With summer in full effect, staying both cool and stylish can be a real challenge. And fast fashion – forget about it. Summer is the time to shed your layers, not your values.

Here’s a cool list of 12 brands putting people and the environment first. These brands offer stylish summer pieces made in factories that focus on worker well-being, and with materials that are more responsible to the earth.

Looking cool, feeling cool, and being cool – that’s what we call the triple bottom line.

Bring it back to the basics this summer with Known Supply’s 100% Premium Pima Cotton basic tees. Coming in a wide variety of colors, these t-shirts keep things simple and fresh.

There’s nothing better than a nice surf or swim on a hot summer day. With Finisterre’s Walker hybrid shorts, you can go from the beach into town wearing the same pair of shorts, thanks to their quick drying organic cotton and ECONYL® recycled yarn blend.

If you prefer the land to the sea, these shorts can still be a great option due to their slick minimalist aesthetic.

No one likes having hot feet, so keep yours cool with flip flops from Ecoalf. They are made from recycled tires and come in a variety of colors.

Whether you like to keep it slick with black flip flops or you prefer something of the neon orange variety, Ecoalf’s flip flops are sure to keep all your toes feeling fresh.

Second only to ice cream, barbecues scream summer. With Outerknown’s BBQ shirt, you are sure to be the coolest cat at your next outdoor cookout.

Made from an organic cotton and hemp blend, this lightweight shirt gives vintage, silky vibes. So light up the BBQ and get ready for some major complements because this casual shirt looks equally great at the beach or in the city.

Short sleeve button-up shirts are a summer staple, and Vustra has you covered with their versatile Zest short sleeve button up. Made from 100% organic cotton, this classic wardrobe basic can be dressed up for a night on the town, or dressed down for a trip to your local barista.

For more on Vustra, check out Eco-Stylist’s video review. Use coupon code ECOSTYLIST for 30% off any Vustra shirts.

Protect your head from burning this summer with Topiku’s collection of hats. These hats are all the rage as they are made from upcycled and recycled materials.

Moreover, they have colorful patterns on the bill of the hat to give each cap its own unique flair. For more information see Eco-Stylist’s unboxing video of Topiku’s newest hat collection.

Use discount code ECOSTYLIST10 for 10% off any Topiku hats.

Looking dapper can be a struggle in the hot summer weather, but luckily Nisolo has great lightweight options that will keep you looking fresh. The lightweight travel derby shoe weighs less than 1 pound, looks great with khakis, and is completely collapsible for your summer travel adventures.

If you’re looking for more of a classy summer sandal, their Huarache sandal gives pre-Columbian Mexican vibes and will earn you tons of compliments. The Alajandro woven slip-on shoe is another perfect option for going sockless and keeping your feet cool, all while looking super stylish. Slay the shoe game this summer with a pair of Nisolo shoes.

Nothing screams American like a responsibly manufactured shirt made right in the USA. Groceries Apparel has your back this Independence Day and beyond with their eco-friendly, quality shirts. Keep cool and patriotic in one of their lightweight Contrast Poc Tanks made from recycled plastics and non-GMO cotton.

If there’s anything we know about Adelante, it is that they care about their people. Paying their workers above the Living Well Line and ensuring that all their shoes are made with the highest quality of materials, Adelante elevates your style and worker well-being.

The Luca is a timeless, lightweight, comfortable shoe that will keep your feet stylish this summer. These custom made penny loafers mold to your feet to ensure they stay prime even on the longest of walks.

Get $25 off any pair of Adelante shoes. Coupon code automatically applied at checkout.

Well made sneakers are a must have, especially in the summer. Veja’s large selection of sneakers ensures that even the pickiest of sneakerheads can find a lightweight shoe for all activities summer brings forth.

Their minimalist nature makes them the perfect choice for any occasion.

Taylor Stitch is one of our favorite brands for all seasons, but their summer clothes are truly exceptional. Their large collection of short sleeve button-ups, tees, shorts, and swim trunks are all made with the best of materials in the best of conditions.

“Constructed to perfection and responsibly built for the long haul,” Taylor Stitch will keep you looking stylish while keeping your environmental footprint to a minimum.

Basics are a summer must for lightweight gear that keeps you cool. Organic Basics offers an assortment of basics like the lite tee, made responsibly in Portugal from TENCEL™ lyocell. Restock your dresser this summer with Organic Basics’ socks, boxers, and tees.

That’s All Folks

That’s 12 ethical and sustainable brands for your summer wardrobe. We hope this list helps you stay cool in the sunny days ahead.

If you’re new around here, we research all of our brands at Eco-Stylist using Remake’s sustainable brand criteria. It’s a comprehensive framework that evaluates a brand based on ethical manufacturing, living wages, supply chains free of child and slave labor, sustainable fabrics, sustainable manufacturing, and a whole lot more.

Which summer brand is your favorite?

*The featured image is Vustra’s Zest shirt.

Eco-Stylist only endorses brands that pass our sustainable brand criteria. If you buy from those brands using our links, you help keep our cups filled with coffee. Learn more here.

Asher is a writer at Eco-Stylist. In addition to sustainable fashion, environmental activism, and a zero waste lifestyle, Asher’s interests include cooking, nutrition, and learning about the human body and medicine. He’s pursuing a career in medicine while advocating for slow fashion and the environment.