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Celebrate Summer With These Sustainable Sundresses
With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to throw on a sundress that you can feel good about.
When the lockdown hit, we found solace in sweatpants, athleisure wear, and anything oversized. As summer 2020 passed us by with next to no reasons to dress up, even slipping into a sundress felt like overdoing it. Now, as the weather warms up, it finally feels like time to go all out: strappy sandals, chic purses, and, of course, the superior summer dress.
But before you start filling your closet with fast fashion’s take on the season’s MVP, we want to make shopping conscientiously that much easier. Some of the best sustainable and ethically made wear can be credited to small businesses with women at the helm who are more than deserving of your hard-earned dollars. We rounded up the most-fun — and eco-friendly! — frocks for you to frolic in all summer long.
Identifying a gap in the market for Victorian era-esque airy sleepwear, designer Katarina Flick launched Kitteny. Of course, with the “it girl” obsession with boudoir staples, it didn’t take long for her soft cotton separates and baby-doll nighties to be co-opted by consumers as summer wear. Not only are all of Kitteny’s pieces ethically made, and with recyclable packaging, their floaty designs will keep you feeling fresh in the bedroom and beyond.
Did someone say maxi? No one does fit and flare or A-line better than Míe, a brand that offers pieces both casual enough for everyday wear as well as effortlessly chic. Founded and made locally in Nigeria with sustainably sourced materials, Míe is a go-to for eco-conscious women who don’t want to compromise style. The linen Symi dress features adjustable straps to fit your shoulders, making it ideal as both a beach cover-up and a dinner-date look.
The Great Eros has been a favorite among New York women for some time, and it’s easy to see why. Evolving from underwear to ready-to-wear while maintaining its commitment to sustainable and ethical production, the Great Eros should be your go-to for wardrobe building blocks — and this apron dress is no exception. Throw it on for a picnic, and feel freer than ever before.
Ethically made in Los Angeles, every Et Tigre piece is designed with your summer body in mind — that is, well, hot and sweaty limbs. This tiered, one-shoulder maxi is here for all your angel-from-heaven cosplay while keeping your body temperature as low as possible — not to mention, it’s versatile: Dress it up or down, belt, or leave flowing.
If you’re shopping for an occasion (hello — and welcome back — wedding season!), look no further than this slinky-but-structured take on the cowl-neck slip dress. New Zealand designer Maggie Hewitt’s output is entirely designed and crafted in her homeland, and she will often create pieces that are made from entirely recycled materials. A fully recycled black-tie dress in daisy yellow? Need.
Sourced from deadstock fabrics in Istanbul, Turkey, with an emphasis on drawing back the veil on every step of its manufacturing process, Oh Seven Days is paving a new path for sustainable brands. A great buy is the Ruth wrap dress for the ultimate summer look, created from matte vegan silk in the most perfect periwinkle.
When it comes to romance, no one does it better than Dôen. While it has built its reputation elevating milkmaid style to a whole new dimension, the Los Angeles-based label is also known for its ethical production and material-tracing. Newcomers, beware: Most iconic Dôen styles tend to sell out in the blink of an eye, but consider perusing their nightwear section for timeless pieces you’ll want to wear over and over.
Ruched? Check. Side split? Check. Tie straps? You betcha. It just ain’t summer without gingham, and this piece is made entirely from Tencel, a biodegradable fabric derived from wood pulp in sustainably managed forests, as well as produced locally in Los Angeles. Whimsy + Row’s environmental awareness is on a whole other level, with the brand utilizing a wait-list feature for various pieces so they don’t oversupply the demand.
Sometimes a flowy frock just doesn’t cut the check for a hot summer night on the town. If you’re in the mood for some flirty summer fun and you need a little off-the-shoulder body-con, this GANNI number is a no-brainer. GANNI reworks fabrics of collections so you can step out feeling guilt-free and look like the best version of yourself.
Sometimes, shopping sustainably can mean paying a little more than you bargained for. Thankfully, there are affordable brands like Tonlé to bridge the gap. A zero-waste company down to the very last scrap of fabric, Tonlé is a leader in sustainable design as well as size inclusive (up to 3XL) and gender neutral. This A-line creation is perfect for the gal or guy on the go — throw over a swimsuit, and prepare for cool comfort like never before.
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Beatrice Hazlehurst is a New Zealand–born writer covering culture, entertainment, and lifestyle for multiple outlets. She nomadically traverses both coasts, but currently you can find her by the beach in Southern California.
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