These ethical summer dresses are must-haves for any woman’s closet! We found dresses to fit all budgets, too
By Katy Caric
Ethical dresses for summer are must-haves in any woman’s closet. After all, the perfect summer frock is a marvellous thing. It’s easy to wear – you needn’t worry about matching tops and bottoms, or sometimes, even underwear – and easy to accessorise: hoop earrings, a great bag and sandals are all you need.
A summer dress is also versatile; casual enough for daytime, light and comfortable enough for the weather, and cute enough to make you feel beautiful, even when you can barely keep your head up for the heat.
But…how much are you willing to spend? On the one hand, these dresses can be worn year after year without looking dated. On the other hand, depending on where you live, you may only have a few months of weather good enough to allow you to rock your look, so you might not want to spend much on your summer wardrobe.
Here, I’ve rounded up some of the cutest ethical summer dresses – and there’s something for you, no matter what your budget.
Sustainable Summer Dresses For Summer
Dresses Under $150
1. The Gauze Smock Dress
Any body size. All complexions. All ages. This is one of those ethical summer dresses that doesn’t discriminate. It looks fab on anyone! It’s made of 100% breathable, eco-friendly, organic cotton. By Everlane, it comes in 3 different neutral hues and patterns, too.
This is the perfect garment for when it’s so damn hot, you just don’t want to wear anything that clings to your body in any way. Chilly at night, though? No worries! Just throw a cardi on top. It’s also the perfect frock for those on a budget!
Price: Around $118
Fabric: 100% organic cotton.
2. Hemp Tiered Cami
This season is all about ethical summer dresses that are easy to style, comfortable, and above all else, pretty. Tentree’s Tiered Cami dress is a must-have for summer for all of the above reasons!
Made with naturally UV-resistant hemp fibres, this will keep you cool and protected during summer. Perfect for all your summertime social gatherings.
Price: Around $40
Fabric: Hemp and TENCEL
3. Amour Vert Cornelia Dress
I just love the simplicity of this ethical summer dress! Namely, the side tie, flattering V neck and cap sleeves. It’s also a super-versatile style that can easily be dressed up or down for endless, different occasions.
Of course, it comes from a highly responsible brand – Amour Vert – which ensures its production is fully ethical.
I’d say it’s one of the simplest – and sweetest – ethical summer dresses to wear to the office this summer!
Price: $41
Fabric: Organic cotton blend
4. Leora Wrap Dress
This dress comes from one of the pioneers in the sustainable fashion field – People Tree. Their in-house knit dress is made from eco-friendly organic cotton. You can rest assured that ethical practices were followed every step of the way to create this fun, light summer dress!
I love the fact that you can wear this summer dress different ways: with sneakers or heels, or with chunky jewellery, for example. And priced at just $100, this is a great sustainable summer dress for those on a budget.
The Leora is a true wrap dress with waist tie for your choice of fit. It’s made from a stunning red Fairtrade and GOTS certified organic cotton jersey for a real pop of colour under the summer sun.
Price: Around $100
Fabric: Certified organic cotton
Ethical summer dresses from $150-$250
5. The Ernestine Dress
Made by fairly paid artisans in India and Peru, Ros Garden dresses all feature hand block prints in playful dresses, elegant kaftans and relaxed tunics.
With effortless styles and delightful fabrications, the collection evokes a sense of wanderlust and discovery. We love their vegan styles, especially all the fun, summery floral prints!
Price: $225
Fabric: Pima cotton.
6. Bardot Dress
Looking for ethical summer dresses with some French Girl Chic for 2024? Look no further! This dress has serious Emily in Paris vibes, and it’s as chic as it is timeless.
The Bardot dress features a sweetheart neckline framing a fitted bodice and waist. A detachable vintage-inspired petticoat crafted from cotton is included with the dress, allowing you to elevate the silhouette with dramatic volume for special occasions or go without for everyday wear.
Though this dress has a classic charm, it can really be styled differently depending on your footwear. Fancy something casual? Throw on some Converses! Grunge? Boots! Feminine and flirty? A stylish block heel. Oh, and did I mention it comes in three colours?
Price: Around $250
Fabric: Pure linen.
7. Mastani Slip Dress
What’s not to love about a classic slip dress? They can emulate 90s grunge chic when paired with some sliders. Or, you can dress it up and make it the perfect wedding guest outfit with some heels!
This dress is for sure a wardrobe staple. With shoestring straps, a v-neckline and its mid length style falling just above the knee, this can be worn simply as it is or styled with layering pieces. Think denim jacket in the daytime and some gorgeous strappy sandals in the evening.
Price: $265
Fabric: 100% peace silk
8. Astoria Dress
Sure, cotton is a dream to wear. It’s comfy and breathable, but sometimes it can be a bit shapeless. So, that’s why we’re loving this Astoria dress! Its fitted bodice and relaxed A-line skirt are causal, feminine, and frankly, sexy.
Not to mention those retro 70s vibes, which we always love! And did I mention: this dress has pockets, and comes in 4 colours?
Price: Around $248
Fabric: Organic cotton
9. The Brooklyn Dress
Channel your inner Laura Ingles with this pretty, ethical summer dress by Christy Dawn! The boho style stress is super feminine and will have you not only looking but feeling beautiful while wearing it.
The poet sleeves with elastic and ruffles are flattering for many body shapes. The ruched bodice hugs your natural curves giving you shape as well as comfort. Paired with the ankle length hem, the Brooklyn will provide the perfect silhouette.
Price: Around $248
Fabric: 100% regenerative cotton
Over $250
10. The Delilah Dress
Ooh, there’s so much to love about the Delilah! The back smocking, halter neckline. The trendy olive hue (though it comes in three others). The elegantly chic maxi length. No wonder this is one of our favourite ethical dresses for summer this year!
Price: $278
Fabric: Pure linen.
11. The Pluma Dress
If looking like a Grecian goddess is your vibe, this is one of the best ethical summer dresses for you! Honestly, you won’t even want to take it off, it’s that gorgeous.
There is so much to love about this dress: its long pleated skirt adds to its feminine aesthetic. The white monochrome is fresh and summery, even more so against sun-kissed skin.
It elegantly hugs the waist, while the short sleeves make it especially cool and comfortable to wear on those tropical summer days.
Price: Around $950
Fabric: GOTS-certified organic cotton
12. Sosu Dress
Beach vibes coming your way! This Sosu dress is one of the best ethical summer dresses for wearing at resorts. Whether it’s heading to dinner or cocktails, this dress will have heads turning, that’s for sure!
Its open back design adds an elegant sensuality, while the close fitting top and petticoat hug the silhouette before falling along and brushing to the floor. Effortlessly chic, feminine and sexy.
Price: Around $1700
Fabric: GOTS certified organic satin
Which is your favourite of these ethical summer dresses? Let us know in the comments, below!
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- The Best Vegan Sneaker Brands For Every Day - January 16, 2025
- The Best Vegan Sandals For The City Or Beach - July 30, 2024
Those dresses!!! i like all of ’em. Nice choices!
Thanks for saying so! 🙂
I cannot take an article serious when it includes H&M. H&M is anything but ethical OR eco. It makes me wonder how much effort was actually put into finding ethical brands or if you just took everything these companies say at face value.
Those are amazing. I’m gonna look fancy with those on.
Those dresses!!! i like all of ’em. Nice choices!
amazing post keep it up
I’m obsessed with that caftan! Too bad that’s a bit outside my budget. These are some great other choices too.