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21 May

35 Flattering More Sustainable Shorts You’ll Want to Wear This Summer

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A comfortable and versatile pair of shorts is an undeniable summer wardrobe staple. Here are some of our favourite more sustainable shorts.

Flattering and more sustainable shorts you’ll want to wear this summer

Ah, summer. That lovely time of year when days get longer and pants get shorter. A comfortable and versatile pair of shorts is an undeniable summer wardrobe staple, and we wanted to bring you a wide selection so you can track down the perfect pair aaaand wear them every day for three months. No judgement.

But why more sustainable shorts, you may ask? As conscious consumers, one of the best things we can do is ensure our hard-earned money is going towards businesses doing better for people, the planet, and animals. And basics like shorts are no exception. So, whether you’ve worn all your denim shorts down and need a replacement, want to continue the loungewear anywhere vibes through the warmer months, or maybe jump on board the linen train, we’ve got something for you below.

Check out the essential unisex drawstring shorts from Unrecorded (Netherlands), the pink hemp corduroy shorts from Afends (Australia), and the Lola print shorts from Seek Collective (US)—or any of the other versatile options to suit your needs.

More ethical denim shorts

Outland Denim

Rated: Great

Annie Shorts – Ships internationally from Australia

Outland Denim brings you this quintessential more sustainable staple! Outland Denim makes premium denim jeans and clothes, and offers ethical employment opportunities for women rescued from human trafficking in Cambodia. This Australian brand was founded as an avenue for the training and employment of women who have experienced sex trafficking. Find most of the brand’s range in US sizes 22-34.

See the rating.

Shop Outland Denim.

Shop Outland Denim @ Good.

MUD Jeans

Rated: Great
woman wearing blue denim shorts by mud jeans

Abby Short – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

Abby by MUD Jeans is the perfect more responsibly-made short short, with a mid rise and frayed hem to keep it casual. This Dutch denim brand is all about sustainability. Not only does it offer a repair service, but it also provides a rental service where you can lease a pair of jeans for up to a year! MUD Jeans uses a combination of GOTS certified organic cotton and post-consumer recycled cotton. MUD Jeans are available in a range of sizes, usually from W25 L30-W33 L32 for women and W28 L34-W36 L34 for men.

See the rating.

Shop MUD Jeans.

Nudie Jeans

Rated: Great
man wearing denim shorts by nudie jeans

Josh Shorts Friendly Blue – Ships to Australia, United States, Canada, and Europe from Sweden

Guys, if there’s one pair of denim shorts in your wardrobe, let it be these stylish regular fit organic shorts. Nudie Jeans designs 100% organic cotton denim and is transparent about its production. The brand also offers a free repair service, resells second hand products, and even recycles worn out items! Find the perfect fit with the Virtual Size Guide on the product pages.

See the rating.

Shop Nudie Jeans.

Shop Nudie Jeans @ Farfetch.

Shop Nudie Jeans Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Triarchy

Rated: Great
woman wearing fringed denim shorts by triarchy

Indigo Fringe Shorts – Ships internationally from the US

For something a little fun and fancy, try these fringe denim shorts on for size! Triarchy creates lower-impact jeans, skirts, shorts, jumpsuits, and jackets. The brand’s production system uses 85% recycled water by consistently reusing the ‘thick indigo laden sludge’ that unmonitored factories dump into water systems. Find most of the jeans in US sizes 24-32.

See the rating.

Shop Triarchy.

People Tree

Rated: Great

Zahara Lightweight Denim Shorts – Ships internationally from the UK

Conscious fashion pioneer and leader People Tree is a seriously more responsible brand. It uses lower-impact materials and addresses labour risks by adopting the Fairtrade International - Small Producers Organisations Code of Conduct.

Find most products in UK sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop People Tree EU.

Shop People Tree @ Wearwell.

Edwin USA

Rated: Good

Cai Short 7″ in Daydream – Ships within the United States

The Cai Short is a high-rise jean short that sits naturally at the waist and the inseam hits the middle of thigh for an easy weekend vibe. True to its heritage, Edwin USA combines thoughtfully designed jeans and innovation in more responsible manufacturing methods. It uses a medium proportion of more responsible fabrics including GOTS certified organic cotton, and uses renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact.

See the rating.

Shop Edwin USA.

unspun

Rated: Great

Custom Denim Shorts – Ships internationally from the US

unspun is an American brand, fostering a denim world that reduces global carbon emissions by 1% through a zero-inventory and anti-waste process.

Its product sizing is totally customisable to ensure you always find the perfect fit.

See the rating.

Shop unspun.

Shop unspun @ Cerqular.

Boyish

Rated: Good

The Leon in Like Crazy – Ships internationally from the US

Love the & Other Stories vibe, but hate their fast fashion business model? Boyish has all the quality, fit, and authentic washes that you could want without the harmful practices.

Find sizes 2XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Boyish @ Wearwell.

Shop Boyish @ Reve en Vert.

Shop Boyish.

Shop by fabric

Linen shorts

Whimsy + Row

Rated: Good
woman wearing light green shorts by whimsy and row

Valentina Shorts – Ships internationally from the US

Nothing says summer like a pair of linen shorts. These ones by Whimsy + Row come in 4 great colours and are breezy and breathable. Whimsy + Row is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and better practices. Since 2014, its mission has been to provide ease and elegance for the modern, more sustainable woman. By limiting each garment to short runs, Whimsy + Row utilises deadstock fabric, reduces packaging waste, and takes care of precious water resources. Find most products in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

OhSevenDays

Rated: Good
woman wearing two toned shorts by ohsevendays

Boxer Shorts – Ships internationally from Turkey

How cute are these two-tone upcycled linen more sustainable shorts? OhSevenDays was started by Australian-Canadian Megan Mummery to promote slow fashion and the ‘power of circularity’. Based in Istanbul, the brand reclaims end-of-roll fabrics from the city’s garment factories and creates sharp, everyday womenswear that’s as wearable as it is more ethical. Essentially, it makes slow fashion from fast fashion’s leftovers! OhSevenDays’ garments are available in sizes XS-XL or custom sizing.

See the rating.

Shop OhSevenDays.

Shop OhSevenDays @ SlowCo.

Reformation

Rated: Good
woman wearing striped shorts by reformation

Theodore Linen Short – Ships internationally from the US

The paperbag waist, the delicate black and white stripes, the relaxed fit. The Theodore linen shorts in Vineyard are aptly named—we’re picturing a Mediterranean holiday in the not-too-distant future! LA-based Reformation creates killer clothes that don’t kill the environment. The brand also ensures that a large proportion of its suppliers pay a living wage. Go Reformation!

See the rating.

Shop Reformation @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Reformation Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Reformation @ Farfetch.

Shop Reformation.

Cotton shorts

Colorful Standard

Rated: Good

Organic Sweatshorts – Ships internationally from Denmark

Colorful Standard is a Danish clothing brand that makes organic fashion essentials for men and women. The brand doesn't care much for seasons or trends, instead, it creates timeless and long-lasting products to avoid the downward spiral that is over-consumption.

Find most items in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Colorful Standard.

ISTO.

Rated: Good
man wearing blue ethical shorts by ISTO

Chino Shorts – Ships internationally from Portugal

ISTO.’s mandate is simple: create clothes to transcend the seasons and work as staple items in your wardrobe all year round. It has one single collection and pursues quality over quantity to try and make its items permanently available. It uses organic and natural materials, like in these organic cotton chinos, and is incredibly transparent in showing you the true cost of your clothes when you go to purchase a piece for your wardrobe. The range is available in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ISTO..

NIKIN

Rated: Good
man wearing dark green shorts by Nikin

Chinos – Ships internationally from Switzerland

If you’re the kind of person who likes to wear their morals, look no further. These unisex organic cotton chinos will take you from the city to the garden party. Bonus: a tree is planted every time you purchase a NIKIN product. Products are available in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop NIKIN.

Näz

Rated: Good
man wearing green shorts by naz

Marvão Shorts – Ships internationally from Portugal

Versatile chino shorts made with adventure in mind. Näz is a Portuguese fashion brand that aims to make fashion look good, not only on you, but on the planet too. It uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials including GOTS certified organic cotton, and traces most of its supply chain. Most garments available in sizes S-L.

See the rating.

Shop Näz.

Jyoti – Fair Works

Rated: Good
man wearing orange shorts by jyoti

Shorts HEETAM – Ships within Europe from Germany

For those living in Europe, you’re lucky enough to be able to get your hands on the beautiful 100% GOTS cotton products created by Jyoti, like these more responsibly-made shorts in a ‘Curry’ colour we adore! Truly embodying more ethical fashion practices, this company provides employment for people from marginalised or disadvantaged groups in India. Sizes available are S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Jyoti.

Unrecorded

Rated: Good
man wearing black eco-friendly shorts by unrecorded

Drawstring Shorts – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

A pair of black drawstring shorts is a better summer staple, and this pair from Unrecorded is unisex and made from 100% organic cotton! Unrecorded is an independent clothing brand from the Netherlands that represents a new wave of unisex brands that are rebelling against the nature of fast fashion. Unrecorded is passionate about style, and produces apparel using better materials. Its range includes items that are all year round essentials suitable for any wardrobe, available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Unrecorded.

Toad&Co

Rated: Good

Coaster Cord Shorts – Ships internationally from the US

Toad&Co is a US brand that creates more socially and environmentally-committed womenswear and menswear that is equally suited for the rigours of the trail or the tavern.

Most items are available in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Toad&Co.

Shop Toad&Co @ Wearwell.

Organique

Rated: Good
someone in cycling shorts by Organique

Cycling Shorts in Ecru – Ships internationally from Portugal

Organique is a Portuguese athleisure brand made for the contemporary woman. It is entirely produced in a high-end local atelier and promotes slow fashion by designing with longevity in mind. It uses high-quality, organic materials and lower-impact fabrics such as organic cotton and TENCEL Lyocell and is completely vegan.

Find the range in sizes S-L.

See the rating.

Shop Organique.

Hemp shorts

Afends

Rated: Good
woman wearing pink hemp corduroy shorts and man wearing beige hemp shorts by afends

Hemp Corduroy Short and Hemp Elastic Waist Walkshort – Ships internationally from Australia

Hemp is a more sustainable fabric booming in popularity, and Afends is an Australia-based fashion brand leading the way in organic hemp fashion like with these cute pink corduroy shorts and elastic waist walkshorts. It uses renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact, and you can find the full range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

tentree

Rated: Good
man wearing grey shorts by tentree

Joshua Hemp Short – Ships internationally from Canada

Elastic waist-band? Tons of pockets? Easy to wear? Check, check, and check thanks to these hemp shorts by tentree! tentree is a Canadian lifestyle brand that plants 10 trees for every item purchased. The certified B-Corp brand has already helped to remove tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere and reforested over 5,000 hectares of land (that’s equal to 12,000 football fields). But its commitment to sustainability extends way beyond trees. Using recycled, organic, and circular fabrics, tentree cuts down on huge amounts of waste and water usage with every piece. We love it for its super comfy fabrics and easy wardrobe staples that are typically available from XS to XL.

See the rating.

Shop tentree.

TENCEL shorts

Armedangels

Rated: Great
woman wearing smart orange bermuda by armedangels

BERMUDAA Shorts made of TENCEL™ – Ships internationally from Germany

These vegan TENCEL shorts are more ethical and on-trend. Germany’s Armedangels gets a ‘Great’ rating overall from us. The brand covers all the basics for women, men, and kids. Armedangels’ quality and long-lasting pieces are made from more responsible and certified materials, like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton. The brand also adopted the Fair Wear Foundation Code of Conduct to protect its workers abroad. Its products are available in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Armedangels.

Shop Armedangels @ Earthkind.

Mila.Vert

Rated: Great
woman wearing dark blue shorts by mila vert

Tencel shorts – Ships internationally from Slovenia

Offers

Someone wearing a cream midi dress, and coats, by Mila.Vert.

Mila.Vert – Pre-Order

Mila.Vert's pre-order system helps reduce waste by ensuring that no excess garments are created. Save 30% when pre-ordering. (Ends: 26 APR)

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Mila.Vert offers timeless, minimal, and chic clothing, adding sophisticated details that give the garments a modern feel—like with these TENCEL shorts that are ready to become your new favourite companions for sunny days! The Slovenia-based brand wants to make desirable clothing, avoiding the ethical and environmental issues that the fashion industry represents. Find the garments in sizes XS-XL, or make a custom fit order free of charge!

See the rating.

Shop Mila.Vert.

A.BCH

Rated: Great
woman wearing black belted shorts by abch

A.21 Tencel Lounge Shorts – Ships internationally from Australia

A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made fashion label for individuals who care about garment provenance. It utilises renewable, organic, and recycled materials like Tencel. “Lightweight and fancy-free, no worms were harmed (or spoken to, even) in the making of these Tencel shorts.” Love! Find the range in sizes XS-XL, or customise to fit you!

See the rating.

Shop A.BCH.

Upcycled shorts

RÆBURN

Rated: Good
man wearing limited edition black shorts by raeburn

Limited Edition Airbrake Shorts – Ships internationally from the UK

British streetwear brand RÆBURN makes an art out of upcycling. This is a fashion-forward brand for men and women that creates sharp looks from military surplus, with materials that include 1950s Airforce silk maps, and Danish military wool blankets. Look fly in these unique upcycled parachute more sustainable shorts! The brand offers free repairs so you can take care of your precious investment pieces. Find most of the range in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop RÆBURN @ Farfetch.

Why not pair your pair with a stylish vegan belt to elevate the look?

Shop by style

Loungewear

HERTH

Rated: Good
front and back view of yellow silk shorts by HERTH

Yari Organic Silk Shorts – Ships internationally from Italy

HERTH is an Italian, slow fashion lifestyle brand creating contemporary pieces characterised by clean lines with meticulous attention to detail. Crafted by local Italian artisans, the Yari Shorts are designed for you with a relaxed elastic waist and a wide leg silhouette. Made of luxuriously soft, breathable organic silk, add a little chic to your lounging with this comfy class. Find it in sizes XS to 2XL.

See the rating.

Shop HERTH.

Underprotection

Rated: Good
woman wearing white lace shorts by underprotection

Zoe Shorts – Ships internationally from Denmark

Underprotection is a Danish brand combining ethics and aesthetics, creating underwear, loungewear, and swimwear from more sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton. All of its packaging, paper, and polybags are either recycled or biodegradable, and it only works with certified factories as it believes “fair working conditions and fair wages are human rights”. Underprotection exists to celebrate women of all kinds, and its goal is to make them feel as beautiful and comfortable as possible. Speaking of beautiful and comfortable, how chic are these boho lounge shorts? You can find the full range in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Underprotection.

337 BRAND

Rated: Good
woman wearing light grey loungewear shorts by 337 brand

Tai Short – Ships internationally from the US

337 BRAND’s leisurewear is designed to make you feel at ease, always. Inspired by nature, comfort and kindness, the brand introduces effortless-style clothing made from earth-friendly materials, like these recycled and upcycled fabric lounge shorts! Find the range in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop 337 BRAND.

KnowledgeCotton Apparel

Rated: Good
man wearing blue sports shorts by knowledge cotton apparel

Recycled ECOVERO™ Casual Shorts – Ships internationally from the UK

Believing in more responsible menswear that makes a difference, KnowledgeCotton Apparel creates long-lasting and high-quality products, using a high proportion of lower-impact materials, including GOTS certified organic cotton. For some casual loose-fit shorts that are comfortable, versatile, and stylish, these are your best bet. Find sizes S-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop KnowledgeCotton Apparel @ Brothers We Stand.

Shop KnowledgeCotton Apparel.

Outerknown

Rated: Good
man wearing dark grey loungewear shorts by outerknown

Sur Sweatshorts – Ships internationally from the US

Founded by surf champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a more responsible brand that aims to blend style and function with the protection of natural resources. What better way to do that than create hemp and organic cotton ‘sweatshorts’ that can take you from the couch to the trail? They even have a zip pocket so your phone doesn’t go flying. Find the range in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Outerknown.

Shop Outerknown @ Wearwell.

Shop Outerknown @ Good.

Smart casual

The R Collective

Rated: Great
woman wearing smart black shorts by the r collective

Newton Shorts – Ships internationally from Hong Kong

Who said shorts have to be casual? These more responsible work shorts are perfect for the office on a hot day, and there’s even a matching blazer to complete the look. The R Collective’s womenswear collections are made by reusing rescued excess materials from leading luxury brands and reputable manufacturers. The brand uses a high-proportion of lower-impact materials, which limits the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production. It also ensures the payment of a living wage in its supply chain, which is why we rated it ‘Great’! The garments are offered in two sizes: XS-S and M-L.

See the rating.

Shop The R Collective.

Shop The R Collective @ ourCommonplace.

Nina Rein

Rated: Good
image of person in Breeze blouse, Breeze shorts and a blazer by Nina Rein and closer image of person in shorts

Breeze Shorts – Ships internationally from Germany

Nina Rein is a German brand that creates more sustainable business clothing in Europe under fair conditions. With a flowing feel and form, sleek pockets and perfect finishes, the Breeze Shorts are an easy go-to for your everyday. Pair them with the matching blouse to transform your outfit into an eye-catcher in this bright sky blue! Find it in sizes 34-44.

See the rating.

Shop Nina Rein.

ASKET

Rated: Good
man wearing dark blue smart shorts by asket

The Shorts – Ships internationally from Sweden

ASKET has been creating timeless wardrobe essentials since 2015 with revolutionary sizing and fair pricing. The brand disregards seasonal collections, cuts out all the middlemen, and only sells directly to you—putting its entire focus on building a single permanent collection. The Shorts are perfect whether you’re on or off the clock! Find the range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ASKET.

Printed

Seek Collective

Rated: Good
woman wearing beige and orange shorts by seek collective

Lola Shorts – Ships internationally from the US

Seek Collective is a US brand of thoughtfully made items with a dedication to transparency, authenticity, craft, and sustainability. Seek is focused on establishing connections between art, product, consumers, process, and makers. Its items are made in India through partnerships with like-minded communities and people. The short version of Seek’s best-loved Savista Pants, the Lola Shorts offer plenty of room in the thighs and come in this gorgeous summer-inspired graphic print. Find most products in XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Seek Collective.

Tasi Travels

Rated: Good
woman wearing sustainable shorts by tasi travels

The Journey Short – Ships internationally from Australia

For travelwear designed for adventures, look no further than Australian brand Tasi Travels. Boasting a stunning collection of handmade garments in better materials that are made-to-order, you can feel good out in the world knowing you are leaving a light footprint behind. If florals are your jam, the Journey more sustainable shorts are cute, comfy, and conscious! Garments come in sizes XS/S, S/M, and M/L.

See the rating.

Shop Tasi Travels.

Editor's note

Feature image via Seek Collective, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. We love to recommend some of the best more sustainable brands, rated “Good” or “Great”. We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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