Ethical Fashion Picks for Summer 2021

This brand turns materials such as castor seeds and apple skins into buttery soft leather-like bags, clutches and more (and, most recently, loungewear and sunglasses!). Each Samara product is classically designed and built to last, which is perfect for stashing away summer picnic snacks or showing off at the (hopefully open) patios.

Our top pick:

Fanny Pack in Lavender, Samara, $90.

Offering ethically and sustainably Canadian-made hats, West Von is a standout in an otherwise dull sea of old baseball caps and cheaply made imitators. Perfect for keeping the summer sunshine out of your eyes, these ethically-sourced wide-brimmed hats will have you looking like a Canadian Indiana Jones in no time.

Our top pick:

The Hallie Classic Rancher, West Von, $115.

New to the Canadian ethical fashion scene, Good for Sunday was born out of the desire for cozy, but chic, and ethically-made loungewear, proving that even post-pandemic, you don’t need to fully give up comfort wear (especially when it looks this good). Proudly manufactured in Canada with socially conscious practices, Good for Sunday even offsets carbon for each order. Our opinion? Good for Sunday, and every day of the week.

Our top pick:

The Crop Sweatshirt in Forest, Good for Sunday, $80.

Sustainably made in Toronto, using natural fabrics, Hoi Bo brings a little luxury to sustainable fashion with it’s gorgeous breezy line of linens. Perfect for staying cool (and looking luxe) this summer.

Our top pick:

Linen Halter Dress in Ochre, Hoi Boi, $268.

Canada’s favourite shop for quality, ethical basics, Kotn sources cotton directly from farmers in Egypt, paying farmers fairly and contributing to building schools in their farm community. Everyone needs a fresh tee for summer, and Kotn’s the perfect place to get yours.

Our top pick:

Striped Crew, Kotn, $40.

Handmade in Montreal, Selfish Swimwear has an eye on more than just beautiful bathing suits — they also keep a close eye on their production volume (as clothing overproduction is one of the leading causes of excess waste) while maintaining a minimally wasteful operation.

Our top pick:

NICOLE One-Piece, Selfish Swimwear, $160.

You’ve probably heard (and promptly swooned over) Mejuri, but you likely didn’t realize that all of their gorgeous jewellery is ethically-sourced and that they’re based in Canada. Mejuri earrings are perfect to add a bit of sparkle without too much effort.

Our top pick:

Bold Croissant Dome Huggie Earrings, Mejuri, $80.

One of the most transparent ethical clothing businesses in the game, Encircled puts an emphasis not only on sustainability, but also items that can be worn multiple ways and that will last for years to come. Ideal for weekends away (yup, that means outside of your house) or hanging out in your favourite park.

Our top pick:

Sleeveless Unbodysuit in Ginger Mauve , $98.

This gorgeous line of sunglasses draws design inspiration from across Africa using sustainable materials while also providing education and access to eyewear in Kenya and Ghana (in addition to planting trees to combat deforestation). Talk about a powerful trifecta! Bôhten is a truly holistic, impactful company that leads with quality and design. Wins all around.

Our top pick:

Artistotle "Gold Rosewood" Classic,  Bôhten, $150.

Handmade ethically in Toronto, Bully Boy is anything but your basic lingerie. With fun colours, cuts and prints, this brand takes boring underwear and bras and turns them into the most expressive thing in your wardrobe. Making lingerie for every body type, Bully Boy also offers a range of sizes and silhouettes that are sure to become your new favourites this summer.

Our top pick:

The Edie Bodysuit, Bully Boy, $160.