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Looking for the best affordable sustainable dresses for spring and summer? You’re in luck! 2024’s most raved-about slow fashion companies are here to meet all our sartorial demands.
Read on to find the most affordable sustainable brands for dresses for every aesthetic.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out The 25 Best Organic Cotton Dresses For Spring & Summer!
2024’s Best Affordable Sustainable Dresses
As we usher in the warm vibes of the sun-soaked season, it’s time to upgrade our spring and summerwardrobe staples.
Personally, I love adding one or two affordable sustainable dresses that redefine my personal style without compromising on my wallet or the planet.
However, every new ethical dress should meet some strict criteria.
- It has to perfectly align with my pre-existing rotation.
- It needs to have a timeless, classic silhouette that goes beyond fleeting trends.
- The materials should be eco-friendly and chemical-free, duh!
- And, lastly, the dress brand should engage in fair labor practices.
We have some clear winners!
With a focus on longevity, the sustainable affordable summer dresses below come from ethical brands that challenge the notion of fast fashion, reducing the need for constant replacements.
Read on to find your new one-and-done susty frocks.
Best Brands For Affordable Sustainable Dresses In 2024
1. Pact
PACT offers an amazing selection of affordable sustainable dresses, all crafted ethically and responsibly from GOTS-certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade Factory.
You can choose from a lineup of mini, midi, and maxi dresses.
The variety includes solids and patterns, from trendy tie-dye to charming florals and even organic cotton t-shirt dresses with stylish stripes!
The best part? All of these eco-friendly fashion choices come at prices under $100, making it easy to refresh your closet without breaking the bank.
Our Favorites from Pact:
Price Range: From $68+
Discount Code: SKL15 to get 15% off for first-time customers – Full-priced items only and cannot be used with other offers
Size Range: XS-XXXL
Ethics: GOTS Certified, Fair Trade USA, Carbon Neutral Certified, sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, climate-friendly, SimpliZero
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
2. LA Relaxed
In addition to ultra-cozy sustainable sweaters, workout wear, and even luxurious loungewear, LA Relaxed also offers dreamy, affordable sustainable dresses!
Think linen dresses, curpo dresses, winter-approved corduroy dresses and so much more!
Also, this woman-owned brand goes the extra mile by collaborating with BLUESIGN-certified local dye houses, ensuring the use of eco-friendly alternatives instead of the chemical-packed dyes common in the fast-fashion industry.
This approach aims to decrease waste and maximize the efficient utilization of raw materials.
Our Favorites from LA Relaxed:
Price Range: From $118+
Size Range: XS-XL
Ethics: GOTS Certified, made in Los Angeles, sustainable & ethical, made in small batches, pays employees a living wage
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
3. Girlfriend Collective
Next up is one of the most size-inclusive sustainable brands on the eco market – Girlfriend Collective.
From plus-size to petite clothing and sustainable plus-size swimwear to affordable sustainable bras, GOTS-certified organic cotton sweatpants, and, of course, sustainable affordable summer dresses, there’s something for everybody!
The dresses lean towards the sportier, casual-comfy side. So, you can easily rock them with your favorite ethical sneakers.
Also, the brand goes above and beyond by offering a unique solution to keep your wardrobe staples away from landfills.
Lastly, thanks to the ReGirlfriend initiative, customers now have the choice to recycle their worn-to-death pieces.
Our Favorites from Girlfriend Collective:
Price Range: From $78+
Size Range: XXS-6XL
Ethics: Premium sustainable & recycled materials, Sa8000 Fair Trade Certified, size inclusivity, recycling program
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Australia, Canada, UK
4. Quince
Quince not only helps you break up with fast fashion but also provides the perfect excuse to effortlessly build a capsule wardrobe.
However, today, we’ll focus on what makes Quince one of the best affordable sustainable brands for dresses.
They offer a range of ethical options crafted from recycled polyester, wool, organic cotton twill, Tencel, and silk staples suitable for every occasion.
Picture figure-enhancing slip dresses, sleeveless midi sweater dresses, turtleneck dresses, and wrap dresses.
All pieces are ethically made in BSCI-certified factories to boot!
Our Favorites from Quince:
Price Range: From $49.90+
Size Range: XS-XL
Ethics: GOTS certified, OEKO-TEX Certified, ethically made in BSCI-Certified factories, organic & recycled materials
Location/Shipping: United States
5. Happy Earth
Whether you’re looking for organic workout leggings, t-shirts, or cotton dresses, Happy Earth has it all!
The certified B-corp, showcasing, works solely with fair trade and WRAP-certified facilities to ensure proper support for their garment workers and farmers.
So, when you slip into those 100% organic cotton mini dresses, ruffle wrap dresses, or reversible dresses, rest assured that these soft and breathable natural fibers are equal parts ethically made and oh-so-breathable.
Our Favorites from Happy Earth:
Price Range: From $54+
Size Range: XS-3XL
Ethics: GOTS organic cotton, Fair Trade Certified, carbon-neutral, gives back
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
6. Tentree
Tentree has mastered the art of eco-friendly wardrobe essentials, offering everything from cozy hoodies to sleek, affordable sustainable dresses, as well as cute beach dresses and go-to little black dresses.
Their arsenal is chock-full of top-notch, earth-friendly materials, including organic cotton, wool, recycled polyester, and Tencel.
But what truly sets Tentree apart is their unique initiative – for every sale, they plant 10 trees!
Plus, as a B-certified corporation, they’re on a mission to make a real and positive difference in the environment.
Our Favorites from Tentree:
Price Range: From $58+
Size Range: XS-XL
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified, sustainable & recycled fabrics, fair labor, donations
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
7. Passion Lilie
Passion Lilie, one of our favorite sustainable colorful clothing brands, uses 100% GOTS-certified organic jersey cotton to create a slew of sustainable affordable summer dresses and fall dresses under these fair trade conditions.
We absolutely love the intricate prints they use almost as much as we love the amazing, figure-hugging wrap silhouettes.
And here’s the cherry on top – every item comes with pockets!
Also, the entire lineup is handmade in small batches by craftspeople dedicated to preserving heritage techniques.
Our Favorites from Passion Lilie:
Price Range: From $96+
Size Range: XS – 2XL
Ethics: GOTS Certified, ethical production, organic fabrics & dyes, Fair Trade Federation Member, Fair Trade Certified factory
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
8. Universal Standard
From sustainable affordable summer dresses to long-sleeve maxi dresses, Universal Standard stands out as one of our favorite sustainable plus-size clothing brands in the eco market.
Their linen and organic cotton dresses, for instance – available in sizes up to 40 –ensure that every style fits every body shape.
What’s even more incredible is their commitment to their customers.
If your size changes within one year of purchase, Universal Standard will replace your clothes and send you the new size for free!
This brand also makes a positive impact by donating returned clothing to charities.
Our Favorites from Universal Standard:
Price Range: From $74+
Size Range: 4XS-4XL
Ethics: Fair Trade Certified, eco-friendly materials, upcycling/recycling, donates
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
9. Threads 4 Thought
Threads 4 Thought is the mecca of sustainable affordable summer dresses!
The pieces are Fair Trade-certified and renowned for being stylish, comfortable, and super-soft.
From 100% organic cotton dresses to charming romper dresses, they’ve got everything.
We also have a soft spot for their line of ruffle-tiered dresses, which are available in a myriad of solid and printed fabrics.
To top it all off, Threads 4 Thought recycles a remarkable 80% of their industrial wastewater and employs revolutionary dye technology that eliminates harmful chemicals.
Our Favorites from Threads 4 Thought:
Price Range: From $68+
Size Range: XS-XL
Ethics: Sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, recycles water, innovative dyeing technology, eco-packaging
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
10. Fair Indigo
Coming straight from the heart of Wisconsin, Fair Indigo is dedicated to crafting quality organic clothing that transcends trends and withstands the test of time.
Every dress in their collection is meticulously made from organic Peruvian pima cotton and finished with eco-friendly dyes.
Organic cotton t-shirt dresses? Check! Organic cotton midi dresses, complete with convenient pockets? Check! Chic minis? Triple check!
Plus, with every purchase, the brand offers even more educational opportunities for kids in Peru which is amazing!
Price Range: From $59.90+
Size Range: S-XL
Ethics: Small family business, ethical and sustainable, fair labor, donations
Location/Shipping: United States
11. Able
The raved-about affordable sustainable brand for dresses Able deserves a spot in your arsenal.
Unlike companies that exploit workers for more profit, Able takes a stand by actively supporting workers’ rights, protection, and fair wages.
You can find an array of wrap mini dresses, knit dresses, tennis dresses, and so many more options!
Also, if your Able product encounters any issues, the brand gladly offers repairs or replacements.
Plus, in a nod to inclusivity, if your size changes, you have the option to swap the item for your current size.
Our Favorites from Able:
Price Range: From $120+
Size Range: XS-3X
Ethics: Natural & recycled materials, responsible sourcing, female empowerment, size inclusivity
Location/Shipping: Canada, ships worldwide
12. Boden UK
Touted as one of the best affordable sustainable clothing brands for dresses, Boden’s collection features colorful, bold, and vibrant ethical clothing made from exceptionally soft and durable materials.
Seriously, their prints and patterns are out-of-this-world chic!
Midi tea dresses, shirt dresses, ruffle-adorned linen dresses – they have everything!
What’s more, for almost 25 years, the brand has been a proud member of the Ethical Trading Initiative to ensure fair and ethical working conditions throughout its supply chain.
Our Favorites from Boden:
Price Range: From $80+
Size Range: XS-XL
Ethics: Fair wages, clothing recycling program, recycled packaging, supports charities
Location/Shipping: United Kingdom, ships worldwide
13. Organic Basics
If rib-ruched side dresses are your thing, have a look at Organic Basics’ collection.
The brand’s commitment to ethical practices is evident in their choice to only partner with fair-trade factories, and it prioritizes the use of the most sustainable fibers available.
Each product, including their affordable sustainable dresses, comes with an “Impact Index,” allowing consumers to understand the environmental impact of their purchase.
From organic baby clothes and maternity wear to buttery soft undies, shirts, and knitwear, Organic Basics ensures that all options are crafted from eco-friendly materials such as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® TENCEL, eco-certified nylon, or recycled wool and cashmere.
Our Favorites from Organic Basics:
Price Range: From $38+
Size Range: XXS-XL
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, GOTS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified, Global Recycling Standard (GRS), ethical production, transparency, donations
Location/Shipping: Denmark, ships worldwide
14. Linen Homemade Studio
For the best ethical and affordable linen dresses in 2024, check out Linen Handmade Studio.
We’re massive fans of this brand, especially their exquisite wrap dresses that add a touch of elegance to any wardrobe.
For those in search of long affordable sustainable dresses or long-sleeved linen dresses, Linen Handmade Studio has you covered with a plethora of options.
The best part? Each piece is made to order, ensuring a personalized touch and reducing unnecessary waste.
Our Favorites from Linen Homemade Studio:
Price Range: From $85+
Size Range: 2-10
Ethics: OEKO-TEX® Certified, 100% softened European linen fabric, women-owned, small batch production
Location/Shipping: Lithuania, ships worldwide
15. Boody
If you’re into simple and monochromatic, affordable sustainable dresses, Boody is the brand for you.
From adorable baby clothes to socks, underwear, organic period panties, and a delightful array of sustainable affordable summer dresses, Boody’s designs exude a charming minimalism.
The fabric used is produced through a closed-loop process using non-toxic solvents.
Also, Boody proudly carries the ECOCERT Certified Organic, OEKO-TEX®, and ISO 9001 certifications, ensuring the highest standards of organic and sustainable practices.
Seriously, you can literally trace where everything comes from, right from the very start to the end.
Our Favorites from Boody:
Price Range: From $36.95+
Size Range: XS-XL
Ethics: OEKO-TEX® Certified, FSC Certified, ECOCERT, PETA Approved Vegan, sustainable materials, gives back
Location/Shipping: Australia, ships worldwide
16. All The Wild Roses
Last but not least is one of the best affordable sustainable brands for dresses in Australia – All The Wild Roses.
The collection is ideal for those seeking timeless Bohemian clothing crafted sustainably from upcycled and vintage fabrics.
The certified B Corporation offers a slew of options, including airy floral dresses, flowy tops, versatile jumpsuits, and an array of timeless tops that perfectly match the free-spirited aesthetic.
Plus, with a small team of women-led makers and creators, each piece is crafted one by one in small batches, ensuring that love and care are infused into every stitch.
Price Range: From $110+
Size Range: S-XXL
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, made-to-order, compostable & plastic-free packaging
Location/Shipping: Australia, ships worldwide
What certifications should I look for in affordable sustainable dress brands?
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): The GOTS certification focuses on the organic fiber content of dresses. It ensures that the dress is made with organic fibers, such as organic cotton or organic linen. This certification guarantees adherence to strict environmental and social criteria throughout the entire production process, including harvesting, manufacturing, and labeling.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification focuses on the absence of harmful substances in dresses. This certification ensures that the dress is free from harmful chemicals and substances, making it safe for both consumers and the environment. It assesses textiles for potential health hazards and contributes to the overall safety of the garment.
Fair Trade Certification: Fair Trade Certification is centered around ethical manufacturing practices. Dresses with this certification are produced by fair labor standards. This includes providing fair wages to workers and ensuring safe and humane working conditions. Choosing Fair Trade Certified dresses supports social responsibility within the fashion industry.
Fair Wear Foundation: Fair Wear Foundation certification focuses on ethical production. Dresses with this certification adhere to labor standards, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the protection of workers’ rights. Choosing Fair Wear Foundation-certified dresses supports fair labor practices.
SA8000 (Social Accountability International): SA8000 certification addresses social responsibility in dress production. It emphasizes fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe workplace conditions. Dresses with SA8000 certification demonstrate a commitment to ethical and socially responsible practices.
Did you find your perfect budget-friendly sustainable dress?
We sure hope so!
Affordable sustainable dresses are ethically crafted with durability in mind. Our favorite options above can stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent repurchases.
Plus, by choosing dresses from affordable sustainable clothing brands, you’re supporting ethical and environmentally friendly practices, encouraging a shift towards more responsible fashion.
If you enjoyed this article, check out these other community favorites below!
- The 25 Best Organic Cotton Dresses For Spring & Summer
- 25+ Stunning Yet Affordable Linen Dresses For All The Things
- 27 Gorgeous Sustainable Dresses For Fall From The Best Slow Fashion Brands
That green wrap dress from Sondeflor looks gorgeous. I’m always looking for more ways to be sustainable, thank you for sharing this list!
Isn’t it lovely!? So happy you are on a sustainable journey as well 🙂