Sustainable Summer Dresses for Eco-friendly Style

Summer style is as easy as finding a cute sustainable dress…no pants required. Plus sundresses are comfortable during warmer weather, great for heading to the beach in, and easy to dress up with accessories!

Let’s explore some eco-friendly fabrics to look for when shopping for sundresses, a few brands to kick start your sustainable closet with, and some dresses that I’m currently loving.

This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!

What materials should I look for when shopping for eco-friendly sundresses?

There are quite a few materials to consider when shopping for sundresses.

I think due to the hot weather it’s always good to look for natural fibers as they are typically more breathable, but it also depends on preference.

Here are a few materials I look for when picking out sundresses.

Sundresses Made with Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is better for the environment because it is free from some of the harsher chemicals.

Unfortunately in conventional cotton farming pesticides and fertilizers have been known to contaminate local water streams killing fish and making the water less usable for locals.

It’s estimated that organic cotton uses 88% less water and 62% less energy than conventional cotton making this an eco-friendly option. If you’re sensitive to sweating organic cotton is a great choice because it is incredibly soft and breathable.

Summer Linen Dresses

Linen clothing creates a natural, earthy feel that is both breathable and comfortable making it great for summer.

Linen is a plant-based fiber made from flax. This natural fiber has been around for thousands of years and was popular in ancient Egypt. This fabric is moth-resistant, hypo-allergenic, antibacterial, and absorbent.

Deadstock Fabric

Deadstock fabric is leftover fabric that is sometimes seen as disposable. Some sustainable fashion brands are giving these fabrics new life by turning them into beautiful eco-friendly dresses.

Passion Lilie’s Fair Trade Dresses Made with Organic Cotton

Passion Lilie’s bold style brings some fun patterns and colors to sustainable summer style with their organic cotton sundresses. Passion Lilie provides sustainable employment opportunities and partners with artisans in India through the crafting of eco-friendly clothing. I was recently gifted the Mattie Dress and have been loving it! The flowy fit is so flattering and comfortable. PLUS this dress has pockets! Their dresses range from $62 on sale to $115. Passion Lilie features a variety of styles including wrap dresses, button up dresses, and more.

Tradlands’s Eco-friendly Dresses

Tradlands focuses on creating pieces customers can wear with everything and live in for years to come. Their timeless pieces are ethically made with natural materials like cotton, silk, and TENCEL. Tradlands carries both a variety of neutral style and bold dresses perfect for fun fashion. Tradlands’ dresses range from $139-$207 and feature flowy styles. I was recently gifted the Nico Linen Caroline Print Dress and have been loving it! Fun, light colors and incredibly comfortable.

ABLE’s Ethically Made Dresses

ABLE is challenging the culture of the fashion industry by creating transformative opportunities for women through livable wages. While best known for shoes and accessories, ABLE also has a clothing line. ABLE apparel is made using viscose, lyocell, and different forms of cotton. Dresses range from $30 on sale to $150.

Lovanie’s Linen Dresses for Petite Women

Lovanie is a sustainable fashion brand based in Seattle, WA. Lovanie creates clothing for petite women. Garments are ethically made in small batches in Seattle using 100% linen, deadstock fabric, and organic cotton. Use the discount code THEHONESTCONSUMER for 10% off your first purchase. I was recently gifted the Lily Dress which I’ve been loving. This dress features pockets and a flowy fit perfect for summer.

KNOWN SUPPLY’s Affordable Organic Cotton Dresses

KNOWN SUPPLY is humanizing the apparel industry through collaborative partnerships. This certified B Corporation is crafting ethical clothing while creating employment opportunities in Peru & Uganda through their partnership with Fair Trade Certified. KNOWN SUPPLY’S collection is made with GOTS Certified organic cotton creating significant water savings during the production of their sustainable clothing. Their dresses are pretty affordable ranging in the $50-$60 price range. I recently purchased the Naomi dress which has quickly become one of my go-tos because of the adorable style and comfort.

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tentree Earth-First Essentials

tentree makes Earth-First essentials using sustainable materials and comfortable materials. Every time you purchase an item, tentree plants 10 trees. By planting trees for every purchase, we’re making big change accessible to everybody and showing the lasting impact that one small choice can have. Their dresses range from $50-$90.

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Global Mama’s Topical Fair Trade Dresses

The Global Mamas community is comprised people from around the world working together with the mission of creating prosperity for African women and their families. “The Mamas” produce beautiful clothing made using traditional practices and fair trade principles ensuring every Global Mama is paid a steady, living wage. As part of the Fair Trade Federation and the World Fair Trade Organization, Global Mamas uses organic fair trade cotton to ensure quality eco-friendly materials and a transparent supply chain.

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