The most sustainable summer wardrobe is the one you already have. Avoiding the summer sales and new trends ahead of a new season, and not buying anything new is always going to be the most sustainable thing you can do.
Use what you have, and be creative with what you have. Maybe test yourself by styling and mixing clothes you don’t often wear – look at the back of the wardrobe for those pieces that you’ve forgotten about.
If you feel you’re missing something in your summer wardrobe, do a proper audit where you go through what you already have, and find what the gaps are. This way you can be specific in your search for summer clothes, rather than just doing impulse purchases at the sales.
And if you need something new, look second hand.
Sustainable summery fabrics
Natural fabrics are often the most sustainable ones, and as they’re also the most airy on hot summer days, they’re a great option for any summer wardrobe. Fabrics like linen and (organic) cotton breathe well and soft, silky sustainable options like Tencel and lyocell are also summer favourites.
A conscious summer edit
This wool/cotton skirt I bought second hand this spring is already my summer favourite. It’s soft and comfortable, works both for work and at summer parties.
Soft Tencel trousers by ethical and organic brand ArmedAngels.
Smart shorts that are appropriate for work are another summer favourite. These ones are also in Tencel, also made by ArmedAngels. For work I’m styling them with a pair of shoes I’ve bought second hand.
These two pairs of shoes are what I’m mainly wearing this summer. Veja trainers for slightly colder days and Kavat sandals for the warmed ones.
As loungewear at home I’m enjoying this Tencel top that I was gifted by OrganicBasics – a Danish brand with ethical production in factories in Europe and underwear made from sustainable fabrics like Tencel, organic cotton and recycled nylon.
