6 Sustainable Menswear Brands to Wear This Summer
By Natalie Folchi
Summer is officially here, and whether you’re planning a staycation or social distancing at the beach, dressing for the warmer weather is key. From pieces you didn’t realize you’d love like Hawaiian style shirts and breathable utility shorts, to wardrobe staples like a classic white tee and chinos — these six sustainable menswear brands will keep you both comfortable and stylish all summer long.
OUTERKNOWN
Surfs’ Up! Beach-inspired styles with a relaxed feel.
Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is fair-trade certified and known to embody a laid-back, beachy vibe. Their clothing is effortless, durable and vacation-appropriate (we love their printed short sleeve button downs!), making it ideal for all of your summer activities.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials and non-toxic dyes in most of its products
Fair-trade certified — all of its workers are paid a living wage
Designs fundraising tees to raise money for causes the company believes in, like beach and ocean cleanup and environmental advocacy
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
BBQ Shirt ($78)
Utility Shorts ($78)
FINISTERRE
Durable styles that will last for years to come.
Finisterre was born in 2003 with the cold-water surfer in mind. Its styles are durable, functional and stylish, so not only will you look good while wearing them, but they’ll actually last season after season. While the brand masters the cold-weather look, their lightweight styles are just what we’re loving for summer. Add one of their summer shirts in organic cotton and linen to your wardrobe for a more polished look.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses renewable and recyclable textiles and biodegradable natural fibres
Transparent about its factory partners
Eliminated single-use plastic and uses eco-friendly packaging like water soluble, recyclable, and biodegradable bags
The brand’s repair team mends used clothing
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Burns Short Sleeve Shirt ($85)
Holden Shorts ($85)
TENTREE
Comfortable and affordable styles that make an impact.
Tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased and as of 2020, the company has planted over 43 million trees. Outside of their main goal of sustainability, their products are affordable without sacrificing quality and are designed for comfort. While Tentree gives off the outdoorsy vibe, their menswear collection is extremely versatile, so their pieces will work for all of the items on your agenda this summer.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials including organic cotton and limits the amount of chemicals, water and wastewater used in production
Utilizes renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact
Plants 10 trees for every item purchased
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
M Hemp Polo ($52)
M Destination Short ($70)
PACT
The go-to for everyday basics.
Pact is the perfect go-to for an easy summer look. The brand excels at creating simple, affordable basics that are comfortable and versatile enough for everyday wear. The collection contains a wide variety of fun prints and colors, so there really is an option for everyone.
Sustainable Practices:
Fair trade factory certified
Organic cotton GOTS certified
Ships product in recycled and compostable packaging
Uses non-toxic dyes
Accepts old and used clothes through its own clothing donation program
Price Range: $
Our Picks:
Element Polo ($35)
Woven Drawstring Shorts ($60)
ECOALF
Cool, innovative styles that work toward a more sustainable future.
Through innovation and technology, ECOALF’s trendy, contemporary and casual clothing and accessories are made entirely from recycled materials. And even though the brand is dedicated to providing sustainable options, it does so without compromising on style. Their menswear collection mixes traditional styles with both colorful and neutral hues. We can guarantee you’ll want to wear their linen shirts and chino shorts all summer long.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including recycled nylon, recycled plastic, recycled cotton, recycled wool and recycled tires
Ships products in boxes made from recycled and recyclable paper
Price Range: $$-$$$
Our Picks:
Linen Shirt ($90)
Chino Shorts ($72)
ARMEDANGELS
Fast fashion? Opt for fair fashion instead.
Armedangels prides itself on creating fair fashion over fast fashion. Instead of chasing the trends that fast fashion feeds off of, the brand creates modern collections that are focused on fairness, sustainability and quality design. Their styles are both classic and on-trend.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, organic wool, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, Lyocell, organic linen and kapok
Is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and establishes fair wages for garment workers worldwide
Uses renewable energy in its direct operations to reduce its climate impact
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Folchi is a contributor at SISTAIN. As a full-time photographer, she spends most of her days behind the lens capturing big moments for her clients — from brand launches to wedding days and everything in between. Outside of work, she loves scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden treasures, traveling, binging true crime podcasts and capturing the world on 35mm film.
