9 Sustainable Silk Shirts For Spring
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Silk has got quite the reputation: It’s smooth, shiny, and sustainable—not to mention graceful and refined. And though we know that all silk is not made equal, many brands today are leveraging sustainable silk for their collections. (We’ve linked some of the brand’s approaches to silk below.)
Now as the temperatures rise after a particularly rainy winter (at least here in California!), we’re excited to break out this comfortable yet cool fabric. It’s time to elevate our looks—check out our picks below. 😎
1. Amour Vert
Ethics | bluesign®-certified silk, ethical production in China, reduced carbon emissions, OEKO-TEX certified dyes, secondhand shop
Our Pick | Renata Washable Silk Blouse ($148)
Size Range | XXS–XL
Price Range | $68–$188
Amour Vert’s sustainable silk tops are some of our favorite investments; they’re washable (!), stylish, and thoughtfully made. Designed to be effortlessly feminine, most of AV’s blouses are printed in beautiful floral or animal patterns, and they’re available in a variety of cuts from halters to shirt dresses. We also admire the team’s commitment to sustainability, sourcing its silk specifically from bluesign® factories and mills so that the material is higher quality, more traceable, and about as ethical as you can get. Don’t sleep on ReAmour (the brand’s secondhand shop) either, as there are a number of pre-loved silk shirts there, too.
2. Quince
Ethics | BCSI-certified ethical production in China, OEKO-TEX certified, compostable packaging by the end of 2023
Our Pick | Washable Silk Halter Top ($60)
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $40–$70
For elevated silk basics that work in the office or with friends, check out Quince’s collection. Here you’ll find long-sleeve, short-sleeve, and sleeveless options in a number of classic cuts and colors, all under $70 a pop. They’re responsibly and ethically made without harmful chemicals, touting two important certifications. But what we love most is that each silk shirt is both low-maintenance (washable!) and luxurious, so it’s a perfect capsule piece. Quince offers free shipping and returns.
3. Reformation
Ethics | bluesign®-certified & OEKO-TEX certified silk, ethical production in Los Angeles & worldwide, RefRecycling program, Climate Neutral Certified
Our Pick | Daisy Silk Top ($148)
Size Range | XS–3X
Price Range | $98–$168
Reformation’s silk line is sexy and sleek (and not to mention silky smooth!). Using only responsibly sourced silk, each piece is made to minimize carbon dioxide and water waste (you can see exactly how much on each product’s page!). They’re mostly made locally in Los Angeles—where Ref is based—and are entirely climate-neutral. Whether you go for the relaxed tops for work or the fitted bodices for play, these silk shirts will ring in spring in the best way.
4. Ethical Silk Company
Ethics | Responsibly sourced silk, AZO-free dyes, fair trade production in India, donates 10% to charity, recycled packaging
Our Pick | Mulberry Silk Sleeved Top ($100)
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $75–$100
As the name suggests, Ethical Silk Company is all about thoughtful production. ESC sources mulberry silk from India, which is extracted only after the moth has left its cocoon—which means a beautiful matte texture without harming any animals. Designed in Ireland then tailored in a fair trade setting in India (where each print is done by hand), these silk tops are truly one-of-a-kind. And if inventory is running low, that’s because each set is made in small batches, but keep an eye out for the next round. (And yes, they’re machine-washable, too!)
5. Cuyana
Ethics | bluesign®-certified production, responsibly sourced silk from China
Our Pick | Silk Cami ($118)
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $118–$228
When it comes to timeless style, Cuyana is unmatched. Its line of silk tops are easy and elegant, pairing with nearly any other piece in our closets (and we love the choice of seasonal colors, to boot!). The team specifically sought out silk from its origins in Hangzhou and Shenzhen in China (which you can read about here) so everything’s as sustainable as possible. This high-momme silk, while durable, does require dry cleaning only so keep that in mind—but we’re pretty confident you’ll love the pieces as much as we do.
6. Lora Gene
Ethics | Certified B Corp, ethical production in Bulgaria, responsibly sourced silk
Our Pick | The Essential Silk Shirt (£125)
Size Range | UK 6–28 (XS–3X)
Price Range | £65–£125
While many brands opt for polyester and acrylic, Lora Gene prioritizes only sustainable fabrics instead, including silk (the team shares more why here). This UK-based B Corp also makes everything in-house at its own Bulgarian studio and each piece is essentially made-to-order to minimize waste. We adore Lora Gene’s creative takes on the classics, like the Essential Silk Shirt that’s a bit oversized, sheer, and with large front pockets. European orders come with free standard delivery, and international orders cost a flat fee of £20.
7. Eileen Fisher
Ethics | Certified B Corp, responsibly sourced silk, bluesign®-standard ethical production in China, secondhand shop
Our Pick | Silk Georgette Crepe Mock Neck Long Top ($248)
Size Range | XXS–3X
Price Range | $108–$298
Eileen Fisher has long been focused on sustainable and ethical production. As a leading women’s wear brand, EF’s pieces are casual yet collected, effortless yet elegant—consider our pick, the Mock Neck Top, designed with overlapping side slits and a fine crepe texture. The team has used the same silk suppliers since 1999, and each piece is 100 percent matte silk. Available in nine sizes from XXS to 3X and on its secondhand shop Renew, Eileen Fisher’s silk shirts are made for everyone.
8. SiiZU
Ethics | ISO-certified ethical production, gives back to plant trees, recycled packaging
Our Pick | Silk Cami Top ($75)
Size Range | XS–L
Price Range | $75–$105
Affordable silk pieces? Recycled packaging? Ethical production in ISO-certified factories? Yes, to all the above. SiiZU’s silk camis and shirts are great for spring, especially thanks to their loose fits, satin texture, and 18 mm weight. (Have you seen that gorgeous green?!) Comfortably cool in warmer temps, these camis come under $100, and many are on final sale under $50. 👀 A portion of every purchase goes to support the cause of your choice, too. We’ll take one of each, please!
9. ADAY
Ethics | Certified B Corp, technical silk (vegan materials), OEKO-TEX certified, powered by renewable energy, responsible production in Italy
Our Pick | That’s A Wrap Top ($150)
Size Range | XS–XL
Price Range | $70–$150
ADAY’s pieces are about as innovative as they come. While these pieces aren’t actual silk, they do drape just like it (plus it’s entirely vegan, machine-washable, and comes with UPF 50+ coverage!). Instead, ADAY leverages a specific kind of sustainable nylon that will last for years to come and are easy to care for. We are obsessed with their chic styles, like the That’s A Wrap Top, and the limited edition colors for seasonal choices. If you’re interested in a vegan silk take, enjoy the soft touch of these shirts without worrying about animal byproducts.
