Fair Fashion

Summertime Knits: Try Some of These Sustainably Stylin' Hemp, Organic Cotton and Handmade Lovelies

MichaelaGregg
This beautiful cotton knit shrug by Micaela Gregg is a perfect summer layer. Available at Beklina.

Last night, I put away my winter knits; my fave black wool sweater, my grandma’s green button-down with the giant collar that still smells vaguely like her perfume, the head-warming hats and the rotating cadre of scarves I wear from October-April were all packed away and stored until next Autumn.

At the same time, I pulled out my summer knits. Knits in summer? Yes! Maybe it was because I wrote about Ambika’s gorgeous handknit bikinis yesterday, but I love the juxtaposition of what is usually thought of as a ‘winter’ material or texture when temps are hanging in the 70’s and 80’s. Still not convinced? Check out some of the pretty fab (and always sustainable) knitted wonders I found while doing some online window shopping.

knitnecklace
What about a knit necklace? This one from Etsy seller Erica Hogenbirk is made from beach stones and neutral yarn.

Knitshorts
These handmade knit shorts are just totally unexpected and fun. Via Robot Recenze on Etsy.

knitbracelets
Or how about these handknit bangles from Knits by Vara on Etsy – work the summer neon trend in your own way!

efhempsweater
This beautiful summer sweater by Eileen Fisher is a luxurious hemp knit. Perfect for layering over a swimsuit or sleeveless dress.

woolgang
Wool and the Gang is a Peruvian knitwear collaborative that provides fair wages to women in South America. I love this Tassel top!

Organic
This Organic by John Patrick sweater is ideal for too-cold offices blasting with A/C.

Starre Vartan is founder and editor-in-chief of Eco-Chick.com and the author of the Eco-Chick Guide to Life. She's also a freelance science and environment writer who has published in National Geographic, CNN, Scientific American, Mental Floss, Pacific Standard, the NRDC, and many more. She lives on an island in Puget Sound with her partner and black cat. She was a geologist in her first career, and still picks up rocks wherever she goes.