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We’ve reviewed dozens of summer dresses from sustainable brands — these are our top fair trade and ethical dress selections for comfort, style, fit, and across a range of price points and size options.
As the days get longer and warmer, we’re dreaming of flowy summer dresses and long afternoons spent at the farmer’s market. While not every day can be as luxurious as a Saturday afternoon, we can still sport some of our favorite sundresses without sacrificing our values.
What are the best sustainable fabrics for dresses?
When it comes to sustainable fabrics for dresses, there are some seriously good-looking and eco-friendly options out there. Organic cotton is a fan favorite — it’s breathable, comfy, and grown without harsh chemicals. TENCEL™ (aka lyocell) is another winner, made from responsibly sourced wood pulp and known for its dreamy softness and flowy drape — perfect for dresses that feel as good as they look. Linen, especially when made from organically grown flax, is super durable, naturally biodegradable, and gets better with every wear. Hemp is a low-impact powerhouse too — it’s strong, breathable, and just gets softer over time. And let’s not forget about recycled materials like rPET, which give plastic bottles a stylish second life. So if you’re aiming for a dress that turns heads and keeps the planet in mind, these fabrics are where it’s at.
Our criteria:
These sustainable brands prioritize fair trade standards and practice ethical manufacturing through the use of deadstock fabrics or organic cotton for their summer dress collections. Many brands also have give-back initiatives that help empower the workers who create their garments. These dresses feel good to wear because they are good.
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These summer dresses are made by sustainable brands that adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments. We’ve also included dress brands that give back to their communities and prioritize size inclusivity in their offerings.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these summer dress collections is made by a brand that practices sustainability throughout their manufacturing process, including using all natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials in their dresses where possible.
- DESIGN | From flowy sundresses to chic and formfitting cocktail attire, we’ve compiled a roundup of dress designs for every possible occasion and need.
- INCLUSIVITY | While sustainable fashion can be pricey and fashion is often limiting when it comes to size ranges, we’ve made an effort to include something for everyone on this list.
To accessorize and complete your summer dress selection, check out our favorite sustainable sandals and ethical jewelry brands.
Best Overall | Reformation ($98+)
Most Affordable | Quince ($40+)
Best Active Dress | Girlfriend Collective ($88+)
1. Pact
Best For | Organic cotton dresses
Sustainable Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton
Size Range | XXS – 3XL
Price | Dresses starting at $48
Made using organic cotton, Pact‘s summer dresses are the breeziest. Choose from simple midi dresses or fun fit and flares or cozy boho-styles — these clothes are so cozy, whatever you choose will be a favorite for summers to come. Details like tie-fronts and double-layered tops add the perfect amount of interest to elevate each dress to something special. Be sure to check out their donation program for used clothes!
Customer Review | “I love all the fit and flare dresses. So comfy and flattering, and always with cute new patterns!” – Casey S. (Read all reviews.)
2. Christy Dawn
Best For | Flowy, romantic dresses
Sustainable Materials | Deadstock fabrics, organic & regenerative cotton
Size Range | PXS – 3X; up to US 24
Price | Dresses starting at $88
If you’re looking for a sheer, romantic dress to wear on a moonlit stroll, Christy Dawn has got you covered. Ethically made in the USA and India from organic and deadstock fabrics, the ruffle details, smocked bodices, and nostalgic floral prints will make any walk outside feel like a whimsical frolic. With charming prints and flowing silhouettes, choose a dress for a special occasion — or any time you feel like adding a little loveliness to your day.
Customer Review | “This dress meets all the criteria I look for in a garment – beautifully soft fabric that doesn’t irritate my skin, ethical craftsmanship, tailoring to flatter an hourglass female form, light and breathable cotton for the year-round hot days here in Australia and the print and shade of blue in this dress is devine. Immediately after receiving this dress I bought two more Dawn dresses in other prints.” – Julia B. (Read all reviews.)
3. Sézane
Best For | Statement dresses
Sustainable Materials | ECOVERO™ LENZING™, recycled poly, organic cotton
Size Range | XS – XXXL; up to US 16
Price | Dresses starting at $145
Summer is the time to wear bold colors and fun prints, and Sézane’s dress collection provides pieces that will help you stand out. These are dresses you will want to be seen in, whether you’re going to an office picnic or a romantic dinner date. Be a little daring in a structured, mini shirt dress or hit the farmer’s market in a romantic pleated skirt with fitted bodice and delicate tie spaghetti straps — whatever you choose will be sure to turn heads!
4. MagicLinen
Best For | Linen dresses
Sustainable Materials | OEKO-TEX Certified linen
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price | Dresses starting at $97
MagicLinen crafts breezy, sustainable linen garments designed for everyday wear and made to last. Their locally made dresses embody everything we love about linen: Effortless, breathable, and beautifully draped in a way that only improves over time. We’re especially drawn to their easygoing, beach-ready pullovers, though their more structured silhouettes make stunning choices for special occasions. If you’ve got a summer wedding on the calendar, their wedding guest dresses are the perfect sustainable pick.
Customer Review | “I bought this dress and love it. I am happy I went one size down, it still has plenty of flow and big movement. Washes nicely, hang dry, and then steam. Love that it has pockets too. So happy I purchased in black as well.” – Christie V. (Read all reviews.)
Use code DRESS15 for 15% off
5. MATE the Label
Best For | Everyday Dresses
Sustainable Materials | GOTS-Certified organic linen
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | Dresses starting at $148
MATE the Label’s high quality linen dresses are what we’ve been dreaming of! Crafted from GOTS-Certified organic linen, these fresh and breezy dresses will have you be embodying the clean-girl aesthetic in style. MATE keeps their supply chain clean by using significantly less water and carbon compared to conventional materials. They also prioritize your health and the planet’s by excluding harmful chemicals like pesticides and formaldehyde from their clothing. With MATE, you can dress clean and feel clean, knowing your clothes use natural, non-toxic, and organic.
Customer Review | “I cannot say enough good things about this dress. The fit is perfect and the quality is 11/10. The fabric is thick, but not so thick that it’s too warm for summer. Every time I’ve worn this I receive compliments. My favorite summer basic dress.” – Molly (Read all reviews.)
6. Quince
Best For | Budget-friendly dresses
Sustainable Materials | ECOVERO™ LENZING™, organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, European linen
Size Range | XS – XL; up to US 12
Price | Dresses starting at $40
From organic cotton maxi dresses, to European linen shirt dresses, Quince crafts clothing for style and sustainability. Each summer dress is breathable, durable while boasting flowy and flattering silhouettes for an elegant yet casual look. Quince carries everything from more casual to formal attire, making it the perfect choice for shopping for any occasion. Many pieces are OEKO-TEX Certified and produced in BSCI-certified factories in Shenzen, China. Elevate your wardrobe with these eco-conscious clothes!
Customer Review | “Love this dress. It is comfy yet not sloppy or too casual. I can dress it up or down……. so easy to slip on with nice shoes. I am now buying a white one for that crisp, cool look.” – Susan (Read all reviews.)
7. Reformation
Best For | On-trend sustainable dresses
Sustainable Materials | Deadstock fabrics, TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton
Size Range | XSP – 3X; up to US 24
Price | Dresses starting at $98
Dress to impress yourself in a sweet little number from Reformation. Whether you’re looking for something perfectly fitted, a smocked back, or a ruffled neckline, there’s a dress with your name on it. Plus, many of their goods are ethically made in Los Angeles from sustainable and regenerative sources like viscose, a wood pulp-based fabric from sustainably managed forests.
8. Whimsy + Row
Best For | Bridesmaid dresses
Sustainable Materials | TENCEL™, cupro, upcycled materials, linen
Size Range | XXS – XL
Price | Dresses starting at $222
Whimsy + Row isn’t just about making beautiful dresses — it’s about doing good at every step of the process. This eco-conscious brand keeps things local and low-impact, creating limited-run styles from dreamy sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™, linen, and organic cotton. Their dresses are crafted in small batches just miles from their office, which means they can ensure ethical production and fair wages while reducing waste and emissions. From recycling fabric scraps into accessories to using only recycled packaging and water-saving dye methods, Whimsy + Row designs with both the planet and people in mind!
Customer Review | “This dress looks and feels beautiful, especially the open back detail! The fabric is just heavy enough and feels luxurious, and the tie is super flattering. I just wish it came in a sleeveless version!” – Lela (Read all reviews.)
9. Girlfriend Collective
Best For | Athletic dresses
Sustainable Materials | Recycled PET
Size Range | XXS – 6X; up to US 32
Price | Dresses starting at $88
Looking for the perfect dress to take you from the gym to brunch? Or maybe just something with some compression that isn’t your same old tired legging set (it’s summer — it’s hot!). Girlfriend Collective has a whole line of workout dresses made from recycled materials and eco-friendly dyes that are ideal for a busy day, whether you’re running errands or hitting the tennis courts. We especially love their Sweetheart dress, inspired by their best selling bra of the same name! A comfy, sustainable dress that we can sweat in while looking cute and skipping the bra? *Adding to cart…
Customer Review | “I love that I can wear this just about anywhere because of the built-in shorts.” – Kennan R. (Read all reviews.)
10. Everlane
Best For | Minimal dresses & jumpsuits
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell
Size Range | XXS – XXL; up to US 16
Price | Dresses starting at $68
Everlane is all about radical transparency. Under each item, you’ll find the true cost of each product. Though some costs, like design and rent, are hard to quantify, Everlane knows that you deserve to know what goes into the items you love. Alongside their transparency model, Everlane prioritizes timeless designs and quality materials in their summer dresses, like organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell, so you can wear their pieces for years to come.
Customer Review | “This item arrived just in time for my trip to London. It’s light and breezy. You can dress up with a cardigan or a shirt for a city walk. It has pockets too! I’d pack it for every trip in the summer.” – Shijia M. (Read all reviews.)
Header image from Pact
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