The Best Fair Trade Scarves for Fall & Winter
During winter, scarves wrap us in a warm embrace, keeping winter’s chilly fingers from creeping down our backs. Scarves are incredibly functional.
Besides keeping you warm, they also shield you from the sun or keep your hair in place on a blustery day. They’re a great accessory too, elevating an outfit by giving it extra flair or a pop of color.
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When it comes to your ethical and sustainable closet, every item makes a difference; that includes this winter accessory.
If you want to know what you’re wearing is good for the planet and its people, fair trade accessories can be a great choice. Who doesn't love a fairly-made, beautiful scarf?
A few ethical and sustainable scarf brands we’ll be exploring include:
Read on to learn why these brands are a great option and learn more about what to look for when scarf shopping.
What Does Fair Trade Mean?
The fashion industry, and fast fashion in particular, has a dirty history both environmentally and socially.
Fast fashion refers to the mass production of cheap, rapidly-produced, low-quality clothing.
This pace and demand for new, new, new all the time place a strain on the environment as it is stripped of natural resources to make these clothes.
It also places a strain on people, as workers – particularly women and children – are exploited, working long hours for little pay in dangerous conditions to meet incessant demand.
Production is often moved overseas – usually to nations in the Global South – where laws and regulations differ, making it easier to exploit workers.
As a result, fair trade organizations have arisen to turn the tide on exploitative and unethical practices.
Fair trade organizations and certifications have been put in place to establish rigorous standards that protect workers with fair wages and decent working conditions, as well as safeguard the environment.
There are many fair trade organizations around the world, including Fair Trade Certified, the Fair Trade Federation, and World Fair Trade Organization.
Brands and businesses with authentic and passion-driven social and environmental goals seek to implement fair trade measures, and some may apply for certification.
Fair trade labels can be found on a variety of goods, from chocolate and coffee to cosmetics and clothing. But, just as with the practice of greenwashing, it’s important to realize that fair trade certification comes with pitfalls too.
Most fair trade third party approvals require a fee and rigorous application process.
For this reason a lot of small brands don’t have the time and resources to dedicate to official fair trade certifications, but do use fair trade practices such as fair pay.
If you have any questions about a brands ethical practices, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask.
Truly ethical brands using fair trade practices will be grateful you asked & happy to answer your questions about their supply chain.
Fabrics to Look for in Scarves
Along with searching for fairly made scarves, it’s important to consider the materials. Sustainable materials are key for sustainable accessories!
Versatile in color, shape, and pattern, scarves are also made from a variety of fabrics.
In winter, you’ll want a scarf made out of a fabric that will keep you warm; and bear in mind that scarves come in contact with your face: so choose materials that are comfortable on your skin and kind to it as well.
Natural and organic fabrics are usually your best go-to’s, providing comfort and warmth while being kinder to the earth and its people.
Here are a few natural fabrics to look out for, but be sure to consider where and how the materials are sourced. Are the Alpaca treated ethically? Is the cotton organic?
Alpaca – A fabric derived from the camelid mammal bearing the same name, alpaca wool is light, warm, and water-repellent.
Cashmere – Derived from cashmere and pashmina goats, this fabric is light and luxurious, warmer than sheep’s wool, and becomes softer with time.
Cotton – Durable and easy to wash, cotton is perfect for summer. Look for organic cotton, as it has been cultivated using no toxic chemicals, thus protecting the earth, cotton workers, and your skin and health.
Linen – A cool, breathable fabric made from the flax plant, it’s also great for summer.
Pashmina – Similar to cashmere, the distinction lies primarily in the specific type of goat used for the wool. It is handspun and warmer than cashmere, but more expensive.
Sheep’s wool – A warm and durable fabric; but some may find it scratchy or even be allergic.
Silk – A soft, highly absorbent fabric that dries quickly. However, it is not as warm as wool.
Some of the above natural fabrics may be pricier, but there are sustainable synthetics you can look for.
Blends – Different fabrics may be blended to improve the feel, performance, or durability of the final product. Try to find items blending synthetics with organic, natural, and/or recycled content.
Recycled polyester – Synthetics tend to be cheaper and are generally easy to maintain. If you’re opting for synthetics, try to find recycled varieties like recycled polyester, made from discarded plastic bottles and fishing nets, or old polyester that’s been broken down and respun. This practice helps keep synthetic textiles and other plastic waste out of landfills and incinerators.
7 Eco-friendly Fair Trade Scarf Brands
If you’re looking for a new scarf to stay warm this fall and winter consider checking out these socially responsible brands that use fair trade practices and responsibly sourced materials.
Anchal’s Sustainable Organic Cotton Scarves
Anchal scarves are ethically made by artisans in Ajmer, India. These scarves are sustainable made with GOTS certified organic cotton.
Their designs feature beautiful color blocks, geometric patterns, and detailed stitching creating a unique look.
Anchal scarves range from $58-$74.
Fair Anita’s Colorful Fair Trade Scarves
Fair Anita offers a variety of fair trade scarves, along with other accessories, using sustainable and recycled materials.
Fair Anita invests in their artisans, particularly women, and pays above minimum wage, while also providing health insurance and educational scholarships.
Scarf by Fair Anita
Fair Anita is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and Chicago Fair Trade, as well as being A Public Benefit Corporation.
Fair Anita scarves feature a bold colors and fun patterns perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit.
These ethical scarves range from $15-$30 and are made with viscose, cotton, linen, and silk.
Studio Variously’s Eco-friendly Scarves
Based out of Detroit, Michigan, Studio Variously works directly with master artisans across India and Nepal to create a design collaboration one custom piece at a time.
Their masterfully crafted handmade scarves, rugs, blankets, and pillows feature unique patterns using certified Eco Swiss dyes. Their dyes are eco-friendly and sourced from plants whenever possible to promote the conservation of water.
All of Studio Variously’s artisan partners receive living wages. Their team sources raw materials from small farmers wherever possible to support a sustainable supply chain.
Their scarves feature natural materials such as linen, cotton, cashmere, and a merino cotton blend. Studio Variously’s scarves range from $129-$219.
Fair Trade Winds Striped, Floral, and Checkered Scarves
Fair Trade Winds is a family owned fair trade boutique. As verified members of the Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade Winds works with about 150 artisan organizations in 57 countries around the world.
The artisan groups range in size from just a handful in one small community to thousands spread out over entire countries.
Their wide range of artisan made products means there are lots of options when it comes to shopping fair trade scarves. Their scarves feature a variety of colors and patterns including striped, floral, and checkered.
Ethical shoppers also have a wide range of materials to choose from when scarf shopping with Fair Trade Winds as consumers will find silk, cotton, wool, linen and bamboo.
These ethical scarves range in price from $20-$78 ensuring there is something in everyone’s budget.
Passion Lilie’s Ethically Made Cotton Scarves
Passion Lilie’s sustainable and fair trade scarves come in a variety of colors, prints, and patterns. Handwoven using the ikat weaving technique, the scarves showcase their artisans’ craft and talent.
Ikat weaving can be a lengthy process, so Passion Lilie provides weavers with an advance for this type of work.
The scarves are ethically made in India and range from $26-$48.
Passion Lilie is also a member of the Fair Trade Federation.
Known Supply Fair Trade Certified Accessories
KNOWN SUPPLY is humanizing the apparel industry through collaborative partnerships which encourage, educate, and empower businesses to take part in social impact.
This certified B Corporation is crafting ethical clothing while creating employment opportunities in Peru & Uganda through their partnership with Fair Trade Certified.
Their scarves are made with organic cotton and/or acrylic ranging from $24-$25.
The Good Tee’s Infinity Capsule Scarf
The Good Tee is an ethical clothing brand focusing on high quality Fairtrade Certified organic cotton basics. The Good Tee’s Infinity Capsule Scarf comes in a wide range of colors and is made with fair trade organic cotton.
This versatile scarf can be worn 20+ ways and is a great addition to any casual to dressy outfit. The perfect transitional piece that can be worn in different ways. From an infinity scarf to a shirt, a vest, a shawl, a head covering, to a blanket- the possibilities are endless.
The Infinity Capsule Scarf can be purchased for $38.
Tips for Shopping for Scarves
Buying second-hand keeps fashion circular, minimizing textile waste and reducing pressure on virgin resources.
You can even start a fun project and make your own scarf – either by knitting one or upcycling old clothes.
If you do need a new scarf (or are looking for a practical and functional gift), keep the following in mind:
Support fair trade, sustainable, and eco-friendly brands when purchasing accessories.
Will the scarf match your wardrobe? If you have a very specific style and color palette, don’t buy items that won’t match and just end up sitting in your closet.
Will it last? Look for scarves made with care and using durable, long-lasting fabrics. Natural varieties are usually your best bet.
Think about maintenance. Some fabrics are more difficult to launder than others. Check the labels for guidance. However, bear in mind that scarves don’t need to be washed as regularly as underwear or T-shirts.
Checking labels is generally a good practice as it will indicate fabrics and washing instructions.
Choose the right fabric; especially if you’re buying for someone else, you need to consider allergies and whether or not they’re vegan.
Hopefully this guide has helped provide you with some great options for fair trade scarves! Whether it's for chilly evenings, the perfect travel layer or simply a timeless piece and fashion statement, rocking a sustainable scarf is always a win. Be sure to check out our other guides when curating your ethical closet.
For more tips & tricks on sustainable living be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.