Top 7 'Ocean-Air' Sustainable Brands to buy for Your Salt-Kissed Coastal Escape this Summer
The scent of salt on the air, the gentle warmth of the sun on your skin, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing on the shore—there’s nothing quite like a coastal escape. It’s a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the natural world. This feeling of light, breezy freedom is what we call the 'Ocean-Air' aesthetic. It’s about effortless style, natural textures, and a colour palette inspired by the sea, sand, and sky.
As we pack our bags for these much-needed getaways, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our relationship with the planet. The very oceans we long to visit are facing unprecedented challenges. This is where conscious consumerism comes in. Choosing to support brands that prioritize the environment isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful statement. It's about aligning our wardrobe with our values, ensuring that the clothes we wear on our adventures help protect the beautiful destinations we explore.
Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that style and sustainability are the perfect partners. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. To help you pack with purpose for your next salt-kissed holiday, we’ve curated a list of seven incredible sustainable brands that embody the 'Ocean-Air' spirit. These brands are crafting beautiful, high-quality pieces that are as kind to the planet as they are chic.
1. Outerknown: For the Wave-Chasing Conscious Consumer
Founded by 11-time World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown was born from a deep respect for the ocean. This brand is the epitome of coastal cool, built on a rock-solid foundation of sustainability and transparency. They aren't just dipping their toes in the eco-friendly water; they are diving in headfirst, meticulously considering the environmental and social impact of every single garment.
Outerknown’s commitment is evident in their choice of materials. They are famous for their use of ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made from salvaged fishing nets, old carpets, and other nylon waste. By transforming potential ocean pollutants into premium swimwear and outerwear, they are actively cleaning our seas. Beyond that, they champion organic cotton, recycled polyester, and responsible wool, proving that high-performance, durable apparel can be made without harming the planet. They are also Fair Labor Association accredited, ensuring that the people who make their clothes are treated and paid fairly.
Coastal Escape Must-Haves: Their iconic S.E.A. (Social and Environmental Accountability) Trunks are a non-negotiable for any beach trip, offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and purpose. For a versatile piece, look no further than their 'Apex' trunks. For women, the dreamy one-pieces and bikinis made from recycled materials are both flattering and functional. Pair one of their incredibly soft organic cotton 'Blanket Shirts' over your swimwear for a breezy layer that will take you from a morning surf check to an evening bonfire with effortless style.
2. Christy Dawn: For Ethereal, Earth-Honoring Dresses
If your coastal escape mood board is filled with romantic, flowing silhouettes and vintage-inspired charm, then Christy Dawn is the brand you’ve been dreaming of. This Los Angeles-based label creates ethereal pieces that feel like they were spun from sunshine and sea mist. Their design philosophy is centered on longevity and timelessness, crafting dresses and separates you’ll cherish for countless summers to come.
Christy Dawn’s sustainability journey began with the use of deadstock fabric—the leftover, unused material from larger fashion houses that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This practice of rescuing and repurposing fabrics is central to their ethos. More recently, they've taken their commitment a step further with their "farm-to-closet" initiative. They partner directly with farmers and artisans in India to cultivate cotton using regenerative farming practices, which actively heal the soil, restore biodiversity, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
Coastal Escape Must-Haves: The 'Dawn Dress' is their signature piece for a reason—its flattering, easy-to-wear silhouette is perfect for throwing on over a swimsuit or dressing up for a seaside dinner. Look for versions in their organic cotton or deadstock rayon. For something a little different, their flowy skirts and versatile blouses are perfect for mixing and matching, giving you multiple outfits from just a few key pieces. These are the kinds of clothes that make you want to run barefoot on the sand.
3. Indosole: For Footsteps That Leave a Lighter Trace
No coastal packing list is complete without the perfect pair of sandals, and Indosole offers the most compelling sustainable option on the market. The brand was born from a simple yet brilliant idea observed on the streets of Bali: repurposing discarded motorcycle tires into durable sandal soles. This innovative approach tackles a massive waste problem while creating footwear that’s virtually indestructible—perfect for navigating rocky shores, hot sand, and cobblestone streets.
Each pair of Indosole sandals prevents a tire from ending up in a landfill or contributing to toxic fires. The production process is entirely vegan and cruelty-free, using a low-impact manufacturing method without fuel-powered machinery. The uppers are crafted from natural and recycled materials, including their signature ENVIRO Fiber, which is both comfortable and quick-drying. These aren't just sandals; they're a testament to resourceful, circular design.
Coastal Escape Must-Haves: The 'ESSNTLS Flip Flops' are a minimalist's dream—lightweight, waterproof, and featuring an ergonomic footbed with arch support for all-day comfort. They come in a beautiful array of nature-inspired colors. If you prefer a bit more security, the 'Cross' or 'Platform' styles offer the same eco-friendly credentials with a more fashion-forward look. They are the ultimate travel companion, easily transitioning from the beach to a casual café.
4. A A K S: For Handcrafted Bags That Tell a Story
A beautiful, functional bag is essential for carrying your beach towel, a good book, and sunscreen. A A K S (pronounced 'ax') creates vibrant, handcrafted bags that are not just accessories, but wearable works of art. Founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, the brand aims to introduce the world to the traditional weaving techniques of her home country, Ghana, while creating sustainable and ethical employment opportunities for local artisans.
Each A A K S bag is meticulously woven by hand from ecologically harvested raffia, a process that can take up to a week to complete. The raffia is sourced from local farmers and dyed using natural, plant-based colorants, resulting in a stunning and unique colour palette. By supporting A A K S, you are directly investing in a community, preserving a precious cultural craft, and choosing a product made with immense care and respect for both people and the planet.
Coastal Escape Must-Haves: The 'Baw Pot' or 'Hana' totes are perfect for a day at the beach, with enough room for all your essentials. Their vivid colors and intricate textures will instantly elevate a simple linen dress or a classic swimsuit-and-sarong combo. For evenings, a smaller crossbody style adds a pop of color and personality to any outfit. An A A K S bag isn't just for one vacation; it's a timeless statement piece you'll treasure forever.
5. Sunski: For Sustainable Shades with a Sunny Outlook
Protecting your eyes from the sun is crucial, and Sunski makes it easy to do so sustainably. This California-based brand was built on the belief that sunglasses shouldn't be overpriced or disposable. They craft stylish, high-quality eyewear from recycled materials and back it up with an incredible lifetime warranty, embodying the principle that the most sustainable product is one you can use for a very long time.
Sunski’s frames are made from a proprietary recycled resin, which is created from scrap plastic that was destined for a US landfill. This innovative process results in frames that are strong, flexible, and incredibly lightweight, making them comfortable for all-day wear. They’ve eliminated all single-use plastic from their packaging and are certified Carbon Neutral. Their "buy-a-pair, fix-a-pair" philosophy means if you break your shades, you can order an affordable lens or frame replacement kit, encouraging repair over replacement.
Coastal Escape Must-Haves: With a wide range of classic and modern styles, there's a pair for every face shape. The 'Madronas' offer a timeless, slightly cat-eyed look, while the 'Dipseas' are a universally flattering rounded frame. All their lenses are polarized, which is a game-changer for cutting glare off the water, making them perfect for boating, paddleboarding, or simply gazing out at the horizon.
6. Pangaia: For Technologically Advanced, Earth-Friendly Basics
Pangaia is less of a fashion brand and more of a materials science collective on a mission to save the planet. Their aesthetic is minimalist and comfortable, focusing on impeccably designed basics like hoodies, track pants, t-shirts, and shorts. This makes them the perfect choice for the travel days of your coastal escape and for those moments of pure, relaxed lounging.
What sets Pangaia apart is their relentless innovation in sustainable textiles. Their signature FRUTFIBER™ and PLNTFIBER™ are made from agricultural waste like banana leaves and pineapple leaves, while their C-FIBER™ blends eucalyptus pulp with seaweed powder, creating a fabric that is water-saving, biodegradable, and nutrient-rich. They use botanical dyes made from plants, fruits, and vegetables, and every item comes with a digital passport that provides full transparency into its supply chain and environmental impact. As Goh Ling Yong has highlighted in previous articles, this level of transparency is the future of fashion.
Coastal Escape Must-Haves: A pair of their lightweight shorts made from organic cotton is a suitcase staple. Their t-shirts are buttery soft and come in a stunning array of colors inspired by the natural world. Packing one of their hoodies is a smart move for cooler coastal evenings or for cozying up on a long flight. Pangaia proves that the most comfortable clothes can also be the most scientifically advanced and earth-positive.
7. Whimsy + Row: For Flirty, Eco-Chic Versatility
Based in sunny Los Angeles, Whimsy + Row perfectly captures that effortless, cool-girl coastal vibe. The brand is dedicated to providing ease and elegance for the modern, eco-conscious woman, creating versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down with ease. They are proof that sustainable fashion can be flirty, fun, and utterly desirable.
Their primary method of sustainability is the use of deadstock and upcycled fabrics, breathing new life into materials that would otherwise be wasted. They produce their collections in limited, small-batch runs just a few miles from their office, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint and ensures ethical labor practices. From their fabric choices to their recycled packaging, every decision is made with the planet in mind.
Coastal Escape Must-Haves: Their collection of breezy dresses, easy-to-wear jumpsuits, and matching sets are a dream for a vacation wardrobe. The 'Lola Wrap Dress' or the 'Flora Dress' are perfect examples of pieces that can take you from sightseeing to a sunset dinner with just a change of shoes. Their wide-leg linen pants are a must-pack item, offering a chic and comfortable alternative to shorts that pair beautifully with a simple tank top or your swimsuit top.
Pack with Pride and Purpose
This summer, as you prepare for your coastal escape, consider making a few thoughtful additions to your wardrobe. Choosing to support brands like these is about more than just buying clothes; it’s about investing in the health of our oceans, the well-being of garment workers, and a more hopeful future for fashion. Packing sustainably doesn’t mean compromising on style—it means enhancing it with story, purpose, and a deep connection to the natural world you’re setting out to enjoy.
Your suitcase can be a powerful tool for change. Fill it with pieces that make you feel beautiful and that you can feel good about wearing.
Now we want to hear from you! What are some of your favorite 'Ocean-Air' sustainable brands? Share your recommendations in the comments below and tag us in your sustainable summer looks on social media. Happy travels
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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