Linen is known for being an eco-friendly fabric because it doesn’t require a lot of water to grow, does not require pesticides as it is naturally pest-repellent and creates minimal waste as every part of the flax plant from which linen is made is used for different purposes.

Linen is also very durable and gets softer over time, making it a great capsule wardrobe investment for years to come. With that in mind, here are my three of my top linen essential picks for your sustainable summer wardrobe:

See also: 3 Eco Items to Build Your Capsule Wardrobe

Son de Flor Pinafore Shirt 

I’ve already spoken about my love for crop tops in my summer capsule wardrobe article, but they really have become my no-brainer go-to for a street-style slash resort-look during weekends. I love Son de Flor’s square-neck linen crop top so much – its design makes it easy to pair with all my skirts, trousers, shorts and even jeans. Not to mention, it shows off all my hard work at the gym in a subtle, elegant way!

Son de Flor uses only natural Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics throughout their collection, with plastic-free packaging for delivery and a focus on ethical production. I wear this eye-catching fairy-tale piece with high-waisted pants for work or with relaxed trousers on my days off.

Available at Son de Flor

@White by Gosia Orlowska Sofia Pants 

I have officially replaced all my jeans with linen trousers as my summer staple! One of my favourite linen bottoms are these Sofia linen pants by Hong Kong-based designer Gosia Orlowska. They have become a great addition to my capsule wardrobe – the material is extremely soft and I like pairing them with a crop top and my favourite blazer for an easy, breezy summer outfit.

Gosia makes her collections from deadstock material in very limited quantities to minimise waste. She also allows customers to pre-order designs whenever she can.

Available at @White by Gosia Orlowska

BrunnaCo ARYA Safari Midi Dress

For a more feminine take on linen, my pick is BrunnaCo’s Arya safari linen midi dress. Wearing this lightweight dress on a hot summer day is oh-so-comfy!

BrunnaCo is a Californian environmentally and socially sustainable fashion brand founded by Bali-born Helga Ida Ayu. Each of their collections is handcrafted by select artisans, mostly women, working from the comfort of their own homes in Indonesia.

Available at BrunnaCo

Of course, investing in sustainable materials is just a tiny step in your conscious fashion journey! To further that journey, be mindful of where you spend, make sure what you buy causes no harm to the planet and its people, and invest in quality timeless pieces instead of purchasing single-use, fast fashion garments. That way, you can ensure any new clothes are long-term investments rather than just quick impulse buys.

See also: 3 Sustainable Skirts to Stay Cool In

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As well as shopping for pre-owned designer fashion on their website, HULA has a Wong Chuk Hang warehouse and a Central boutique where you can browse hundreds of fabulous pieces in-person – meaning there’s no excuse not to get in on the pre-loved action!

We chat to Sarah about what inspired her to start HULA, whether there’s a stigma around second-hand clothing and her top tips on making our wardrobes more sustainable.

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

I’m the founder and CEO of HULA – a highly curated, authenticated consignment business selling the best luxury womenswear, bags, shoes and accessories. HULA helps customers monetise their wardrobe while offering consumers the best authentic, pre-owned, designer womenswear at up to 95 percent off retail price. In short, I turn people’s waste into other people’s treasures!

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

The rise of fast fashion and consumerism has made textiles waste one of the biggest polluters worldwide – which became a massive reason for starting HULA.

I used to work at Lane Crawford’s head office and realised how much waste there was in the fashion industry – not only on the retail side, where a product would have an 8-12 week shelf-life before going to the sales bin, but also among friends who would often ask where to get rid of items they no longer wanted. I knew there would be an opportunity for this type of business… plus loads of amazing products to unlock in my friends’ wardrobes!

Having previously founded my own lingerie and swimwear label, I also really appreciated the effort that goes into designing, producing and marketing a collection – so I wanted to make it HULA’s mission to extend the lifespan of well-crafted fashion pieces too.

3. What’s your best eco habit – and your guilty not-so green one?

Of course, its shopping mostly second-hand fashion! I’m also almost vegetarian throughout the work week. My guilty pleasure is that I love jumping on a plane to travel.

4. Fave eco brands?

For fashion, I love Gabriela Hearst and Cult Gaia. For lifestyle, I can’t live without Oatly oat milk for my go-to daily latte fix! I also love ECOS household products – they work really well and smell so good!

5. Fave veggie dishes in Hong Kong?

Treehouse’s veggie bibimbap, Dandy’s Organic Café’s veggie curry with brown rice and Maison Libanaise’s mixed rice, Lebanese salad and roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce.

6. Do you think there is still a stigma when it comes to buying second-hand?

Shopping second-hand is still not broadly accepted amongst local Chinese. Superstition has partly held this market back from developing over the past decades, because second-hand clothing was known to come from someone who had passed away or was sold due to lack of money – so buying pre-owned was deemed ‘unlucky’.

Luckily, times have shifted and the pre-owned market is now widely more accepted… So much so that the second-hand market is projected to double over the next five years, growing eleven times faster than the broader retail clothing sector; it’s also set to become twice the size of fast fashion by 2030!

We’ve seen a surge in shoppers shifting their mindset about buying pre-owned, from it being something they were ashamed of to something they’re now proud of. Pre-Covid, we did lots of events and discussions, tackling issues about fashion sustainability and really bringing the community together. The new generation are popularising pre-owned in a big way – and I’m glad we stuck through the hard times to see this market grow and finally break some barriers.

7. What are some simple tips for a more sustainable wardrobe?

If you’re looking for key capsule wardrobe pieces, make sure they will last! Buy better quality pieces from better brands so items are easier to resell should you tire of them afterwards. If you can’t afford high-end brands, shop from luxury consignment stores like HULA, where pieces are a fraction of the price. Shopping pre-owned opens up a world of styles and brands you might never have considered or could afford previously.

Look for fabrics that are easier to maintain or can be cleaned regularly such as silk, cotton, linen-mixes and bamboo rayon or viscose and make sure you don’t over-wash your pieces. To be more sustainable, some pieces can be worn at least 3-7 times before being washed – this will ensure your pieces don’t look old and over-washed too soon.

If you want a more unique look without wearing what everyone is wearing this season, shop vintage items that are unique and not so recognisable. These pieces will become your wardrobe treasures and will help define your look.

And of course, please buy pre-owned fashion! Extending the average lifespan of clothing by just three months of active use per item would lead to a 5-10 percent reduction in its carbon, water and waste footprints. Buying pre-owned really is the quickest way right now – aside from buying nothing – to help solve fashion sustainability.

8. What shade of green are you?

A vintage olive green – it’s such a classic colour and I love vintage style!

Find out more about HULA on their website and Instagram

NEXT: See all ‘8Shades Of‘ interviews

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When shopping for a summer skirt, my advice is to look for those made from natural materials. Not only are they perfect for the humid weather, but they’re also generally more eco-friendly and durable than synthetic fabrics. 

Here are my three of my favourite sustainable skirt picks, made from different natural fabrics:

See also: 3 Eco Items To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Cass Livia Skirt 

CASS’ Livia skirt is made of hemp, a fast-growing, resistant and renewable natural material that is made to last a lifetime. It grows with little water, without pesticides and is extremely durable, breathable, comfortable and great for skin, thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities. Even with all those benefits, hemp still has one more trick up its sleeve – it’s also considered a carbon-negative raw material, as it absorbs more carbon than it produces.

This skirt design is timeless and I love its simplicity. I’m currently pairing it with a crop top and squared heels for a classy and elegant look, or with a t-shirt and sandals for a more relaxed vibe. 

Available at CASS

Mayamiko Doreen Mini Skirt

Mayamiko’s Doreen Skirt is made from pure rain-fed organic cotton grown in Uganda, and crafted at a fair trade workshop by talented artisans in Malawi. Organic cotton is made from natural seeds, with zero pesticides or other harmful chemicals used when growing the plant.

This skirt is so soft that I get slightly emotional at the end of the day when it’s time to take it off! It’s a great summer staple and I love pairing it with a cami during the weekend or a shirt on work days. I personally wish more brands would follow Mayamiko’s lead and promote fair trade practices, as I believe that the people who made my clothes should be paid fairly for their work.

Available at Mayamiko

See also: Sustainability Defined: 10 Useful Eco Fashion Terms

Linen Handmade Studio Valencia Slit Skirt

Linen Handmade Studio’s Valencia Skirt is made of linen, a strong but lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. It is naturally hypoallergenic and very breathable, making it a great material for warm weather. I love this skirt because the design is so fun, yet it’s smart enough to wear to work when paired with a shirt.

What’s great about this brand is that their designs are made-to-order; with 27 different colours to choose from, you can pick the best shade to fit your capsule wardrobe. Made-to-order business models help reduce waste and minimise surplus stock but are they the future of sustainable fashion? Keep in mind that small businesses like these need your support as they face scalability issues. 

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

This summer, let’s rethink the way we buy fashion. Read clothing labels carefully, take time to research materials and support small businesses whenever you can. Through these small yet conscious steps, we can make a difference in the future of our planet!

See also: 3 Sustainable Mini Handbags To Invest In For Summer

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Want to keep the changing of the seasons distinct and beautiful but still sustainable? Keep reading for 8Shades’ picks of the coolest eco-friendly shades!

See also: 6 Sustainable Sun Hats & Visors for Summer Protection

KNWLS: Yellow Adrenaline Oval Sunglasses

With a slanted oval shape, these sunglasses from the latest it-girl brand KNWLS are one of our faves this season for those sunny days. Not only do they have the most unique silhouette that just begs to be complimented, but they are also handcrafted from 100 percent recycled acrylic!

Available at SSENSE

Bird: Athene Clear Sunglasses

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed, but clear frames seem to be back in fashion and we’re loving how wearable and chic they are! The eco-conscious eyewear label Bird makes its frames with Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate — a naturally derived material made from wood pulp.

Available at Bird Eyewear

& Other Stories: Brown Tortoise Squared Thick Frame Sunglasses

A cheaper alternative that doesn’t compromise on style, & Other Stories’ rectangle tortoiseshell shades have an unmistakably strong look that simply stands out amongst the rest! We also adore that they’re made from 85 percent recycled polyester, processed from plastic bottles and textile waste.

Available at & Other Stories

Waterhaul: Harlyn Aqua Sunglasses

On the hunt for something bright and colourful to go with summer’s vibrant palette? Well, these ocean-coloured shades are just the thing! What we love most about these round-framed shades though is that they are designed to be saltwater-resistant and are made from 100 percent recycled fishing net recovered in Cornwall, UK.

Available at Waterhaul

Proof Eyewear: Grove Wood Sunglasses

Looking for something way different? We got you. These unconventional sunglasses with a vintage vibe are handmade from sustainably sourced wood, and hand-polished with water- and sweat-resistant plant-based sealant. As it turns out, you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Available at Proof Eyewear

Szade x Impala: Dollin Sunglasses

This one’s for all the Barbie girls in a Barbie world! These matte bubblegum-pink shades with 90s inspired flame decals on the sides are so much more than meets the eye. Szade makes its sunglasses from broken-down and recycled sunglasses collected in China that were destined for landfill — tackling the waste problem at its source.

Available at Szade

Read also: 8 Bio-Acetate Sunglasses to Reinvent Your Summer Wardrobe

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Of course, the climate crisis only contributes to the harshness of our city’s notorious summers, but that doesn’t mean we should just stay inside and miss out on all the fun! Read on for our picks of the cutest sustainable sun hats and visors for a well-protected summer outing.

See also: 8 Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Prana: Genevieve Sun Hat

If there’s one thing we know about the Hong Kong seaside, it’s that things can get incredibly windy – which is when the drawcord of this minimalist sun hat comes into play.

But that’s not the best thing about this floppy darling; made of hemp paper and recycled polyester, the Genevieve Sun Hat from Prana, a “clothing for positive change” advocate, is lightweight, wearable and strong with UPF 50+ protection.

Available at Prana

Bagtazo: Tin Can Beach Hat

Just because you’re going to the beach doesn’t mean you can’t still be classy and stylish. Created by Filipino-American environmentalist designer and founder Coco Bagtazo, this sun hat is an elevated classic handmade from sheer braided hemp, featuring a natural silk tie that keeps your hat in place.

The brand also works with materials from verifiable sources, continually strives towards sustainability and regularly donates to grassroots and mutual aid funds, as well as Planned Parenthood.

Available at Bagtazo

Janessa Leoné: Wes Hat

A short-brimmed bucket style with a tall crown, the Wes Hat is braided and sewn with natural raffia for strength and durability. It comes in three staple colours – chocolate, natural white and black – to go with any summer outfit.

We also love that Janessa Leoné is a brand guided by conscious consumption, especially in terms of environmental impact and sustainability.

Available at Janessa Leoné

Ceremonia: Palm Leaf Sun Visor

This handwoven sun visor is probably the most summery headwear to ever exist! Crafted from palm leaf, cotton and nylon, it comes with a one-size-fits-most elastic band.

This BIPOC, women-owned brand also ensures it is made of sustainable and vegan materials, so we can keep on enjoying those beautiful sunny days without worrying more than we already do about the planet.

Available at Ceremonia

Girlfriend Collective: 50/50 Bucket Hat

Designed with 50 percent Texloop RCOT recycled cotton and 50 percent organic cotton, this classic bucket hat from Girlfriend Collective comes in six different colours to fit any aesthetic. Of course, our favourite is the muted banana yellow – it just screams summer!

The best part is, Girlfriend Collective is a fair trade label and its recycled fabric is Oeko-Tex-certified, so you know they’ve got a conscience too.

Available at Girlfriend Collective 

Caminito: Sombra Sun Hat

Handmade from woven palm leaves and vegetable-tanned leather by skilled artisans in Mexico, this shady sun hat features a hand-drawn sun pattern that is both subtle and unique – just a little bit of fun detail to help you step up your beach game!

We also adore that the San Francisco-based Caminito is a women-owned label and uses sustainable materials to craft its summery collection.

Available at Caminito

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags for Seaside Escapes

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Here at 8Shades, we’ve handpicked a variety of beachwear, from kaftans and cover-ups to shirts and dresses, for your sustainably stylish wardrobe. Let’s have a look!

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags for Seaside Escapes

Yasmina Q: Sky Kaftan

With a focus on operating a circulatory sustainable company, Yasmina Q only selects sustainably sourced fabrics, such as deadstock materials, to preserve the environment.

Our favourite has to be their Sky Kaftan in a colourful pastel gradient, which comes with multi-stacked tassels to add playfulness to your beach days. We especially love that it’s made of 100 percent sustainably sourced viscose!

Available at Yasmina Q

The Odder Side: Astrid Dress

This Global Organic Textile Standard-certified dress from The Odder Side is the ultimate fit for those summer days that go into the night.

Made from 100 percent lightweight cotton, this fit-and-flare silhouette comes with a seductive self-tie open back, as well as a side split hem to flatter and catch eyes. We adore its elegant yet casual shade of green that will look good on any skin tone.

Available at The Odder Side

Damson Madder: Feel Good Floral Shirt

Looking for something a little boyish but not too boyish? This floral shirt might be just up your alley. Its adorable smiley faces and floral print give off a groovy vibe that’s perfect for any beach or boat party.

You could also pair it with the brand’s matching floral shorts to make a cute co-ord set. And of course – Damson Madder uses organic cotton, recycled and repurposed fabrics, and ethically sourced materials in all its garments.

Available at Damson Madder

Ren: Walker Shirt

This slightly kimono-inspired shirt is set to be your new effortless chic wardrobe staple this summer. Super wearable and comfortable, it’s made of handloom, non-dyed, organic cotton, and has large front pockets for essentials, a sash for a cinched waist and red stitching details that are just as beautiful as can be.

An advocate for slow fashion, Ren London makes its garments in an all-women factory where workers are properly compensated.

Available at Ren London

Reformation: Edwina Dress

Because what’s a beachwear list without something for those all-white parties? This romantic midi dress with lacy details from Reformation has a relaxed fit and straight neckline that will look good on any body type.

Manufactured with sustainability in mind, it is also made from organically grown cotton and EcoVero viscose.

Available at Reformation

Away That Day: Valencia Shirt

This easy cover-up from Away That Day comes in a vibrant, sexy red that is sure to snatch up plenty of attention from the beach to the bar. Its sheer fabric is composed of 80 percent FSC-certified viscose and 20 percent silk for a luxurious ultra-soft feel, while sticking to the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Alternatively, it also comes in either a mysterious all-black colourway or a daring zebra print. Match it with the brand’s Santorini sarong to complete the look.

Available at Away That Day

Read also: 3 Sustainable Swimwear Brands to Wear This Summer

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The term ‘capsule wardrobe’ was popularised by British fashion icon Susie Faux in the 1970s. A traditional capsule collection comprises anywhere between ten to 50 practical and versatile pieces of clothing, put together to create an entire wardrobe. 

The great thing about a capsule wardrobe is that pieces are interchangeable, enabling you to build countless outfits from fewer items overall. This concept is even more relevant now in the age of fast fashion and should inspire us to change our consumption habits.

Here are my top picks for three key, eco-friendly pieces to invest in for a summer capsule wardrobe.

See also: 13 Fast Fashion Quotes To Inspire

1. Jeans

A pair of blue or coloured jeans is my go-to weekend outfit. Throw on some jeans, accessorise them with a cute top and a pair of laid-back sneakers, add a belt and matching bag, and you’re ready to go!

Unspun

Hong Kong-based brand Unspun has a really sustainable business model, selling only made-to-order, custom-made jeans. I’ve been wearing their light bootcut jeans over the last few months; I love that they’re curve-flattering and their high-waisted silhouette gives my legs a boost. You can simply pick the design you like and scan your body measurements through their app. In about a month’s time, they’ll send you a pair of jeans that’s been 100 percent tailor-made for your body shape.

Available at Unspun

Kuyichi

My other summer go-to are Kuyichi’s Lisette cream-coloured, super high-waisted, 70s-inspired flared jeans. They are made of organic cotton and eco-friendly Tencel Lyocell, which keeps me cool in the summer heat. They go perfectly with crop tops and I love pairing them with a linen blazer or light trench coat. 

Available at Kuyichi

2. Crop Tops

Summer simply calls for crop tops! No matter what body shape you have, a crop top is a lady’s best friend.

Honest Basics

I am currently in love with Honest Basics, a brand from Germany. They’re on a mission to make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone, while paying everyone throughout their supply chain a fair wage. Here, you can find quality basics that are essential for building a capsule wardrobe – like this black spaghetti crop top. 

Available at Honest Basics

Rifo

My other go-to summer crop top is from Rifo. Their Nora knitted crop top is made with a yarn crafted from recycled old jeans. Rifo estimates that this top has been recycled from two to five pairs of jeans, consuming only 80 litres of water throughout the production process – rather than the 3,000 required by an identical virgin cotton garment. 

Available at Rifo

3. Blazers

Blazers add instant spunk to any outfit and work for many occasions. For instance, I’d throw on a blazer in Hong Kong summer whenever the indoor temperature gets too cold!

@White By Gosia Orlowska

My @White By Gosia Orlowska pink blazer is made from deadstock silk in Hong Kong. It’s perfect for work occasions or weekend brunches and the silk material makes it extra breathable and soft to the touch – and I love the pink colour!

Available at @White By Gosia Orlowska

Linen Handmade Studio

Linen is the perfect material for hot, humid Hong Kong summers as it’s so breathable and versatile. My Colette lavender grey linen jacket was made-to-order from Linen Handmade Studio; its classic, timeless design is just perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe. I also love that this brand has 27 colours to pick from for each design, and most items are made-to-order for your size, which minimises waste.

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

Remembering the manta of “buy less, buy better”, a capsule wardrobe is the best way forward to remedy the ills of our past consumption habits. Let’s all try to minimise our environmental impact through small, conscious steps that make a huge difference for the one planet we all share!

See also: 3 Sustainable Swimwear Brands to Wear This Summer

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It’s easy to get stumped with all the new sustainability terms cropping up – but fret not! As part of our ‘Sustainability Defined‘ series, 8Shades is here to help guide you through the confusing world of responsible fashion, with these useful definitions for ten common sustainability terms.

See also: 10 Useful Food Sustainability Terms

Deadstock Fabric

This may sound an unnerving term, but there’s nothing sinister about it! When fashion industry people refer to ‘deadstock fabric’, they’re talking about surplus or leftover fabric, which wasn’t used or sold and would have been ordinarily thrown away. Instead artisans repurpose these materials, breathing new life into them by incorporating them into their existing designs or creating entirely new pieces with them, thus extending their lifespan and enhancing their sustainability.

Downcycling

This is what happens when you break down a product to extend its life, keeping it from ending up in landfill. An example of this is when you use old socks or garments as cleaning rags, or when clothing is shredded down for its fibres to be used as insulation stuffing. A popular example of downcycling is Nike breaking down old sneakers to be used to make basketball courts.

Fair Fashion

Also known as ‘fair trade’, this term is similar to its food equivalent – meaning companies that carry this label have ensured that the workers who make its clothes have been paid a fair wage and work at factories that meet or exceed safety guidelines.

Natural Fibres

These are fibres like cotton, linen or wool that come from plants and animals, instead of synthetic sources like polyester. Though these are generally more sustainable, not all natural fibres are biodegradable – especially if they’re treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process. For instance, while leather is a natural fibre, it actually has a larger carbon footprint than polyester.

Organic

While closely associated with food sustainability, the term ‘organic’ can also be found in fashion. Organic clothing means clothes that were made from materials like cotton, wool or hemp that have not been genetically-modified or grown with chemicals. In addition to not using any pesticides, organic clothing also has the added benefit of being biodegradable.

Pre-Loved vs Vintage

Both of these refer to second-hand items that you might come across via a thrift shop, hand-me-downs or swapping with friends. ‘Vintage’ items have the added distinction of being over 20 years old and accurately representing the style of a certain era, like bell-bottom jeans from the 1970s.

See also: 8Shades Of Christina Dean of Redress

Sustainable Collections

This is usually a brand’s way of highlighting their eco credentials, with collections that include items or accessories made from organic materials or eco-friendly packaging. Examples of this include Stella McCartney’s Mylo Bag that’s made from lab-grown mushroom leather and Zara’s Join Life Collection that uses fibres sourced from controlled-growth and protected forests.

See also: Why Is Sustainable Fashion More Expensive Than Fast Fashion?

Upcycling

This is essentially the opposite of downcycling. While both processes turn waste into usable material, upcycling involves repurposing waste to make it into a better product – for example, sewing shirts into bags or making leather scraps into mobile device cases.

Vegan

In addition to being cruelty-free and not tested on animals, vegan fashion also does not use any animal byproducts – so leather jackets, fur coats and wool mittens are a big no no.

Zero-Waste

The fashion industry is notorious for creating a lot of rubbish. Zero-waste fashion aims to minimise the amount of waste created during the manufacturing process, as well as considering how items can be repaired to keep them out of landfill for as long as possible. An example is using fabric scraps to create other fashion items.

See also: 8 Sustainable Fashion Brands in Southeast Asia to Know

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Read on for our diverse and sustainable picks of the coolest shorts to sport in the warm season — from the office to the beach, there’s bound to be something that tickles your fancy.

Stefania Vaidani: Ilios Recycled Shorts

Made of recycled fabrics, these adorable shorts are just what you need for the season. The brand has been certified by Oeko-Tex, which means its materials are free of harmful chemicals and safe for human use. Of course, we love the light-hearted yellow and white stripes too — the perfect summer staple for any occasion!

Available at Stefania Vaidani

Sézane: Lucky Shorts

French atelier Sézane creates most of its collections with organic cotton, certified materials and recycled polyester. These high-waisted chequered shorts, for instance, are made of 100 percent natural linen and have a flattering flared leg. Just watch as their bright colour and casual-yet-classy look carry you from the boardroom to the boat party!

Available at Sézane

House of Dagmar: Tatiana Shorts

Looking for an easy yet stylish summer staple? You’ve come to the right place. The soft twill linen shorts from Swedish sustainability-focused label House of Dagmar are among the brand’s ‘Good Choice’ items that consist of at least 50 percent sustainable materials and have the most wearable and comfy silhouette. Just peep that elastic waist — we love a stress-free look! We’d wear this to an all-white party, but the possibilities are endless.

Available at House of Dagmar

Boyish: The Leon Shorts

With a novelty belt detail and wide relaxed leg, these high-rise pleated denim shorts are the definition of versatility; dress it up or down, it’s up to you! The best part is that the Los Angeles label Boyish uses ethical and sustainable practices in its manufacturing process, and these shorts are made of organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled cotton.

Available at Boyish

Whimsy & Row: Valentina Shorts

What can we say? We’re suckers for cool abstract shapes and neutral colours. These linen Valentina shorts are bound to be a crowd-pleaser no matter where you are. Just pair them with a plain basic and go! Whimsy & Row has lowered its carbon footprint by producing locally and continually strives for zero-waste by recycling its materials and only cutting limited quantities.

Available at Whimsy and Row

The Odder Side: Rive Shorts

Still looking for a pair of work shorts? These pure cotton shorts might just be what you need — the ruched waistband, belt loops and turned-up hem give a tailored feel, while the beige colour is a safe and easy-on-the-eyes choice for any room. Not only is The Odder Side certified by Oeko-Tex, but they also made these shorts with a plastic-free dedication to the environment.

Available at The Odder Side

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags For Seaside Escapes

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With that in mind, when shopping for a sustainable bag, remember to keep an eye on the provenance of its main material. Handbags are often made of leather, with the leather produced for bag manufacturing being a key driver behind deforestation in the Amazon.

See also: World Leaders Promise To End Deforestation By 2030

Luckily, more and more brands these days understand the impact of their business on people and our planet. There are increasing numbers of sustainable options for us to look good, feel good and do good in – so here are my favourite sustainable mini handbags for summer!

Labienhecha Hortensia Bag

Handmade in Malaga, Spain, Labienhecha only uses recycled leather, certified by Global Recycled Standard and Oeko Tex Leather Standard. Their use of pastel colours across their collection is especially enchanting – after all, it’s all about summer and wanting to make the most of the season!

I carried my small Hortensia, which means “shopping bag” in Spanish, throughout my most recent business trip to the US. I love its quality and versatility; it came with me to the gym and my business meetings alike. An all-woman team lies behind Labienhecha, something that I find compelling when purchasing from boutique sustainable brands.

Available at Labienhecha

Brunna.Co Sumatran Tiger Clutch

Brunna.Co offers unique, limited and collectible handmade bags crafted by local artisans in Indonesia. Their multitude of designs is meant to represent the biodiversity surrounding us. More importantly, their bags are often made with a specific conservation effort in mind.

My Sumatran Tiger Clutch was designed to raise awareness of critically endangered Sumatran tigers; currently, there are less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild due to deforestation and poaching. Brunna.Co donates the proceeds from each Sumatran Tiger Clutch purchased directly from their online store to tiger conservation projects.

Available at Brunna.Co

Bottle Top Bellani Mini Enamel Bag

Bottle Top takes the mantra ‘One person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ to a whole new level. They make their bags from recycled bottle tops from Africa and certified-Amazon Zero Deforestation leather. Their atelier in Brazil employs more than 20 mostly female artisans, with a salary 45 percent higher than the Brazilian industry average.

My Bellani Mini Bag is more than just a bag – I would go as far as to say that it’s a piece of art! It takes Bottle Top’s skilled artisans a whole day to make one of these beauties by hand. All my summer necessities fit perfectly inside – and to literally top it all off, bottle tops do keep me cool in the summer heat, all puns intended!

Available at Bottle Top

Let’s rethink the way we buy this summer. Where we spend our money does shape the future of our planet… And yes, let me say it again, let’s all try to minimise our environmental impact through small, conscious steps that will make a huge difference for the one planet we share!

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags For Seaside Escapes

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