Sustainable and Ethical Shorts
It’s cut-off season.
I don’t wear shorts to work, but having a couple sturdy and sporty pairs to wear on hikes, lazy weekends, and summer retreats makes the summer run smoother.
We’ve been experiencing a heat wave in New Haven, so I’ve already had a chance to take my shorts for a spin.
To be honest, my favorite thing to do is make my own cut-offs from full-length jeans. It means I can get the length just right.
To make your own cutoffs:
- I recommend buying a pair of jeans in a size up from what you normally wear
- Make sure there’s enough wiggle room in the thigh to be comfortable as shorts
- Carefully cut across each leg 1/4″ below your ideal length (As the shorts fray, they’ll get a little shorter)
- Wash and dry them, then cut off the longest threads and you’re good to go!
If DIY isn’t your thing, I have compiled a list of ethical and sustainable brands that carry excellent shorts. In the interest of accessibility, I have included some more cost-effective options, as well as size inclusive ones. If you know of others or see a gap in options, please let me know!
Where to Shop for Sustainable and Ethical Shorts
$ – Under $50 | $$ – $Under 100 | $$$ – Under $150
This post contains affiliate links
1 | Toad & Co.
With an emphasis on sustainable fibers and manufacturing practices, Toad & Co. offers a good selection of casual shorts.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Size Range: 0-14
2 | Sezane
The dressiest of the bunch, Sezane shares specific manufacturing information on each listing.
- Size Range: 2-14
- Price Range: $$-$$$
3 | Everlane
Everlane sells a variety of styles, with denim produced in a low waste, fair trade certified factory. I mention them first because my very favorite thing to do is take a pair of their Curvy Cheeky Jeans and cut them into shorts (you can find them secondhand, too).
- Price Range: $-$$
- Size Range: 23-33
4 | Madewell Fair Trade Line
Madewell has a continually-expanding fair trade line that includes a range of shorts, from bermuda cut-offs to more sophisticated paper-bag waist styles.
- Price Range: $$
- Size Range: XXS-XXL
5 | ABLE
Made with transparency and a long term commitment to publish factory wages, ABLE always gets fit and style just right.
- Price Range: $$
- Size Range: 24-32 (ABLE is expanding their sizing this year)
6 | Eileen Fisher
A fixture in the sustainability world, Eileen Fisher has been making natural fiber clothing for many shapes and sizes for decades.
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Size Range: XXS-3X
7 | Big Bud Press
Ethically produced with natural fibers in size accessible and extremely fun styles and colors.
- Price Range: $$
- Size Range: XXS-7XL
8 | Patagonia
Technical and true outdoor styles made with a deep commitment to the earth and preserving its resources. You can also shop secondhand on the site.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Size Range: 0-18
9 | Target Fair Trade Denim Line
At accessible price points and with more expansive size options, some of Target’s denim is fair trade certified. Note: they don’t currently offer shorts online, but some of these would make great cut-offs.
- Price Range: $
- Size Range: 00-26
10 | People Tree
One of the original fair trade fashion companies, People Tree makes several classic shorts in textiles ranging from denim to khaki poplin.
- Price Range: $$
- Size Range: US 2-14
12 | Sotela
Minimalist and feminine shapes made with sustainable fabrics and a specific mission toward size accessibility.
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Size Range: 26-55” waist
