image: Vincent James

The Best Sustainable Tank Tops

Tank tops are a wardrobe staple, whether you live in a hot place and need them year-round or have short summers but love to layer like me. Tank tops can include anything from athletic ones to casual ones for a day at the park to ones that can be layered and dressed up for a night out. Due to their versatility, tanks are a foundational item that most of us have multiple of, and they should be part of any capsule wardrobe. With the variety of tank top options, I made sure to include a whole range of styles, prices, and sizes. Of course, they are all from brands that are sustainable and ethical. I am certain you will be able to find a few solid choices that will fit your style for many years. I haven’t forgotten the men either – there are 3 recommendations for you. 

Why Does Sustainability Matter When it Comes to Tank Tops?

You might wonder why it is important to make sure even your tank tops are sustainable. After all, they are vastly available, inexpensive, come in many colors and styles, are worn often, and are small garments - shouldn’t they be one part of the wardrobe you don’t have to worry about? Being a wardrobe staple, you should particularly look for sustainable tank tops. Since they are worn often, you probably have multiples, and they aren’t usually resalable; look for ones that last a long time and use eco-friendly materials and production methods. While it is easy to pick up 5 different colors of $5 tank tops, you must ask yourself why it is so cheap and what toll it took on the planet and people to make it? The best thing to do is to have 3 or 4 high-quality tank tops that go with many items in your wardrobe and will last you years – think of them as foundations of a great wardrobe.

Tip: Sign up for emails from your favorite brands and get alerts about sales, then stock up on the tanks you need.

What Materials Should You Look For?

The most common fabrics to look for in sustainable tank tops are:

• Organic Cotton

• Recycled Polyester

• Tencel

• Micro Modal

• Linen

• Hemp

Many tanks have a small mix of Elastane or Spandex, especially if they are used for athletic purposes, so they stretch and hold their shape. Recycled polyester is a good alternative to Spandex and Elastane. However, they are usually such a small percentage of the overall garment that it is not a deal-breaker when shopping.

Now, Our Top 12 Picks for Sustainable Tank Tops:

1) Stretch Fit Tank

Brand: Pact

Price: $50/ 3 pack

Materials: 93% organic cotton and 7% Elastane

PACT is one of the early leaders in sustainable foundations such as underwear and tank tops and the first place I turned to when starting my sustainable wardrobe journey.

This classic athletic style for women comes in a 3 pack of the same or different colors, giving you the basics you need for many years. You can wear these to garden in the hot sun, or under a light cardigan by the beach. The cherry on the top is that PACT’s tanks are GOTS and Fair-Trade certified.

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2) Prospect Heights Tank

Brand: Prana

Price: $35

Materials: 52% Polyester, 38% Recycled Polyester, 10% TENCEL™ Lyocell

Prana has one of the largest selections of basics for men, including a few tanks. This tank comes in two different colors, and is bluesign approved and Fair Trade certified. It also goes up to a size XXXL.

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3) V-Neck Tank

Brand: Vincent James

Price: $88

Materials: Organic cotton/Tencel blend with a touch of Spandex

This V-Neck tank should be a staple in any capsule wardrobe. The v-neck is a sexy and classy look that works with jeans, or a skirt and flirty sandals. The built-in bra and adjustable straps ensure a supportive fit. Vincent James’ tanks also come in two other neck lines. Being OEKO-TEX and GOTS certified makes the V-Neck tank even more appealing.

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 4) Victoria Dream Knit Top

Brand: Amour Vert

Price: $58

Materials: 94% modal, 6% Spandex

Even though this is called a sleeveless top, to me it is a dressy tank style. This is so versatile it could be worn with nearly everything for nearly every occasion. The twist keyhole style adds a nice element of interest too. The Victoria Dream Knit comes in 3 stripped or 1 flower option.

One thing I love about Amount Vert is they provide information on the actual factory where your garment is made.

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5) The Everyday Tank Top

Brand: Encircled

Price: $68

Materials: Bamboo & Organic Cotton

This tank from Encircled is perfectly named because it does make for an easy everyday top with warmer weather! It has a great length to wear with leggings, and you can easily tuck it into shorts or skirts. Find it in several different colors, but this striped one is a new Sustainably Chic favorite!

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6) Tempo Tank

Brand: Girlfriend Collective

Price: $34

Materials: 91% recycled water bottles, 9% Spandex

The Tempo Tank is perfect for working out with its supportive fit, wicking properties, and dry quick feature.

Girlfriend Collective is one of the most size inclusive brands offering XXS-6XL. This tank also comes in 6 colors. There is truly something for everyone.

Girlfriend Collective is SA8000 certified for humane working conditions, very transparent about their processes, and actively supports organizations promoting sustainability and diversity. This brand is a leader in making the fashion world more inclusive.

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7) Tradewind Performance Tank

Brand: Vuori

Price: $42

Materials: 89% recycled polyester, 11% Elastane

The Tradewind tank is designed for athletic performance, hence the name. It is lightweight, breathable, quick dry, has anti-chafing seams, and even UPF 30+ for sun protection.

The chest pocket provides a space for your phone, a gym membership card, or car key. Not all Vuori’s tanks are made from recycled material, so be sure to check. They are however committed to 80% sustainable materials by 2022 and growing their use of recycled materials. I love to keep an eye on brands that are committed to continuing to grow their sustainability practices.

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8) Racer Tank

Brand: For Days

Price: $24

Materials: 100% organic cotton

The racer tank is the classic style and softness you expect in a tank.

It is a great style, available in 4 classic colors, and a solid choice for layering and wearing with nearly everything. It is a relaxed fit and mid length for tucking or not – you choose.

The Racer also is available in a good range of sizes (XL – XXL). For Days will take your old clothes and give you a credit; keeping clothes out of the landfill and rewarding you - how amazing is that!

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9) Soft Hemp Reversible Button Tank

Brand: United by Blue

Price: $58

Materials: 55% hemp, 45% organic cotton

This reversible tank is a unique and fun style that will stand out. You can wear the buttons in the front or the back – make the style work for you. The straps are adjustable for a great fit.

This tank will pair well with capris, loose shorts, or even a skirt. United Blue uses GOTS certified factories, ensuring sustainable practices and fair working conditions. When you buy a tank from them, they will remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways.

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10) Krisi Linen Top

Brand: People Tree

Price: $76

Materials: 100% Linen

The Krisi is a fantastic minimalistic tank that will fit into any closet. It could easily be worn with jeans, capris, skirts, or layered under a jacket with dress pants. It’s versatility means you could keep it for years. I love that it’s linen – currently obsessed with this lovely fabric. People Tree partners with fair-trade certified manufacturers to make your clothes.

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11) Roxanna Square Neck Rib Tank

Brand: Threads for Thought

Price: $48

Materials: 70% recycled polyester from plastic bottles, 30% organic

I love the wide straps, strong ribbing and rounded lines. It is both feminine and strong. I would love this with jeans, shorts, or even a flowy skirt and light shirt over it.

Thread for Thought is a super transparent brand about their production, sustainability and equity practices. They also recycle and reuse 80% of their wastewater – reducing use and keeping our waterways clean.

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12) Unisex Go-To Tank

Brand: The Good Tee

Price: $27

Materials: GOTS certified organic cotton

The Good Tee could not find a unisex tank they liked, so they made their own. The style and fit should work for just about anyone. The colors are classic too, making it even more versatile. The casual style, scoop neck, waist length, rounded neck and loose fit through the arms make it a great choice for jeans or shorts.

Making it even better – it is Fair Trade certified, and the dyes used are also eco-friendly certified by GOTS.

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About the Contributor: Mindy Redburn-Smoak has enjoyed a 20+ year career in corporate learning as a consultant, designer, and manager. She is passionate about sustainable living, family, travel, and dog rescue. She has been on a mission to live more sustainably for several years, and loves the journey of learning and trying new things in this space. She is on another journey pursuing her dream of writing about things she is passionate about and that can make a difference in the world. The best way to connect with Mindy is via email at mredsmoak@gmail.com.

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Sustainable Brands & Eco-Friendly Products You Can Find at Target

When you think of sustainable shopping, you don’t often think of large corporate chain stores. Thankfully, this is starting to change, and bigger companies are beginning to carry more sustainable and eco-friendly options in-store. One of my favorite places for one-stop shopping is Target. Plus, the drive-up order option is a lifesaver! However, when I began my sustainable journey, I found myself going there less and less because they no longer had the trove of treasures aligned with my values. I am happy to say I have seen this change over the past couple of years, and the new sustainable choices are popping up more often. I am finding products and brands I can feel good about. I finally get excited to shop at Target again! This just proves that the more we show what matters to us by using our dollars, the more we shape the world into the place we want it to be!

What types of sustainable brands does Target carry?

Target has sustainable brands in makeup, body care, cleaning, home, pets, and even shoes! It is great to see that they are becoming more aware that these types of brands matter to consumers and are further expanding their sustainable brand offerings. In addition, some brands are also Target exclusives, most at a very affordable price point, allowing the sustainable choice to be truly accessible to everyone.

Why are sustainable brands at Target important?

When we support the sustainable and eco-friendly options sold at larger corporations, like Target, it helps show the company that their consumers demand these items. Big businesses are motivated by sales and profit, so when the right choice for the planet makes them a profit, they are more motivated to change their practices and expand what they keep in stock. With more products in demand, sustainable businesses also benefit financially from the large corporation partnerships, and it helps raise their brand awareness. With more awareness comes more sustainable consumers, and that is what we like to see! The goal for sustainability is to create a world where it is as easy to access and purchase Earth-friendly items as other conventional options. Unfortunately, Target is such a large corporation with locations in areas where sustainable choices are sparse. 

To make your sustainable Target shopping easier, I compiled a list of eco-friendly brands you can find at Target! Some of these have quickly become my household staples! Knowing you can find these brands while doing other shopping will give you peace of mind and save you time.

You can also check out Target’s sustainable brand page where they talk about their plans and standards they aspire to put in place moving forward. As consumers, it is also important we hold them accountable and know where our dollars go when supporting the company.

Does Target have sustainable clothing?

Target is making great strides to bring more sustainable clothing options to its stores. They have some items made from recycled materials, like recycled polyester, which is great progress, but their clothing lines don’t quite qualify as fully sustainable. However, as far as fast fashion goes, Target is doing more than most companies of their size, and changes won’t happen overnight. You can read their statement that explains their projection to be “sourcing 100% sustainable cotton for our Owned Brand and exclusive National Brand products by 2022.” Target is also incorporating more inclusive sizing. It will be an industry-leading change as they continue adding more eco-friendly materials and be a leader for other corporations showing that sustainability can and should be done on a large scale.

Now, Our Favorite Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Brands & Products at Target:

1) Faith In Nature

A UK beauty brand committed to 100% recycled and recyclable packaging, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, and sustainable manufacturing.

Faith In Nature shares the same sustainable values we look for when choosing a company to support. They are known for their shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and skincare.

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2) Rhyme & Reason

Exclusive to Target, their hair care products are dermatologist-approved for sensitive scalps and skin. Rhyme and Reason use recycled and recyclable packaging, including their caps.

One product, the leave-in conditioner, has non-recycled plastic, but they are committed to changing this as soon as a solution becomes available. They are also 1% For The Planet members.

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3) Native

The founder of Sustainably Chic, Natalie, uses this plastic-free deodorant brand!

While all of Native’s products are made with non-toxic ingredients, switching to Native Plastic Free from Native Classic will help reduce waste by up to 169 tons each year. They also carry toothpaste, body wash, shampoo & conditioner and are also members of 1% for the Planet.

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image: Brown Girl Hands

4) Ella + Mila

With rich pigmentation and a smooth finish, Ella + Milla gives your fingernails a beautiful look.

This vegan brand is so sweet that they even have a line for your little ones! So both you and your daughter can do your DIY manis and pedis, and feel good about knowing what you’re putting on their nails.

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5) HeyHumans

Also exclusive to Target and a 99% plastic-free company, HeyHumans is committed to reducing plastic on the planet. They also strive to be inclusive with gender-neutral scents, feature upcycled plant-based ingredients to break the waste cycle, and are cruelty-free and vegan. Their coconut mint and rosewater ginger deodorant smells so good and quickly became a new favorite of mine!

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6) Hello

Hello knows that personal hygiene does not need to come at a price for the planet. Products include everything from mouthwash to hand sanitizer. They even create toothpaste tablets that come in recyclable tin packaging to eliminate wasteful tubes. In addition, their packaging can be recycled, uses soy-based ink, and responsibly source all of their ingredients.

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7) Bioblender

Bioblender (by EcoTools) offers home compostable and biodegradable makeup sponges and cleansing mits, which means your makeup routine won’t need to contribute to landfills or more plastic waste.

The packaging is also biodegradable and printed with soy ink.

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8) Reel Toilet Paper

Created from 100% bamboo instead of trees, this is a great sustainable switch you can make.

It is biodegradable and contains no inks or dyes. It has 3-ply for extra softness and is fragrance & chlorine-free.

Even their packaging is sustainable and contains zero plastic - including the tape!

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9) Casabella Infuse Clean

We all learned how wasteful cleaning the house can be between paper towels, wipes, and single-use plastic bottles. The Infuse line of cleaning products makes your home a more sustainable and chemical-free place! You can find floor mops, cleaning cloths, dish sponges, and spray bottles that use a refillable cleaning concentrate, allowing you to make your home feel fresh without all the waste!

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10) Klean Kanteen

Reusable drinkware is one of the easiest ways to reduce single-use plastic, and Klean Kanteen has been committed to this mission for almost 20 years so far.

They offer any cup style you might need, such as an insulated bottle, tumbler, thermos, pint cup, and, of course, reusable straws.

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11) Matter

Matter is a disposable serveware brand that creates plates, bowls, cutlery, cups, and food storage products that are 100% backyard compostable. The natural plant-based materials add nutrients back into the earth as they compost. It takes about 12 months or less to deteriorate and put valuable nutrients back into the soil. A single-use solution you can feel good about!

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12) Stasher

Stasher is one of the best alternatives for resealable plastic bags. They have tons of sizes for snacks, sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. They are microwave-safe, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe. Then when your well-loved Stasher bags are ready to live another life, they can be sent to Stasher to be properly recycled with TerraCycle. These are so handy that you can use them to organize other items like cords or odds and ends around the house. I love multipurpose products!

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13) If You Care

If You Care was the first company to offer unbleached coffee filters in 1990. The company has since turned into a full line of kitchen and household products that are Earth-friendly and recyclable or compostable. Baking cups, garbage bags, recycled aluminum foil, and parchment paper, every room of your home is covered with their sustainable products. They even have 11 environmental and ethical certifications and use vegetable-based inks and dyes for all their packaging.

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14) Misto

This is an easy way to transition from single-use spray cans for your cooking oils.

Instead, you can use the Misto oil sprayer with any oil you like, and it is much more economically and environmentally friendly.

It sprays as an aerosol can but without all the negative effects.

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15) West Paw

West Paw is a family-run business that recycles ocean and landfill-bound materials to make their dog toys so that the planet, pets, and people benefit from less waste. OEKO-TEX and B Corp certifications ensure that all parts of their supply chain are sustainably managed to be responsibly made. They also have a recycling program for their Zogoflex line, which is infinitely recyclable.

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16) Okabashi

Okabashi makes footwear for the whole family, from sandals, flip flops to flats! Their shoes are created from recyclable materials in the USA by a predominantly female-led team. Okabashi is part of the 1% of shoe companies based in the United States and is committed to durable sustainability. They also offer a two-year guarantee and have a return program, so your worn-out shoes can be recycled back into more shoes.

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About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

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image: Able

Sustainable Shorts for Summer

Shorts are a warm-weather essential that you probably dig out of your closet every spring or summer. But as you wear them, season after season, they can get worn out and you might need to purchase a new pair. 

Shorts are a wardrobe staple you might wear all summer long, so you want them to be comfortable, lightweight and they have to fit your body well. 

But if you’re eco-conscious, you probably want to avoid buying them from fast fashion brands, because they’re very polluting and wasteful. You can easily opt for more sustainable alternatives! 

The most eco-friendly way to shop for a pair of shorts is either to get them second-hand or from sustainable brands. If you prefer the second option, we’ve compiled a list of 16 sustainable fashion brands that sell shorts you’ll want to wear all summer!

WHAT MAKES YOUR SHORTS SUSTAINABLE?

Like every clothing item, sustainable shorts are made with eco-friendly materials. It means either recycled fabrics, or natural and biodegradable ones. Shorts should be made to last for years, so they have to be high quality and durable. 

Also, make sure that the brand is transparent about its supply chain, and that it offers workers decent working conditions and fair wages. Brands that are B corporations or certified GOTS, Oeko-Tex 100, or Fair Trade should be your go-to when looking for sustainable shorts! 

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR? 

As you’re most likely to wear shorts in the summer, you want them to be lightweight and breathable. The best eco-friendly fabrics for such shorts are linen, organic cotton, hemp, and Tencel. All are sustainable and great for the summer, so pick your favorite! If you plan to be active and work out regularly, look for recycled polyester or recycled nylon. 

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE BRANDS THAT SELL SHORTS:

1) Able

For: Women

Made In: India, Mexico

Materials: Cotton, Lyocell 

Price: $65-68

 Able was founded to help Ethiopian women come out of the commercial sex industry. It started by making handwoven scarves, but is now selling clothes, shoes, and accessories.

The brand’s shorts are all casual, yet chic and easy to style. Able makes its denim shorts in Mexico, and to reduce its carbon footprint from shipping, sources all components from the western hemisphere (mainly Mexico). Its Mexican vendor also recycles 100% of the water it’s using to produce denim.  

Able aims to employ, educate, and empower women to alleviate poverty. I love that the brand is very transparent as to where its clothes are made, and how! 

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2) Ninety Percent 

For: Women

Made In: Bangladesh, Turkey

Materials: Organic Cotton, Tencel

Price: $64-113

Ninety Percent is a London-based womenswear brand that sells all types of clothes from tops and skirts, to dresses and bottoms. Natalie, founder of Sustainable Chic, loves these shorts pictured here.

Ninety Percent’s shorts are mostly cycling and running shorts. As it’s difficult to find cycling shorts that are ethically and sustainably made, this brand is your best bet! 

Its shorts are made of GOTS certified organic cotton and Tencel. They are available in neutral colors, which makes it easy to mix and match them with colorful workout tops. 

 Ninety Percent donates part of its profits to charitable organizations that promote social justice and wildlife conservation. You even get to choose which one you want to support with your purchase! 

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3) colorful standard

For: Men & Women

Made In: Portugal

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $70-80

If you are looking for the sustainable alternative to American Apparel, this will be your stop! Colorful Standard’s shorts come in 18 different colors, and they are Oeko-Tex® certified dyed and PETA approved. The Twill shorts are definitely a new favorite of Sustainably Chic, especially this gorgeous seaweed color!

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4) People Tree

For: Women

Made In: India, Turkey, Bangladesh

Materials: Organic Cotton 

Price: $61-124

People Tree is a Japanese brand that has been a pioneer in sustainable fashion, creating all kinds of clothing and accessories for women. 

All its shorts are vegan and made of GOTS certified organic cotton.

Different styles are available, but all are very flattering and chic. The brand makes its denim shorts using up to 95% less water compared to conventional denim production. 

People Tree is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization, which means that its shorts are produced in compliance with fair trade principles. The brand also gained the Soil Association certification back in 2006.

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5) Harvest & Mill 

For: Gender-Neutral

Made In: USA

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $44

Harvest & Mill is a clothing brand that makes 100% organic cotton apparel for both women and men. 

The brand has just launched its shorts line. It sells the same simple unisex model for both men and women, and it’s available in black and white.

These shorts are very soft and breathable, which is perfect for the summer! 

The black model is dyed with non-toxic dyes. The “natural” white-colored shorts are dye-free and bleach-free, which means that the brand is eliminating unnecessary chemicals in the production process. 

The brand’s supply chain is hyper-localized. Its clothing is entirely American-made; even the cotton the brand uses is grown in the USA. To top it all, Harvest & Mill is entirely carbon-neutral! 

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7) Sézane

For: Women

Made In: Bulgaria, Morocco, Portugal, India, China

Materials: Organic Cotton, Viscose, Recycled Polyester, Vegetable-Tanned Leather 

Price: $60-230

Sézane is a French clothing brand that creates timeless and high-quality pieces that outlive trends. It sells many pieces that are certified Oeko-Tex 100, GOTS, & FSC. 

The brand offers a wide variety of shorts, with different styles and fabrics. There are so many pieces that you will surely find exactly what you’re looking for! You can even buy short jumpsuits, which are amazing for the summer.

Sézane shorts are also great for every budget, starting from $60 to $230. 

In 2018, Sézane created Demain, a philanthropic program that supports charities promoting equal access to education and opportunities for children and young adults around the globe. 

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8) Eileen Fisher

For: Women

Made In: Indonesia, USA, Vietnam, Peru

Materials: Organic Linen, Tencel, Organic Cotton

Price: $98-148

Founded in 1984, Eileen Fisher creates clothing, shoes, and accessories for women who want to wear well-made pieces that work well together. 

The brand shorts collection is entirely made with sustainable materials. Its pieces are versatile and great for easy everyday looks. They’re all in neutral colors, so you’ll be able to reach for them again and again. 

Eileen Fisher has been a certified B corporation since 2015. It is very transparent about its supply chain, and where its greenhouse gas emissions come from. 

I love that the brand is size-inclusive (shorts up to 3X). It also has a take-back program and turns damaged clothes into new designs to give them a new life. 

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9) Taylor Stitch 

For: Men

Made in: China 

Materials: Organic Cotton, Linen, Deadstock Fabric

Price: $88-98

Taylor Stitch sells clothing, footwear, and accessories for men who want clothes that are built for the long haul. The brand makes different models of shorts, each available in several colors.

Every pair of shorts is versatile, classic, and easy to style; the perfect men’s summer staple! Not to mention that all its cotton shorts are organic!

Taylor Stitch also uses deadstock fabric to create its products. It means that the brand upcycles textile waste into new garments. This process helps save water and reduce CO2 emissions. 

The company offsets its carbon footprint from shipping, and has made donations to social justice and environmental organizations. 

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10) Mate the Label

For: Women

Made In: USA 

Materials: Linen, Organic Cotton, Tencel

Price: $54-88

Mate the Label is a women-owned brand that makes clothes with organic materials and non-toxic dyes. The brand creates various styles of shorts, in different fabrics, and they’re all comfortable and lightweight.

From linen, fleece, and thermal shorts, to sleep and lounge shorts, they are perfect for the summer! 

Mate the Label is usually importing its yarn from India. Apart from that, all its supply chain is located within a 17-mile radius of its Los Angeles headquarters. This reduces the brand’s transportation emissions, making it even more sustainable! 

In 2020, Mate the Label partnered with 1% For The Planet and was certified climate-neutral. The brand also donated over $95,000 to organizations promoting social justice and environmental protection. 

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11) Reformation

For: Women

Made In: China, USA, Turkey, Vietnam

Materials: Linen, Deadstock Fabric, Recycled/Organic Cotton, Tencel, Recycled Polyester

Price: $38-128

Reformation was initially selling vintage clothes in a small store in Los Angeles. It quickly expanded and now makes clothing, wedding dresses, and shoes for women. 

The brand creates multiple styles of shorts using eco-friendly materials. It even produces some of its pieces with deadstock fabric, which is an amazing way to reuse damaged fabrics. 

Reformation’s linen shorts are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe! It’s also selling denim, sports, and biking shorts. A brand that covers all your needs!

The company has been carbon-neutral since 2015, and aims to become carbon-positive by 2025. It also partnered with Bluesign and Oeko-Tex to make sure it manages chemicals safely in its supply chain. 

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12) United by Blue

For: Women + Men 

Made In: China, Vietnam, Pakistan

Materials: Organic Cotton, BioNylon, Recycled Polyester, Lyocell, Hemp

Price: $35-80

United By Blue is an outdoor fashion brand whose mission is to pick up litter from our shorelines by organizing beach cleanups.

For every product we buy from them, the brand removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways! 

United By Blue creates various shorts for both women and men, so you can easily find a pair that suits your needs. 

It has more stylish pairs of shorts that are perfect for the city, but also more casual ones that can be worn at the beach, during adventures, or even for sports. 

The brand has been a certified B corporation since 2011, and all its factories are GOTS certified. 

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13) Threads 4 Thought

For: Men & Women

Made in: Guatemala & China

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Modal, Organic Cotton,

Price: $38-108

We know for a fact these shorts are SO comfortable, and they come in a variety of colors. Threads 4 Thought is well-known for their activewear, but they also carry a few styles in denim, as well.

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14) Babaà

For: Women

Made In: Spain

Materials: 100% Spanish Cotton

Price: $195-201

Babaà makes quality knitwear that is entirely made with natural yarns, in a hyper-localized supply chain. The Spanish brand only makes one style of shorts, but it’s a timeless and versatile model.

From bright flashy colors to neutrals, its shorts are available in most colors.

They are all knitted shorts that are made in Spain with 100% Spanish Cotton. It means that there is no synthetic fiber in them, and shipping emissions in the supply chain are greatly reduced. 

The brand also colors its pieces with eco-friendly dyes, and doesn’t use any toxic chemicals nor bleach. It’s very transparent and uses the latest technologies to save water during the production process. 

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15) Girlfriend Collective

For: Women

Made In: Vietnam

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Recycled/Organic Cotton, Recycled Nylon

Price: $48-58

Girlfriend Collective is specialized in the production of sustainably made activewear for women. It sells a variety of shorts in different colors: biking shorts, running shorts, lounge shorts, skorts (exercise skirt with built-in shorts).

You can even find maternity shorts, which is so unusual and cool for an activewear brand! 

The majority of Girlfriend Collective shorts are made from recycled water bottles, and the recycled fabric is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex.

I love that this brand is affordable and that most of its shorts have pockets! Girlfriend Collective is very size-inclusive: its shorts are available in sizes from XXS to 6XL. It also has a take-back program that recycles old clothing into new pieces. 

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16) Brava

For: Men & Women

Made In: Portugal

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $50-100

If you are in the need for classic, everyday organic cotton shorts, Brava will be perfect for you. Not only are they made with comfortable fabrics, but they have elastic waist bands as an extra comfy bonus! 

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17) Amour Vert

For: Women

Made In: USA

Materials: Organic Cotton, Tencel, Linen, Modal, Sandwashed Cupro

Price: $49-98

Amour Vert creates clothing, shoes, and accessories for women who are looking for classic and sophisticated pieces. 

The brand sells several styles of shorts that are all made with eco-friendly fabrics.

For instance, its modal is made from sustainably harvested beechwood trees, and its cupro is produced using rescued cotton waste fabric. 

Amour Vert shorts are available in different colors, and they all look feminine and flattering. 97% of the brand’s products are made in California to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain. The company produces its pieces in limited quantities to eliminate excess waste. It’s also participating in a tree-planting program: the brand has planted more than 340,000 trees since it was created. 

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18) Passion Lilie

For: Women

Made In: India 

Materials: Organic Cotton 

Price: $40-50

Passion Lilie is a fair trade fashion brand that sells womenswear, accessories, and home items. Each product is handmade in small batches. The brand creates many shorts with a variety of patterns.

They’re classic silhouettes that are either handwoven and dyed through the ancient ikat dyeing process, or block printed with eco-friendly dyes. 

Most of Passion Lilie’s shorts can be dressed up and dressed down, and they’re all effortless to style. They’re affordable and made of GOTS certified organic cotton. 

Passion Lilie is a member of the Fair Trade Federation. To reduce its textile waste, the brand also uses its run-offs to create face masks, tote bags, and home goods. 

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19) Whimsy + Row

For: Women

Made In: USA

Materials: Tencel, Modal, Linen

Price: $84-148

Whimsy + Row is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand that offers a wide range of womenswear, accessories, as well as home goods. Its different models of shorts are stylish, yet breathable; perfect for everyday wear! The brand also makes biking shorts that will be great for your summer workouts!

Whimsy + Row produces limited batches that are all handcrafted in Los Angeles. It has a waitlist feature on its website so that the company knows exactly much clothing it has to create. 

The brand only uses locally sourced and eco-friendly materials, and recycles every scrap of deadstock fabric to turn it into new garments or accessories. 

Whimsy + Row is also carbon-neutral, and its pieces are made using recycled water as well as low-impact dyes. 

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About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle.

She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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image: NEU NOMADS

All About Linen & How it Is a Sustainable Fabric

I have always thought of linen as something used for my grandma’s table clothes or naturally wrinkled pants. However, it is so much more than that. Let’s dive into the world of the lovely fabric of linen and discover more.

A Little Background on Linen

Linen is the oldest known textile, with linen fibers being found in ancient caves in SouthEast Europe that are believed to date back to around 36,000 years! Mentions of linen were even found on tablets in ancient Greece. Find out more about the history of linen here. Linen has long been considered a luxurious fabric, and linen bedding was handed down in Europe through generations as a family heirloom. It was also traded as a commodity in Egypt and valued in Mesopotamia. Most production is done in Europe, accounting for 80% of worldwide production. I was really surprised to discover linen is more used in fashion than houseware. In addition to being used in clothing and housewares, linen use is growing in technical applications. It seems this versatile fabric is pretty special.

Flax Flowers

What Is Linen and How is it Made?

Linen is a fabric made from the flax plant; yes, the same plant that gives us flax seeds for nutrition. The short version of linen production is that the linen fibers are separated from the plant, combed for softness, then spun into yarn. Here is a little more detail for those of us that are textile geeks.

• Fibers are cut from the plant or pulled by hand from the ground.

• Seeds are removed, and then the fibers go through retting, which entirely removes the fibers from the plant.

• Next, the fibers are separated, and the longest pieces are collected together.

• The yarn is woven into long sheets of fabric.

Recent technologies in knitting operations have created ultra-fine yarns and more elastic fabric. The European Confederation of Linen and Hemp provides thorough information on the whole process on its site. It is an easy and interesting read – definitely worth a few minutes of your time.

Image: Linenme

What Is There to Love About Linen?

There are so many characteristics that make linen a versatile fabric. Amongst its best qualities are:

• Strong and durable – 30% stronger than cotton

• Absorbent – can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture

• Breathable – the long wide fibers make linen very breathable

• Keeps you cool yet can be insulating

• Long lasting – due to its long fibers and strength, linen can hold up for many years

• Gets softer with time, washing and wear

So What’s Not to Love?

No fabric is perfect, though, so what about linen is not so wonderful? The main complaint about linen is it wrinkles very easily. Ironically some of its best characteristics would make linen clothes a great choice for travel, but the wrinkling keeps it from being a favorite, especially amongst frequent travelers. Look for linen and organic cotton blends to reduce wrinkling and still have travel-worthy clothes. Linen can also tear or have permanent creases set if pulled and twisted too roughly too often. See the section on caring for linens to get the most life out of them.

Finally, due to the manual harvesting and production process, linen can be expensive. Linen only accounts for 1% of fabric production despite its great qualities due to cheaper, more wrinkle-resistant fabrics like cotton.

image: Laude Label

What Makes Linen Sustainable?

Flax harvesting and linen production are naturally very sustainable, so not much has to be done to lessen the impact of production on the planet or people. Flax grows easily, requires little pesticides, absorbs carbon, and uses less water than more popular fabrics like cotton. Flax is also used as a rotation crop, improving the quality of the soil, helping support the growth of other crops, and reducing soil erosion.

When the flax plant is harvested, it is used for many things like flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, and linseed oil. According to the European Confederation of Linen and Hemp, producing a linen shirt uses 6.4 liters of water compared to 2,700 liters for a cotton shirt. Therefore, growing and harvesting flax is really easy on the planet overall.

When selecting linen products, look for naturally occurring colors such as ivory, ecru, oatmeal, and taupe. White linens are bleached, and other colors are usually dyed with chemical dyes, which can cause soil and water pollution. If you can find naturally dyed fabrics, though, go for it. Retting using a chemical process can release harmful chemicals into the environment, and water retting can waste a lot of water. Try to find products that use dew retting, or reduce or recycle their water. More and more European flax is being sent to China for processing into linen. To help ensure the production is sustainable and ethical, look for organic linen, transparent information on growing and production processes, and for items made in Europe. Japan is also a growing producer of high-quality linen made sustainably and ethically. Flax harvesting is labor-intensive, so look for fair trade certification or transparency about labor practices.

The European Confederation of Linen and Hemp and the Council of Fashion Designers have even more information about the sustainability of linen if you want to dig in more.

Are There Certifications for Linen and Which Ones?

There are two certifications that can help you identify linens that are produced to a high quality and sustainably. Certifications are not required to feel pretty confident about linen being people and planet-friendly, and they do add even more transparency and confidence about what you are buying.

OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1 Certification

This means the finished product must adhere to 100 requirements related to quality and the use of non-toxic substances. The products must also be tested by 18 independent, accredited institutes in Europe and Japan.

European Flax® certification

This certification ensures traceability during every step of the production process. Certified producers commit to zero irrigation, no GMOs, zero waste, and no chemical use during fiber extraction. They are also operated by the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), ensuring high standards for labor rights and working conditions are met. The graphic below shows the rigor of the certification process. Currently, the certification is exclusively for the fabric produced in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

 What about organic?

Some linen products are certified organic or GOTS organic, and unfortunately not many. In fact, less than 1% of European linen is certified organic. Flax is a crop that is rotated every 7 years. For the flax to be certified organic, all crops grown on the same land must be certified organic too. Since flax production naturally creates a small environmental footprint and is done with so few pesticides, it is not likely worth it for most growers to go through the additional time and expense of achieving organic certification.

What is Linen Used For?

Linen is used in household products such as sheet sets, table linens, curtains, bags, towels, upholstery, and more. Linen is so strongly associated with household materials; linen has become a generic term for describing things like towels, bedding, and tablecloths, no matter what material they are made from.

Linen’s use in fashion has grown a lot in the last few decades too. Nearly 70% of European’s linen is used in fashion. It is also often used to sew embroidery in garments since it is such a strong material. So, when looking for a new pair of shorts, a skirt, a summer blouse, or whatever, don’t forget to look for linen options. Linen blends are usually the most desirable due to the wrinkling I mentioned previously. Personally, I need new bed sheets, and finding linen ones is at the top of my list.

Linen also has many industrial uses, thanks to its strength. The most common industrial uses include insulation, filtration materials, reinforced plastics, sewing thread, surgical thread, and twine. And fun fact: linen makes up 25% of the American dollar.

How Do I Care for Linen?

Like any other fabric, one of the best ways to improve its sustainability is to care for it in a way that lengthens its life. Good news – you can machine wash and dry your linens! Here are some tips I discovered for how to best care for this lovely fabric:

• Wash on low temperatures in warm or cold water in the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. High temperatures can shrink and weaken the fabric over time.

• Do not bleach linen. Fabric softeners are not needed as linen naturally softens with washing, and the chemicals could reduce its natural absorbency and ability to wick away moisture. Besides, fabric softeners are not very environmentally friendly – I personally prefer using dryer balls to dryer sheets.

• Dry at a low temperature, remove when damp, and then hang dry for softer, less wrinkly garments. This also reduces wear and tear.

• You can try to iron linen and will get most wrinkles out, but it will take time. Embrace the creases and wrinkles – it is part of linen’s appeal. If you do prefer the smooth look, iron at a medium-hot temperature while still damp and use a little steam when needed.

• You don’t need to do anything special with linen when storing it. Do avoid plastic bags and cardboard boxes, though – you don’t want your fabrics to get musty or dusty.

How Will You Add Linen to Your Life? 

Now that you know more about linen, will you be using it? What products do you most want to find with linen or a linen blend? Hubby and I decided we needed a new sheet set for our anniversary, and after doing my research, I chose a linen set that is just what we need. I will love the softness; he will love the cooling properties. If you are searching for linen clothes, check out this post. No matter what you choose, if you purchase a product with linen, you are sure to love it (just embrace the wrinkles – it makes life easier).

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About the Contributor: Mindy Redburn-Smoak has enjoyed a 20+ year career in corporate learning as a consultant, designer, and manager. She is passionate about sustainable living, family, travel, and dog rescue. She has been on a mission to live more sustainably for several years, and loves the journey of learning and trying new things in this space. She is on another journey pursuing her dream of writing about things she is passionate about and that can make a difference in the world. The best way to connect with Mindy is via email at mredsmoak@gmail.com.

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Image from Harvest & Mill, a sustainable brand who creates biodegradable fashion

What Does Biodegradable Mean & Brands who Make Biodegradable clothing

With so many companies wanting to target the consumers interested in a greener way of living, there’s a lot of sustainable terms now being used as key buzzwords without any context. It is part of the greenwashing tactics that have become increasingly popular. If you’re not familiar with greenwashing, you can read more about it in this article. One of the terms being used more and more often is “biodegradable.” You might see this on plastic cutlery, laundry detergent, disposable dishes or body care products. So what does biodegradable actually mean? Keep reading to find out more!

What does biodegradable mean?

When something is biodegradable, it can break down naturally from the elements, bacteria, or living organisms in the surrounding soil. ASTM International, a global standards development organization, sets standards for testing and materials. In the United States, to qualify as biodegradable, 60% of the item must break down within 180 days by using a commercial compost facility. It seems simple, but don’t skip the last bit of that criteria by using a commercial compost facility. How many people have easy access to a commercial compost facility? Not very many, and even if they do, they might not know it’s necessary for proper disposal. This is why items and materials labeled “biodegradable” can be misleading to consumers, especially without proper disposal instructions. Consumers must be educated and understand the full process because when certain materials break down, they can leave behind microplastics, toxic chemicals, and even metal, which affects the environment. Biodegradable materials also need water and oxygen to break down properly. If the products are smothered and buried in heaps of trash without enough of these elements, they will give off methane gas during the decomposing process, which is a greenhouse gas contributor. 

What should we do with biodegradable products?

Most products are not compostable because a home compost does not get hot enough. If sent to the landfill, they most likely won’t get enough water or air to decompose properly. Recycling these items also doesn’t work well because biodegradable plastics are not compatible with conventional plastic, so they contaminate the load and cause additional quality issues. The best way to deal with biodegradable products is to take them to the proper commercial compost facility. Some examples of biodegradable materials are cotton, hemp, cork, paper, wood, while materials like nylon and spandex are not. To find a commercial composting facility that processes biodegradable products near you, check out this website.

The difference between biodegradable and compostable

You might be wondering the difference between biodegradable and compostable because they sound like similar processes, and they are. However, compostable materials are organic matter, like food or yard waste, so they don’t leave behind any toxins and are much faster to decompose. Composted materials enrich the soil where they decompose and benefit the environment. While biodegradable items can be organic, they do not have to be and usually are not. They usually take years to decompose and often leave traces of pollutants, which are harmful to the environment. To put it simply, all compostable material is biodegradable, but not all biodegradable material is compostable. If you want to read more about composting, check out my other article, “What is Compostable” for more information.

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Biodegradable fashion

With the ability to use natural materials and fabrics, the biodegradable fashion industry can’t stop there. It is also important that the dyes and pigments used are biodegradable so that when the fibers are breaking down into the environment, they are non-toxic and not polluting the soil. Natural dyes can be made from vegetables, seeds, roots and other plant-derivatives instead of the typical petrochemicals used in the synthetic dye process.  

Biodegradable Clothing Brands

Here are some clothing brands that offer truly biodegradable clothing and fully encompass the sustainable values and practices..

The Very Good Bra

A zero-waste basics company which offers inclusive sizing, 100% botanically-sourced materials, and even replacement straps for their bras to lengthen the life of their best-selling product. 

 Danu Organic

Using only 100% organic fabric, Danu offers unisex clothing for your everyday life. They are fully transparent with their sourcing, manufacturing and are a circular company.

 Sustain

Styles for almost any occasion, Sustain embodies fully sustainable values and their fabrics and dyes actually benefit your body as you wear their clothes, instead of distributing toxins. You can also see Sustain featured in this Sustainably Chic post.

Harvest and Mill

Organic clothing made using natural color and organic heirloom cottons that are either entirely dye-free, non-toxic dye or natural dyes.

Agaati

For when you’re ready to get dressed up or slip into something outside your typical everyday outfit, Agaati has beautiful styles for any social event. Agaati uses non-toxic dyes and natural materials for their collections. Read more about this company on this Sustainably Chic brand feature post!

Perspective Fitwear

Performance apparel with a purpose so that your fitness wear works as hard as you do! Perspective Fitwear features Good Human Tech fabric which is landfill-degradable technology, provides SPF 50+ protection, sweat-wicking, fast-drying, antimicrobial, odor-controlling, and feels buttery smooth on the skin. Perspective Fitwear is a Sustainably Chic favorite, showcased in this outfit post.

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Bio-Nylon Technology

Bio-nylon is a synthetically made fiber created from renewable resources like castor oil, making it a sustainable version of a very desirable and popular textile. The best part is bio-nylon is also biodegradable making it a much more eco-friendly option than the typical petroleum-based nylon. The two largest sources of micro-plastic pollution in the ocean are from synthetic fibers polluting water during washing and synthetic nylon fishing nets. Think of the impact on our environment if bio-nylon is regularly used in clothing and fishing nets instead? You can find brands who use bio-nylon at the end of this post here.

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Instead of purchasing items simply because they are biodegradable, check to be sure they will be able to be broken down properly. If you don’t have proper facilities for biodegradable products near you, look for easily recyclable materials or low-waste alternatives. For example, glass is not biodegradable but is easily recycled and durable for repeated use and recycling. Popular biodegradable products you see created and marketed for the eco-conscious consumer are disposable cups, dishes, cutlery, toothbrushes, straws, and packaging materials. All of these items have reusable or recyclable options that will be easier to dispose of or repurpose properly. However, when thinking long term, biodegradable products are the future of textiles. With approximately 10 million tons of clothing sent to landfills each year, incorporating fully biodegradable materials into our everyday use will dramatically reduce our environmental impact, which is a change we would love to see!

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About the Contributor

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com.

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