9 Sustainable Brands with The Best Organic Cotton Shorts for Women
It goes without saying that shorts are a warm-weather staple that every woman needs in their closet. Whether you need a pair to run outside, lounge on the couch or for a summer night-out, there’s a short out there for you. But, there’s more to keep in mind than colors and trends.
The type of fabric you choose can have a major impact not only on how you look and feel but also on the planet. Organic cotton is one of the more sustainable fabrics for shorts, but why?
This article will explain why organic cotton is shorts are a great choice and feature some sustainable clothing brands using organic cotton to make women's shorts.
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What is organic cotton?
Unlike regular cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides or transgenic technology (GMOs).
Why is organic cotton a good fabric for shorts?
If you're wondering how organic cotton makes a positive impact these are just a few key points! Choosing organic cotton is better for the environment, farmers, and end consumer.
Breathable-Organic cotton breathes better than synthetic fabrics like polyester. It allows air to circulate and move freely through the fabric, absorbing moisture and keeping you cooler during even the hottest days.
Durable- Organic Cotton is strong and you can rely on it to last a long time. Your shorts will remain as comfortable and as snug-fitting as they were when you bought them— even after multiple runs through the wash. You won’t have to worry about sacrificing quality to shop more sustainably. These natural shorts can be great for gentle yoga, used as bike shorts, or any other work out.
Environmentally friendly- This sustainable fiber is one of the most eco-friendly fabrics you can purchase. It has been shown o significantly reduce the amount of water pollution compared to conventional cotton production as it keeps GMOs, pesticides, and chemicals out of farm land. The production of organic cotton fabric also uses less energy, releases fewer greenhouse gasses and consumes less water.
Safe for farmers-The consequences for farmers who come into contact with regular cotton crops can be fatal. It is reported by the UN that up to 200,000 deaths occur annually from pesticide poisoning in developing countries. On the flipside, organic cotton farming involves no harmful chemicals or pesticides, and ultimately creates a healthier working environment for farmers. It supports their livelihood and allows them to preserve and pass down traditional farming knowledge and techniques.
Better for your health-Toxic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides and insecticides) used in growing conventional cotton can end up in the finished product, absorbing into our skin. Whether or not trace residues in clothing represent a health hazard to humans is unknown, but you can limit potential health risks with organic cotton.
Better for sensitive skin-If you have bought shorts in the past which have triggered allergies or irritated your skin, it's time to consider organic cotton. Its softness and lack of harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing process make it ideal for people with sensitive skin.
The Best Organic Shorts for Women
Ready to get some organic cotton shorts to help you survive the summer heat? Here’s a list of sustainable clothing brands with some of the best shorts for women. Discover different fits, styles, and colors.
Colorful Standard Women’s Organic Twill Shorts
Colorful Standard focuses on creating colorful sustainable basics. Their cotton is 100% organic and their dyes are all Oeko-Tex Certified, meaning that they have been thoroughly tested for harmful chemicals.
Their Twill Shorts come in some incredibly fun colors including lavender, soft yellow, pacific blue, and more. The Twill shorts are available in both women’s sizing and unisex from sizes XS-2XL. The PETA approved shorts are $78.
For Days Organic Cotton Terry Shorts
For Days cares deeply about creating a good clothing with high quality, sustainable materials. This sustainable clothing brand works with GOTS materials, recycled materials that meet the Global Recycling Standards, and Cradle to Cradle certified dyes. This brand also ensures that every item is 100% recyclable and minimizes waste with reusable packaging and company-wide carbon offsets.
For Days carries ethical clothing for men, women, and unisex. For Days has shorts made from linen, organic cotton, or recycled materials. Their Terry Shorts and Paloma Pull On Shorts are made with 100% organic cotton, come in a wide range of fun colors, and are $58. These shorts are available in sizes XXS-XXL.
Pact’s Fair Trade Organic Cotton Shorts
Pact offers affordable comfort and sustainability for your chic warm-weather outfits. Their 100% organic cotton shorts are popular for their comfort, quality and functionality.
They have affordable ethical shorts in a number of styles and colors, in sizes ranging from XXS-XXL for women. When it comes to sourcing, PACT shorts are ethically made in a Fair Trade Factory based in India which ensures safe working conditions and sustainable production.
PACT's women's shorts feature a range of styles including bike shorts, stylish shorts with ties, and shorts with a relaxed fit. Their soft shorts range from $46-$60.
tentree’s Breathable Natural Shorts
Tentree is a great option for eco-friendly women’s shorts. The company prides itself on providing quality, ethical, stylish natural clothing available in a range of XS-XL for women. Their shorts come in different patterns and are colored using eco-friendly dyes so you won’t have to worry about nasty chemicals getting on your skin.
Their selection features bike shorts, casual shorts, and active shorts ranging from $33-$58. While select shorts are made from 100% organic cotton, they also offer linen shorts and TENCEL shorts too which are other eco-friendly choices. Plus, every time you purchase an item, they plant 10 trees. So far, Tentree has planted more than 73 million trees.
The Good Tee’s Organic Biker Shorts
The Good Tee is a sustainable clothing brand focusing on high quality Fairtrade Certified organic cotton clothing.
The Good Tee goes above and beyond by using fair trade cotton and fair trade factories. This ensures that both the farmers and garment workers are paid and treated fairly. The Good tee currently offers women’s organic cotton biker shorts for $40.
These high waisted biker shorts are available in sizes XS-XL. Conscious consumers can shop a wide range of organic cotton basics and cozy sweatpants with The Good Tee too! Check out my organic cotton t-shirt review!
SUSTAIN BY KAT’S Organic Denim Shorts
Sustain by Kat creates high-quality, timeless basics made from 100% natural materials including organic cotton and linen. They source and craft all of their products ethically and with care, ensuring that each naturally-dyed piece contributes to helping both our planet and the people in it.
Sustain’s high quality denim shorts are made with GOTS certified organic cotton denim, undyed organic cotton sewing thread, organic cotton labels, and dyed with organic indigo leaves. They are free of petroleum and ethically made in the USA. These organic denim shorts come in size XS-XL and are $96.
Passion Lilie’s Fair Trade Shorts Made with Organic & Recycled Cotton
Passion Lilie’s bold style brings some fun patterns and colors to sustainable summer style with their cotton shorts made from organic and recycled materials.
Passion Lilie provides sustainable employment opportunities and partners with artisans in India through the crafting of eco-friendly clothing. Passion Lilie carries women’s shorts ranging from $40-$50.
Passion Lilie’s shorts are beautifully block printed with unique patterns and perfect for adding some fair trade fashion to your wardrobe. These fair trade shorts are available in sizes XS-XXL.
Eileen Fisher’s Size Inclusive Organic Shorts
Eileen Fisher crafts high end sustainable fashion for women. Eileen Fisher’s selection of shorts features organic cotton and linen options. Their Terry Shorts and Jersey shorts are both made with organic cotton.
These range in size from PP-3XL and range in price from $60-$110. Along with using eco-friendly materials, this Certified B Corporation has programs designed to make customers more aware of the environmental impacts of fashion. The ReNew and Waste No More projects are two ways Eileen Fisher is educating shoppers.
Maggie’s Organics Eco-friendly Shorts
Founded on the premise that clothing can be both fashionable and sustainable, Maggies Organics is a shining example in the apparel industry. Their eco-friendly shorts are available in sizes ranging from XXS-XXL for women.
Maggies Organics sources organically grown cotton from small farms in the U.S., Argentina, Peru, Tanzania and India. Once sourced, the garments are made by skilled workers in India who are treated with dignity and respect. Maggie’s shorts feature unisex design or legging style ranging from $24-$45.
Hopefully this guide helped you learn why organic cotton is a good choice for you and the planet! And hopefully you discovered some sustainable clothing brands worth trying!
Discover more ethical & sustainable brands by heading back to the main page of our Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory. Also be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media for new brands & discounts!