8 Sustainable Resort Wear Brands For Your Next Vacay
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Our editors have reviewed the best resort casual wear from sustainable brands — these are our top picks.
Whether you’re packing for a vacation or just looking to spruce up your sustainable summer wardrobe, the resort casual aesthetic is perfect for easy, transitional, and comfortable clothing staples. From airy linen to flattering chinos to flowy dresses, we love that we can live in these clothes during warmer months and then use them again for layering as we transition from spring or into fall. These pieces fit perfectly into an existing capsule wardrobe too, since they’re versatile and elevated without sacrificing comfort. A great resort wear staple works just as well for everyday errands as it does for your next date night — no vacation needed.
What is resort casual wear?
Resort casual is the ultimate in comfort: breathable fabrics that can double as swimsuit coverups or be worn for a dinner date on a hot summer night. These are pieces that take you from the plane to the beach to a sunset dinner — or even to the grocery store! Think basics and layering: resort casual wear is generally simple in style and color and can be worn on its own or with a bolder item to really make a statement. Try monochrome for an effortlessly chic look, or keep it simple with pinstripe button-downs, Birkenstocks, and linen pants.
The beauty of resort casual style is that it feels polished with incredibly low effort. The same matching set that accompanied you to the beach can be dressed up with jewelry for dinner with an ocean view or thrown on before a walk to breakfast. Dreaming about your next vacation, outfits included? There’s nothing like a Pinterest sesh to put you in the mood to actually get your next trip on the calendar.
What should be on your vacation packing list?
Once you’ve decided on which luggage suits your trip best — carry-on or checked bag is the ultimate debate — it’s time to start packing! The key to resort wear is sticking to versatile pieces you can actually picture yourself wearing on repeat during your trip. Easy layers, breathable fabrics, and accessories that won’t require mid-day outfit changes. We’re all for outfits that can handle sandy feet, salty hair, and a spontaneous schedule change. Here are some of our must-haves:
- A swimsuit or two: Sustainable swimwear that performs isn’t the easiest find, but it’s worthwhile to wear eco-friendly fabrics, especially in the ocean. And if you prefer a full coverage suit, we’ve got you covered (literally!).
- Cover-ups that work for day and night: A resort wear must! Opt for natural fibers that aren’t see-through if you’re hoping to wear the same cover-up to both the beach and dinner.
- Casual evening outfits: We love a breezy sustainable dress for dinner followed by an evening stroll. It’s a one-and-done outfit that makes it look like you got ready for hours (rather than the reality: a 10-minute hotel room stop after a full day by the pool).
- A lightweight sweater: You don’t want to be shivering when the temp drops at night. A lightweight sweater in natural fibers is perfect for when a breeze pops up or for late-night beach walks.
- Comfy yet stylish footwear: Think sandals that can get wet but also look cute with a dress. No small feat, but we’ve rounded up the best.
- A sun hat: The dual use of sun protection and covering second-day hair makes a sustainable sun hat extra appealing.
- Sunscreen: Resort vacations = lots of time in the sun! We recommend mineral sunscreens to protect your largest organ from both UVA and UVB rays. And since body sunscreens can sometimes be a bit heavy for the sensitive skin on your face, reach for a lightweight face sunscreen for the sake of your pores!
- A large tote bag: We recommend a lightweight yet durable bag made for long beach days, afternoons of shopping, or toting (aptly named, right?) around snacks and outfit changes for the whole family.
Our criteria:
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These brands adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments. We’ve also included brands that give back to their communities and prioritize size inclusivity in their offerings.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these brands practices sustainability throughout their manufacturing process, including using natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials in their clothing where possible.
- DESIGN | From flowy sundresses to chic linen pants, we’ve compiled a roundup of looks for every possible occasion and need.
The below brands make creating a sustainable vacation-inspired wardrobe effortless and fun. Don’t forget summer hats or our favorite sustainable summer sandals!
1. Quince
Best For | Washable silk
Sustainable Materials | Tencel, organic cotton, and recycled materials
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $15 – $150
Quince is challenging the fashion industry by offering affordable, sustainably made, luxury-quality products. They’re a one-stop shop for responsibly made resort casual aesthetic clothing, home, and accessories. Quince’s elevated basics come directly from the ethical factory they were made in, which keeps costs low. We love their washable silk and cashmere collections for whatever adventures the road takes you on.
Our Editor’s Review | “If you want to create a responsible, minimalist wardrobe without spending thousands of dollars, Quince is the shop for you. Their price point can’t be beat when looking for sustainable essentials even if they might not last forever.” – Courtney Jay Higgens (Read the full review.)
2. Left On Friday
Best For | Swim and beach-inspired resort wear
Sustainable Materials | Linen, plant-based and biodegradable fabrics, hypoallergenic and antimicrobial Japanese Cupro
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $85 – $180
Left On Friday is an editor fave for its clean, modern aesthetic and how it captures that carefree, on-holiday feeling anytime, anywhere. The brand brings the ease of vacation dressing to everyday life with elevated resort wear designed for movement and style. With effortless sets, airy cover-ups, and sleek essentials, this resort wear transitions seamlessly from beachside mornings to sunset dinners, and we love the premium, travel-friendly fabrics like breezy linen and silky Japanese Cupro. “Our Sport Silk, crafted from 100% Japanese Cupro for an Insanely Comfortable Fit ™, is designed to do just that,” shares Co-Founder Shannon Savage. “It has the luxurious feel of silk …is naturally moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and hypoallergenic, so you can move freely and confidently whether you’re soaking up the sun or dancing the night away.” No wonder we love it so much!
Editor Review | “Left On Friday is one of my absolute favorite brands for breezy, chic clothes I can wear on vacation (or when I want to feel like I’m on vacation!). The Day Trip button up is a personal fave—especially for Southern California heat and summer beach days. – Kayti, Senior Content Strategist
3. MATE the Label
Best For | Neutral shades and summer athleisurewear
Sustainable Materials | Non-toxic and organic fabrics
Size Range | XS – 3X
Price | $64 – $445
MATE the Label is dedicated to creating seasonless closet staples. MATE creates the perfect resort casual aesthetic go-tos — whether it’s a sweat or linen set, their pieces can be worn for adventure or relaxing by a pool. Their organic basics are sustainably made in Los Angeles, avoiding a strict list of toxic substances in their production process to ensure the cleanest fabrics possible. They’ve also eliminated all plastics from their clothing and packaging.
Customer Review | “I love all of my Mate purchases and this top does not disappoint. I ordered my usual size in a small and it fits beautifully! LOVE” – Tabitha D. (Read all reviews.)
4. LA Relaxed
Best For | High-quality linen
Sustainable Materials | Organic and regenerative cotton, linen
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $44 – $168
A quick glance at LA Relaxed‘s offerings feels resort-oriented — designs are visibly breathable, lightweight, and practically begging to be worn by the pool or at the beach. The brand doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to sustainability, with a production line that requires less than “100 footsteps” to create a garment, by sourcing its fabrics locally, and using certified plant based fibers (deadstock even, when possible). LA Relaxed offers limited runs of their pieces and has a strict policy of never sending clothing to the landfill — this is the place to buy a quality linen pant or a tank top that will come with you on every vacay.
Customer Review | “When I felt the material of these pants, I gasped! The linen is so high quality. So difficult to find white linen pants that aren’t see through, but since the linen is so thick, these are perfect. I love that these are good for dressing up or wearing casual. Elastic is perfect for mom life! Will be ordering in other colors.” – Cassidy (Read all reviews.)
5. Cuyana
Best For | Timeless luxury looks
Sustainable Materials | Recycled plastic, regenerative linen, GOTS Certified organic cotton
Size Range | XS – XL
Price | $48 – $298
Cuyana creates staples made for thoughtful closets and discerning consumers who value quality over quantity. Their clothing and accessories are made in very small batches, which creates less waste and makes their pieces extra special. These gorgeous pieces have a luxurious quality that makes us instantly feel pampered and relaxed, whether we are on vacation or not! The brand’s “Fewer, Better” philosophy makes them an OG for capsule wardrobe practitioners everywhere and ensures a quality to all of their goods that is meant to last a lifetime. Check out their travel essentials for inspo for your next vacation!
6. Buck Mason
Best For | Multipurpose beach wear
Sustainable Materials | USA-grown organic cotton
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price | $45 – $198
Buck Mason specializes in creating modern, timeless American classics with a focus on quality craftsmanship and laid-back California style. Founded in 2013, the brand began in a small Venice, California garage and has grown to merge traditional techniques with innovative technology throughout their clothing pieces. With a dedication to sustainability and local production, Buck Mason ensures their garments, including resort wear, are crafted with care and built to last.
7. Reformation
Best For | Dresses and matching sets
Sustainable Materials | Recycled and regenerative materials
Size Range | XS – 3X
Price | $38 – $940
Reformation is a leader in sustainable fashion and our go-to for destination wedding dresses! We love the brand’s transparency about their efforts to become climate positive by tracking their water and carbon footprints with RefScale. Their entire collection is the ultimate resort casual aesthetic. With their bold silhouettes and prints, Ref pieces are designed to help you stand out wherever you are. If you want something trendy, glamorous, or truly special without compromising on your sustainability ethics, start here.
8. EILEEN FISHER
Best For | Mature pieces you can layer
Sustainable Materials | Organic linen and linen blends with Tencel Lyocell, organic cotton, and responsible and regenerative Italian merino wool
Size Range | PP – 3X
Price | $68 – $328
EILEEN FISHER is renowned for creating fair trade, organic, and carbon neutral clothing for mature women. Each garment can be layered or mixed and matched with other pieces to create a unique yet casual look. Whether you are traveling to Spain, lounging by the pool, or grabbing coffee with a friend on a warm summer day, EILEEN FISHER has something you’re sure to love.
Our Editor’s Review | “After many years of admiring the brand, I tried three pieces from Eileen Fisher’s latest 12 Shapes collection. I loved the easy-to-wear, minimal silhouettes, especially as we head into the warmer months for sleek summer style.” – Ashley D’Arcy (Read the full review.)
Featured image is from Left On Friday
