7 Stylish Sustainable Skirts For Every Occasion

Skirts have long been celebrated for their ability to radiate femininity and as a testament to sustainable fashion choices. Embracing a sustainable skirt uplifts your style and is a bold statement against the fast fashion tide. While jeans and shorts have their place, there's something irreplaceably captivating about a well-crafted skirt.

Their timeless appeal transcends decades, from the mesmerizing tie-dye prints of yesteryears to today's enchanting floral designs. What remains unaltered is the dynamic silhouette they offer. Whether it's the playful charm of a short skirt or the elegance of a slit pencil skirt, the diverse styles cater to every fashion palate.

Sustainable Skirts Brands We 💚

The contemporary fashion world offers myriad skirt styles designed to accentuate your flair. Fret not if you find yourself lost in the vast sea of choices.

Here are 7 top-rated sustainable skirts that will effortlessly keep your style chic and feminine. As you peruse these selections, head to the end of the article. There, you'll discover how we meticulously chose these sustainable skirt brands and the key factors to consider when looking for eco-conscious fashion.

1. Whimsy + Row

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Whimsy + Row is a paradigm of sustainable fashion, merging style with eco-consciousness. Rooted in a commitment to the environment and ethical practices, they've carved a niche in the contemporary fashion scene. Alongside their vast clothing range, they boast a curated selection of sustainable skirts and wedding dresses, exemplifying their penchant for eco-friendly fashion.

Whimsy + Row presents two exquisite skirts, each highlighting sustainability and style. The Noel Skirt in Dot is a versatile A-line piece that can effortlessly adapt to various occasions. It creates the illusion of a dress when paired with its matching top.

Its fabric composition is a mix of 50% Ecovero Viscose and 50% Viscose Lenzing, both of which prioritize environmental responsibility.

On the other hand, the Valentina Skirt in Rust Extended (one of the best sustainable wrap skirts) exudes a unique charm with its mid-length wrap design. Crafted from a Tencel and cupro blend, it's the ideal counterpart to the Lauren Top for those who appreciate coordinated sets.

The fabric breakdown is 51% Tencel and 49% Cupro, materials known for their sustainable properties and silky-smooth feel. Whimsy + Row's commitment to sustainable fashion is evident in their fabric choices and stylish designs.

Fabrics and Materials

The brand's material palette predominantly features deadstock or natural fabrics. They place a strong emphasis on their 100% pure linen clothing. In their quest for sustainability, Whimsy + Row has consciously chosen to use non-toxic, sustainable dyes for their garments.

They're also exploring ways to make natural dyes last as long as their garments. Their dedication to sustainable fabrics is further evident in their choice of Certified Organic Cotton, Linen, TENCEL™, Lenzing Modal™, Cupro, ECOVERO™, VISCOSE LENZING™, and Deadstock/Upcycled Fabric.

These materials are championed for their reduced environmental impact and sustainability credentials.

Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing

Ethical sourcing and production lie at the heart of Whimsy + Row's ethos. With an unwavering commitment to fairness and transparency, the brand ensures its clothing is produced just a few miles from its LA base.

This local-centric approach allows them to closely monitor production units, guaranteeing fair wages and commendable working conditions. Regular visits to these units solidify their promise of ethically produced garments.

Corporate Responsibility

Whimsy + Row champions a holistic approach to sustainability, extending their eco-conscious values to packaging and broader corporate activities. Packaging is a testament to their commitment — emphasizing the elimination of plastic waste, they opt for recycled or recyclable materials.

They've established partnerships like the one with EcoEnclose to ensure their shipments prioritize the environment.

Corporate responsibility is ingrained in every facet of their operations. By nurturing a local-centric supply chain, the brand slashes its carbon footprint.

They strive for a virtually waste-free production cycle, such as recycling every possible material scrap. Through their partnership with carbonfund.org, they have attained a commendable carbon-neutral status.

Their community engagement and outreach shine brightly. Whimsy + Row has thrown its weight behind various charitable organizations, including Black Vision Collective, Global Fund for Women, Reclaim the Block, and more. This demonstrates not just a brand focused on selling products but one genuinely invested in bettering the world.

2. Amour Vert

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Amour Vert is a pioneering sustainable fashion brand that is highly conscious of the environmental impact of garment production. They understand that almost 60% of a garment's environmental footprint occurs during the fiber and fabric manufacturing stage. To combat this, they've undertaken many initiatives to produce clothing that's as green and sustainable as possible.

Made from sustainable ECOVERO™ Viscose fabric, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional viscose, known for its reduced environmental impact.

This versatile skirt can be a go-to piece in your wardrobe. Its flowy design makes it easy to pair with everyday casual wear, such as sneakers or sandals. It can be elevated with clogs or kitten heels for a more dressed-up look.

The Deadwood Lena Mini Skirt sits above the knee. It features a center zip closure at the back for a sleek look. The Lena Mini Skirt is crafted from recycled lambskin leather, promoting an eco-conscious choice in fashion. The lining is made from recycled polyester, further amplifying its sustainable credentials.

The skirt's design leans towards a casual look. Pair it with your favorite tee tucked in for a simple and chic outfit. This combination gives an effortlessly cool vibe suitable for many occasions.

Fabrics and materials

They have a collection of styles with great sustainable fabrics to choose from including:

• bluesign® Silk: Amour Vert sources Washable Silk from bluesign® factories and mills, ensuring safer, high-quality, traceable, and ethical silk.
• Dream Collection: These fabrics, including Dream Knit and Dream Rib, are made in the USA from sustainable TENCEL™ modal fiber, offering the perfect drape and unparalleled softness.
• Paris Rib: This fabric is made from closed-loop and FSC-certified beechwood fibers, producing a flattering, form-fitting French girl-approved textile.
• Ethical Wool: The brand utilizes non-mulesed Merino wool from Italian and Australian mills, producing ultra-soft, zero-waste sweaters that are both recyclable and biodegradable.
• Cottonseed Cupro: Often dubbed "vegan silk," this washable, biodegradable fabric resembles silk but is made from repurposed cotton plant seed fiber.
• Femme Fête: A unique blend crafted from organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and linen, this sustainable fabric balances softness and durability.

Ethical Sourcing

Every sample is hand drawn, cut, and sewn at their Atelier HQ in San Francisco, California. In addition, they collaborate with artists to produce unique prints. Amour Vert is committed to the future of circular fashion, using deadstock fabric and planting trees in collaboration with American Forests.

They also encourage the resale of pre-loved clothing through their dedicated marketplace, "ReAmour." This dedicated resale platform allows customers to purchase pre-loved Amour Vert clothing, ensuring these items don't end up in landfills.

Corporate Responsibility

Every tee purchase leads to planting a tree in North America, thanks to a partnership with American Forests®. Beyond their ReAmour platform, Amour Vert's commitment to a circular fashion model encompasses using deadstock fabric and collaborating with organizations like American Forests.

Customers can explore a vast range of colors, fabrics (such as linen, organic cotton, and modal), fits, and textures in Amour Vert's collection of eco-conscious skirts, reflecting the brand's comprehensive commitment to sustainability.

3. Mila.Vert

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Mila.Vert emphasizes the significance of sustainable fabrics in its clothing line. Their attire is exclusively crafted from meticulously chosen eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, and linen.

By purchasing fabrics only from GOTS-certified agents and resellers, Mila.Vert ensures that their materials are not only Earth-friendly but also ethically produced.

The brand takes immense pride in its knitwear collection, made entirely of 100% organic cotton. Their fabrics embody their commitment to being kind to the wearer's skin, the artisans, and the environment.

Skirts:

• Maxi Denim Skirt: Fashioned from a sturdy yet breathable blend of 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane, this sustainable maxi skirt boasts a minimalist straight shape, reaching down to the ankles. With front pockets, it offers versatility and effortless styling for year-round wear.
• Knitted Straight Skirt: This skirt is crafted from 100% organic cotton and radiates comfort and softness. Its midi length and minimalist straight shape offer easy styling throughout the year.

Ethical Sourcing

Mila.Vert, rooted in Slovenia, EU, holds ethical sourcing at its core. Collaborating closely with two local sewing companies and a family-owned knitting studio allows the brand to maintain unparalleled transparency.

This dedication to local partnerships ensures adherence to the high human and environmental welfare standards, bolstered further by stringent Slovenian and EU regulations. Such a localized production approach also fosters deeper connections, turning business partners into friends and making every collaborative endeavor a delightful experience.

Corporate Responsibility

Adhering to a robust corporate responsibility ethos, Mila.Vert prioritizes the welfare of nature and all its beings. The vast majority of their sustainable clothing line refrains from using animal products or by-products, with only a minor percentage of repurposed waste wool used in some winter coats. Otherwise, their offerings are 100% cruelty-free, vegan, and PETA-approved.

Their commitment to ethics also extends to their production practices, ensuring transparent, traceable, and fair processes in Slovenia, EU. The brand actively contributes to reducing plastic waste, eliminating its use in packaging, and creatively upcycling scrap materials into fabric bags.

Emphasizing empowerment through work, Mila.Vert’s approach resonates with those who value nature and ethical labor. Furthermore, to minimize waste and over-production, Mila.Vert carefully produces their clothing in limited batches, guaranteeing sustainable resource utilization.

4. Mata Traders

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Mata Traders began its voyage in the fair trade fashion arena in 2007. Inspired by the pressing concerns of ethical trading, the brand quickly adopted a responsible approach to production. It sought to foster alliances with organizations that mirrored its core values of fair trade.

Based in Chicago, Mata Traders is fueled by a deep respect for artisanal craftsmanship and the welfare of its workforce. The brand actively opposes the fast-paced, transient ethos of the fast-fashion world.

Instead, they are a beacon for sustainable slow-fashion, emphasizing quality over volume. With a 15-year-long association with the Fair Trade Federation, Mata Traders continues to cherish its partnerships and remains unwavering in its commitment to economic and gender equality.

Mata Traders presents a versatile range of skirts, from the classic A-line to more contemporary designs. These pieces resonate with the moods of fall and winter, each crafted with intentionality and flair.

The Pocket Skirt Black Denim is a timeless addition to any wardrobe, fashioned from a unique, lighter black denim. It combines style and comfort seamlessly.

Meanwhile, the Isla Skirt Diamond Vine Black introduces a new vibe for the fall. It features a pencil silhouette cut from an organic cotton jersey, bedecked with a standout diamond vine print. With functional elements like a side slit and a drawstring elastic waistband, it guarantees ease and chic aesthetics.

Fabrics and Materials

Mata Traders has always been devoted to utilizing top-notch materials. The brand started with plain weave cotton but expanded its repertoire to include weights and fabrics. Some fabrics are from intricate processes like handloom weaving or hand-dying methods, such as ikat.

Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their growing use of materials like organic cotton, Tencel, and modal. Whether block printing, screen printing, or other textile arts, each piece tells a story of additive or subtractive processes contributing to its unique charm.

Ethical Sourcing

Mata Traders’ sourcing practices are firmly rooted in ethics. The brand partners with fair trade manufacturers committed to ethical production and skilled artisans.

Many of the techniques they employ, such as block printing and hand embroidery, have been passed down through generations. This ensures that every piece produced under the brand's name is not just a product but a testament to a rich legacy of craftsmanship.

Corporate Responsibility

Mata Traders is committed to a vision larger than fashion. While many brands in the industry prioritize profits, Mata Traders emphasizes the importance of human-centered practices. This is evident in their long-standing membership with the Fair Trade Federation.

They've built lasting, collaborative relationships with their producer partners by prioritizing people over profits. The brand also recognizes the fashion industry's environmental footprint and thus avoids plastics in their packaging. Instead, they creatively use scrap materials. With an unwavering dedication to sustainable partnerships, Mata Traders symbolizes what it means to be a brand with a conscience in the modern world.

5. Sézane

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Sézane, a French brand, epitomizes sustainable chic, emphasizing timeless pieces that respect the planet and its people. It sets itself apart by striving for a holistic approach to fashion, recognizing the necessity of ethical and environmental responsibility.

The brand's commitment is underscored by its B Corp certification and Mission-led Company status, independent validations that attest to its dedication towards sustainable production methods, raw material choices, working conditions, and community engagement.

Sézane has already taken significant strides in its journey, with ¾ of its collection's materials being eco-friendly and certified by five of the industry's most reliable entities. Find a stunning selection of styles and colors, including sustainable wool skirts.

About the Skirts:

1. Sorena Skirt
   • Certification: RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) and OEKO-TEX®
   • Features: 100% natural with recycled packaging
   • Manufacturing: Produced in an audited factory.
2. Naelle Skirt
   • Composition: A blend of merino wool and organic cotton in a midi length.
   • Design: Features ribbed knitting and an elasticated waist.
   • Certification: RWS certified.
   • Features: 100% natural, manufactured in the European Union and transported via road.
   • Manufacturing: Produced in an audited factory.

Fabric and Materials

Sézane is steadfast in its dedication to curating materials that marry durability, environmental impact, tactile quality, and affordability. Their rigorous selection process evaluates each material's carbon footprint, waste, pollution, water, and land usage.

Currently, 75% of the materials used in Sézane's collections are eco-friendly, including organic cotton, sustainably sourced viscose, recycled polyester, vegetable-tanned leather, and more.

The brand has ambitious goals to elevate this number further in future collections.

Ethical Sourcing

Sézane is not just about crafting beautiful pieces but doing so responsibly. Their collections boast certifications from GOTS (guaranteeing organic textiles), Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (confirming absence of harmful chemicals), FSC (sustainable forest management for viscose), LENZING™ ECOVERO™ (certified eco-responsible wood pulp sources), RWS (animal welfare and land management), and RMS.

Sézane ensures that 100% of their ateliers undergo annual social audits, highlighting a commitment to fair and ethical working conditions.

Corporate Responsibility

Beyond their product line, Sézane's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices permeates every facet of their operations:

Sézane has reduced the carbon footprint of their garments by up to 20% within a year, while 100% of their shipping boxes are made from recycled cardboard or sustainably managed forests. Their boutiques are powered exclusively by renewable energy sources, like hydroelectricity and wind.

Since 2018, their philanthropic program, DEMAIN, has raised over 5 million euros. On the 21st of every month, a significant portion of their global sales is dedicated to projects promoting education and equal opportunities for children globally.

Sézane aims for complete traceability in its supply chain, with current traceability at 100% for tier 1 partners, 95% for tier 2, and 55% for tier 3, with goals to improve these numbers.

Sézane continuously challenges itself, setting targets like using more than 80% eco-friendly materials and amplifying the traceability of its collections.

6. Everlane

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Everlane is a fashion brand that strongly promotes the principle of "Radical Transparency." This means they give their customers insights into how their products are made, including details about the factories, the true cost of making each product, and the ethical standards they uphold.

The brand is committed to making high-quality, lasting products while ensuring ethical practices and sustainability are at the forefront of its business model.

The Structured Cotton A-Line Skirt: This streamlined skirt gives a clean look. It's crafted from a slightly heavier double-weave cotton to retain its shape. The skirt features center-front hidden buttons for easy movement and on-seam pockets. Its cotton is grown in the U.S., contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

The City Stripe Midi Skirt: This is a high-waisted A-line skirt with a flattering midi length. The skirt showcases a deep front pleat for a fluid-draped effect and an invisible side zipper. It's made of 66% Viscose and 34% REPREVE® recycled polyester. The viscose comes from an FSC-certified supplier, ensuring it doesn't source from endangered forests. REPREVE® recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles.

Fabric and Materials

• The Structured Cotton A-Line Skirt:
  • Material: Double-weave cotton.
  • Source: U.S.-grown cotton, known for its innovative seed varieties and sustainable agriculture practices.
• The City Stripe Midi Skirt:
  • Material: 66% Viscose and 34% REPREVE® recycled polyester.
  • Source: The viscose is sourced from an FSC-certified supplier ensuring the protection of forests. REPREVE® is made from post-consumer plastic bottles.
• General:
  • 97% of Everlane's apparel materials with polyester and nylon are from certified recycled fibers.
  • 45% of their plastic footwear components are made from recycled materials.

Ethical Sourcing

Everlane partners with top-tier factories globally, aiming to work only with those that produce renowned designer labels. Factories undergo a compliance audit to maintain standards such as fair wages, reasonable hours, and a good working environment. Everlane aims for a score of 90 or above for each factory. Every Black Friday, they donate profits to improve the lives of those working in their factories.

Corporate Responsibility

Everlane is dedicated to creating low-impact products, emphasizing reducing waste, chemicals, and plastics that could harm the planet and its inhabitants. Their products are designed to last, emphasizing the importance of longevity in sustainability.

Everlane reveals the costs behind each product, from materials to labor to transportation. They then sell products without the traditional retail markup.

Everlane is aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aiming to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

By 2030, they commit to 55% lower per-product carbon emissions and 46% lower absolute emissions in stores and HQ. They aim for net-zero emissions by 2050. They have made significant progress as of April 2021 in terms of materials and packaging.

Everlane is a brand that emphasizes the importance of quality and style and champions the need for ethical sourcing, environmental consciousness, and radical transparency in the fashion industry.

7. Pact

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Pact is a clothing brand deeply committed to environmental and social responsibility. They emphasize the use of organic materials, ethical manufacturing practices, and conservation of resources.

By integrating sustainable and ethical principles into their production, they ensure that their products have a minimal negative impact on the planet and its inhabitants.

We've featured them many times here on The Eco Hub. Check them out in our guides on organic undies, slow fashion brands, cute baby clothes, ethical lingerie, and sustainable basics.

Fabric and Materials

Ethical Skirt Descriptions:

1. Sunset Light Gauze Tiered Skirt:
   • A skirt made of 100% Organic Cotton.
   • Certified by GOTS and manufactured in a Fair Trade Certified™ Factory.
   • It saves 41 gallons of water compared to conventional cotton products.
2. Fit & Flare Midi Skirt:
   • Comprises 95% Organic Cotton and 5% Elastane.
   • GOTS Certified Organic Cotton and Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ Factory.
   • Saves 42 gallons of water as opposed to using regular cotton.

• General:
  • Pact's products are certified organic by GOTS, the leading standard for organic farming and manufacturing.

Ethical Sourcing

• Both skirts are made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories, ensuring ethical production.
• Fair Trade Certification ensures safe working conditions, community support, and a transparent supply chain.

Corporate Responsibility

Pact's Certified Organic Cotton uses significantly less water than conventional cotton. Their organic farming practices produce 81% less water and 62% less energy consumption.

Pact partnered with SimpliZero to offset its carbon footprint throughout the supply chain. They achieve this through various means, such as reforestation and renewable energy projects.

Pact partners with Fair Trade factories, guaranteeing workers safe conditions and decent wages. Moreover, every purchase contributes to the betterment of the community with over CA$‌1.95 Million in Fair Trade Premiums.

They have transitioned to Vela bags, which are responsibly made, carbon-neutral, FSC™ certified, and 100% recyclable paper bags, abandoning single-use plastics.

Pact encourages customers to donate their gently used clothes to nonprofits through this initiative. The dual goal is to benefit communities and reduce the environmental impact of packaging by reusing boxes.

As practiced by Pact, organic farming results in cleaner air, improved soil quality, safer farming methods, and fewer toxins in their products.

Why choose sustainable skirts?

We're in a sustainability dilemma, which may surprise us, but your trendy skirt could contribute to the issue.

A staggering 60% of all garments are crafted from synthetic fabrics rooted in petroleum and other fossil fuels. The inclination towards synthetics in the fashion industry, particularly in skirts, is outpacing the demand for traditional natural materials like cotton, hemp, and wool.

Fast fashion, in particular, heavily depends on these synthetic materials due to their low-cost production.
Beyond exacerbating the fossil fuel demand and adding to our landfill woes, clothing made from synthetic materials wreaks environmental havoc by discharging microplastics – between 700,000 to one million per piece – into our water systems with each wash.

These microplastics contaminate our water sources harm aquatic life, and ultimately find their way into our food chain.

While synthetic materials are a glaring concern, conventionally produced natural fibers also have environmental pitfalls.

For instance, conventional cotton, from which many skirts are made, has earned the title of the world's most environmentally taxing crop. Its excessive need for water and chemicals, such as pesticides and insecticides (accounting for 24% of global sales), and its reliance on synthetic fertilizers (think one-third of a pound for a single skirt) paint a concerning picture.

You might ask, "Is organic the only answer, then? What about sustainable but non-organic skirt brands? And how does one differentiate between organic and sustainable garments?"

Sustainable brands may utilize a mix of materials, including repurposed synthetics. While this is commendable for reducing waste, it doesn't necessarily tackle the potential toxins in synthetic fabrics.

If you're aiming for a lifestyle that emphasizes natural and non-toxic choices, your skirts, just like other clothing, should steer clear of even recycled synthetic materials.

How do we choose these brands?

Fabrics and Materials

When we talk about organic clothing, we're referring to clothes made from fabrics that have been cultivated and processed without the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, solvents, and certain dyes.

Organic cotton is undoubtedly the frontrunner, but there's also an increasing interest in other sustainable materials like bamboo and hemp. The term “organic” isn't just about the cultivation process; it represents the entire production journey from seed to shelf.

For instance, if organic cotton is dyed with standard azo dyes, it can't be classified as truly organic. This drives our focus towards brands that prioritize natural dyes. Reliable organic brands often have third-party certifications to substantiate their organic assertions.

While no certification is foolproof, they give us a reference point. Some certifications we trust include the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Trade Association (OTA), OEKO-TEX, and Woolmark.

Ethical Sourcing

Transparency is the backbone of social responsibility. Our approach goes beyond the surface; we delve deep into the specifics of the production process.

Questions we ask include: Where was the processing conducted? Who was involved? What were their working hours? Were their rights respected? Were they compensated fairly? We're inclined towards brands that provide comprehensive details about their garment production process.

Some sustainability certifications that vouch for ethical practices include the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), Sedex, Social Accountability International (SA8000), Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Fair Wear Foundation, B Corporation (B Corp), and Fair Trade standards.

Corporate Responsibility

We don't limit our scrutiny to the use of organic fabrics. We're enthusiastic about brands that emphasize garment recycling, advocate for sustainable packaging, or offset a significant portion of their carbon footprint. We also have a soft spot for brands that are mindful of their water and energy consumption and take concrete steps to minimize resource usage and emissions.

Additionally, we believe in inclusivity in the fashion sphere. Some brands are making commendable strides by offering inclusive sizes. On the philanthropic front, it warms our hearts to support clothing brands that commit to giving back through monetary donations or product contributions.

A final word on ethical skirts

As autumn breezes usher in a new season, curating a sustainable capsule wardrobe becomes not just a trend but a testament to conscious consumerism. Skirts, versatile and timeless, play a pivotal role in this collection.

You're making a style statement by choosing sustainable skirts and voicing your commitment to the planet. From ethically sourced materials to environmentally-friendly production processes, these skirts reflect the harmony of fashion with nature.

So, as you weave together outfits for fall, let these sustainable choices be your ode to a more thoughtful, eco-friendly wardrobe. Hello, thrift shopping!

Remember, every sustainable piece you pick is a step closer to a greener tomorrow. Embrace the change, and let your wardrobe reflect your values.

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