Rapanui (Isle of Wight) is a sustainable fashion brand that makes lovely organic clothing for beach days, using green energy and sent in plastic-free packaging. These mix-and-match items include t-shirts, jumpsuits and organic cotton dungarees. At end of use you can send them back, to be made into other things.
Read posts on greener swimming costumes and sustainable sunglasses.
As most natural sunscreens contain pet-toxic zinc or titanium dioxide, so shower off before letting them lick you!
Organic cotton does cost a little more (look for sale bargains) but because the fibres are not weakened with chemicals, it lasts longer, so works out cheaper long-term. Growing organic cotton helps prevent a quarter of the world’s pesticides, which is safer for the planet, wildlife and farmers. It also tends to be better for people with eczema, and is very soft to touch. And it launders safely, without releasing microplastics from the washing machine.
Rapanui’s organic cotton boonie hats are one-size classics, ideal for exploring under the sun. From hiking and camping to wave-watching, these beauties protect from the rays with the wide brim. Also for men, the boonies have organic cotton cords, to keep hats secure on windy days. The hat features a subtle logo on the front.
Playa Organic Cotton Beach Shirts
Playa London offers really nice quality organic cotton beach shirts for men. They are quite expensive but top quality and made to last for years, and a portion from each purchase goes to charities helping to remove plastic from our oceans. Many of the designs are inspired by the Greek islands.
Organic Cotton Beach Shirts and Trousers
1 People Budapest shirt is made from organic cotton, a simple staple for everyday wear. Coloured with eco-dyes, this shirt is sent in recycled paper packaging, and features buttons made from Ecorozo (made from tagua waste – the nuts known as ‘vegetable ivory’ as an alternative to elephant tusks). Also in a similar black shirt version.
1 People Organic Cotton twill trousers are lovely for a sea breeze walk by the beach, with wide legs and a zip opening on the front and two side pockets. They feature a detachable metal belt and are high-waisted, to be worn in warm weather. Also in long wide-leg design.
Organic Cotton Summer Dresses
Cover-ups are a beach day staple. Look for brands like Seasalt that offer summer dresses made from organic cotton and bamboo. These materials are soft on the skin and gentle on the environment.
Footwear Choices for the Beach
Nobody likes sand in their shoes, but what if your sandals could be as soothing as the waves? Look for vegan sandals that are made from natural materials. They’re comfy and durable, perfect for those strolls along the shoreline.
Organic Cotton ‘Blockprint Flower’ Dress
This organic cotton blockprint flower dress is so pretty, and good for the planet too. Made from soft hand-printed cotton fabric with a floral pattern, this long dress can be adjusted to the body, using the side lacing.
The cream coloured base fabric has a floral print or brown and yellow tones. A little tighter around the chest, it falls further over the waist and hips (check chest and hip measurements, choose a size larger if in doubt, as fabric is not stretchy). Machine-washable. Do not tumble dry.
Organic cotton is far better for the planet than conventional cotton, which is responsible for around a quarter of all the world’s pesticide use. As well as being kinder to the planet and water (and surrounding wildlife), organic farming is also kinder to cotton farmers, as they are not then harmed by chemicals (nor have to wear protective clothing in the heat).
As the fibres are not treated with chemicals, organic cotton tends to last longer too, and is also more comfortable for people with skin conditions like eczema.
Finally, organic cotton is biodegradable. So it doesn’t leach microplastics from the washing machine into our rivers and seas, unlike synthetic fibres like nylon, polyester or recycled plastic bottles.
Pretty Hemp Dress with Coconut Buttons
This pretty hemp dress has short sleeves, patch pockets and a button placket on the front, to make it a real eye-catcher. Made from sturdy yet light hemp, it’s a natural colour with a slightly mottled pattern. It also features coconut buttons.
The dress has a straight cut, and is loose around the waist but tight around the chest (check your bust and hip measurements, as the fabric does not stretch – if in doubt, choose a sizes larger).
Hemp is one of the world’s most eco-friendly materials for clothing. Only slightly related to cannabis (it won’t make you high!), it grows naturally organically (and locally, unlike cotton), and removes heavy metals from the earth as it grows.
It does not release microplastics in washing machines (unlike synthetic fibres like nylon, polyester or recycled bottles). And it’s also cool in summer, and warm in winter. At end of life, it simply biodegrades back to the earth.
Organic Shorts with Recycled Paper Button
These organic cotton shorts are high-waisted with box pleats and two side pockets, for a flattering fit. In blue with green accents, the shorts are made with 100% organic cotton, and a button made from recycled paper.
The shorts sit very high and tight on the waist, so check measurements before ordering. As the fabric is not stretchy, if in doubt order a size larger. Machine-washable. Do not tumble dry. Also in hemp colour.
Organic cotton is far better for the planet than conventional cotton, which is responsible for around a quarter of all the world’s pesticide use. As well as being kinder to the planet and water (and surrounding wildlife), organic farming is also kinder to cotton farmers, as they are not then harmed by chemicals (nor have to wear protective clothing in the heat).
As the fibres are not treated with chemicals, organic cotton tends to last longer too, and is also more comfortable for people with skin conditions like eczema.
Finally, organic cotton is biodegradable. So it doesn’t leach microplastics from the washing machine into our rivers and seas, unlike synthetic fibres like nylon, polyester or recycled plastic bottles.
Organic Cotton & Lino Men’s Chinos
These organic cotton & lino men’s chinos are ideal for lounging around in summer. Designed to wear loose, cropped (or to fold at the bottom), this breathable fabric is comfortable on hot days. They close with a zip-fly and are ethically made in Turkey.
Linen is a breathable fabric from the flax plant, and can be made locally (usually in Europe) rather than from hotter countries for cotton. It’s a bit wrinkly, so don’t wear if you don’t like a few creases, but it does soften with wear (it’s often used for bedding).
