Spend more time at the beach this year with sustainable style in these warm weather essentials. From sunglasses to sandals and everything in between, these are the season’s must-have items.
As the warm weather creeps in, don’t delay your beach game. Get a jump on your essentials, just but be sure to do it sustainably. From swimsuits to sandals to eyewear and more, there are eco-friendly options for all of your summer activities. Need a little help? We’ve rounded up the best of the best to get you started.
1. Shyne Eyewear
You may slather the sunscreen all over your face come summer, but one area that’s often forgotten about? Those delicate eyes. A good pair of sunnies is essential year-round, especially during the summer. Shyne is one eyewear company that ticks all of the boxes: sun protection, style, and sustainability.
All of Shyne’s sunglasses are rated at UV400, which offers you protection against both UVA and UVB rays. That can help to keep those crows’ feet at bay, but it also helps to keep your eyes themselves, healthy. Sun can damage the eyes and lead to degeneration over the years, making a great pair of sunglasses an absolute must for eye health.
The company is doing some pretty noteworthy stuff beyond offering you sun protection, namely turning plastic waste into its eyeglass frames. Every pair of Shyne sunglasses are made from 100 percent recycled plastic for durable, sustainable frames that never go out of style. Shyne’s frames are made from Econyl, a regenerated nylon material made from ocean plastic. Shyne works closely with its manufacturer, Danor, which is an eco eyewear expert and adheres to strict EU quality standards.
All shipment-related CO2 is offset by tree plantings, and the company also donates $5 from every sale to local charities—part of its mission to be sustainable and transparent. “We want to build a community of changemakers, who can move fashion forward into a sustainable future,” the company says on its website.
But of course, what’s most important? A stylish, sturdy, comfortable pair of sunglasses. And Shyne has delivered on that with a range of styles and colorways sure to be your go-to summer essential. Try the Charcoal Sunnies for a timeless classic look.
2. Swiminista Swimwear
Your search for the perfect bathing suit stops here. Not only does Swiminista make suits that work for every style, but the suits are all made from Italian recycled fabric that uses up ocean plastic waste.
The brainchild of Rock & Republic Co-founder Andréa Bernholtz, Swiminista was born out of her passion for the planet. She learned as a young girl the importance of respecting the planet—an ethos she now shares with her own daughter and through the swimwear line. There’s even a “Mommy and Me” collection designed in part by Bernholtz’s daughter so you can twin sustainably with your mini.
Swiminista is designed to fit sizes from A-DD, celebrating women of all sizes. The company also offers a unique fit guide to help find the best suit for their body type. You can also try at home and send back what doesn’t work.
Mix and match styles from the company’s bikini selections or choose from the gorgeous one-piece options. Try the stunning Christian Lacroix-designed floral print for a bit of warm weather flair.
3. Bella Dahl Jumpsuit
You’re not beach-ready until you have this summer essential from Bella Dahl. This cotton, viscose, and linen jumpsuit is the perfect coverup for your beach, pool, or lake-time.
The company was founded in 2010 by Kerry Jolna with the intention of marrying style and sustainability. And it’s making good on its commitment.
Made sustainably in Los Angeles, all materials are responsibly sourced and crafted in a closed-loop process from biodegradable materials that are as soft on the planet as they are on your skin. Garments are all hand-dyed in LA to give them that summer beach look.
The brand offers a range of items including swimwear and adorable kids’ items as well. But try the Gathered Halter Jumpsuit for a cool California summer beach look.
4. Cuyana Panama Hat
Keep the sun at bay with this handmade wide-brimmed Panama hat that brings the shade with you wherever you go–from the beach to pool to brunch, you’ll look stylish while staying protected.
Cuyana works with women weavers in Ecuador using heritage weaving techniques recognized by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The hats are made from renewable Toquilla straw that’s harvested from the Toquilla palm fronds without harming the tree.
5. Stella McCartney Air Slides
Put your socks in storage and slide into summer weather with Stella McCartney’s Light Caramel Air Slides.
Whether beaching it, heading to the farmers market, a summer picnic, or even on casual workdays, these slides will make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.
The puffy sandal sole is made from recycled industrial waste materials and the outsole is 100 percent rubber. Like all of McCartney’s designs, the emphasis here is on style and sustainability, reducing new material use, and opting for recycled or bio-based materials wherever possible.
Since she launched the label more than 20 years ago, McCartney has used the platform to call attention to the climate crisis. Last November she was on the ground at COP26 to promote sustainability and her innovations like vegan mushroom leather. The brand has never used animal leather in its designs and you won’t miss it here, either.