You’re invited to the planet-friendly party of the century. And the slow fashion dress code is simple: sustainable dresses.
There’s a world of fashion-forward flowing skirts, soft sundress aesthetics and bodice-hugging silhouettes that promise all style and fewer faux pas behind that sweetheart neckline—with ethical heels to match.
To that end, we look for dress brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and fabrics, ensure ethical treatment of workers throughout their supply chain, and use low-impact dyes and finishes.
Note: Our Brand Rating System rates brands (who opt in) on a wide range of 22 criteria, including things like circularity, transparency, and climate impact. Look out for rated brands on the list below and find other rated brands here (many of which offer low waste alternatives to everyday products).
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
The Best Dress Outfit Ideas On Our Responsible Runway
Say hello to Passion Lilie, who uses hand washing and sun-drying techniques to save energy. Many of their stunning styles (including our favorite cute summer dress) are hand-printed using a block stamp technique. Passion Lilie has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Or step into the dresses in MagicLinen’s magical minimalist wardrobe, all of which are made locally in Lithuania from 100% OEKO-TEX Certified European-grown linen. We’ve flaunted several of their endlessly versatile styles. These are linen dress ideas at their finest—airy, effortlessly stylish, and ready for any sun-soaked setting. Magic Linen has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
It’s not just Untouched World’s dress collection that’s thoughtfully made with unmatched quality—it’s everything about the brand, down to their carbon-neutral garment bags made of 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. We own two of their dresses, one of which (the Ava dress) is a spring wardrobe favorite.
Index: Sustainable & Ethical Dress Ideas
- Passion Lilie Jump to brand
- MagicLinen Jump to brand
- Untouched World Jump to brand
- LA Relaxed Jump to brand
- Reformation Jump to brand
- Mila.Vert Jump to brand
- Christy Dawn Jump to brand
- prAna Jump to brand
- HarperSage Jump to brand
Passion Lilie
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-free
Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 people
Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Traceable Supply Chain
Brand is able to fully trace their entire supply chain from end to end.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Fair Trade
GOTS
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade certification ensures that products are made according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards that protect workers and the planet. Overseen by organizations such as Fair Trade USA and Fairtrade International, it guarantees fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental sustainability, and community development funds, helping producers build more equitable and resilient supply chains.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.Passion Lilie has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
New Orleans-based Passion Lilie is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and the Ethical Fashion Forum Fellowship 50.
Their designs blend the sundress aesthetic of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s class with fashion inspiration from ancient Indian artisanal techniques.
With long sleeves for winter, short skirts for summer, and elegant cuts—Passion Lilie has something for all style passions and uses only 100% organic, non-GMO cotton.
My Personal Review Of Passion Lilie’s Viva Floral Organic Dress:
“While I love the wrap style of the Coastal Organic Dress that I also own, this style is a close second, being really similar in overall cut and aesthetic, just without the wrap. The bright salmon color is perfect for providing a bright pop of color to my summer wardrobe, and the ultra-soft organic cotton is incredibly breezy and cool.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head Of Content
MagicLinen
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at homeEthical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Made To Order
Products can be made to order, thus limiting unnecessary productionNon-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicPlastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-freeSustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their productsWoman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
OEKO-TEX®
OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.About MagicLinen
Price Range: $86–$139
MagicLinen says bibbidi bobbidi boo with its collection of linen dresses for any occasion.
The Lithuanian-based brand respects the breathability of linen, creating high-quality tops, bottoms, and accessories.
MagicLinen’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
MagicLinen takes the road dress traveled, using only OEKO-TEX-certified European-grown linen in every single one of their cute sustainable dresses.
Supply chain & labor practices:
All of MagicLinen’s clothing and homewares are produced in a family-operated studio in Vilnius, Lithuania.
They have a small, local supply chain down to the Lithuanian-grown linen, and partner with third-party auditing agencies.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Ethically-made dresses are shipped in 100% compostable cornstarch and bio-based packaging.
This linen clothing brand also uses offcuts and fabric scraps in other products, like seasonal tote bags.
Inclusivity:
They offer women’s sizes XS–XL.
Community & charitable giving:
MagicLinen works with local organizations, donating products, resources, and time.
MagicLinen has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review of MagicLinen’s Royal Toscana Dress & Lisbon Dress:
“I personally love the Royal Toscana dress for its simplicity and versatile A-line cut. It can be worn as a midi dress on its own or paired with some leggings during cooler weather. I’ve been testing it out all summer as I frolic around in my garden, but I’m excited to add some layers and a pop of color to my usually neutral winter wardrobe. Did I mention it has pockets?!
The Lisbon Dress, with its double-breasted button closure and collared v-neck, is my go-to for more formal occasions when I want to feel all prim and proper. It’s the perfect dress for garden parties (think cocktail sipping on a warm summer’s day.).”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Untouched World
Untouched World has not been rated.
About Untouched World
Price Range: $205–$490
New Zealand-based Untouched World is known for exceptional Merino wool tops, bottoms, jackets, sweaters, and accessories.
In everything they do, they go above and beyond.
Untouched World’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Untouched World primarily uses ZQ™ certified Merino ethical wool, organic cotton, and Ecopossum™ (a signature blend of merino, brushtail possum fiber, and silk) in their collections.
If you’re worried about the ethics of possum fiber, know that the brushtail possum is an invasive species and is currently New Zealand’s biggest ecological threat. It’s legally classified as a pest, and UW uses the fiber from existing extermination efforts to ensure it doesn’t go to waste.
Some garments feature cashmere, linen, and TENCEL™.
Supply chain & labor practices:
94% of Untouched World’s garments are made in New Zealand.
The rest of their pieces are sourced offshore from responsible partners, ensuring living wages, safe working conditions, and additional benefits.
90% of the brand’s Merino wool is sourced from ZQ™ Certified farm, Glenthorne Station in Canterbury.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Untouched World measures its water, energy, gas, and waste, documenting all of it in its annual Impact Report.
They use traceable, carbon-neutral POLLAST!C garment bags made from 100% ocean-bound plastic.
The Certified B Corp also repurposes offcuts, recycling them into home insulation and other products.
Inclusivity:
These sustainable fashion dresses are available in sizes XS–XL.
Community & charitable giving:
The Untouched World Foundation empowers youth through hands-on field work and teachings from experts.
They partner with Business For Good and have released not-for-profit capsule collections, like ProjectU™.
My Personal Review Of Untouched World’s Ava Dress:
“I had the opportunity to test a couple of styles, including the all-around staple Ava Dress. It’s 100% TENCEL™ body drapes like silk while still being vegan-friendly. Wear it with the included wrap-around belt as I like to for a more formal fit, or without for a more homestead-chic look. Either way, trust me when I say this classy, pocketed dress has already become a staple in my spring wardrobe for any and all occasions.”
My Personal Review Of Untouched World’s Kapua Sweater Dress:
“A dress made of possum fir??? I was skeptical, too, until I read that Untouched World uses possum fiber because possums are extremely invasive in New Zealand and are destroying biodiversity. This long-sleeve winter dress is actually a blend of possum fiber, cashmere, and silk—and it’s exactly as soft as it sounds. As in, I’m confident this is by far the softest piece of clothing I own. What’s more, it’s incredibly warm. I tested it out on some of the coldest winter days and never found myself feeling chilly.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head Of Content
LA Relaxed
LA Relaxed has not been rated.
About LA Relaxed
Price Range: $128–$148
Looking for alternatives to fast fashion dresses that hardly last beyond the after party?
Relax! La Relaxed has your back (er, whole body).
Their well-made and durable styles are designed to keep adorning your special events for years and years.
Their slow fashion-focused collections are small and limited, which means they’re always changing—so if you find a style you love, act fast.
LA Relaxed’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
LA Relaxed’s eco-friendly dresses feature fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton, linen, recycled nylon, EcoViscose, and TENCEL™ modal
They’re dyed in a blueSign™ certified local dye house that uses non-toxic dyestuffs.
Supply chain & labor practices:
LA Relaxed takes small, sustainable fashion to new levels since their whole supply chain (manufacturers and suppliers alike!) is located within 10 square miles in the Los Angeles garment district.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Everything from LA Relaxed is a limited run to reduce deadstock waste.
No plastic is used in packaging, shipping, storage, hang tags, or any stage of production (except the recycled plastics used in some fabrics).
Instead, they use mostly compostable materials.
Inclusivity:
LA Relaxed carried dresses in XS–XXL.
My Personal Review of LA Relaxed’s Jacinta Organic Dress:
“I ADORE my 100% organic cotton Jacinta Dress. This maxi dress is so darn comfortable, easy to get into (and out of!), and perfectly blends a modest, professional look with a little flirtatious edge via the lower back cutout. For me, it’s the ultimate versatile dress to wear to any occasion, any time of the year. Just a small sampling of things I wore it doing this year include going to concerts, running my art fair booth, going out to dinner, and gardening.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reformation
Reformation has not been rated.
About Reformation
Price Range: $98–$848
Reformation’s eco-credentials are extensive.
As is their dress selection, which includes more formal options likeevening dresses, prom dresses, and wedding dresses.
If you need a new little (sustainable) black dress, we love the flirty look of the Ezra Cotton Knit Mini dress almost as much as we love that it’s 100% organic cotton.
Reformation’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Our favorite Reformation dresses are made with either TENCEL™ lyocell, linen fabric, organically-grown cotton, and REPREVE® or other recycled poly.
Others predominantly feature either 100% silk or viscose, and we’re not huge fans of either, so avoid these styles.
For finishing, 56% of their dyeing partners are bluesign® or OEKO-TEX-certified.
Supply chain & labor practices:
For most of these sustainable dresses, USA factories are responsible for fair manufacturing.
Ref owns 32 factories in LA and others in India, Turkey, and China. While not fair trade certified, their code of conduct is based on fair trade equivalent criteria.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
As part of the Circular Fashion System Commitment, their goal is to recirculate 500,000 garments by 2025.
In addition to being Water Neutral and Climate Neutral, they sell climate credits through Native Energy and incentivize others to switch to wind energy by offering store credit.
They use bio-based or recycled LDPE packaging, zero waste office supplies, wind power suppliers, and Green Business-certified buildings.
Inclusivity:
Most fair trade dresses come in 0-12 or XS-XL sizes, but Ref also offers an extended size collection of sizes 14-24.
Community & charitable giving:
Reformation encourages staff to participate in their community, providing paid volunteer time, organized volunteer days, and other incentives.
Additionally, they fund team members facing hardship and donate to organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood.
Mila.Vert
Mila.Vert has not been rated.
About Mila.Vert
Price Range: €260–€390
Elegant, minimal, and effortlessly wearable—Mila.Vert’s dresses embody the best of European slow fashion.
Designed and made in Slovenia, these timeless pieces are the vision of founder Tina Logar Bauchmüller, who built the brand on a foundation of eco-conscious values and refined design. The dress collection includes everything from structured shirt dresses to softly draped midi styles, wrap dresses, tunics, and more.
Mila.Vert’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Mila.Vert crafts their dresses from 100% certified organic cotton.
A select few non-knitwear items utilize European linen, TENCEL™, and recycled wool. They buy their fabrics from trusted partners, who ensure the materials they use are ethically produced.
Supply chain & labor practices:
All garments are made locally in Slovenia by a network of long-term production partners, including Liniatex, Krona, eSPe sewing, and Jakopina. This local production approach allows for close quality control, ethical working conditions, and more transparency.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Every Mila.Vert dress is made-to-order, meaning it’s only produced once a customer places an order. This zero-inventory approach reduces overproduction and textile waste, while conserving natural resources and maintaining a low-impact production model.
Inclusivity:
Mila.Vert is a female-founded and women-led brand, run by a small, five-member team. Their dresses are available in sizes XS–XL.
Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn has not been rated.
About Christy Dawn
Price Range: $68–$498
Christy Dawn embodies breezy Bohemian styles to modestly flaunt your feminine wiles.
Various free-spirited, flowy skirts, floral patterns, and solid colors are available.
The Scarlet Dress is a sustainable maxi dress with a breathable, summery design made from entirely upcycled fabric.
Christy Dawn’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Christy Dawn’s entire boho collection is crafted using deadstock fabric or organic/regenerative cotton dyed with plant-based dyes.
Supply chain & labor practices:
While they can’t control the deadstock fabric they source, they ensure ethical manufacturing at the LA-based factories, including the wages they pay that are 3x higher than average.
They co-created a regenerative agriculture initiative in India (that supplies their organic cotton).
Carbon commitments & green practices:
You can further support this regenerative Farm-to-Closet project by buying your regenerative cotton plot.
At the end of harvest, your plot’s yields will be paid to you through store credit. Think of it as growing your own dress!
Inclusivity:
These sustainable sundresses run XS to XL.
prAna
prAna has not been rated.
About prAna
Price Range: $69–$120
If sporty-spice had to pick a brand from this list, we’d bet this would be it.
prAna combines its expertise in sustainable outdoor clothing and style in creating its range of active-friendly dresses that are versatile enough for a summer BBQ kickball game.
prAna’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
prAna’s lighter, ethical summer dresses are made of materials like TENCEL™ lyocell or modal, hemp, recycled fabrics, and small percentages of spandex or elastane.
Warmer options are either made of 100% organic cotton or a blend of that with ethically-sourced merino wool and recycled polyester.
As a bluesign® systems partner, most are tested for toxic chemicals.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Each prAna partner bears a Textile Exchange membership and opts for fair trade certified factories wherever possible (moving toward a 100% goal).
You can filter for only their fair trade dresses on their website.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Founders of the Responsible Packaging Movement, prAna succeeded in their goal of eliminating all consumer plastic packaging waste.
Their new project is the OIA Climate Action Corp and a pledge to reduce emissions by 30%.
From 2016–2021, they recycled and repurposed 56,000 pounds of textiles through the Renewal Workshop.
Inclusivity:
prAna dresses currently only come in sizes XS–XL (US 1-14/16).
Community & charitable giving:
prAna supports Outdoor Outreach, a program designed to help disenfranchised urban youth experience the great outdoors.
Their sponsored athletes get additional support for individual charitable endeavors.
My Personal Review of prAna’s Cantine Dress:
“The stretchy, breezy, and slightly chest-supportive (thanks to a slim inner shelf bra) Cantine Dress is my go-to casual summer staple—for hiking, gardening, literally everything!—but it looks like it might become unavailable soon. But I have owned this dress for years, so the fact this style even lasted this long is a testament to how much customers like me love it.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
HarperSage
HarperSage has not been rated.
About HarperSage
Price Range: $68–$198
HarperSage’s fun and flirty floral dress designs are some of our favorite ethical sundresses.
With various hem and sleeve lengths, you’ll also find some warmer options to mirror the change of seasons—like the Sage Essential Shirt Dress.
Made of a light wash chambray denim, its long-sleeved and midi-cut design is still suitable for warmer and cool weather alike.
HarperSage’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Each eco-friendly dress is made of either (in order of our eco-friendly fabrics preferences) 100% cotton, a linen/viscose blend, or straight viscose.
They also use variable percentages of deadstock fabrics, depending on availability.
Supply chain & labor practices:
These gorgeous dresses are made in woman-owned SEDEX partner factories in Delhi, India, where they are sourced materials.
They vet partners for ethical manufacturing practices by visiting in person.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
HarperSage manufactures its dresses, sustainable jumpsuits, and more in small batches to prevent waste.
Digitally printed patterns ensure only the exact amount of ink and water needed is used.
Inclusivity:
HarperSage and its manufacturing partners are woman-owned and operated.
XS–XL sizes are available, with custom sizing available upon request.
Community & charitable giving:
They partner with nonprofits on products and special buy-one-give-one initiatives that raise funds for and awareness of human trafficking.
Aarron was introduced to how humans played a role in the environment when a friend explained the impacts of the wolves in Yellowstone. Since then, he has tried to reduce his impact through sustainable swaps, minimizing waste, and eating clean. He hopes writing about sustainability will encourage readers to make small sustainable changes to their lifestyles.
