Show Some Skin With These Ethical Shorts

Time to put away the wool leggings and bring out the tanks, skirts, and all of our summer faves. And, of course, we can’t survive the summer heat without a good pair of shorts—especially ones that are sustainably made using eco-friendly and upcycled materials, environmentally conscious practices, and deadstock fabrics. Check out these brands that are crafting the sustainable shorts you’ve been looking for. Get ready to stock up this season!

1. United By Blue

Ethics | Eco-friendly, sustainable materials, environmental efforts, ethically-made Best For | Outdoor wear Price | $48–$64

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: we are addicted to plastic. United By Blue is working to change that, one product at a time. With every purchase, they remove one pound of waste from our waterways and use sustainable and eco-friendly materials for their nature-inspired apparel. We love their multi-sport shorts, ideal for days spent hiking, swimming, exploring, and doing everything in between. Soak up the summer sun outdoors this season.

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2. Whimsy + Row

Ethics | Sustainable fabrics, ethically-made, made in USA Best For | Linen shorts Price | $88

Whimsy + Row is here to give you sustainable, summery, and stylish vibes… simultaneously. Handcrafted using deadstock textiles local to Los Angeles, they offer apparel in limited run batches (meaning they don’t create more than they need). Throw on their black linen shorts for a date night or take on the weekend in their tan high-waisted shorts. No matter what, you’ll be feeling airy, breezy, and—most of all—more comfortable than ever.

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3. Pact

Ethics | Sustainable, eco-friendly practices, organic materials, ethically-made Best For | Lounge shorts Price | $24–$30

We love stocking up on the basics with Pact, an apparel brand dedicated to using only organic, sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly practices. Using blends of organic cotton and recycled polyester, their sustainable shorts are sewn together in fair trade factories. And at a max of $30, these shorts are comfy and perfect for those hot summer nights. So whether you’re an XS or XL, they’ve got the PJ shorts for you.

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4. DL1961

Ethics | Ethically-made, sustainable materials, eco-friendly practices Best For | Denim shorts Price | $89–$159

You’ve probably heard of DL1961, but did you know they source ethical and sustainable cotton for their denim? We’re proud to be the bearer of good news, because they create mindfully made shorts and jeans that are better for both the planet and your body. Using botanic and anti-resistant fibers and stretch fabrics, you’ll want to live in their denim sustainable shorts all summer long. Go ahead, we won’t tell.

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5. Thought

Ethics | Sustainable & eco-friendly fabrics, environmentally-friendly practices Best For | Work-appropriate shorts Price | £19.90–£49.90

Turns out there are shorts you can wear to work: Thought’s paperbag shorts (available in three colors)! Sustainably created from Modal fabric, these shorts are made from Beech trees and bamboo viscose using environmentally-friendly practices. We’re eyeing these for their low-maintenance care, effortless vibe, and versatility—we’d pair these with crossover sandals, an oversized blazer, or a tucked-in tee.

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6. Prana

Ethics | Sustainable & eco-friendly materials, environmentally-friendly practices, fair trade Best For | Plus size shorts Price | $49–$69

Helllllo, size-inclusive sustainable apparel! We’re excited to feature eco-friendly and ethical brand Prana in our roundup for sustainable shorts, especially because they offer sizes up to 22. And with exceptional features like extra-stretch, quick dry fabrics, and abrasion-resistant technology, these are shorts worth investing in for anyone who loves the great outdoors. (And no. more. chafing. What a win-win.)

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7. EILEEN FISHER

Ethics | Sustainable & organic fabrics, eco-friendly practices, fair trade, gives back Best For | Walking shorts Price | $118–$198

EILEEN FISHER has been at the forefront of the sustainable apparel industry for years, and it shows. Their investment in organic farming supports clean water, healthy soil, and—most of all—less waste. We’ve been eyeing these walking shorts, made of crisp linen that’s breathable even on the hottest days. Complete your look with a casual pair of mules or a silk tank, and you’re ready for work and beyond.

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8. ABLE

Ethics | Sustainable materials, fair trade, women’s empowerment Best For | Casual shorts Price | $98

Get your adventure on with ABLE’s shorts, made for the everyday and the every way. Using 100% cotton twill, their sustainable shorts are also ethically handcrafted in Mexico for an easy fit and durable wear. And if their sustainable and eco-friendly practices aren’t enough, know that you’re investing in women’s empowerment and opportunity with each purchase. Grab a pair of their casual shorts for every kind of summer weather and activity.

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