5 Sustainable Denim Dresses For Summer
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Summer is in full swing and we’re itching to transition our denim jeans into comfy denim garments. That’s why you’ll catch us in everything from denim dresses to rompers this summer for all the comfort of jeans without the squeeze.
We’ve found five sustainable brands transforming organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, and upcycled denim into styles we adore. Whether you prefer a wide-leg jumpsuit or a fitted denim dress, we’re confident you’ll find something you love below—all ethically made and eco-friendly, of course!
Top off your summer style with these sustainable sunnies and shoes!
1. ÉTICA
Made In | Mexico
Sustainable Materials | Responsibly sourced cotton & Tencel
Price Range | $218-$278
ÉTICA is a Los Angeles apparel brand dedicated to ethical and sustainable production from start to finish. As a vertically integrated company, almost every step is done in-house—from its sustainable sourcing and low water waste practices, to its fair trade partnership with a family-owned factory in Mexico. ÉTICA offers several denim dresses and jumpsuits we love, and our favorite, the Liv, adds an edgy flair to our summer wardrobe. Both the material and packaging are sustainable and recyclable.
2. Boyish
Made In | Turkey
Sustainable Materials | Upcycled & organic cotton, Tencel, recycled elastane
Price Range | $178
Boyish’s aesthetic is all about effortless chic. Each denim dress is made with sustainable and upcycled fabrics, lowering waste, water, and carbon offsets. Plus, Boyish is fully climate-neutral, ISO9001 certified for safe working conditions, and gives back to environmental initiatives. This Mason Secret Garden dress? We’ll be wearing it all season long. (And we’ll absolutely be adding leggings for fall and winter!)
3. Citizens of Humanity
Made In | USA & Turkey
Sustainable Materials | Organic, regenerative & recycled cotton
Price Range | $258
Citizens of Humanity considers what it means to be a model citizen, from responsible sourcing to ethical manufacturing. It’s one of the other few vertically integrated denim companies out there, meaning the team designs, sews, and ships all garments in-house. The brand also offers transparency into its process from start to finish. These vintage pieces are definitely an investment, but luckily are made to last through any and all seasons.
4. Thought Clothing
Made In | China
Sustainable Materials | Certified organic cotton, Tencel, & hemp
Price Range | £59 – £90
Thought understands that intention and, well, thought, can make a world of difference when it comes to impact. The team considers sustainability at each step of the ideation, sourcing, and production process (and even when giving back). Pieces are ethically made in China and sent by sea freight, reducing carbon offsets. Here you can find a denim dress that’s equal parts fun and flirty.
5. DL1961
Made In | Pakistan
Sustainable Materials | Upcycled & recycled materials, responsibly sourced cotton & clean dyes
Price Range | $269
If you’re a fashionista, you’ve likely heard of DL1961. The denim focused brand takes plastic bottles and upcycled denim to create newer, high-quality pieces, made with less than one percent of the water used during traditional production. We’re especially impressed with the team’s effort to minimize excessive washing, thanks to the antimicrobial treatment each garment receives before shipment. You’ll find us rocking these dresses all summer long.
Featured image is from Boyish
