Posts in Fashion Two
The 10 Best Organic & Sustainable Socks For Cozy, Comfy Feet (2024)
 

Image: Conscious Step

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. This post is also sponsored in part by tentree & PAKA. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

Step into Sustainability:

How Sustainable Socks are Revolutionizing the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is embracing sustainability in every aspect, and it's no surprise that sustainable socks have taken the lead in this revolution. Not just a convenient accessory to keep our feet cozy, socks are becoming a statement of environmental responsibility and conscious fashion choices.

These sustainable socks are made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, Tencel, or recycled fibers, reducing the carbon footprint of production. With a focus on fair manufacturing processes, these socks are produced in ethical factories and often support local communities.

But it's not just about the materials and manufacturing; sustainable socks also bring style to sustainability. There is a wide range of options, from bold patterns and vibrant colors to trendy designs and cozy textures.

By opting for sustainable socks, you can contribute to reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and supporting brands that prioritize ethical practices. It's time to step into sustainability and make a positive impact on the environment, one pair of socks at a time.

The Importance of Sustainability in the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has long been criticized for its negative environmental and human rights impact. From harmful chemicals used in textile production to exploitative labor practices, the industry has faced growing scrutiny. However, there has been a significant shift towards sustainability in recent years. Brands and consumers recognize the importance of making conscious fashion choices that prioritize the planet and its people.

Sustainable fashion aims to reduce the industry's impact on the environment and promote ethical practices throughout the supply chain. By opting for sustainable products, consumers can support brands committed to reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting workers' rights. Sustainable socks are just one example of how the fashion industry embraces sustainability and drives positive change.

You can read more about sustainable fashion here.

What are Sustainable Socks?

Sustainable socks are made from materials and manufactured using processes that have minimal environmental impact. These socks are typically produced using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, tencel, or recycled fibers. These materials are chosen for their sustainability credentials, as they require fewer resources and have a lower carbon footprint than conventional materials.

In addition to the materials used, sustainable socks are often produced in ethical factories, prioritizing workers' rights and providing fair wages. By opting for sustainable socks, consumers can be confident that their fashion choices align with their values.

Benefits of Sustainable Socks

Choosing sustainable socks has many benefits for both the environment and the consumer. Firstly, sustainable socks help to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. By using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, these socks minimize the environmental impact of traditional sock production.

Secondly, sustainable socks are often more durable and long-lasting than conventional socks. Using high-quality materials and ethical manufacturing practices ensures these socks are built to last. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and saves consumers money in the long run.

Finally, sustainable socks allow individuals to support brands that prioritize ethical practices. By purchasing from these brands, consumers can contribute to the demand for sustainable fashion and drive positive change within the industry.

How To Tell If Your Socks Are Sustainable

There are a few ways to tell if a pair of socks you are about to purchase is indeed sustainable. Are they made from organic cotton or other eco-friendly materials? Are they ethically produced and manufactured responsibly? Are they made to last you many, many wears? This process of questions may be overwhelming for most, which is why we put this great list of eco-friendly, sustainable socks together for you!

Most of these brands use organic cotton, with a few exceptions, but all are sustainably made, comfy & relatively affordable. So whether you are looking for performance socks for your morning runs or cute socks to pair with your sustainable outfits, there is something for everyone & everything in this list. We’ve highlighted the materials, & what makes these socks so sustainable!

our top picks for organic & sustainable socks:

1. PAKA

Categories: Ankle, Crew, Performance

Materials: Alpaca, Tencel, Recycled Nylon

Price: $20 - 89(6-pack)

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors. Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested. The range of socks look incredibly comfy and perfect for your next adventure!


2. Pact

Categories: No-Show, Ankle, Crew

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $14 - 24(3-pack)

Everything made at Pact uses organic cotton and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Pact also offers you the option to offset your shipment’s carbon footprint, making shopping with them even more eco-friendly.


3. tentree

Categories: Ankle, Quarter, Sweat

Materials: Hemp, Tencel, Recycled Poly

Price: $10-14(2-packs)

tentree offers both ankle and quarter socks in two packs. We love that they use hemp as one of their fibers to create these eco-friendly socks. Plus, for every pair sold, ten trees are planted. So far, they have planted over 43 MILLION trees, and they are a B Corp and climate-neutral company.


4. Organic Basics

Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Wool, Recycled Denim

Price: $17 - 68(10-pack)

Organic Basics are masters in minimalism, with simple designs and monochrome color ways. They only work with certified factories that ensure their workers are paid a living wage and can work in a safe environment with additional benefits like free childcare and lunches.


5. Colorful Standard

Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Wool

Price: $14

If you are looking for a sustainable alternative to American Apparel, this will be your stop! Colorful Standard’s styles come in about 20 different colors, and they are Oeko-Tex® certified dyed, and PETA approved. Choose from Organic Active Socks, Organic Socks & Merino Wool Socks.


6. Kotn

Materials: Cotton

Price: $12

Canadian-based clothing brand Kotn creates timeless essentials from Egyptian cotton.

They work with family-run farms in Portugal and Egypt, ensuring direct-trade practices, fair pay, and safe working conditions for the people involved in their supply chain.


7. Boody

Categories: Liner, Crew, Ankle, Quarter, Knee

Materials: Bamboo

Price: $10-18

While not all bamboo is created equal, Boody uses a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents. This brand believes change starts from the ground up. Their collection of socks is made from sustainably grown bamboo viscose that is easy on the planet and their bodies.


7. Patagonia

Categories: Anklet, Quarter, Knee, Crew

Materials: Performance Merino, Recycled Polyester, Hemp

Price: $19-32

If you are more of an outdoors person and love hiking, then Patagonia’s performance socks are perfect for you. The brand offers a wide range of outdoor clothing and gear and has long been a trailblazer in the sustainable fashion movement.


8. Harvest & Mill

Categories: Ankle, Crew

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $11 - 66(6-pack)

This awesome brand was born out of a need for locally sewn and USA-grown organic clothing. They knew there was a better way to make clothing and wanted to support USA organic cotton farmers, American heritage mills, and their local sewing community.


9. Conscious Step

Categories: Crew, Quarter, Ankle

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $14 - 45(3-pack)

Conscious Step’s entire supply chain is GOTS and Vegan certified. With each Conscious Step purchase, a portion of the proceeds is donated to the charity associated with that pair of socks. They have so many great causes to choose from!


10. Q for Quinn

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $8 - 24

Q for Quinn is a sustainable, non-toxic and GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified brand that is committed to creating basics that are gentle on our skin, our planet and our communities. Developed in an effort to create safe clothing for babies and children, the brand has kids' and grown-up basics for ultimate comfort including seamless socks. Q for Quinn goes above and beyond, donating a school meal (with every item sold) through Mary's Meals. 


Tips for Caring for Sustainable Socks

To care for your sustainable socks, follow the care instructions the brand provides. Washing them at lower temperatures and air-drying them will help maintain their quality and extend their lifespan. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the fibers and reduce the socks' sustainability.

By choosing and caring for sustainable socks, consumers can maximize their environmental impact and ensure that their fashion choices align with their values.

You may also be searching for…

Men’s Socks

Children’s Socks


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


Related Reading You MAy Also Enjoy:

 
12 Brands Built to Empower Women in the Fashion Industry (2024)
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the fashion industry a better place!

Sustainable Brands That Empower Women

Women keep the fashion industry running – we create trends, design collections and model them for the public. However often, we forget about some of the most important women in the fashion industry; the women who make our clothes. Too often, these women are disempowered and even exploited, so it’s worth supporting brands that instead actively empower women in fashion. Let’s explore some of these brands, and why they matter!

Who are the women behind our clothes, and where are they?

Around the world, it’s estimated that 74 million people work creating textiles and garments. Of these people, about 80% of them are women of color. Women of color – especially Black women – are often at the forefront of fashion when it comes to the evolution of style, and often this is not acknowledged by the industry or society. Similarly, it’s barely acknowledged that fashion intersects with issues of feminism and racism, because of the way that women making our clothes are treated.

Most garments around the world are made in China, Bangladesh and India. While the exploitation of garment workers can and does take place across the globe, the intensity of production in these places – and the impact of capitalism and colonialism on them – puts women in these places at a higher risk. 

What problems do the women who make our clothes face?

Many garment workers today create clothing in what are considered ‘modern-day slavery conditions’. Modern-day slavery looks different from slavery experienced in recent history, but it is slavery all the same. It is the severe exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain and normally occurs hidden from the world’s view. Today, a shocking 1 in 200 people face modern slavery, with women and girls making up 71% of these people. More than half of these people are forced into labor, often making our clothes. 

In 2013, a building in Bangladesh called Rana Plaza collapsed, killing 1,134 people and injuring 2,600 more. Inside this building, people sewing clothes for fast fashion brands sold across the global west had previously expressed fear for their lives, as the walls creaked loudly and a lack of building safety was well established – but employers demanded they continue to work and make money for the big brands anyway. 

This event brought a largely hidden issue into the global view, with news coverage from all across the world. However, almost a decade later, similar problems still persist. These include:

Unsafe Work Conditions

Despite the supposed wake-up call of Rana Plaza, too many women make our clothes in unsafe conditions. 

For example, distressed denim is sometimes made by sand-blasting, where people aim high-pressure hoses full of sand at the jeans. This sand can cause serious respiratory issues for workers. Similarly, workers who iron clothes before they are shipped off to America, Europe and Australia have reported doing so in windowless, unventilated rooms that are so hot and steam-filled, it causes them to faint. Other reports have even shown women – including pregnant women – who demand safety gear in sweatshops to be sacked just for asking for their basic safety. 

Poverty Payment

Did you know that just 2% of garment workers around the world are paid a fair, living wage? This leaves the other 98% being paid what’s called a ‘poverty wage’ – a wage which cannot sustain a person’s basic needs like housing, food, and other essentials – keeping them in poverty. 

Gender-Based Violence 

Women working to make our clothes are denied maternity leave and even fired for becoming pregnant. In Cambodia, another hotspot for cheap clothing production, 1 in 3 women working in the garment industry experience sexual assault, harassment and violence. In Bangladesh, 28% of garment workers face this. This is unacceptable. 

What’s more, while women make up the majority of the garment industry’s workforce, they are far less likely to ever be in a managerial position or a higher-paying leadership role. This contributes to gendered power imbalances, which perpetuate sexism and violence. 

What can brands do to support the women who make our clothes?

Fashion is inherently anti-feminist and racist if it relies on the exploitation of poorer women of colour to exist. For brands to stand in solidarity with the women who make their clothes, they need to pay them living wages, ensure they have their human rights, and a safe place to work. 

However, this is the bare minimum. While it’s, unfortunately, the case when most of the fashion industry is so exploitative, a brand being ethical should not be something to celebrate – it should be the expected norm. 

While this cycle of poverty and harm persists, some brands are working even harder to change how this system operates, building their entire brand around empowering women in the fashion industry. 

Let’s take a look at some of them! 

Ethical & Sustainable Brands that Empower Women:

1. Able

This Nashville based brand works with manufacturing partners across Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico and India, and they publish all of their lowest wages to ensure transparency and fairness. 

ABLE launched as a social enterprise which aimed to help victim-survivors of the commercial sexual exploitation trade in Ethiopia. The brand did this by helping women to alternative, safe work making scarves.

ABLE believes that to end exploitation is to end poverty, and job creation is important to this. 

Today, alongside their partners, the brand offers a range of ethical garments like organic cotton sweaters, sweet dresses and jumpsuits, artisan made jewelry and more. Just watch out for animal-derived materials if you’re seeking to avoid the issues wrapped up in them.

ABLE also has a podcast called ‘She is ABLE’, where you can hear directly from some of the women behind the brand – like Barbara, who makes some of their jewelry.


2. PAKA

Did you know that one in three Peruvian children under the age of 5 has chronic malnutrition?

With women in developing countries reinvesting 90% of their income back into the family and community, PAKA aims to change this by multiplying each weaver's daily income by 8x. This will make a huge difference in each woman's ability to make decisions, feed her children, and bring them to the hospital when necessary! Plus, the women weavers are able to use their skills and preserve their heritage and Inca culture.

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors.

They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities.

Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested.


*bonus* Klean Kanteen

In honor of International Women’s Day, Klean Kanteen has launched a special edition water bottle! It is made from certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel, featuring a bamboo cap with a swivel bale that keeps drinks ice cold for up to 63 hours!

Klean Kanteen is a Certified B Corp brand, Climate Neutral Certified, and Family and employee-owned. If you want a reusable cup, this is the brand to check out.


3. Mata Traders

Mata Traders aims to ‘fashion a better world’ by creating designs that celebrate a woman’s originality and empower her to use her dollar for change. Mata Traders partners with several Fair Trade organizations in India and Nepal that train and employ hundreds of artisans in marginalized communities. They are known for fun prints, patterns and colors. Their printed dresses made with handwoven cotton and tops with hand-embroidered designs are perfect for summer!

Mata means ‘mother’ in Hindi & is a tribute to Shakti - the female creative power in all of us.

Every time you purchase a piece from Mata Traders, you are preserving an art form, fighting gender equality, and empowering women in India & Nepal


4. Anchal

A non-profit social enterprise, Anchal is providing alternative careers in textiles to marginalized and exploited women in India.

It was created by sisters Colleen & Maggie Clines after they were inspired from a visit to Ajmer, India.

There, they learned of the extreme oppression many women faced as commercial sex workers in the region.

They also noticed the economic opportunity with the area’s textiles.

By merging contemporary designs and the traditional Kantha quilting techniques from North India they were able to change lives and support stronger sustainable communities. Anchal believes 'design thinking' is the creative approach to problem solving, and we couldn't agree more.

Anchal Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit and is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.


5. Daughters of India

Daughters of India is a slow, sustainably handmade fashion label.

Through supporting Indian artisans and women in the workplace, they work to bridge the gap between artisan and consumer, preserve generational traditions, and encourage women's empowerment.

They also pride themselves on creating sustainably handmade garments embodying comfort, femininity, and versatility. 


6. Laude the Label

Designed by women, Made by women. LAUDE the Label supports women artisans in five countries — Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, India, and Peru. This brand understands the importance of investing in the people behind its products. All of their artisans are paid fair-trade wages on time! Fair wages are 2-3 times the minimum wage where they operate. These wages mean artisans can support themselves and their families. In addition, LAUDE the Label visits their manufacturers every year to make sure artisans are in healthy working conditions and never working more than 8 hours a day.

LAUDE the Label is a Certified B Corp Brand & a member of the Fair Trade Federation.


7. Outland Denim

This denim brand (which offers a selection of jeans with vegan leather patches) uses traceable, sustainable organic cotton, and even uses some clay-dyed denim. Outland also creates other garments from organic cotton and linen, with a selection of skirts, dresses and shirts.

Outland is dedicated to the abolition of slavery, with freedom and liberty being core to the brand and its values.

The brand creates their clothing in Cambodia, where unjust practices are rife in the textile industry.

In opposition to this, the brand pays fair living wages and offers a safe, comfortable alternative for working women – often those previously working in dangerous sweatshop conditions.

Outland Denim labels include messages from the seamstresses who make the garments, and you can learn about the people behind their clothes on their website


8. Minna

Minna collaborates with artisans in Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Bolivia. In Uruguay, they work with the largest network of women-run co-ops in the country. These partnerships provide fair wages and safe working conditions for workers. All handmade pieces are made from thoughtful production using sustainable materials, factories, and small-batch productions to ensure the highest quality goods.Minna is very transparent about how they manage to place orders sustainably and their payment process, which shows their care for their artisans.

They also honor the traditional techniques created from years of craft expertise and collaborate to create the designs. Their designs are inspired by Feminist art, the Bauhaus, traditional craft, and vintage textiles. By utilizing organic, recycled, and conventional materials, all of their pieces are thoughtfully curated.


9. The Tote Project

A beautiful brand created to give back!

Based on friendship & a shared dream, Fay Grant and Michelle Chavez started The Tote Project to support the recovery of victims of modern-day slavery.

With hope, they strive to empower survivors of human trafficking by providing them opportunities and helping show their worth & potential.

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and there are currently over 20 million victims worldwide.

The Tote Project donates 10% of gross profits to Two Wings to support survivors of human trafficking in the US. Plus, they partner with factories that support women survivors.

Every tote is handmade by Oasis Bags in a sustainable factory in India from fair-trade certified cotton. These factories are dedicated to empowering women in the city of Kolkata. The pouches are made by Freeset, a fair trade freedom business offering employment to women escaping West Bengal’s sex trade.


10. Birdsong

UK based Birdsong aims to support women across the board – from those who make their clothes, to their models and the women who buy from them. This dedication is shown best through their two-pronged policy of ‘no sweatshops, no photoshop’. Not only does the fashion industry keep garment working women in poverty, it disempowers women who are riddled with insecurity caused by unattainable and harsh beauty standards. By committing to paying women fairly (earning above London’s basic living wage), and to never altering the appearance of women who they photograph, Birdsong is working to shake things up.

This brand sells a gorgeous selection of clothes – from jackets to jumpsuits, trousers, dresses, skirts and recycled knitwear. This brand has plenty of animal-free options, too.


11. The Social Outfit

This Ethical Clothing Australia accredited brand exists to support refugee women to thrive through employment. Refugee women who work at The Social Outfit are provided training to build skills, and opportunities to interact with the community around them as they are welcomed into it. To date, 460 people have gone through their specialist sewing training. The brand has helped women from 30 countries, and offered a safe space for them: “I was nervous at first, but now it feels like home. The Social Outfit gives me something to look forward to. I belong here.” – words from a sewing student in the program.

The Social Outfit is a registered charity, and they make their clothing out of surplus materials that other brands would otherwise discard, as they ordered too much or have no use for it. This reduces fashion waste!


12. Naja

Naja creates gorgeous lingerie from recycled materials, and they do so while empowering women. The American label specifically seeks to employ single mothers and women who head up their households, offering them above market wages, providing them with education stipends for their children, and health benefits. The brand also supplies school books, meals and uniforms to all the children of the women who make their bras and underwear, while providing these mothers with flexible working hours so they can spend time with their little ones.


MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
14 Sustainable Basics Clothing Brands For A Practical Wardrobe (2024)
 
Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion Blog | Sustainable Basics Clothing Brands.jpg

Image: Organic Basics

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

Sustainable Basics clothing brands

What's a closet without your functional collection of basic pieces? Especially if you are interested in building a capsule wardrobe, basics are essential. In addition, most of these brands are pretty affordable, and others have options like AfterPay to help break up payments (not promoting being in debt, but sometimes it eases the burden of supporting a sustainable brand when you want something new for your closet).

What is Considered a 'Basic'?

Basics are like the glue that holds your wardrobe together. They are the functional pieces that mold all your looks. It's your favorite white t-shirt, a pair of denim jeans, or a black blazer. They are practical items you can wear with anything, and they are typically seasonless & timeless.

What Are Sustainable Basics?

Sustainable basics are the foundation of a responsible wardrobe. They are timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of stylish outfits. These wardrobe essentials are made from sustainable materials, produced ethically, and designed to last.

Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and recycled fabrics are excellent choices for materials. These materials are produced without harmful chemicals, require less water and energy, and have a lower environmental impact. Additionally, sustainable basics should be produced in factories that provide employees with fair wages and safe working conditions.

Essential Sustainable Basics for Your Wardrobe

When building a sustainable wardrobe, several essential basics should be the foundation of your collection. These versatile and timeless pieces can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here are some key sustainable basics to consider:

1. Organic Cotton T-Shirts: Organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton. Look for t-shirts in classic colors that can be paired with jeans, skirts, or layered under blazers.

2. Ethically Produced Denim: Denim is a staple in many wardrobes, but the production process is often harmful to the environment and workers. Look for organic or recycled denim brands.

3. Linen Shirts and Dresses: Linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric perfect for warm weather. Look for linen shirts in neutral colors or linen dresses that can be worn independently or layered with other pieces.

4. Versatile Knitwear: Invest in quality knitwear made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or wool. Opt for neutral colors and classic silhouettes that can be worn year-round.

Remember, focusing on quality over quantity is the key to building a sustainable wardrobe. Invest in pieces that you love and will wear for years to come.

Now, Our Top Picks for Sustainable Basics Clothing Brands:

1. PAKA

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors.They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested. Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!


2. tentree

This sustainable fashion brand makes basic clothing for men, women, and kids and gives back to the planet. So far, they have planted over 43 MILLION trees! tentree is a B Corp and climate-neutral company that gets its name from its pledge to plant ten trees for every purchase. In addition, their sustainable essentials are created with the smallest possible environmental footprint, using eco-friendly materials like TENCEL, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester.


code: SustainablyChic20 for 20% off

3. Pact

PACT started with just underwear but has since expanded its collection to include a wide range of basic apparel for the whole family. Everything is made from certified GOTS organic cotton in Fair Trade-certified factories, dyed with non-toxic chemicals, and packaged in recycled and compostable materials. Plus, they have carbon offset shipping and a donation program to help circulate your used clothes when you’re finished with them.

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off


4. Made Trade

From sweatshirts to t-shirt dresses, Made Trade has a wide range of brands that make fantastic sustainable basics.

While shopping through the collection, you can learn all about the values of each piece. Is it Fair Trade? Is it Made in the USA? Is it POC owned?

It’s genuinely a different experience, unlike anything else you find online.

Made Trade is always one of my first suggestions to those who are curating their homes & closets!


5. Carve Designs

As a company born at the beach and endlessly inspired by the outdoors, Carve prides itself on crafting fashion-forward everyday designs made mostly from sustainable materials. From their swimwear made from recycled bottles to their tops, jeans, and dresses, Carve is an excellent brand for wardrobe staples.

The women of Carve Designs set out to push boundaries and prove that functionality, sustainability, and fashion go hand in hand, and they are reaching that goal with every design!


6. Outerknown

Outerknown is a fashion brand creating sustainable clothing for men, women and children. The company works with three partners that are certified through Fair Trade USA. Plus, Outerknown is fully accredited by the Fair Labor Association.

Additionally, 90% of their garments are made from recycled, organic, and ‘regenerative’ materials.


7. Organic Basics

If you are looking for plain tees, socks and undies, this is your place! They even have a range for men so you can stock up for your man, as well. I love using their bras for nursing since they are so easy to slide off the shoulder. Very comfy! Organic Basics uses several different eco-friendly fibers to create their collections, and while their prices aren’t super low, they are worth it because of the quality! I’ve been wearing their underwear and leggings for years, and they are wonderful.


8. Encircled

Encircled is a Canadian-based sustainable clothing brand that creates for the stylish traveler {& your everyday busy body!}. They want you to be able to travel light while looking effortless at the same time. Imagine being able to put all your essentials into one carry-on.

Most of Encircled's garments can be worn in more than one way. That means more versatility in a smaller closet. Capsule wardrobes can make life much easier, and having an Encircled 'uniform' makes it easy!


9. Mate the Label

MATE is a female-founded company producing “Clean Essentials” made sustainably in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials. MATE uses several types of organic cotton, including thermal, terry, jersey, and stretch, to create a wide range of products for different activities and climates. The MATE supply chain is localized to a ten-mile radius, with all products being cut, sewn, dyed, packaged, and shipped from their LA factory, drastically reducing their carbon footprint.


10. Wallis Evera

Workwear brand Wallis Evera specializes in using custom-woven, modern hemp blend fabrics to create comfortable, classic pieces for the office. Based in Vancouver, Canada, it is a minority- and woman-owned small business that ships worldwide and focuses on small-batch, local production, and sustainable design.

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off your entire purchase


11. Miakoda

Miakoda (which means power of the moon) is a women-owned slow fashion brand creating elevated + comfy basics for everyday wear. Founded in 2013 by sister duo Julia & Laura Ahrens, everything Miakoda creates is ultra-soft, ultra-sustainable, size-inclusive (XS - 4XL), and produced in small batches using organic and sustainable materials. Julia actively engages with her factory and the humans who bring her designs to life. All are paid a living wage, and ethical practices are the foundation upon which Miakoda was built. Miakoda also has a Pre-Loved site for reselling Miakoda pieces you're no longer reaching for, as a circular economy is incredibly important to them.


12. Lâcher Prise

Lâcher Prise is not just another fashion brand but a movement towards mindful living and ethical fashion. The brand offers a unique blend of clothing that harmoniously fuses comfort, sophistication, and mindfulness. Crafted from irresistibly soft, certified, sustainably harvested plant-based materials, their garments beckon you to embrace a profound sense of liberation, embodying the concept of 'letting go.' Their commitment to sustainability goes deeper. With each purchase, they plant trees and give back to nature what was given to them to produce their addictive fabric.


13. Colorful Standard

This will be your stop if you are looking for a sustainable alternative to American Apparel! Each of their basic pieces comes in many colors, so there is no doubt you will find the color you’re looking for! In addition, colorful Standard uses organic cotton to make their entire collection and produces it ethically in Portugal. Their dyes are also Oeko-Tex® certified dyed and PETA approved, and they create for both & women!


14. Pareto

Pareto was founded in 2020 by Jessica Landzberg and Olivia Putterman – two women who, since college, spent time endlessly agonizing over what to wear in their closets. After a decade of frustration and dozens of conversations with other women, Pareto was born out of their Chicago apartment closet. Since its inception, Pareto has made it their mission to make getting dressed the easiest part of the day by offering quality, sustainable wardrobe essentials to fit any person’s style. All their pieces are manufactured in the United States under ethical work conditions.

Tips for Building a Stylish and Sustainable Wardrobe

Building a stylish and sustainable wardrobe doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe: Take stock of what you already have and identify any gaps. This will help you make more intentional purchases and avoid duplicating items.

2. Research Sustainable Brands: Take the time to research and discover new sustainable brands. Look for reviews, certifications, and transparency in their practices. We have lots of information about hundreds of brands on our website!

3. Opt for Timeless Pieces: Choose classic styles and neutral colors that can be mixed and matched. This will ensure that your wardrobe remains versatile and timeless.

4. Embrace Secondhand and Vintage: Thrifting and shopping vintage are excellent ways to reduce waste and find unique pieces. Explore local thrift stores, online marketplaces, and vintage shops.

5. Practice Mindful Shopping: Before purchasing, ask yourself if you truly need the item and if it aligns with your values. Consider the materials, production practices, and the longevity of the garment.

Remember, building a sustainable wardrobe is a journey. Let's start small and gradually replace items as needed. The most important thing is to make conscious choices that align with your values.


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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related reading you may also enjoy:

 
19 Sustainable Men’s Clothing Brands For An Eco-Friendly Wardrobe (2024)
 

Image: Pact

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by tentree and PAKA. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make a cleaner, fairer fashion industry!

Ethical & Sustainable Men’s Clothing

Looking for sustainable and ethical clothing for men? The topic of sustainable fashion centers around women’s clothing the majority of the time; however, some really great ethical brands are making sustainable men’s clothing, and we’re going to share our favorites with you in this post!

What is sustainable fashion for men?

Sustainable fashion is the umbrella term for all the other conscious terms you hear buzzing around like ethical fashion, slow fashion, eco-friendly fashion, slow fashion, etc. Typically, for a garment to be considered ‘sustainable,’ it should be eco-friendly, ethically made, lasting, and accessible. Of course, we could add more characteristics to this garment, but these are key for when we look at a future purchase. There is a simple checklist to find at the end of this post here, and in this post, you can learn much more about sustainable fashion and how you can participate in the movement.

WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT Men’s SUSTAINABLE clothing BRANDS?

Did you know humans are now consuming 400% more clothing compared to 20 years ago? & that the average American generates 82 pounds of textile waste every single year? We are buying more clothes than ever, but we’re wearing them a lot less. We can mainly explain this by the explosive growth fast fashion has known in the past two decades. But this over-consumption of cheaply-made clothes is leading to the huge growth of textile waste, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. It is raising social issues that we can no longer ignore, such as human rights violations. 

The best thing we can do, as consumers, is to stop supporting this industry. We should avoid fast fashion brands and start supporting sustainable clothing brands, loving what we have, or purchasing secondhand.

WHY IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN CONVENTIONAL / FAST FASHION?

Because people are finally being treated their worth and paid a fair wage! Fashion, in general, isn’t cheap, but we’ve been conditioned to believe it can be. Creating clothing takes many hours, especially when using conscious, quality fabrics. Fast fashion is how we continuously support poverty worldwide, and the entire concept is unsustainable and damaging our planet. Read more about its effect on the environment here.

Are there enough sustainable brands for men to choose from?

Ten years ago, when this blog started, we would not have been able to tell you there are. However, things have certainly changed today, and you have many more options. Several sustainable brands offer affordable tees, jeans, and lots of really nice button-downs. You can find many different styles and great basics to fill their closet. We’ve put in the starting price of a t-shirt & pair of pants from each brand to help make it even easier to budget and shop.

our top brands for sustainable mens clothing:

1. PAKA

Great For: Outdoor, Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $55

Pant Price: $145

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors.

They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested.

Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!

Their Menswear items include sweaters, hoodies, socks, shirts, bottoms, underwear, outerwear, and accessories. We highly recommend the Vida Hoodie, which is excellent for walking, lounging, hiking, & livin'!


2. tentree

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor

T-Shirt Price: $20+

Pant Price: $88+

A nice sustainable brand for the laid back lifestyle, tentree uses some fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester & Tencel. They are known for planting lots of trees with their sales. Their vision is the plant 1 billion trees by 2030 to help drastically reduce climate change. To this date, they have planted over 30 million trees & restored land in over 8 countries!


3. Pact

Great For: Everyday Basics, Comfort

T-Shirt Price: $30+

Pant Price: $48+

Everything made at Pact uses organic cotton and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Pact’s products are made in Fair Trade certified factories that provide safe working conditions and supports the local communities. With all of their products priced under $100 you won’t have to break the bank to invest in some new organic cotton pieces.


4. Coyuchi

Great For: Pajamas

T-shirt Price: $38

Pant Price: $78

Coyuchi is one of our favorite brands for all things bed and bath. These flannel pajamas are made with 100% organic heathered cotton yarns, where the color is spun into the yarn for the most natural and nuanced shading possible. All their cotton is grown in India, Tanzania, and Uganda and then woven ethically in Portugal.


5. Toad&Co.

Great For: Everyday, Basics, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $45

Pant Price: $85

From basic t-shirts to jackets to underwear, Toad & Co designs all kinds of sustainably made clothes for men, featuring classic styles you will not get tired of. The brand produces all its clothing using eco-friendly materials. It has many great pieces made from hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, organic cotton, and different recycled fabrics.


6. Outerknown

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $38+

Pant Price: $98+

Outerknown was the first brand to be certified by the Fair Labor Association without ever shipping a product and being the very first brand to launch swimwear made out of ECONYL. Even their buttons are made from recycled ocean plastic. This is a great place to shop for flannels with their popular ‘blanket shirt’.


7. prAna

Great For: Basics, Activewear, Outdoor

Shirt Price: $35+

Pants Price: $85+

prAna’s Fair Trade Certified™ program has given back $400,000+ to 33,000+ workers worldwide! They believe quality, durability, and versatility play a significant role in their sustainable clothing. They also believe in plastic-free packaging, so you don’t have to worry about extra waste.


8. Organic Basics

Great For: Activewear, Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $39+

If you are looking to buy basics by the packs, this is an excellent brand to go to. Besides their comfortable underwear, Organic Basics is home to basic crew necks, socks, and a really great activewear line made with Polygiene® Stay Fresh technology which helps keeps the laundry loads to a minimum. Committed to transparency, you can check out their yearly impact report.


9. Happy Earth

Great For: Basics & Accessories

T-Shirt Price: $25

Pant Price: $68

Happy Earth is a fashion brand built around protecting the planet. With every product you purchase, they give back to create positive change like combating climate change, planting trees, or cleaning up trash - and you get to choose which one!


10. Honest Basics

Great For: Everyday Basics

T-Shirt Price: $17

Pant Price: $39

Honest Basics is on a mission to make sustainable fashion more accessible - and we love that! This means they will keep their prices low while maintaining quality pieces to add to your everyday wardrobe.


11. Made Trade

Great For: Everyday Basics, Comfort

T-Shirt Price: $45+

Pant Price: $64+

Made Trade is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, and they have a great collection of clothes and accessories for men. They ensure each product covers one {or more} of these values - Sustainable, Fair Trade, Heritage, USA Made & Vegan. They believe we can make the world a more beautiful place by holding ourselves to a higher ethical standard.


12. Passion Lilie

Great For: Button-Down Shirts
Button-Down Shirt Price: $45+

Passion Lilie is a fair trade brand based in New Orleans. Their collection of button-down shirts are made out of handwoven ikat fabric using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. They’re ethically handmade in small batches in India by producers and artisans dedicated to preserving heritage techniques. I love the patterns on these shirts—they’re unique enough to stand out, but classic enough to be able to wear to work, to a wedding, etc. Although they’re designed with a classic men’s style, these button-downs can be worn by folks of any gender.


13. Patagonia

Great For: Outdoor, Activewear

T-Shirt Price: $35+

Pant Price: $69+

Patagonia has definitely been a leader in sustainability from the beginning, when it was started back in 1973. They were the first company to commit 1% of their profits to environmental non-profit organizations and they transparently go deep into their footprint — both the areas they’re doing well as well as their goals for improvement — on their website.


14. Taylor Stitch

Great For: Classic Everyday, Outerwear, Shoes

T-Shirt Price: $35+

Pants Price: $118+

Taylor Stitch sells clothing, footwear, and accessories for men who want clothes that are built for the long haul. Besides using natural fibers like organic cotton & hemp, Taylor Stitch also uses deadstock fabric to create its products. It means that the brand upcycles textile waste into new garments. This process helps save water and reduce CO2 emissions.


15. Harvest & Mill

Great For: Basics, Loungewear

T-Shirt Price: $48

Pant Price: $72

If you want to live in comfy casual clothes you can feel good about, look no further than Harvest & Mill. Not only is their casual wear made in the USA from organically grown cotton, but they are also milled, designed, and sewn here. Part of their passion is supporting American organic cotton farmers. Most of their clothing comes in neutral colors, making it easy to mix and match.


16. Apricoat

Great For: Outdoor Apparel, Activewear

Pant Price: $112

All products are made from 100% recycled materials with as much as 300 plastic bottles per jacket, and can also be sent across the globe with carbon-free shipping. Apricoat products are also produced based on waste reduction and spoilage free practices (pre-orders), and meets the fair labor factory certifications. The community based brand offers more of the most innovative adventure gear yet.


17. Faherty

Great For: Everyday Basics, Outdoor, Workwear

T-Shirt Price: $58+

Pant Price: $128+

This family-run business is working on 5 core values: Be the Best, Deliver on Promises, Be Better Together, Stay Authentic, and Spread Good Vibes. In addition, Faherty is a member of The Textile Exchange and BLUESIGN to ensure they are informed & choose partners that offer traceable materials & eco-friendly fabrics.


18. Unspun

Great For: Denim

Pants Price: $200+

Unspun creates custom-fit jeans and denim shorts for men who want a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans that is also sustainably made. From waist to stitch, you choose your fit and customize the details, and then, the brand crafts it according to your body shape and measurements. Since the jeans are made-to-order, they are very comfy and flattering, and you are more likely to love and wear them for a long time!


19. Kampos

Great For: Everyday Basics, Swimsuits

Shirt Price: $141

Pants Price: $162

This brand is well known for its swimwear, but they also have a collection of ready-to-wear men's clothing that includes t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, pants, and shorts. KAMPOS uses recycled packaging that is also 100% recyclable and FSC-certified. The brand is a certified B Corporation, and in 2022, it was named Best for the World™ in the Environment and Community categories.


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WANT MORE? VISIT OUR SUSTAINABLE BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


Related Reading You May Enjoy:

 
Make a Splash in These 14 Sustainable Swimwear Brands (2024)
 

Image: Do Good Swimwear

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Do Good Swimwear & Kaylyn Gardner. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Swimwear Brands

Dive into a sustainable fashion trend that's making waves - sustainable swimwear. Are you tired of contributing to the environmental damage caused by fast fashion? It's time to make a splash with eco-friendly swimwear options prioritizing style and sustainability. 

Gone are the days when "eco-friendly" meant compromising on design or quality. Today, sustainable swimwear brands offer many fashionable options made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, fishing nets, and even ocean waste. Not only are these pieces stylish, but they also help reduce waste and promote a cleaner environment. 

By choosing sustainable swimwear, you can positively impact the planet without sacrificing your style. Supporting brands that align with your values and prioritize ethical manufacturing practices is a small step that can make a big difference in reducing the fashion industry's carbon footprint.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Swimwear

Fast fashion swimwear has become popular for many due to its affordability and trendy designs. However, the environmental impact of this industry is staggering. Fast fashion swimwear contributes to pollution, waste, and exploitation from the production process to the end of the garment's life.

The production of fast fashion swimwear involves the intensive use of water, energy, and chemicals. The textile industry is known for its high water consumption and the release of harmful chemicals into water bodies. Additionally, producing virgin synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, commonly used in swimwear, requires the extraction of non-renewable resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, fast fashion swimwear is often made with cheap labor and unethical manufacturing practices. Workers in garment factories are subjected to long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. Child labor is also prevalent in some regions, highlighting the industry's dark side.

Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Swimwear

Choosing sustainable swimwear comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just being environmentally friendly. Let's explore some of the advantages of opting for eco-friendly swimwear:

1. Reducing waste and pollution: Sustainable swimwear is often made from recycled materials, reducing the demand for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills. Choosing these options will help reduce pollution and support a circular economy.

2. High-quality and durable: Sustainable swimwear brands focus on quality and durability. These pieces are designed to last, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. They can withstand multiple seasons and maintain their shape and color with proper care.

3. Comfort and fit: Sustainable swimwear is designed with both style and functionality in mind. These brands prioritize comfort and fit, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in your swimsuit.

4. Support for ethical practices: By choosing sustainable swimwear, you support brands prioritizing fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains. You contribute to the creation of a more ethical and responsible fashion industry.

What Should You Look For When Shopping for Sustainable Bathing Suits?

It has been almost impossible to find sustainable swimsuits made without synthetic fiber (if you are unfamiliar, these fibers are petrochemical-based and do not biodegrade like natural fibers). Microplastics are still an issue in ethical swimwear, but brands are working to ensure they do not use virgin synthetics. Instead, these brands are taking post-consumer waste like plastic bottles and fishing nets and creating new performance fabrics that work just as well as any other bathing suit you find.

These are the Eco-Friendly Swimwear Fabrics To Know

ECONYL® and REPREVE will be the most popular swimwear fabrics in this post. Econyl is a 100% recycled and recyclable fiber and the most common type of recycled nylon. It is made from pre-consumer (fabric scraps) and post-consumer waste (fishing nets, old carpets...). Econyl received certification from Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It guarantees that the material does not contain harmful products to our health. Repreve is another synthetic fabric, but a recycled polyester rather than nylon. It is the world's number-one brand of recycled performance fiber and is made from post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste. Besides these two popular choices, you can also find EcoRib (a stretch-ribbed fabric made from nylon fiber scraps) and Bio-Nylon (a biodegradable plant-based fiber).

our top picks for sustainable swimwear:

1. Do Good Swimwear

Materials: ECONYL®

Price: $38-50

Sizes: XS-XL

Do Good Swimwear is a women’s surf collective offering eco, affordable & sustainably-made swimsuits. Not only are they accessible, but they give back to the planet, too! All swimsuits are made from recycled ocean waste such as fish nets, plastic bottles, etc. Also, with each purchase, a portion of profits are given to ocean conservation efforts, tree planting, and social impact non-profits.


2. Kaylyn Gardner

Materials: GOTS Organic Cotton

Price: $80-$200

Sizes: XS-XL (& custom)

If you're looking for a synthetic-free suit that's made from all-natural materials, check out Kaylyn Gardner. These beautiful knitted one- and two-pieces are made with organic cotton and natural dyes (including avocado!). Each piece is handmade to order, so if you need a larger or smaller size, they can accommodate you. In addition to swimwear, Kaylyn Gardner also carries knit loungewear perfect for wearing around the house, pool, or beach all year round.


Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion Blog | Sustainable Swimwear Brands | Made Trade.jpg

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+

3. Made Trade

Materials: Amni Soul Eco® Thread / CO2 Light Fabric, Deadstock Fabrics, ECONYL®, Repreve

Price: $45-225 

Sizes: XS-2XL

Made Trade is home to several brands who create sustainable swimsuits for every type of body. Many of their brands are woman-owned, and full of different fibers to choose from. The Amni Soul Eco® Thread used by BOLD Swim is so interesting because it’s a biodegradable nylon fabric!


4. Carve Designs

Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $42 - 99

Size: XS-XL

As a company born at the beach and inspired by the outdoors, Carve Designs prides itself on crafting fashion-forward swimsuit designs made from 100% recycled materials. Their swim line is made from plastic bottles found in the ocean, where 5 bottles are used for each piece, reducing carbon emissions by 80%. The women of Carve set out to push boundaries & prove functionality, sustainability, and fashion go hand in hand.


5. Kitty & Vibe

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $46-95

Sizes: S-5X

Kitty & Vibe carries swimwear that not only comes in super fun fabrics, but is also available in a wide variety of fits, sizes, and styles, making it easier to find something that feels great on your body. The brand is in the process of transitioning their fabrics to more sustainable ones; currently, half of their suits are made from recycled polyester.


6. Wolven

Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $48-168

Sizes: XS-XL

Wolven probably has one of the most colorful collections of any swimwear line. Their prints are so vibrant, and perfect for all your under the sun activities. I think it’s great they have many different styles - from one pieces to high-waisted bikini bottoms. Plus, all swimwear is made from recycled plastic bottles! I’ve had one of their bathing suits for years and love it!


7. Vitamin A

Materials: EcoLux, EcoRib, EcoTex, BioSculpt

Price: $78-264

Sizes: XS-XXL

So many cool fabrics in this collection: EcoLux is made from recycled nylon fibers - EcoRib is a stretch-ribbed swim fabric made from nylon fiber scraps - EcoTex emits fewer greenhouse gases and conserves water + energy in the production process - BioSculpt provides an organic alternative to fossil fuel based nylon.


8. Girlfriend

Materials: ECONYL®

Price: $38-78

Sizes: XXS-6XL

The most size-inclusive of the swimwear brands on this list, Girlfriend is definitely a fan favorite in activewear. I’m so excited to see them come out with a swimwear line!

Their bathing suits are very basic, and come in many different colors. They also give back 1% to Healthy Seas.


9. Patagonia

Materials: Recycled Nylon & Polyester

Price: $55-179

Sizes: XXS-XL

From an active standpoint, this brand is probably one of the best to shop through. They create some of the best performance wear on the market, so if you love to surf, hike, boat, etc - you’ll find these swimsuits very practical! From rash guard tops to board shorts, they have you covered. Plus, all swimsuits are Fair Trade sewn, and they have a great collection of men’s swimsuits!


10. Lively

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $45-80

Sizes: XS-XXXL

I am so glad I found this brand because I’ve had several people ask for bathing suit tops for curvier chests. Well, here you go!! Lively has tops for A to DDD, and you can mix-and-match bottoms with ease. They are inspired by a mix of active lifestyle and vintage vibes, and besides their mix-and-match bikinis, they have a few one-pieces!


11. Cleobella

Materials: Recycled Nylon

Price: $98-228

Sizes: XS-XL

Cleobella's swimsuits are ethically made in Sri Lanka from OEKO-TEX® and GRS-certified fabrics. They work with local artisans and small factories, creating jobs and sustainable incomes worldwide. Their new Spring 23 collection is gorgeous!!


12. TomboyX

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $49-99

Size: XS-6X

Female-founded and run, Tomboy has designed a variety of swimsuits that truly fit different bodies and styles. They have uni suits, board shorts, swimsuits, and swim tanks. Each piece is offered in different creative patterns with full coverage options.


13. REI

Materials: ECONYL®, Recycled Polyester

Price: $45-100

Sizes: XXS-2XL

REI has a great curated collection of sustainable swimsuits from brands like prAna, Nani Swimwear and Patagonia. When it comes to outdoor shopping, REI is a company I trust much more than others. The brands they choose to curate typically have a much higher level of ethics!


14. Outerknown

Materials: ECONYL®

Price: $68-145

I didn’t want to leave the men out of this list! Outerknown has been a trailblazer in many ways, like being the first brand to be certified by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) without ever shipping a product and being the very first brand to launch swimwear made out of ECONYL. Plus, they work with Fair Trade USA to ensure that garment workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.

Tips for Caring for and Extending the Life of Your Sustainable Swimwear

Proper care is essential to maximize the lifespan of your sustainable swimwear and reduce waste. Follow these tips to ensure that your swimwear stays in excellent condition for years to come:

1. Rinse with fresh water: After each use, rinse your swimwear with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities. This helps prevent discoloration and maintains the fabric's integrity.

2. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle: To minimize damage, hand wash your swimwear using mild detergent or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine. Avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners that can degrade the fabric. We have a list of cleaning brands we love here.

3. Avoid excessive heat and sun exposure: Excessive heat and sun exposure can cause fading and degradation of the fabric. Dry your swimwear in the shade and avoid ironing or using a dryer.

4. Store properly: Store your swimwear in a cool and dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Avoid folding or twisting the fabric, which can cause stretching or deformation.

5. Rotate your swimwear: Rotate your swimwear pieces to minimize wear and tear instead of using the same one repeatedly. This allows each piece to rest and recover between uses.

By following these care tips, you can extend the life of your sustainable swimwear and reduce the need for frequent replacements. After all, sustainable fashion is about taking care of the things we have so we can wear them for many, many years :)


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Want more?  VISIT OUR
sustainable  brand directory!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


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