10 Sustainable Dresses For Summer 2026

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We’ve reviewed dozens of summer dresses from sustainable brands — these are our top fair trade and ethical dress selections for comfort, style, fit, and across a range of price points and size options.

As the days get longer and warmer, we’re dreaming of flowy summer dresses and long afternoons spent at the farmer’s market. While not every day can be as luxurious as a Saturday afternoon, we can still sport some of our favorite sundresses without sacrificing our values.

What are the best sustainable fabrics for dresses?

When it comes to sustainable fabrics for dresses, there are some seriously good-looking and eco-friendly options out there. Organic cotton is a fan favorite — it’s breathable, comfy, and grown without harsh chemicals. TENCEL™ (aka lyocell) is another winner, made from responsibly sourced wood pulp and known for its dreamy softness and flowy drape — perfect for dresses that feel as good as they look. Linen, especially when made from organically grown flax, is super durable, naturally biodegradable, and gets better with every wear. Hemp is a low-impact powerhouse too — it’s strong, breathable, and gets softer over time. And let’s not forget about recycled materials like rPET, which give plastic bottles a stylish second life. So if you’re aiming for a dress that turns heads and keeps the planet in mind, these fabrics are where it’s at.

Our criteria:

These sustainable brands prioritize fair trade standards and practice ethical manufacturing through the use of deadstock fabrics or organic cotton for their summer dress collections. Many brands also have give-back initiatives that help empower the workers who create their garments. These dresses feel good to wear because they are good.

ETHICAL PRACTICES | These summer dresses are made by sustainable brands that adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments. We’ve also included dress brands that give back to their communities and prioritize size inclusivity in their offerings.
ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these summer dress collections is made by a brand that practices sustainability throughout their manufacturing process, including using all-natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials in their dresses where possible.
DESIGN | From flowy sundresses to chic and form-fitting cocktail attire, we’ve compiled a roundup of dress designs for every possible occasion and need.
INCLUSIVITY | While sustainable fashion can be pricey and fashion is often limiting when it comes to size ranges, we’ve made an effort to include something for everyone on this list.

To accessorize and complete your summer dress selection, check out our favorite sustainable sandals and ethical jewelry brands.

Best Overall | Sézane ($145+)
Most Affordable | Quince ($30+)
Best Active Dress | Patagonia ($129+)

1. Quince

Best For | Budget-friendly dresses
Sustainable Materials | ECOVERO™ LENZING™, organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, European linen
Size Range | XS – XL; up to US 16
Price | Dresses starting at $30

From organic cotton maxi dresses to European linen shirt dresses, Quince crafts clothing for style and sustainability. Each summer dress is breathable, durable while boasting flowy and flattering silhouettes for an elegant yet casual look. Quince carries everything from more casual to formal attire, making it the perfect choice for shopping for any occasion. Many pieces are OEKO-TEX Certified and produced in BSCI-certified factories in Shenzen, China. Elevate your wardrobe with these eco-conscious clothes!

Customer Review | “Love this dress. It is comfy yet not sloppy or too casual. I can dress it up or down……. so easy to slip on with nice shoes. I am now buying a white one for that crisp, cool look.” – Susan (Read all reviews.)

A person stands against a plain background wearing a sleeveless, white, square-neck mini dress and black sandals.

A woman stands against a white wall wearing a strapless, light mauve, ankle-length slip dress and beige sandals.

2. Sézane

Best For | Statement dresses
Sustainable Materials | ECOVERO™ LENZING™, recycled poly, organic cotton
Size Range | XXS – XXXL; up to US 16
Price | Dresses starting at $145

Summer is the time to wear bold colors and fun prints, and Sézane’s dress collection provides pieces that will help you stand out. These are dresses you will want to be seen in, whether you’re going to an office picnic or a romantic dinner date. Be a little daring in a structured, mini shirt dress or hit the farmer’s market in a romantic pleated skirt with fitted bodice and delicate tie spaghetti straps — whatever you choose will be sure to turn heads!

Woman wearing a sleeveless, V-neck floral dress stands against a light-colored, textured wall.

A woman stands indoors wearing a loose, sleeveless, rust-colored dress with buttons down the front, gold hoop earrings, and a gold bracelet.

3. Carve Designs

Best For | Relaxed, slip dresses
Sustainable Materials | LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose, Cupro
Size Range | XXS – XL
Price | Dresses starting at $72

Inspired by effortless coastal style, Carve Designs creates versatile wardrobe staples that transition seamlessly from beach days to everyday life. With a focus on lower-impact materials, the brand designs timeless pieces you’ll wear season after season. The Jordy Dress is a breezy, full-length slip made with sustainable LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers that’s just as perfect as a beach cover-up as it is dressed up for dinner. For even more versatility, the Solana Dress features a relaxed button-front silhouette, a removable rope belt, and a side slit, so you can wear it as a dress, lightweight layer, or swimsuit cover-up. Crafted from silky-soft KindSilk – a blend of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and biodegradable Cupro – it drapes beautifully while offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional fabrics.

Customer Review | “Such a lightweight beautiful dress for the summer. I don’t usually wear dresses without a bra, but the way this is designed, it sort of cups your breast and I can do so! Very flattering and I love the color!” – Michelle R. (Read all reviews.)

Woman in a teal maxi dress and sandals walks down wooden steps outside a shingle-style house, carrying a woven bag.

A woman in a lavender dress stands barefoot on rocky ground near a large rock wall, posing with one hand on her hip and the other touching the rock.

The Good Trade Partner

4. Pact

Best For | Organic cotton dresses
Sustainable Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton
Size Range | XXS – 2XL
Price | Dresses starting at $68

Made using organic cotton, Pact‘s summer dresses are the breeziest. Choose from simple midi dresses or fun fit and flares or cozy boho styles — these clothes are so cozy, whatever you choose will be a favorite for summers to come. Details like tie-fronts and double-layered tops add the perfect amount of interest to elevate each dress to something special. Be sure to check out their donation program for used clothes!

Customer Review | “I don’t wear dresses very often but this one is super comfortable and the fabric is high quality jersey with a beautiful print. It’s my first order from pact – and I’m sure I’ll be a regular customer now.” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)

Woman wearing a sleeveless, floral-patterned midi dress stands against a white wall. A red badge reads "The Good Trade Reader Favorite Award Winner 2026.

A woman stands against a white wall wearing a sleeveless, long cream-colored dress and brown sandals on a light textured floor.

5. Reformation

Best For | On-trend sustainable dresses
Sustainable Materials | Deadstock fabrics, TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton
Size Range | XSP – 3X; up to US 24
Price | Dresses starting at $98

Dress to impress yourself in a sweet little number from Reformation. Whether you’re looking for something perfectly fitted, a smocked back, or a ruffled neckline, there’s a dress with your name on it. Plus, many of their goods are ethically made in Los Angeles from sustainable and regenerative sources like viscose, a wood pulp-based fabric from sustainably managed forests.

A woman in a sleeveless brown mini dress stands against a white background, holding a leopard print handbag and wearing knee-high brown boots.

A woman wearing a flowing pale yellow dress and black high heels walks forward, holding a small black purse against a plain light background.

6. Christy Dawn

Best For | Cottagecore, romantic dresses
Sustainable Materials | Deadstock fabrics, organic & regenerative cotton
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price | Dresses starting at $88

If you’re looking for a sheer, romantic dress to wear on a moonlit stroll, Christy Dawn has got you covered. Ethically made in the USA and India from organic and deadstock fabrics, the ruffle details, smocked bodices, and nostalgic floral prints will make any walk outside feel like a whimsical frolic. With charming prints and flowing silhouettes, choose a dress for a special occasion — or any time you feel like adding a little loveliness to your day.

Customer Review | “This dress meets all the criteria I look for in a garment – beautifully soft fabric that doesn’t irritate my skin, ethical craftsmanship, tailoring to flatter an hourglass female form, light and breathable cotton for the year-round hot days here in Australia and the print and shade of blue in this dress is devine. Immediately after receiving this dress I bought two more Dawn dresses in other prints.” – Julia B. (Read all reviews.)

A woman in a light floral dress and tan shoes stands outdoors on a sunny day, with buildings and potted plants in the background.

A woman in a long, patterned dress stands against a textured pink wall, holding a small woven bag and looking to the side.

7. Jungmaven

Best For | Beach dresses & coverups
Sustainable Materials | Hemp, organic cotton
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price | Dresses starting at $86

Jungmaven makes the perfect breezy, cover-up-style slips and dresses for a hot beach day, a stroll along the boardwalk, or even lounging at home. Each piece is cut and sewn in Los Angeles using either 100% hemp or a hemp–organic cotton blend, giving it a lightweight yet structured feel that’s breathable and gentle on your skin (no synthetics here!). So what makes hemp fabric so special? It holds its shape, gets softer with every wash and wear, and ages beautifully — developing a unique patina over time, making it a piece you can eventually pass down or thoughtfully donate.

Customer Review | “This dress is so comfortable, but also looks very put together. Easy to wear, even in the hot weather” – Aliya M. (Read all reviews.)

A woman with long blonde hair wears a loose, light blue sleeveless dress with thin straps and stands barefoot against a plain light background.

A woman wearing a white short-sleeve midi dress, tan sandals, orange sunglasses, and holding a striped clutch stands against a plain background.

8. Jenni Kayne

Best For | Elegant, California-style dresses
Sustainable Materials | Cotton, linen
Size Range | XXS – 3X
Price | Dresses starting at $325

If you’re after effortless elegance with a laid-back California vibe, dresses from Jenni Kayne deliver exactly that. Think breezy linen maxis, easy cotton shirt dresses, and relaxed silhouettes that feel just as right for a beachside brunch as they do for a slow Sunday at home. Each piece is designed with that signature understated, polished feel, and while they do sit on the pricier side, these dresses are made from high-quality natural fabrics like linen and cotton, are thoughtfully size-inclusive, and are truly built to last.

Customer Review | “This dress is the epitome of understated. It fits perfectly, is well made and as an added bonus has pockets, which we all want in a comfortable dress. It’s so flattering and as a 50-something year old woman I want a dress that I feel good in. It checks all boxes for me.” – Anne M. (Read all reviews.)

A woman stands against a plain beige background, wearing a sleeveless, ankle-length red dress with spaghetti straps and matching red slides.

A woman stands wearing a sleeveless, button-down, blue midi dress with a V-neck, paired with black sandals, against a plain background.

9. Patagonia

Best For | Active dresses
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, hemp, recycled materials, TENCEL™ lyocell
Size Range | XXS – XL
Price | Dresses starting at $129

We love Patagonia for its impressive sustainability certifications and ethical production practices, including dresses made in Fair Trade Certified factories. These active sundresses are designed to keep you comfortable in hot weather, using breathable materials like hemp and TENCEL™ lyocell, and they’re easy to wash and care for — making them perfect for travel. You can even shop secondhand versions of many styles for a fraction of the price directly on Patagonia’s website!

Customer Review | “I wear this dress all the time. Usually a bathing suit top underneath. Sometimes a T-shirt underneath. Sometimes a button up shirt over it or under it… I’ve worn it so many different ways. It rolls up so nicely in the backpack and takes up absolutely no room. The fit is loose and easy. I ordered my normal size and I’m pleased with the way it looks and feels. The fabric washes out with a small amount of water and dries quickly. It’s no fuss and a pleasure to wear. I look to buy a second one in blue print.” – CarlyBlu (Read all reviews.)

A woman stands facing forward, wearing a sleeveless, light blue dress against a plain light background.

A person stands facing forward wearing a white, sleeveless, ankle-length dress with a floral print and sandals against a plain background.

10. Myles Price

Best For | Elevated Basics
Sustainable Materials | U.S. Grown Supima cotton, MicoModal
Size Range | XS – 3X
Price | Dresses starting at $176

Myles Price seamlessly blends classic California style with an elevated New York twist. Crafted in small batches, these dresses are meant to fit and support the shape of your body effortlessly! We love these pieces for casual day-to-night looks, easy carry-on essentials, and a touch of simple elegance that easily adds to your wardrobe. Made from high-quality materials like 100% U.S.-grown Supima Cotton and custom knit fabrics, Myles Price’s attention to detail, style, and quiet quality luxury makes these pieces easy wardrobe staples.

Customer Review | “I knew from the first time i put the dress on that it was nothing like i’d ever owned before. it felt like it was made just for my body. The material is so supple and soft and wearing it feels like wearing air.” – Fiona D. (Read all reviews.)