We see you ticking off the days until your vacation starts…and we’re right there with you. But before you jet off to that tropical locale, rethink your packing list with these radically reimagined getaway essentials that put sustainability front-and-center. Not only will you take the stress out of outfit-building, but your clear conscience will give you one more reason to feel blissfully beached-out when you arrive at your destination.
1. Naadam Ribbed Wool and Cashmere Sweater
Effortlessly elevated yet oh-so-comfy, a good wool and cashmere sweater will be your best friend on windy jetways, over air-conditioned hotel rooms, and everywhere in between. And like all of Naadam’s products, this sweater is made through a direct partnership with cashmere goat herders in Mongolia to ensure fair compensation and cruelty-free practices, and sustainability at every stage.
2. Amour Vert Madison Button-Down Shirt
Easy, lightweight, and effortlessly sophisticated, a good button-down is a true travel MVP. Amour Vert’s striped version is made with organic cotton free from pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and GMOs—which not only means superior cotton, but translates to safer working conditions for everyone in the production process, as well. Button up this staple piece with a pair of soft pants for the plane, then wear it solo as a coverup during your trip.
3. Loomstate Classic Women’s Crew Tee
No packing list is complete without a perfect white tee—no matter where you’re headed. Loomstate’s covetable version is made from supersoft organic cotton at one of the GOTS-certified factories the brand partners with to ensure consistency and transparency.
4. Organic by John Patrick Ankle Slip Dress
Effortless in every sense of the word, this biodegradable and Oeko-Tex Certified cupro slip has all the slinky elegance of silk and features a unique, organic crinkle texture that makes it just as at-home on the beach as in a fine dining setting.
5. Everlane The Summer Jean
Radical transparency is the name of the game with Everlane. The brand is now synonymous with direct-to-consumer shopping that allows each customer to virtually tour the factories where their products are made. And these breezy, summer-specific white jeans are no exception. Woven with a slightly looser weave that feels worn-in right out of the package, this lightweight, ankle-length denim pairs perfectly with your swimsuit and panama hat—and will stay cool in any level of tropical heat.
6. AGOLDE Parker Vintage Cutoff Short
While they might look like your favorite throwback pair of shorts from adolescence, this pair has a very important difference—AGOLDE’s denim comes from carefully vetted, vertically-owned facilities and and hand-picked production partners, so you can rest easy knowing that the production process is just as smart as the stylish result. Pair these with that crisp button-down for an easy daytime look, or dress things down with a classic tee.
7. Mara Hoffman Gabriella One-Piece
A leading name in fashion sustainability, Mara Hoffman’s pieces are designed thoughtfully from both an eco- and style perspective. This classically glam swimsuit is made of 78% recycled fibers that come from post-consumer items like fishing nets and industrial plastic waste—plus, it’s SPF 50, so it’s as good for you as it is for the earth.
8. Lemlem Amira Sarong
A beach wrap, a hair accessory, a stylish scarf…this sarong does it all—and then some. Lemlem employs traditional weavers in Ethiopia to make each piece, helping preserve historic techniques while also offering new opportunities for the craftswomen who are integral to each design. Plus, a portion of every sale benefits a revolving cast of nonprofits that support maternal health and women’s empowerment causes throughout the region.
9. John Hardy Classic Chain Interlinking Necklace with Diamonds
Less is more when it comes to vacation bling. A classic, iconic piece you can wear throughout the entire trip lends just the right level of sparkle without seeming fussy or overdone. This John Hardy style is made in conjunction with the brand’s artisan collective in Bali (hence the delicate, handweaving-inspired chain)—which offers vocational training and apprenticeship opportunities, making Hardy one of the largest employers on the island. And as with every piece, the diamonds on this stunning necklace are certified conflict-free and ethically produced.
10. Henri Pouch
Our big-beach-tote hack: use smaller pouches inside to keep things organized, and your most reached-for items will never be buried at the bottom of your bag. This handy cotton cord pouch has tons of intriguing texture thanks to its traditional woven motif, and it doubles as a stylish wristlet at night—hello, multi-tasking.
11. Arianne Clutch
Totes and pouches are great for the bulk of your vacation time, but for that one special night that calls for an elegant dinner out, a proper clutch is in order. This statement-making style is crafted from natural, biodegradable straw—unlike most “straw” bags on the market that are actually made from plastic—and is finished off with brass accents for just the right amount of light-catching shine. Working with limited suitcase space? We like to store jewelry pieces inside this fully-lined clutch during travel to protect them.
12. KAYU St. Tropez Tote
A good beach tote is a multitasking hero no matter which sandy shoreline you’re heading toward. Pick a roomy one that can hold all your day-trip necessities, with dressed-up, artisanal details that make it just as appropriate for when the sun goes down. This signature KAYU style is handwoven from sustainable, quick-replenishing seagrass using a time-honored Filipino technique that makes it as strong and durable as it is chic.
13. KAYU Del Rey Panama Hat
You’re religious about applying sunscreen—good call!—but are you protecting your head? This breezy panama hat is carefully handwoven by Ecuadorian artisans using traditional Toquilla straw, and its bright white shade helps reflect some of the sun’s rays away from your face and hair so you can get the most out of those long days on the beach.
14. Castaner Carina Wedge Espadrille
On the few evenings out when you want to trade your flat sandals for something a little more sparkly, these silver-toned espadrilles will add some extra appeal (and height!) to your look. The brand’s traditional jute espadrilles have been made in Spain since 1927, and are known for their quality after several high-profile collaborations throughout the years (including one with Yves Saint Laurent).
15. Beek Finch Sandals
Made for walking—literally. An instant classic, these understated sandals are a day-to-night must-have. Durable vegetable-tanned leather makes them comfortable and wearable day after day after day (and keeps them far away from the landfill)—and since they’re 100% leather, they’ll biodegrade naturally when the time comes to retire them. Plus, for every pair sold, Beek donates the equivalent of five meals to a child experiencing food scarcity. (Good news that’ll definitely put a spring in your step.)
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