Just like other clothing and accessories, a lot of the winter hats and scarves on the market are made from synthetic (read: plastic) fabrics.
Not only do these fabrics slowly shed microplastics as we wash and wear them, but they also may not be good for our direct health.
Plus, folks who have skin sensitivities may get symptoms from the dyes and other chemicals that are often added to synthetic fabrics.
(Of course, many people have problems with wool, too! While I have included wool options below as a good natural option, I’ve also listed several hypoallergenic 100% organic cotton brands for those with allergies & sensitivities).
I hope this guide will help you find a cozy winter hat that’s simultaneously safe for the earth and safe for your skin!
Here's what is included in this guide:
This guide contains product recommendations and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine! Featured image credit: Happy Earth
Where to find natural & organic winter accessories to keep you cozy:
Happy Earth
Material: 100% organic cotton
Happy Earth carries both beanies and baseball caps that are ethically made out of GOTS certified organic cotton. These unisex winter hats come in a couple of different colors.
Happy Earth has sustainable initiatives woven throughout its entire manufacturing process, from the way it prioritizes organic and plastic-free materials and non-toxic dyes, to the fact that it’s a certified B Corp and member of 1% for the Planet!
Cottonique
Material: 100% organic cotton
Cottonique is one of the best places to get hypoallergenic clothing and accessories that are suitable for people with sensitive skin, eczema, and chemical sensitivities.
And their organic cotton beanies and scarves are no different! These lightweight yet warm winter hats are made of 100% cotton and are free from any latex, spandex, rubber, bleach, dyes, and synthetic chemicals. They’re available in two sizes (S/M and L/XL) and two colors (Natural and Melange Blue).
Use the code THEFILTERY10% for 10% off your order.
Everlane
Material: Cashmere, wool, hemp (depends on the specific piece)
Everlane’s gender-neutral winter beanies and scarves are made using cashmere, alpaca, merino wool, and/or hemp.
They’re available in some really pretty solid colors. They have matching scarves, too!
Eileen Fisher
Material: 100% regenerative merino wool, cashmere, alpaca wool, cotton
A trailblazer in the world of sustainable fashion that’s actually beautiful, Eileen Fisher’s brand manufactures a variety of fall, winter, and spring hats, scarves, and ponchos that are made from things like organic cotton, linen, merino wool, cashmere, and more.
Theory
Material: Cashmere
Theory’s gorgeous, luxury oversized scarves are made with 100% lightweight cashmere that will take you from fall through winter and even into the beginning of spring.
Tentree
Material: 100% organic cotton or 100% wool (depends on the beanie)
This Canada-based ethical brand makes beanies and toques out of 100% RSW-certified wool as well as other natural materials like organic cotton.
They have a variety of different styles and colors, including a couple of options for kids.
Quince
Material: Cashmere or wool
Quince’s beanies are made from Grade A Mongolian cashmere and come in a variety of different styles—including a pom pom one, a baseball cap, a beret, and a winter headband.
And I love Quince’s selection of scarves. They have a selection of different lightweight ones that come in different patterns and colors and can be used from fall to spring. Then they also have mid-weight ones that are better for wintertime… And they have cozy cashmere ponchos, too!
These super soft and versatile wraps and scarves are made from Grade A Mongolian cashmere, wool, and/or silk. They’re OEKO-TEX certified, too.
Naadam
Material: 100% cashmere OR a blend
Nadaam’s ethically made gender-neutral beanies are made from natural and responsibly sourced cashmere that come in a wide variety of gorgeous solid colors.
They also offer several different sustainable and ethical scarves (and gorgeous blankets!) made from natural and responsibly sourced cashmere. They come in a variety of beautiful solid colors.
They also carry a few fun jacket/scarf combos, where you attach or detach the scarf to the jacket.
Colored Organics
Material: 100% organic cotton
A great option for the little ones, Colored Organics carries a variety of baby beanies that will keep your kids’ heads warm throughout the cold winter months. A lot of their hats are made out of 100% organic cotton, but they do carry some acrylic ones too, so just make sure to check the product description before buying.
The one pictured above comes in a wide variety of solid colors and is made out of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. It’s hypoallergenic and free from toxicants like like azo dyes. It comes in three sizes: NB (0-3M ), XS/S (3-6M), and M/L (6-12M).
And it’s got a super cute little top-knot on it!
Terra Thread
Material: 100% organic cotton
Terra Thread offers a lot of practical, gender-neutral accessories—including beanies!
Available in eight different solid colors, these beanies are Fair Trade Certified and made out of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. They’re machine washable, too!
Peruvian Connection
Material: Wool and/or blends
This brand has been around since 1976! “Rarer than cashmere and warmer than wool,” Peruvian Connection sources their luxurious alpaca wool from the Peruvian Andes (where alpacas are virtually never raised for their fur). They’re committed to working with traditional Alpaca farmers in order to make sure the entire process is ethical and sustainable for everyone involved.
They carry a wide variety of hats and scarves for fall and winter that come with gorgeous patterns and designs. Some of their styles are more suitable for cold weather, while others are lighter and great for fall and spring.
They use several different natural materials like baby alpaca, silk, wool, and cotton. Some of their scarves are mixed with synthetics, so just make sure to check the details of the specific scarf you’re looking at before buying so that you get what you want.
Unfortunately, a lot of their items are blended with synthetics like nylon or polyamide, but their collection has the largest variety of styles of all the brands on this list!
Why choose natural & organic materials for your winter accessories?
As I mentioned, a lot of winter hats and scarves are knit with acrylic yarn, which of course is a synthetic material. These synthetic materials are typically not great for human health or the environment in the long run. They’re petroleum-based and can contain chemicals that are potentially toxic to human and environmental health.
Although natural and organic clothing and accessories aren’t always guaranteed to be safer (they can, and often do, still have chemicals added to them), they are less likely to contain toxicants—especially when purchased from brands that have sustainability, chemical management, and worker-welfare policies in place.
That’s one of the reasons why many people are opting for natural materials instead, when possible.
Wool is an incredibly warm and durable material that’s also non-toxic and biodegradable at the end of its life (as long as it’s not treated with toxic dyes or finishes). Plus, when done responsibly, wool does not require that any harm comes to the animals from which it’s sourced.
Look for brands using Climate Beneficial Wool, which has been verified as regenerative by Fibershed, and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) wool, which ensures a “standard that addresses the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on.”
Organic cotton is another great option. It’s vegan and it’s more tolerable for some people who may get itchy from wool. It’s better for the overall ecosystem since it’s grown and harvested without the use of toxic pesticides.
Types of wool
Different types of wool have varying pros and cons.
Merino wool, which comes from a specific kind of sheep, is softer and lighter weight than most other types of sheep’s wool.
Cashmere comes from the undercoat of a certain kind of goat that lives in the Himalayas. It’s softer, finer, and more luxurious compared to most other types of wool, but also tends to be more expensive and less durable.
Alpaca wool is the best of both worlds: it’s soft and lightweight, but also very durable and temperature-regulating. It’s also relatively rare, so it can be more expensive.
Yak wool has a lot of the same benefits as alpaca, but at a more affordable price point.
Lastly, recycled wool of various types is a great option because it keeps materials out of landfills and reduces the amount of virgin material needed to be sourced from animals.
Looking for more winter gear? Check out our guides to sweaters, scarves, and gloves made using non-toxic, natural, and organic materials.
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