In a continuation of our series, here is the Ethical Stylists Guide to Summer: 10 Perfect Sundresses.

One of the best parts of summer (aside from the fruit, the beach, the pool, the barbecues… I love summer!) is the dresses. There is nothing better than slipping on a cute, easy sundress and heading to the pool, the beach, the farmers market, all of it! Except that many of our options are made in less than ethical ways. But, here are a few options that are made with people and planet in mind.

1. Spell and the Gypsy

This is a company that is ethical to the core. They believe in sustainability, transparency, and people and planet above all. From their headquarters and retail stores to the factories they work with to the fabrics they chose, ethical fashion and transparency are woven into (literally) every piece of this business. And their boho dresses just scream summer. I want to wear one of these every single day this summer.

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2. Cuyana

Cuyana’s philosophy is “Fewer, Better Things.” We can certainly get behind that. And their things are definitely better. Cuyana is a brand that is a perfect go to for any capsule or minimalist wardrobe (or really any wardrobe, but if that is what you are going for, Cuyana is a great place to start). They are also completely transparent in their manufacturing and choose only fair factories with skilled craftsmen, making pieces that are designed to last.

Ethical Stylist's Guide to Summer: 10 Perfect Sundresses

2. Pact

If you’ve been here long, you know that I love Pact. They were one of the first lines we carried when we were exclusively a shop, and I have filled my underwear drawer with them ever since. They use almost exclusively organic cotton and are fair trade. Everything is dreamily comfortable and soft. In the years since F:S first started carrying Pact, they have increased their product line extensively, and now have the best dresses, perfect for those hot summer nights or just lounging around the house, and anything in between. And, at about $40, they are priced right!

4. Everlane

You also know how much I love Everlane. I admire their transparency, in both their pricing and their ethics. They are clean, and fair. These summer dresses made from their Japanese GoWeave fabric are destined to be a summer staple, guaranteed to pass the 30 (and 60, and maybe 90) wear test!

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5. Reformation

Yes, I like Reformation a lot too. I guess it is obvious what my wardrobe is filled with! Reformation knows what they are doing when it comes to sustainability and ethics. And also sundresses. This seasons dresses are just about perfect.

6. Krochet Kids

Using Organic cotton and a transparent supply chain, Krochet Kids is able to provide life-changing job opportunities to women in need. Every item is signed by the woman who made it, and improves her life by giving her a fair wage. Krochet Kids also does a great job of reminding us that there are people behind our clothes and that their wages, health care, safety, and well being is just as important as ours.

7. Amour Vert

Amour Vert is all about sustainability. They use non-toxic dyes, sustainable fabrics, a zero-waste philosophy and American manufacturing. And (even though the label says otherwise), I was told and then tested it, that the silks can be machine washed instead of dry cleaned! Woo hoo! And they are just so beautiful. These are the type of dresses that you buy now and wear for years (or decades), that transition from brunch to a wedding.

8. Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn is a gorgeous woman-designed, vintage inspired dress line. They use all deadstock fabric (not sure what that is? See our dictionary), and everything is made with love in Los Angeles. They treat their sewers and dressmakers like family, and everything is made with love. It shows.

9. DOEN

DOEN is a collective of creative women, all dedicated to decreasing the gender pay gap in the garment industry. They manufacture as much as possible in the USA, and have ensured that every outsourced item is created in a completely ethical factory. They evaluate gender and social equality indicators, existing unions, and benefits. Their sourcing philosophy is about doing things mindfully.