Top 10 'Walkable-Wardrobe' Sustainable Brands to buy for Exploring Hot Cities This Summer - Goh Ling Yong
The sun beats down on cobblestone streets, the air hums with the energy of a thousand different stories, and the scent of street food hangs heavy and delicious. There's nothing quite like the feeling of exploring a new city in the heart of summer. From the vibrant markets of Bangkok to the historic avenues of Rome, these urban adventures are food for the soul. But let's be honest, they can also be a sweaty, sticky, and sartorial challenge.
How do you pack a suitcase that’s light enough to haul up a five-story walk-up Airbnb, stylish enough for that spontaneous rooftop dinner, and comfortable enough to withstand 20,000 steps in blistering heat? The answer lies in curating what I call a "walkable wardrobe." This isn't just about comfy shoes (though they are non-negotiable). It's a collection of versatile, breathable, and durable pieces that work as hard as you do on your travels. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that the best wardrobe is also a sustainable one—built with clothes that are kind to the planet and the people who make them.
So, forget the fast-fashion panic buys at the airport. We’ve curated a list of the top 10 sustainable brands that are perfect for building your ultimate hot-city travel wardrobe. These brands blend ethical production with heat-wave-proof fabrics and timeless style, ensuring you look cool, feel cool, and travel with a clear conscience.
1. Patagonia
You might associate Patagonia with rugged mountain treks, but their technical expertise translates perfectly to the urban jungle. This B Corp is a pioneer in environmental and social responsibility, and their gear is built to last a lifetime (literally, thanks to their Ironclad Guarantee). For city exploring, this means clothes that are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and incredibly durable.
Their collections often feature materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester, all designed for performance and comfort. Think of Patagonia as the functional, reliable foundation of your travel wardrobe. Their pieces are designed to be worn, washed in a hostel sink if needed, and ready for the next day's adventure without fuss.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Baggies™ Shorts are a cult classic for a reason. They're quick-drying, come in fantastic colors, and are comfortable enough for a full day of walking. Pair them with a Capilene® Cool Daily Shirt, which offers sun protection and moisture-wicking properties that feel like a blessing in humid climates.
2. Reformation
If your travel vibe is less "functional trekker" and more "effortlessly chic local," Reformation is your go-to. Known for their flirty silhouettes and on-trend designs, they prove that sustainability can be seriously stylish. Reformation is committed to transparency, providing a "RefScale" score for each garment that tracks its environmental footprint compared to industry standards.
They primarily use low-impact materials like Tencel™ Lyocell, linen, and viscose from sustainably managed forests, as well as deadstock and recycled fabrics. Their dresses, two-piece sets, and breezy tops are practically designed for a European summer holiday. They pack down small, resist wrinkling better than you'd expect, and can take you from sightseeing at the Acropolis to sipping Aperol Spritzes by the canal.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: A linen midi dress like the "Tagliatelle" is a summer travel game-changer. Linen is one of the most breathable fabrics available, and a well-cut dress is a one-and-done outfit. Also, check out their Veda T-shirt, made from Tencel™, which is softer than silk and cooler than linen.
3. Everlane
For the minimalist traveler who values a clean aesthetic and radical transparency, Everlane is a must. Their entire business model is built on showing you the true cost of their products, from materials to labor to transport. They partner with ethical factories around the world and focus on creating timeless, high-quality basics you’ll wear for years, not just one season.
Their summer collections are a goldmine for a travel capsule wardrobe. You'll find beautifully crafted pieces in organic cotton, Grade-A cashmere (for the chilly airplane), and especially linen. The color palettes are typically neutral and easy to mix and match, which is a key strategy for packing light. With a few key pieces from Everlane, you can create dozens of different outfits.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Linen Workwear Shirt is a versatile hero piece. Wear it open over a tank top during the day, or button it up for a more polished evening look. Pair it with their Way-High® Sailor Shorts for a comfortable and classic city exploration uniform.
4. Outerknown
Co-founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown infuses a laid-back, coastal cool into high-quality, sustainable menswear and womenswear. Their commitment to sustainability is uncompromising, holding Fair Labor Association accreditation and meticulously vetting their entire supply chain. They are masters of creating relaxed-fit clothing that feels incredible to wear.
Their secret weapon for summer travel is their use of organic cotton and, most notably, linen blends. The pieces are designed with movement and comfort in mind, making them ideal for long days spent on your feet. The vibe is casual but elevated, perfect for exploring cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, or San Diego where a relaxed beach culture meets urban energy.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Paz Corduroy Pants (made from organic cotton) are surprisingly lightweight and ridiculously comfortable for travel days. For a truly heat-proof option, their Seaside Linen Shirt is airy, soft, and looks perfectly, stylishly rumpled right out of your suitcase.
5. VEJA
No walkable wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of sneakers, and VEJA has set the gold standard for sustainable footwear. This French brand creates sleek, minimalist sneakers that have become a staple in conscious closets worldwide. They look good with everything—from shorts and dresses to linen trousers.
What makes VEJA stand out is their deep commitment to ethical sourcing. They use organic cotton from Brazil and Peru for the canvas and laces, wild rubber from the Amazonian rainforest for the soles (helping to combat deforestation), and innovative materials made from recycled plastic bottles. These aren't just stylish sneakers; they are a statement of purpose. Most importantly for travel, they are comfortable after a short break-in period and durable enough to handle miles of city pavement.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Campo or V-10 models are iconic and incredibly versatile. Choose a neutral colorway like white with a black or navy logo, and you’ll have a shoe that pairs with every single outfit in your suitcase.
6. Christy Dawn
For the romantic traveler who dreams of wandering through flower markets and ancient ruins, Christy Dawn’s ethereal dresses are a perfect match. This Los Angeles-based brand began by creating pieces from "deadstock" fabric—the leftover, unused rolls of material from other fashion houses. This practice not only reduces textile waste but also means many of their pieces are limited edition.
Today, they've expanded to a "farm-to-closet" initiative, working directly with farmers and artisans in India to grow their own organic cotton and use natural, traditional dyes. Their signature style features flowy silhouettes, vintage-inspired prints, and comfortable, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, and rayon. A Christy Dawn dress is an instant outfit that will keep you cool and looking effortlessly beautiful.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Dawn Dress is their signature piece. It's flattering on many body types, incredibly comfortable, and made from lightweight fabrics perfect for sweltering heat. It’s the kind of piece you’ll be so glad you packed when you want to feel a little extra special.
7. Amour Vert
The name "Amour Vert" translates to "Green Love" in French, and the brand lives up to its name. Their philosophy is simple: fashion and sustainability can coexist beautifully. They are famous for their incredibly soft fabrics, particularly their Tencel™ Modal, which is made from sustainably harvested beechwood trees in a closed-loop process.
For every tee you buy, Amour Vert plants a tree, tying your purchase directly to a positive environmental impact. Their collection is full of elevated basics—think perfectly draped T-shirts, easy-to-wear dresses, and comfortable jumpsuits. These are the versatile, foundational pieces that form the backbone of a smart travel wardrobe, offering comfort without sacrificing style.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Paris Ribbed Tee is a travel essential. The fabric is unbelievably soft and breathable, and the classic striped pattern is timeless. Also, look at their washable silk blouses, which offer a touch of luxury that's still practical enough for travel.
8. Nisolo
While VEJA corners the sneaker market, Nisolo is the master of ethical leather goods, especially sandals. A certified B Corp, Nisolo is deeply committed to providing living wages and safe working conditions for its artisans in Peru and Mexico. Their transparency is top-notch, with a "Sustainability Facts" label that details the social and environmental impact of each product.
A great pair of sandals is crucial for hot-city travel, offering your feet a chance to breathe. Nisolo's designs are timeless, comfortable, and exceptionally well-made. Their Huarache sandals, for example, are woven from soft leather that molds to your foot, making them a stylish and incredibly comfortable option for all-day wear.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Everyday Huarache Sandal is a must-have. They are breathable, break in beautifully, and the intricate woven design adds a touch of artisanal craft to any outfit. They are the perfect shoe for when you want something more elevated than a sneaker but just as comfortable.
9. Thought Clothing
Based in the UK, Thought Clothing has been a quiet leader in the sustainable fashion space for over two decades. Their motto is "Wear Me, Love Me, Mend Me, Pass Me On," a beautiful summary of their approach to creating long-lasting, timeless apparel. They are champions of natural and eco-friendly fabrics.
Their collections are a treasure trove of breathable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Hemp, in particular, is a fantastic fabric for summer travel—it's highly breathable, durable, and gets softer with every wash. Thought's designs are often relaxed, with a focus on comfortable fits and unique, nature-inspired prints that are easy to style.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: A pair of hemp or Tencel™ culottes or wide-leg trousers are a brilliant travel choice. They provide the coverage of pants but the breezy feel of a skirt, keeping you cool while exploring temples or more conservative areas.
10. Kuyichi
Let's face it: for many of us, a good pair of denim shorts is a non-negotiable part of any summer wardrobe. But conventional denim production is notoriously resource-intensive. Enter Kuyichi, a Dutch brand that has been pioneering sustainable denim since 2001. They were one of the first brands to produce 100% organic cotton denim.
Kuyichi is all about making denim better—for the planet and for people. They use organic and recycled cotton, natural dyes, and innovative washing techniques that use far less water and energy. Their styles range from classic to contemporary, but the quality and ethical backbone remain constant. Packing a pair of their shorts or a lightweight chambray shirt means you don't have to compromise your style or your values.
- Walkable Wardrobe Pick: The Nora Loose Tapered Jeans made from organic cotton are a great choice for a cooler evening or travel day. For peak summer, their organic cotton denim shorts offer a classic look with a completely clean conscience.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Building a 'walkable wardrobe' for your summer travels is about more than just convenience; it's an exercise in intentionality. By choosing pieces from brands that prioritize sustainability, you're not just packing for a trip—you're investing in a better future for our planet. As my friend and mentor Goh Ling Yong often says, every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.
Choosing well-made, versatile, and ethical clothing means you can pack lighter, feel more comfortable, and connect more deeply with your travels, free from the weight of a heavy suitcase and a heavy conscience. You’ll find that a few high-quality, sustainable pieces are infinitely more valuable than a dozen disposable ones.
Now it's your turn. What are your go-to sustainable brands for travel? Share your favorites in the comments below—I'm always looking for new recommendations
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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