9 Sustainable Summer Essentials for Your Wardrobe & Suitcase

Why focus on sustainable summer essentials? 

Because fast fashion micro-trends and overconsumption get even crazier during the warmest months, and the planet can’t take it. Plus, let’s face it: when you keep buying trendy summer clothes that don’t really feel “you”, you only wear them once or twice before binning them.

Instead, you can choose to fall in love with a smaller but timeless and meaningful wardrobe, filled (not to the brim) with sustainable summer essentials that you love and that you can combine into all kinds of creative outfits. 

Consider this before buying new sustainable summer essentials

To be more sustainable with your clothes in summer:

• Go through your existing wardrobe first (I bet there are so many forgotten gems and summer combinations you had never thought about!)
• Identify your summer style, not temporary trends
• Even though this is a list of sustainable summer essentials, it doesn’t mean you should buy all of them, especially if you already own some. So, when you go through it, prioritise what feels relevant and goes well with your existing clothes

9 sustainable summer essentials for a timeless, eco-friendly, and stylish wardrobe

Sorry, fast fashion brands: I’ll always pick (and rewear) these over your latest polyester dress made in a sweatshop and designed to fall apart before autumn. 

1. White organic cotton t-shirt

A plain white tee is the starting point for so many sustainable summer outfits.

For example, wear it with denim shorts, jeans, trousers, colourful or patterned shorts, short and longer skirts, dungarees, and even underneath some strapped dresses.

Rather than traditional cotton (which is actually terrible for the planet), choose organic cotton or ethical fabrics like hemp and bamboo. 

2. Monochrome spaghetti or tank top

Just as versatile as the first ethical summer essential in this list, but particularly perfect when the weather gets even hotter.

Consider choosing a monochrome design in a different colour. That way, your top will still go with plenty of your bottom garments (more outfits!) but without looking too similar to your white t-shirt.

3. Ethical denim shorts

Another versatile staple: you can wear this summer essential with t-shirts in all kinds of colours and designs as well as tank tops, spaghetti straps, and bandeaus.

While traditional jeans require lots of water during their production phase, you could look for models made with a closed-loop system (like MUD Jeans).

4. Short summer dress

The right design will depend on your personal style and preferences.

Since the next sustainable summer essential in our list is a maxi dress, how about choosing a more versatile design for one of them (like neutral or monochrome) and a bolder one for the other (like a pattern, print, or vibrant colours)?

As for fabrics, consider organic cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp, or recycled materials.

5. Maxi summer dress

Perfect for the most carefree afternoons by the beach or when strolling in the sunshine, maxi dresses are another must-have during the hottest months of the year.

6. Sandals and summer shoes

Forget about fast fashion’s tacky options that fall apart after a few weeks!

Instead, invest in durable sandals and summer shoes made ethically. Some creative alternatives? Sustainable rubber, organic cork, and recycled materials.

7. Sustainable sunglasses

Unlike flimsy fast fashion models, the best sustainable sunglasses are safe, durable, and made ethically.

For example, some of them involve plastic-free options like bamboo or cotton-based acetate.

8. Organic cotton tote bag

From iced coffee dates to the beach, this practical and sustainable summer essential can accompany you pretty much everywhere.

While, when it comes to materials, I especially recommend organic cotton, you should look for a special design that represents your style.

9. Sustainable swimwear

Unfortunately, most swimwear is made with virgin synthetic fabrics. These involve fossil fuels and an extremely polluting production process, aren’t biodegradable, and release microplastics. 

So, instead of buying a new fast fashion (two)piece every year, invest in a timeless, durable, and more eco-friendly bikini or swimsuit you actually love.

For example, you could look for recycled polyester, Econyl (made with plastic waste like fishing nets), or natural fabrics like cotton and hemp.

Ethical brands that are perfect for your sustainable summer essentials

Some of my current favourites (although it’s so hard to choose!):

• GAÂLA's, which uses upcycled fabrics and is ideal for summer dresses
• Baukjen for plenty of organic cotton garments 
• Bhoomi for natural fabrics like organic cotton and linen
• Ravens View for a very summery Ibiza vibe (yep, they’re based in Spain)
• Kaly Ora, Frija Omina, Woodlike Ocean, and Mymarini for sustainable swimwear

Finding more sustainable summer essentials on Project Cece

Still undecided? Don’t sweat it.

On Project Cece, we’ve brought hundreds of fairtrade brands in one place and added filters to narrow down your choices.

Finding the right sustainable summer essentials for your style, budget, and ethos? It’s now a (warm) breeze.