flat.
Avoid frequent washing—air out between wears.
Store folded, not hung, to avoid stretching.
Note: Merino may be machine washable if labeled “superwash,” but always check.
Sustainability: It’s renewable and biodegradable, but not all wool is created equally. When searching online most of the time, it’s recommended to look for wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or sourced from mulesing-free farms. These labels are still not very commonly used in EU, so not all tags have a symbol that indicates ethically sourced wool. If you regularly shop with a specific brand, it’s best to follow their sustainability journey and check their annual impact reports. In some countries or regions it is marked locally or specifically for that area, it is best to do a small research or check in online stores before shopping physically. Overall regenerative wool farming practices are becoming more common and brands do choose the ones that are certified instead of the unlabeled ones. Choosing a garment that is 100% wool is always a good choice, if we can figure out if it was sourced ethically that already leads us to a better direction.
Affordability: Varies widely. Mass-market wool blends are affordable, while traceable, ethical Merino or Alpaca can be more expensive.
Best For: Sweaters, coats, scarves, thermal layers
Cotton (Organic & Brushed)
While cotton isn’t the warmest choice for winter, heavier weaves and brushed finishes make it relevant for layering pieces and indoor wear. Think flannel shirts, joggers, and fleece-lined tops.
Durability: Medium. Cotton wears well, but it can lose shape or pill over time, especially in low-quality fabrics. Look for thicker, heavier cotton without added elastane or synthetic blends.
Care Tips:
Machine wash cold or warm, gentle cycle.
Can be air-dried or tumble dried low, but air drying extends life.
Iron on medium heat if needed.
Avoid fabric softeners—they reduce absorbency.
Sustainability: Choose organic cotton for a reduced environmental impact—less water, no pesticides, and often fairer labor conditions. GOTS-certified options are best. This certificate ensures ethical production process, including social and environmental criteria.
Affordability: Generally affordable, especially for basics. Organic cotton tends to be more expensive than conventional, but still budget-friendly.
Best For: Flannel shirts, loungewear, basic tees, brushed cotton knits
Hemp
Hemp is a rising star in sustainable fashion due to its exceptional strength and low-impact cultivation. It’s perfect for sturdy winter wear like trousers, jackets, and heavyweight knits.
Durability: One of the strongest natural fibers. Blended with cotton or TENCEL™, it becomes softer and easier to work with while maintaining longevity.
Care Tips:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle.
Air dry or tumble dry low.
Becomes softer with each wash—don’t overwash early on to preserve texture.
Avoid bleach or strong detergents.
Sustainability: Grows quickly, uses minimal water, no pesticides, and actually improves soil quality.
Affordability: Slightly higher than cotton but more accessible than premium wools or luxury blends.
Best For: Jackets, knitted pullovers, workwear, thermal trousers
Linen (Heavyweight Only)
Though often seen as a summer fabric, heavyweight or blended linen can be surprisingly useful in transitional fall weather or as a base for layering. Both hemp and linen are increasingly being blended with warmer fibers like wool, cotton, or recycled polyester to create trans-seasonal or even winter-weight fabrics. These blends: Add structure and strength, Improve sustainability of a garment (less wool, less water used), Create breathable but layerable knits or woven styles.
Durability: High. Linen softens over time but remains strong even after many washes.
Care Tips:
Wash in cold water, gentle cycle.
Air dry or tumble dry on low to prevent shrinkage.
Iron while slightly damp if needed.
Avoid hanging when wet—heavy linen may stretch.
Sustainability: Like hemp, it’s made from flax—a fast-growing, low-impact plant requiring little irrigation.
Affordability: Mid to high, depending on processing and sourcing.
Best For: Blended outer layers, thick shirts, base knits, transitional pieces
Natural Luxury Yarns
Cashmere
Cashmere is a premium natural fiber known for its lightweight warmth and luxurious softness, sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats. It’s a cold-season favorite for high-end knitwear—but it comes with complex sustainability issues.
Durability: Low to Medium. While extremely soft, cashmere is delicate and prone to pilling and stretching if not blended or treated. Long-staple cashmere (fewer, longer fibers) is more durable.
Care Tips:
Hand wash only in cold water with delicate wool shampoo.
Never wring—gently roll in a towel to remove water, then dry flat.
Store folded, ideally in a breathable bag with cedar to prevent moths.
Use a cashmere comb to gently remove pills.
Sustainability: Mixed. Overgrazing by cashmere goats, especially in Mongolia and China, contributes to desertification and biodiversity loss. Ethical cashmere from certified farms (e.g., The Good Cashmere Standard or Sustainable Fibre Alliance) is better, but rare. Recycled cashmere is a more responsible option.
Tip: Look for recycled cashmere or cashmere blends with wool or TENCEL™ to lower the environmental impact and cost.
Affordability: High. One of the most expensive natural fibers. Prices are lower in blends or recycled varieties.
Best For: High-end sweaters, scarves, luxury thermals, soft winter accessories
Alpaca (including Baby Alpaca)
Alpaca fiber comes from the Peruvian Andes and is naturally soft, silky, and warmer than sheep’s wool. Baby alpaca refers to the ultra-fine fiber from the first shearing—not the age of the animal—and is prized for its softness.
Durability: High – stronger than Merino and less prone to pilling.
Care Tips:
Hand wash cold with wool-safe detergent.
Lay flat to dry—never hang.
Store folded and protect from moths.
Sustainability: High – alpacas have soft-padded feet (gentle on land) and efficient grazing habits. Many herders in Peru still use traditional, low-impact farming methods.
Affordability: Mid to High, depending on quality and certification. Baby alpaca is pricier than regular alpaca.
Best For: Sweaters, scarves, blankets, premium knits
Mohair
Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is known for its lustrous sheen and halo effect. It's often blended with other yarns (like silk or wool) to add softness and texture.
Durability: Medium to High, especially in blends.
Care Tips:
Hand wash cold, avoid agitation.
Dry flat and brush gently with a mohair comb if needed.
Keep away from velcro/zippers to avoid snags.
Sustainability: Mixed – can be ethical if traceable and sourced from humane farms, but many producers have faced animal welfare criticisms.
Affordability: Mid to High, depending on purity and ethical certifications.
Best For: Lightweight fluffy sweaters, scarves, fashion pieces
Camel Hair (Baby Camel)
Camel hair is warm, insulating, and beautifully soft with a golden-beige hue. Baby camel hair is finer and softer, typically hand-combed from the undercoat.
Durability: High, especially in blends.
Care Tips:
Hand wash cold, dry flat.
Avoid heat and agitation.
Brush gently with a soft cloth if needed.
Sustainability: High – camels are low-impact animals, and hair is collected with minimal intervention.
Affordability: Mid to High, depending on purity and blend.
Best For: Coats, shawls, scarves, high-end knitwear
Yak Wool
Less known but gaining popularity, yak wool is extremely warm and soft, comparable to cashmere. It's sourced mainly from nomadic herders in Tibet and Mongolia.
Durability: High – very resistant to wear and naturally breathable.
Care Tips:
Hand wash cold, gentle wool detergent.
Dry flat and store folded.
Avoid over-washing—yak resists odor well.
Sustainability: High – yaks are low-impact animals, and the fiber is harvested by combing, not shearing.
Affordability: High, but often more affordable than luxury cashmere.
Best For: Premium winterwear, thermal layers, accessories
Qiviut (Muskox Wool)
One of the rarest and most luxurious fibers in the world, qiviut is 8x warmer than wool and extremely soft. It’s shed naturally by muskoxen and collected in the Arctic regions.
Durability: Very High
Care Tips:
Hand wash only in cool water.
Avoid detergents with enzymes—use wool wash.
Store in cloth bag away from sunlight and moths.
Sustainability: Very High, since it's hand-combed from wild animals and requires no farming or shearing.
Affordability: Very High – among the most expensive fibers on the market.
Best For: Investment pieces like scarves, gloves, limited-edition knits
Regenerated & Semi-Synthetic Yarns 🧵
TENCEL™ Lyocell / Modal
Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (eucalyptus, beech), TENCEL™ is produced in a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents, making it one of the most sustainable fibers available.
Durability: Stronger than cotton, especially when blended. Less prone to shrinking and holds color well.
Care Tips:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle.
Air dry to prevent weakening fibers over time.
Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent.
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
Iron on low if necessary.
Sustainability: High—FSC-certified trees, low emissions, and a closed-loop system reduce its footprint significantly.
Affordability: Moderate; not as cheap as cotton but often used in affordable mid-range brands.
Best For: Blended knitwear, thermals, drapey layers, soft scarves
Recycled Wool & Recycled Cotton
Recycled yarns are made by breaking down post-consumer or pre-consumer textile waste into reusable fiber. This process reduces landfill waste and saves water and energy.
Durability: Medium. Recycled fibers can be slightly weaker than virgin ones, but this is often mitigated by blending with virgin fibers.
Care Tips:
Treat like virgin wool or cotton, depending on the blend.
Hand wash or delicate cycle in cold water.
Dry flat to retain shape.
Avoid agitation, as recycled fibers can be more fragile.
Sustainability: Excellent—less resource-intensive, reduces textile waste, and gives old garments new life.
Affordability: Often cheaper than virgin wool or organic cotton because it uses waste materials.
Best For: Knitwear, coats, sweaters, beanies, upcycled collections
Sustainable Synthetics ♻️
Recycled Polyester (rPET)
Made from used plastic bottles or textile waste, rPET gives synthetics a second life while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It’s widely used in fleeces, puffer jackets, and linings.
Durability: Very high—resistant to wear, shrinkage, and UV light.
Care Tips:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle.
Use a microplastic-catching bag to reduce pollution.
Air dry to prevent heat damage and save energy.
Avoid fabric softeners—they can coat fibers and reduce breathability.
Sustainability: Better than virgin polyester, but still not biodegradable and can shed microplastics.
Affordability: Low-cost and widely available, making it ideal for budget-conscious consumers.
Best For: Outerwear, linings, performance knits, insulating layers
ECONYL® (Regenerated Nylon)
ECONYL® is a high-end regenerated nylon made from ocean plastic, fishing nets, and industrial waste. It offers the same performance as virgin nylon but with a smaller environmental footprint.
Durability: High—used in swimwear, sportswear, and durable fashion items.
Care Tips:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle.
Use a microfiber filter or bag to catch shed particles.
Air dry or low tumble; high heat can damage elastic structure.
Avoid over-drying to preserve elasticity.
Sustainability: Good—reuses waste materials and promotes circularity, though production is still energy-intensive.
Affordability: Higher price point than most recycled synthetics, but justified by quality and purpose.
Best For: Performance wear, leggings, thermals, fashion-forward winter pieces
What to Avoid: Unsustainable Yarns and Why They Don’t Make the Cut
These yarns are commonly found in fast fashion or low-cost knitwear, but they typically have poor environmental profiles, low quality, or short life spans. Below, I’ve outlined why they’re problematic, along with their main red flags.
❌ Acrylic
Main Reason to Avoid: Microplastic pollution + fossil-based
Why It’s Common: Extremely cheap to produce and soft to the touch (mimics wool)
Issues:
Derived from fossil fuels (non-renewable)
Not biodegradable
Sheds microplastics into water systems with every wash
Often pills quickly, reducing garment lifespan
Contributes to landfill waste—not easily recyclable
Bottom Line: Cheap upfront but costly for the environment. Even blends with acrylic lower a garment’s biodegradability and recyclability.
❌ Virgin Polyester
Main Reason to Avoid: High energy + water use, zero biodegradability
Why It’s Common: Cheap, durable, wrinkle-resistant
Issues:
Made from petroleum
Produces microfibers like acrylic
Long-lasting in landfills—doesn’t break down
Dye-intensive and high emissions during production
Bottom Line: Only acceptable when recycled and used sparingly, e.g., as structural support in outerwear—not for everyday knitwear.
❌ Rayon / Viscose (Conventional)
Main Reason to Avoid: Deforestation + toxic production
Why It’s Common: Soft, breathable, drapes like silk
Issues:
Often sourced from unsustainable wood pulp (deforestation)
Processed using toxic chemicals like carbon disulfide
Often greenwashed as “natural” when it’s heavily processed
Bottom Line: Only consider it if it’s certified eco-viscose (like LENZING™), which uses safer, closed-loop production methods.
❌ Nylon (Virgin)
Main Reason to Avoid: Energy-intensive + high GHG emissions
Why It’s Common: Stretchy, durable, often used in socks and sportswear
Issues:
Very high CO₂ footprint
Made from petrochemicals
Sheds microplastics, not biodegradable
Virgin production contributes to global warming
Bottom Line: Only acceptable when regenerated (like ECONYL®), otherwise not suitable for sustainable use.
❌ Low-Quality Blends with Unknown Content
Main Reason to Avoid: Non-recyclable + short life span
Why It’s Common: Mass-market brands use them to cut costs
Issues:
Often blend synthetics and natural fibers in unrecyclable ways
No labeling transparency → hard to trace or care for properly
Quick to pill, stretch, or warp after washing
Bottom Line: If the fabric label is vague (“mixed fibers”), it’s a red flag. These blends are often non-recyclable and wear out fast.
So next time you reach for a cozy knit, take a moment to check the yarn—it might just help you stay warm and make a more thoughtful choice for the planet. After all, feeling good in what we wear starts with knowing what it's made of.
