For those in the northern hemisphere, summer is in full swing, and that means beach weather! If you count yourself among the rapidly expanding conscious consumers or are on your way to giving your wardrobe an eco-friendly update, think of this as your go-to ethical beach kit.
From swimmers to sunglasses, we’ve got you (semi) covered—just don’t forget your sunscreen! Here’s how to pack ethically for the beach.
How to Pack Ethically for the Beach
Underprotection
Underprotection is a Danish brand combining ethics and aesthetics, creating underwear, loungewear, and swimwear from sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton. All of its packaging, paper, and polybags are either recycled or biodegradable, and it only works with certified factories as it believes “fair working conditions and fair wages are human rights”. Underprotection exists to celebrate women of all kinds, and its goal is to make them feel as beautiful and comfortable as possible. You can find the full range in XS-XL.
Loop Swim
Loop Swim is a Chinese brand that transforms post-consumer use plastic bottles into phenomenal REPREVE UP50+ sun protective swimwear for men, women, and kids. Find most items in sizes XS to XL.
Elle Evans
For sustainable swimwear that stays on trend, look no further than Australian brand Elle Evans. Made from post-consumer waste material Econyl lycra by a two-person team in their studio in Melbourne, this gorgeous brand deserves to be flaunted.
allSisters
Barcelona based allSisters is a sexy, sustainable swimwear brand that cares about the earth. The brand uses the highest quality recycled fabrics to create high-end swimsuits and raises money for biodiversity protection non-profit Surfers Against Sewage, tackling plastic pollution. Rock these thoughtful, innovative designs with pride and prepare to ride the wave of compliments headed your way!
Outerknown
Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a sustainable brand that aims to blend style and function with the protection of natural resources. The brand is Bluesign certified and has partnered with the Fair Labour Association. Find the range in sizes XS-2XL.
éclipse
éclipse creates climate control UPF 50+ clothing essentials and accessories to help keep the whole family sunsafe. It manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint, and its entire product range is vegan-friendly. Products are stocked in sizes S-XL.
Towels
Seek Collective
Made entirely from post-production scraps, Seek Collective’s Gudri quilts are 100% zero-waste works of art AND will be great for your next picnic on the beach. Seek Collective is a line of elevated essentials inspired by the global woman.
Bags
KAYU
Handcrafted bags, hats, and accessories. KAYU commits to using natural materials such as straw, wood, and shells. It also partners with local artisans in the Philippines to produce its products.
Jyoti – Fair Works
For those living in Europe, you’re lucky enough to be able to get your hands on the beautiful 100% GOTS cotton products created by Jyoti. Truly embodying ethical fashion practices, this company provides employment for people from marginalised or disadvantaged groups in India, uses only organic cotton in production, and no animal products! This large, handwoven drawstring bag is perfect to chuck in everything you need for a day at the beach.
Sunglasses
Pala Eyewear
Pala Eyewear offers high quality, long-lasting eyewear while committing to minimise the company's impact on the planet.
Amour Vert
For sustainable staples made in sunny San Francisco, check out Amour Vert. They use only eco-friendly materials and promote a zero-waste strategy. These fashion forward cat eye glasses come in a range of colours, and they don’t just look good – their ZYL acetate frames originate from wood pulp and cotton fibres, both renewable sources. They also provide 100% UVA + UVB protection, so you can rock them knowing you are looking after the environment and yourself!
Shoes
Nomadic State of Mind
Nomadic State of Mind hand-crafts vegan sandals made of rope, up-cycled sailcloth, hemp, and recycled plastic bottles. The brand also provides jobs for workers from disadvantaged communities in Nicaragua.
So there you have it! All your beach fashion needs from top to toe from Good On You ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ rated ethical brands you can trust.
Editor's note
Feature image via Unsplash. All other photos by the brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. We love to recommend some of the best sustainable brands, rated ‘Good’ or ‘Great’. We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our Directory to search more than 3,000 brands. We may earn a commission on sales made using our offer codes or affiliate links.