Cool and Conscious: Organic Cotton Summer Dresses

This pretty organic cotton wrap dress has a lovely jungle print, and is ideal for lounging around for summer days. Organic cotton is far kinder to the planet, and means you can safely launder it, without releasing microplastics that leach from washing machines, and go out into the sea.

The dress is hand-block printed, and ethically sewn by a women-fun factory in Georgia, Eastern Europe. The wrap design features an adjustable waist-tie, knee-length skirt and short sleeves. Sold in three sizes.

As a small business, no VAT is charged, although shipping costs are extra.

Read about natural sun protection and pet safety in warmer weather.

Avoid Indian ‘lightweight loose weave’ summer dresses, as most are made from thin fabric that burns easily, especially blended with oil-based acrylic. 

The Lullaby Trust says that hats (and outdoor layers) should be removed when moving indoors or into a warm car, to prevent overheating (babies regulate temperature through their heads, and keeping them covered inside risks making them too hot).

They say to keeps rooms at around 18°C–21°C and use hats outdoors when it’s cold (below 15°C–16°C) to keep them warm. If a baby is crying intensely or sweating, he or she may be too hot. To check, feel their chest or back (rather than hands or feet, which often feel cooler). 

Read more on dressing babies safely (and sleeping arrangements) to avoid over-heating, to help prevent SIDS.

Nomads Clothing (pretty summer dresses)

Nomads Clothing offers beautiful feminine organic cotton dresses, made ethically in India with GOTS-certified organic cotton jersey. Many dresses have pockets, plus nice features like v-necklines and collars. Perfect for casual occasions, like garden parties.

Launder any dresses made with synthetic fabrics in a microfiber filter, to stop microplastics from escaping washing machines, and going into the sea.

You can buy these online, or may sometimes find them on sale in M & S on the high street.

Kite Clothing (inspired by the Dorset countryside)

Kite Clothing creates nice clothing inspired by the Dorset countryside for women. In various prints from floral to pink to polka dots and summer stripes.

It also sells nice organic clothing for children (including preloved and charitable clothing for a local hospital).