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How to Dress More Sustainably During a Heatwave

Words: Kyle Raymond Fitzpatrick

Category: In the Know

Published: 07 Jul 2026

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Heatwaves are increasing in both frequency and temperature as a result of climate change, and in those sweltering moments it can be hard to think of what to wear beyond the thing that’s going to keep you coolest, never mind whether it’s sustainable or ethical.

Luckily, many of the most breathable materials are also the most responsible (like linen and hemp, for instance). With much of Europe experiencing very high temperatures this season we’re sharing some advice for balancing sustainability with the effects of climate change. Scroll on for five tips on dressing sustainably in hot weather, and our picks from better brands.

Opt for lighter materials

In warm, sticky environments, lighter clothing is the obvious choice. Which are the most sustainable though? Our top choices are organic linen and hemp, as they are biodegradable (when not treated with chemicals or certain dyes), and dries quickly. TENCEL Lyocell and recycled or organic cotton share similar breathability and quick drying properties, so they’re also great options.

JAN ‘N JUNE

brown linen dress from jan n june — Linen Mini Dress

JAN ‘N JUNE is a more sustainable, fair and transparent fashion label from Hamburg. Created by young female entrepreneurs who could not find what they were looking for and decided to make it themselves, this minimalistic, super stylish fair fashion label succeeds in being more sustainable and affordable at the same time.

Find sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop JAN ‘N JUNE.

Shop JAN ‘N JUNE @ Earthkind.

SUI

yellow linen midaxi dress from sui — Golden Palm Linen Maxi Dress

SUI is an Indian label creating gorgeous womenswear in sizes 2XS-2XL, with every product crafted in its workshop in Delhi.

See the rating.

CARPASUS

white linen shirt from carpasus — Linen Shirt

CARPASUS is a Swiss menswear brand that makes fine shirts, ties, socks, and pocket squares. CARPASUS uses GOTS certified cotton and manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint. It also traces its supply chain and ensures workers are paid a living wage.

Find most products in EU sizes 36-46.

See the rating.

Choose non-synthetic, breathable activewear

Whether or not you are being active or not, you’re likely to sweat. Consider quality activewear that is designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking, but be sure to skip polyester and other synthetics as the materials sheds microplastics when washed and don’t encourage airflow, so you’ll likely feel hotter and stickier for longer. More sustainable activewear brands are offering plastic-free alternatives to polyester using bamboo-viscose and TENCEL Lyocell, two materials we prefer.

BAM

khaki cycling shorts from bam — Enduro Sports Shorts

UK-based BAM makes womenswear and menswear basics from bamboo, and rates “Good” for people, the planet, and animals. In line with their kindness-first ethos, the brand traces most of its supply chain and also offers clothing recycling to consumers to help address end-of-life textile waste.

Find most items in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Boldwill

black cycling shorts from boldwill — TENCEL Lyocell-Blend Half Tights

Boldwill is a Dutch sportswear brand that makes all its apparel from plant-based fabrics. Its pieces effortlessly combine more responsible design and functionality.

Find most items in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Boldwill @ Shop Like You Give a Damn.

Tripulse

white lyocell tank top from tripulse — AER TENCEL Lyocell Tank Top

Tripulse is a Swedish activewear brand on a mission to create high performing activewear that protects our planet and its people. The brand believes that fitness, both physical and mental, is the foundation for a good and healthy life and gives people the courage to live the life they dreamed of, become their best selves, make bold moves, and change the world for the better.

Find most items in sizes XS-6XL.

See the rating.

Block out the sun

While the sun may be hard to escape, a pair of more sustainable sunglasses and a large hat will do the trick. For sunglasses, more responsible materials include recycled plastic, bamboo, wood, and bio-acetate. For hats, apply the same logic from before: consider organic linen and hemp along with recycled or organic cotton.

E.L.V. Denim

blue denim bucket hat from elv denim — Reversible Denim Bucket Hat

E.L.V. Denim transforms old discarded denim into modern, sophisticated, and even made-to-measure jean jackets, pants, and accessories.

Find most jeans in UK sizes 24-32.

See the rating.

Shop E.L.V. Denim @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop E.L.V. Denim.

LaBante

bamboo sunglasses from labante — Recycled-Bamboo Sunglasses

LaBante is a London-based luxury designer that offers 100% vegan bags, wallets, and accessories that are responsibly produced.

See the rating.

tentree

grey cap from tentree — Organic Cotton Cap

Canadian brand tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased to help regenerate ecosystems and provide planting jobs in communities around the world, and has already planted over 65 million trees. All tentree’s products are created with an Earth-first approach, meaning they’re made in fair, safe working conditions, and constructed using lower-impact and recycled materials.

tentree’s clothes are typically available from XS-XL.

See the rating.

Use sunscreen from brands that care

Like many beauty products, sunscreens aren’t created equally. We always recommend to avoid any products that contain plastics and pollutants like oxybenzone, nano zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. A handful of top rated brands are making suncare products free from pollutants. You can also watch for certification ensuring against ecotoxicity.

Odylique

collage of sunscreen pictures from odylique — Natural sunscreen

Odylique makes vegan beauty products for people with sensitive skin. All its ingredients are certified to Soil Association’s organic standards.

See the rating.

Pai Skincare

pai vegan sunscreen — British Summer Time SPF30 Vegan Sunscreen

Pai Skincare makes face and body products, including ones for sensitive skin. Everything is manufactured in its London, UK base.

See the rating.

Shop Pai Skincare.

Tropic

green spf moisturiser from tropic — Skin Shield SPF Moisturiser

PETA approved vegan brand Tropic is based in the UK and makes skin, hair and body care products alongside makeup.

See the rating.

Why not go for a swim?

While everyone may not have access to taking a dip to cool off, some will—and they can and should take advantage. Swimwear is a notoriously tricky space as most swimming garments are made from harmful synthetics like nylon and spandex. Keep an eye out for materials with a lower impact than virgin synthetics, such as ECONYL or hemp. In tandem with reducing the frequency of washing synthetic swimwear and keeping it for a long time, this are your best bet in reducing your impact for swimming costumes, trunks, and bikinis.

Natasha Tonic

printed swimsuit from natasha tonic — Reversible Swimsuit

Natasha Tonic’s hemp swimwear fabric is based around a natural hemp fibre that is antimicrobial, UV resistant, durable, and a healthier choice for your skin and our oceans. Even better, each piece is printed by hand, so no two are alike.

Find its swimwear in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Natasha Tonic.

ColieCo

purple bikini from colieco — Mar Reclaimed Lycra Bikini

ColieCo is a Portuguese lingerie, underwear, and swimwear brand that uses a handmade to order process for creating the most premium pieces. Every single garment is manufactured exclusively using lower-impact and responsibly sourced fabrics.

Find the range in sizes 2XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Dedicated

colourful swim shorts from dedicated — Recycled Nylon Swim Shorts

If you love a great graphic print, Swedish label Dedicated has you covered. Dedicated is a responsible streetwear brand for men, women, and children. All cotton used in its clothes is 100% organic, and most pieces are Fairtrade certified, which means that you don’t have to sacrifice your ethics to dress in style.

Find the clothes in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Dedicated.

Shop Dedicated @ Earthkind.

Shop Dedicated @ Shop Like You Give a Damn.

Editor's note

Feature image via Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion and beauty brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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