26 Jun

How to Pack Ethically for the Beach

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.

Swimwear & Clothes

Underprotection

Rated: Good
woman wearing striped underprotection swimsuit

Manon Swimsuit – Ships internationally from Denmark

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.

See the rating.

Shop Underprotection.

Shop Underprotection @ Curate.

Shop Underprotection @ LVR Sustainable.

Loop Swim

Rated: Great
Person wearing a black bikini set by Loop Swim.

Noir Loop Bikini Top – Ships internationally from China

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.

See the rating.

Shop Loop Swim.

Elle Evans

Rated: Great
ethical one piece swimsuit from elle evans brand

Windsor One Piece – Ships internationally from Australia

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.

See the rating.

Shop Elle Evans.

allSisters

Rated: Good
asymmetrical sustainable bikini tops by all sisters

Kapoor – White Top + Black Top – Ships internationally from Spain

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!

See the rating.

Shop allSisters.

Outerknown

Rated: Good
kelly slater wearing outerknown trunks

Apex Trunk by Kelly Slater – Ships internationally from the US

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.

See the rating.

Shop Outerknown.

Shop Outerknown @ Curate.

éclipse

Rated: Good

EveryWear Romper – Ships internationally from the US

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.

See the rating.

Shop éclipse.

Towels

Bhumi

Rated: Great
organic towel from ethical brand Bhumi

Striped Towel – Ships internationally from Australia

For beautiful towels made from 100% GOTS organic cotton, Bhumi is your best bet. Boasting a Fairtrade, organic and vegan collection, this Australian brand is a forerunner in ethical fashion and deserves your support. Plus, their towels are super soft and comfy!

See the rating.

Shop Bhumi.

 

Seek Collective

Rated: Good
beach quilt by seek collective

Gudri Quilt – Ships internationally from the US

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.

See the rating.

Shop Seek Collective.

Bags

KAYU

Rated: Good
beach woven bag by kayu

We Are The Change Straw Tote – Ships internationally from the US

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.

See the rating.

Shop KAYU.

Shop KAYU Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Jyoti – Fair Works

Rated: Good

Balangir Bag – Ships Europe-wide from Germany

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.

See the rating.

Shop Jyoti.

Sunglasses

Pala Eyewear

Rated: Good

Zuri In Pink Tortoise Shell – Ships internationally from the UK

Pala Eyewear offers high quality, long-lasting eyewear while committing to minimise the company's impact on the planet.

See the rating.

Shop Pala Eyewear @ Curate.

Shop Pala Eyewear @ Rêve En Vert.

Shop Pala Eyewear.

Amour Vert

Rated: Good
sustainable tortoiseshell sunglasses from Amour Vert

Barton Cat Eye Sunglasses – Ships to US and Canada from the US

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!

See the rating.

Shop Amour Vert.

Shop Amour Vert @ Veneka.

Shoes

Nomadic State of Mind

Rated: Good
vegan rope sandals by nomadic state of mind

Romano Sandals – Ships internationally from the US

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.

See the rating.

Shop Nomadic State of Mind.

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.

Ethical brand ratings. There’s an app for that.

Wear the change you want to see. Download our app to discover ethical brands and see how your favourites measure up.