One of my goals when moving into our house was to source the majority (75%, give or take) of our furniture secondhand. It hasn’t necessarily been quick or easy to buy secondhand furniture for an entire home. But it has been worth the effort thus far both in terms of cost savings and the uniqueness of the pieces.
We also sold a few of our used furniture items when moving out of our apartment because there were some pieces that we didn’t need anymore. For example, we had counter stools in our apartment but the house we were moving into had no countertop to sit at.
Below I’m sharing my perspectives on the top places to buy and sell secondhand furniture shopping secondhand furniture.
I started shopping secondhand because of the reduced environmental impact (check out my full guide to sustainable furniture here), but I also like to save money! And sometimes secondhand (particularly vintage) furniture can be pretty unaffordable. So that is a significant criteria in the ranking of this list.
There are also a couple of sources that I’ve scoured and considered but haven’t actually purchased from yet. (I’ll share why below.)
In these cases I will refer to reviews and my own in-depth research. (I’ve spent way too much time searching for used furniture!!) And if or when I do purchase from these sources, I’ll be sure to add in my personal reviews alongside the other user reviews.
Where to Give Away or Find Furniture for Free
In case you want to give away or find furniture for free, I’ll quickly share some ideas before getting into the paid options.
To find free furniture, try “stooping”. This is where you find furniture people put out on the curb. I’ve also found furniture (like a desk and ottoman) near our apartment complex’s dumpster. It’s sometimes unbelievable what people throw away, especially when they’re moving in a hurry.
I’d also suggest checking your local Buy Nothing group. Though I will say in my experience, it can be a pain to sift through so many low quality posts (like partially used coloring books and cleaning products).
In terms of giving away furniture, I generally would not recommend leaving your pieces on the curb if you want to ensure it’s getting a second life. I’ve also seen furniture that’s left outside get destroyed by rain and what was yesterday’s perfectly good furniture is today’s trash. (It’s a bit heartbreaking to be honest.)
Instead I’d recommend to list it in a Buy Nothing group; share it on a app like Craigslist, NextDoor, or Facebook Marketplace; or coordinate a furniture pickup/drop-off with a nearby charity that sells used furniture.
Alright now let’s get into buying and selling used furniture!
Secondhand Furniture Apps, Sources, and Stores Ranked (with Pros & Cons)
With any kind of listing like this, there are going to be points of subjectivity so I’m detailing the pros and cons from my vantage point alongside the listings so you can determine which one is right for you, based on what you are looking for.
For me price and the ability to find specific types of items are important. I’m willing to sacrifice some convenience (i.e. I don’t need something delivered to me; I’m ok picking it up) for a good find. That might not be true for you, so be sure to look at the details of each to decide your own pick for buying (or selling) secondhand furniture for your space.
Note that there are a few affiliate links in here, which means we’ll earn a commission if you choose to purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. As always, our recommendations are made independently and vetted for sustainability.
1. Marketplace
Pros for Buyers:
- Easy-to-use platform for searching and buying
- Vast selection updated frequently
- You can find great prices and negotiate prices
- I’ve bought from so many amazing, friendly sellers
- Many sellers have been willing to help lift (though not all are able to, so you might want to ask first if you require assistance)
Cons for Buyers:
- Not convenient: usually requires pick-up
- Some listings are for new items and ads can mimic actual listings
- Some sellers aren’t as easy to communicate with
Pros for Sellers
- Very easy to use
- Popular items can get sold quickly
- Low effort (no shipping or packing required)
Cons for Sellers
- Buyers may negotiate down significantly
- You can get spam messages
- You may have to give out your address to strangers
As much as I genuinely do not want to give a Facebook-run platform the top spot, the selection on Facebook Marketplace is unbeatable when it comes to buying secondhand furniture. It’s probably also the best place to find secondhand deals online (I say “online” because you can browse through the app, though you do typically have to pick up the furniture).
Search Selection
You also can sell your used furniture quite quickly on the platform. I was able to sell the counter stools mentioned above within 24 hours of listing them!
Because so many people already use the site, there is a ton of volume of listings and it’s regularly updated. You can truly find anything and everything you’re looking for, and it’s a far better user experience than Craigslist in my opinion.
I’ve found that most sellers upload quite a few clear photos of the item and a decent number of listings (though certainly not all) also include solid descriptions so you have a good idea of what you’re buying.
It’s also incredibly easy to find what you’re looking for. Even when I search for specific terms like “MCM brown leather chair” or “MCM TV stand” there were many search results, and the search results were quite accurate. In fact the latter search led to the find pictured above!
What About Price?
Prices ranges vastly, as you might expect. Some people genuinely give you a great deal and others are clearly just trying to get however much they can. I’d recommend taking some time to get an understanding of the “going price” on an item before committing. I also sometimes ask the brand so I can look up how much that item costs new, if the seller has not shared that information. And if something feels like it’s priced too high, know that negotiating is very normal on the platform! They might say no, but there are a lot of options, so don’t let that deter you.
As a seller this means you will get people negotiating you down on price too. If you’re selling an in-demand good quality item, though, and you’re selling at a fair price you should be able to find a buyer willing to pay the listed price. In fact for the counter stools I sold on here, I got offers above asking price.
I also hypothesize that part of the reason for the great response to the used stools was because I posted the listing on a Saturday morning, rather than a weekday.
The Pick-Up Process
Something you may be uncomfortable with is going to other people’s houses or having others come to your house to pick up the used furniture. Here are some ways to navigate this:
- Coordinate a porch pick-up. I purchased a rug from a seller who left the rug on their porch and I paid via Venmo. To be honest, I might be nervous as a seller taht the item could get taken without payment. But it worked quite well as a buyer.
- Suggest a pickup spot. This would require more effort on the seller’s side instead of just having the buyer pick-up at your place, but you might feel safer with this option.
- Opt for delivery. Some sellers offer free delivery or delivery for a fee, especially for large furniture items that buyers may not be able to pick up by themselves. As a buyer, you can always ask a seller (especially if the person is a frequent seller or small business) if they have delivery options.
If you prefer to avoid online searching completely, check out the next recommendation on this list. And if you want delivery, I suggest skipping ahead to #4 and #5.
2. Estate Sales
Pros for Buyers:
- There are some incredible, unique finds
- You can see the items in-person before purchasing
- You could have the option to buy an entire room’s worth of coordinating furniture
- You can find great deals if you go towards the end of the sale (especially the last day)
Cons for Buyers:
- Not as easy to find specific items
- Not convenient: sales are only on specific days and sometimes you have to wait in line
- Some items could be expensive on first day
- You have to lift the furniture yourself (it’s typical for sellers / estate sale companies to say they can’t help you for liability reasons)
Pros for Sellers:
- Liquidate all of your furniture at once when moving
- Convenient: no packing or shipping required
- It’s typical to hire an estate sale company, so it takes out a lot of the work
Cons for Sellers:
- You open up your home to crowds of people and have to publish your address online
- If you work with an estate sale company, they may take a decent portion of sales and you won’t have control of the prices
I have to come to LOVE estate sales! I find out about estate sales through EstateSales.net. My husband and I have found a Weber grill, wall mirror (pictured above), desk, plant stand, and more through local estate sales.
While there are some fabulous finds and good prices (more on that in a moment) shopping secondhand furniture at estate sales does require more work than Marketplace. That’s why it’s ranked number two on this list.
How Do Estate Sales Work?
First, you have to search for estate sales near you through a site like EstateSales.net. When you see one that looks like it’s selling items you like, you can find out the dates of the sale and when the sale gets closer, see the address as well.
If you find an in-demand item you love, you may have to go to the estate sale right when it opens. Sometimes there may even be a line if there are a lot of popular items. In this case you’ll have to put your name on a list typically and they will call in people one-by-one or in groups. Since many estate sales start on weekdays, like a Thursday or Friday, it might not always be possible for you to do this.
If there is an item that is less in demand, or you just want to browse the estate sale in general for deals, it’s best to go on the later days or last day of the sale. The later days of a sale are also typically on the weekend.
Expect to lift the furniture yourself (most estate sales specify that they will not help you). Some sales will let you claim an item (if you pay for it) so you can arrange a pick-up later that day or on the next day.
Be prepared that some estate sales can be picky how they take payment (i.e. cash only, no card; Venmo but not PayPal.. etc.) so be sure to check in the description of the sale before going!
My Experiences with Estate Sales
I purchased the mirror pictured above at a nearby estate sale along with the matching desk and an open-shelving storage unit at half off, since I went on the second day. So instead of paying $250 total, I paid $125. At that particular sale they were not going to let me pick it up later so it was a bit stressful! But it all worked out in the end.
I have been really happy with those purchases. They were unique finds that met the aesthetic I was going for in my office and I could get them at unbeatable prices. And as always with buying secondhand furniture, you have a great feeling afterwards that you saved furniture from the landfill.
The biggest con to estate sales for me is that I just can’t go to as many as I would like to because these sales often start on the weekdays (Thursdays or Fridays).
What is it Like to Sell Secondhand Furniture at an Estate Sale?
It is typical to hire a company to help you with your estate sale since it is a lot of work to price and photograph all of the items in a limited time. It is important to do your due diligence on the company to make sure it’s a good fit and you get what you want out of the sale, whether that priority is getting rid of all your stuff or making top dollar on your valuable pieces.
I’ve heard from people who have not had the best experiences with their estate sale companies. But there are also some quality estate sale companies out there.
And I will add that I’ve seen a range of professionalism on the buyer side. Some have been very helpful and organized while at one sale, the “cashier” was reading in a book and acted annoyed when I tried to ask a question!
You can find companies through EstateSales.net.
3. OfferUp
Pros for Buyers:
- Easy to use
- You can search for specific furniture
- You can find great prices and negotiate
Cons for Buyers:
- Some sellers can become unresponsive
- Not as many options as Facebook Marketplace
- Ads for new products can look similar to listings
Pros for Sellers:
- Easy to use
- Convenient if buyer comes to your place to pick up
- The selling timeline can be quite fast
Cons for Sellers:
- There are fewer buyers on OfferUp compared to Facebook Marketplace
- People may negotiate your listing down price significantly
OfferUP is an app to sell and buy secondhand furniture that I used a lot in the beginning.
My Best Purchase on OfferUp
We have found some incredible deals, like a barely used blue velvet MCM-style sofa that was originally over $3,000 that we bought for $800. This was my absolute favorite find in all of my secondhand furniture shopping! Despite the material (velvet) being a total pain to keep clean, I will love this beautiful couch until it is literally falling apart.
Another great purchase was the counter stools that I eventually sold on Marketplace. The counter stools were never used and we were able to buy them for half off since the person who originally bought them could no longer return them. They were perfect for our MCM-meets-contemporary aesthetic!
My Experiences Buying on OfferUp
My experiences with sellers have been pretty good thus far. The only bad experience I had was with the pickup of our coffee table. We ended up waiting over an hour in a parking lot because the seller got caught in a bad traffic jam. This was a bit out of their control but it’s worth noting because these sorts of things can happen with pickups so expect the unexpected!
There aren’t as many options on OfferUp as there are on Marketplace, but there are some finds on there that aren’t listed elsewhere, so I like to check both apps.
Similar to Marketplace, it can be annoying to see so many ads and fast furniture product listings among the used furniture listings. Unfortunately some of the ads have gotten very low quality on OfferUp to the point of borderline (if not outright) spam. So be mindful to not click on the wrong image when browsing the app!
The reason OfferUp is still listed as number three on my list despite these cons is because of the prices. There are some great deals and if you pickup the furniture you do not have to pay for shipping. Even if a local seller offers delivery, it is typically much less than the delivery of a furniture retailer that is shipping the furniture from farther away.
In terms of the pickup process, it’s quite similar to other local apps, like Marketplace so reference those tips above if you want them.
My Experiences Selling on OfferUp
As a seller, I sold a futon very quickly on OfferUp but had challenges selling the counter stools pictured above. When I put those very same counter stools on Marketplace, they sold the same day. After that experience I have been pretty much exclusively selling on Marketplace, but if you’re not getting any bites on there, OfferUp can be another solid option.
4. AptDeco
Pros for Buyers:
- Convenient: get the furniture shipped to you!
- Great selection of quality and in-demand brands at lower prices
- Find brands that aren’t as easy to find on apps like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace
- Strong search functionality
Cons for Buyers:
- Shipping fees can be high (and some users have complained about unexpectedly higher shipping prices)
- Cannot see item in-person before purchasing
- Quality and damage disputes not honored after 24 hours
Pros for Sellers:
- Convenient: AptDeco’s professional team disassembles and picks up the furniture for you
- You won’t need to give out your address or meet up with buyers in-person
Cons for Sellers:
- AptDeco takes a significant share of the selling price
- AptDeco lowers earnings for sellers the longer an item takes to sell
AptDeco has become a popular spot to sell and buy secondhand furniture online. I have browsed this site many times but I have not yet purchased from the site due to the high shipping fees. (As I mentioned, price tends to come above convenience for me at this point.)
Options and Searchability
From what I’ve experienced with searching for furniture on this site, the search functionality works quite well and there are a good number of results from popular brands like West Elm, Pottery Barn, and CB2. These are brands you don’t typically see many pieces from on apps like OfferUp or Marketplace!
There are also many filters you can use, like condition, color, material, dimensions, and brand.
Prices
I’ve seen the secondhand items sell for up to 75% off retail price with items that have a lot of use and wear to as little as 12% off retail price for new-in box items from stores moving inventory out. So you can find some fantastic deals on brands that rarely, if ever, go on sale.
Shipping Costs
The biggest thing to watch out for on AptDeco is the cost of shipping. Because AptDeco started and is headquartered in New York, a lot of the furniture sold on the site is shipping from New York or New Jersey.
I calculated the shipping cost to Chicago on some pieces selling from New York, and the shipping was between $300 – $400. That is in line with what brands like West Elm quote me for new furniture too, but still it can feel like a big expense if you’re accustomed to finding used furniture in store.
One nice feature on AptDeco’s site is you can filter to “Near” your zip code (the default is “Any”). When I tried out that feature I saw some pieces available for local pickup and delivery options under $200.
AptDeco does tell you, though, that shipping costs are estimates based on location and the final shipping cost may increase for larger items.
AptDeco’s Reviews
AptDeco has over 38,000 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars. One recent 5-star reviewer wrote “Great delivery service. Put it exactly where I needed it and were very careful not to damage anything in the surrounding area.” Others had mixed reviews, with one reviewer sharing “Delivery team was awesome very quick and efficient as well as careful. The couch had some bleaching marks that were not described as well as damage to the legs that was not captured in photos.”
5. Kaiyo
Pros for Buyers:
- Find furniture from premium brands that don’t often go on sale for less
- Convenience: get furniture delivered to you
- Kaiyo offers free shipping over certain amount to select areas
- Good search functionality and a lot of filters to choose from
Cons for Buyers:
- Shipping fees can be high
- Cannot see item in-person before purchasing
Pros for Sellers:
- Convenient: Kaiyo’s team disassembles and picks up the furniture for you
- You won’t need to give out your address or meet up with buyers in-person
Cons for Sellers:
- Kaiyo takes significant cut of the selling price
- One user reported online that Kaiyo did not take their pieces with “low resale value”
Kaiyo is another online furniture reseller where you can sell and buy secondhand furniture. They sell popular premium brands like Article, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, and Ethan Allen. Kaiyo even specifies that they do not take fast furniture items. You won’t find any particleboard here!
Similar to AptDeco, you can search specific types of furniture you’re looking for and can filter by many criteria including color, price, size, condition, and style.
Prices
Depending on the condition and how in-demand an item is, the prices can vary widely. For the best deals, head to Kaiyo’s Clearance section where items sell for up to 85% off retail price.
The secondhand furniture website also has a “Like New” section where you can buy secondhand furniture in excellent condition. This is an ideal option for you you like the idea of buying secondhand furniture for a lighter impact on the environment, but you’re not as comfortable with well-used pieces. The deals won’t be as significant for these lightly or unused pieces, but can still lead to significant savings compared to new.
Shipping
What sets Kaiyo apart from AptDeco is their $99 flat-rate delivery fee for buyers in white-glove service areas. At the time of publishing, that’s the greater New York City area, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC. metro areas. And for orders over $899, shipping is free in these areas.
When I experimented with checking out with a leather chair, they were going to charge me about $360 for shipping to Chicago. This is in line with what AptDeco was quoting as well, so shipping to other areas outside of those Northeastern cities seems comparable.
Kaiyo’s Reviews
…are nowhere to be found on their site! This is why Kaiyo ranks lower than AptDeco. AptDeco has posted all of their reviews transparently on their website, which I really appreciate.
My Final Thoughts On Buying and Selling Secondhand Furniture
Overall when it comes to buying or selling secondhand furniture, there is no single “best” place, but there is a “best for you” place. It all comes down to your priorities.
Looking for convenience (and willing to pay a bit more for it)? A furniture resale site is probably your best bet.
Are you willing to sacrifice some time and convenience to get the best price? An app like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or NextDoor is probably the way to go. You might even find free furniture by stooping or in a Buy nothing group.
Are you looking for unique vintage items? Estate sales and curated online vintage sites are going to be the best resources for this.
I hope that sharing my experiences and curating reviews above can help you sort out which option(s) are most suitable for what you’re looking for!
The post My 5 Favorite Places to Buy and Sell Used Furniture appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
What’s not to love about a go-to dress in your wardrobe? The right one can be dressed up or down, it can be worn alone, or worn as a skirt with the right top layered on. A dress is arguably the easiest outfit to put together that still looks put together. The right sustainable dress is the kind of closet staple you can reach for on any kind of summer day, even when you have no idea what to wear.
From t-shirt dresses and house dresses to chic midi frocks and fun mini’s for a night out, this roundup of sustainable dresses has just about everything.
So if you’re looking for that perfect eco-friendly dress to complement your wardrobe this year, I’ve got you covered with this guide to sustainably and ethically-made dresses. This guide has brands with both casual and more formal dresses, but if you’re shopping for exclusively special occasion dresses, I’d recommend also browsing my guide to formal dresses.
What Qualifies As (More) Sustainable Dresses?
Wearing what we have in our closets is the most sustainable approach! But if you’re here, you probably already evaluated that option and you’re looking to add something fresh to your closet.
Secondhand Dresses are Sustainable Dresses
The second most sustainable option is to look secondhand. ThredUp can be a versatile option for pieces at any price point and The RealReal is my favorite choice for more premium brands.
Online secondhand marketplaces like Poshmark or Depop are also good options — but something to watch out when it comes to peer-to-peer marketplaces is that they can sometimes contain new fast fashion disguised as “vintage” pieces, so it can require some additional digging.
For more suggestions, find my full guide to secondhand clothing retailers in this post.
If you’re looking for a new sustainably-made dress, here are some considerations:
- Materials: what is it made from? Is it made with a natural fabric like hemp, linen, or organic cotton? Perhaps made from deadstock or upcycled materials?
- Production Practices: does the brand take efforts to not overproduce? Do they produce in small batches? (No matter how “eco-conscious” the material is, if a brand is throwing away 30% of their stock, that’s not sustainable!)
- Timelessness and Quality: this doesn’t have to mean boring and doesn’t necessarily mean the brand never participates in a trend. But does the brand constantly hop on every single trend and push you to buy more and more? Or do they encourage slow mindful consumption with well-designed dresses? Do they pay attention to construction and details that ensure you’ll be wearing this dress year after year?
- Manufacturing: most brands do not produce their own clothing, but are they sourcing from facilities that pay their workers fairly? Do those facilities minimize waste, use renewable energy, and responsibly manage chemical usage?
- Ethical Production: who made the dress? were they paid fairly and were they working in safe conditions? do they have worker’s rights, such as the right to organize? how does the brand ensure this? Certifications can be helpful here. But sometimes factories cannot afford these, so look for other assurances, such as that the founder personally visits the factories.
- Ownership: is it a small woman-owned business or major fashion brand owned by billionaires? What are your values when it comes to where your money is going?
I know that’s a lot! But these are elements to start looking for as you browse through brands. This isn’t about perfection — it’s just about learning and doing the best we can.
My Top Picks for Ethical and Sustainable Dresses
To help you out (because I get it — it’s complicated!) I’ve curated retailers and brands with sustainable and ethical dresses. These brands aren’t necessarily perfect, but they’re doing things better for people and the planet. I’ve included “Conscious Qualities” by each brand or retailer, so you can get an idea about why the brand is on the list and which sustainability criteria they meet.
I’ve also curated brands at a range of price points, to accommodate for different budgets.
This Guide’s Price Range Key:
- $ = Dresses under $100
- $$ = Dresses $100 – $200
- $$$ = Dresses $200+
Keep in mind that while price and quality aren’t necessarily directly tied to each other, lower prices may sometimes mean a sacrifice on quality and the highest quality picks are often on the higher end of the price spectrum. Better quality fabrics cost more, more skilled seamstresses are typically paid more, and many of the details that take a piece from good to great — such as pockets, well-fastened buttons, and linings — add to the product cost as well.
This article features affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (which helps us fund this website) if you choose to purchase through one of these links. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for sustainability that we love and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Christy Dawn
Best for flowy, romantic dresses
Crafting “dresses you want to live in”, Christy Dawn’s pieces are a fairytale come true with their romantic silhouettes and dreamy prints. The sustainably-minded brand sources organic cotton as well as regenerative organic cotton grown in India by their partners Oshadi Collective. This “Farm-to-Closet” collection is also vegetable-dyed and block-printed in India using traditional time-honored practices.
Conscious Qualities: Organic & Regenerative Fabrics, Local & Ethical Production
Size Range: XS-3XL
Price Range: $$$
2. Whimsy + Row
Best for flirty and feminine frocks
If you want a sustainable dress that doesn’t scream “sustainable”, Los Angeles-based Whimsy + Row is the brand for you.
The slow fashion label manufacturers their clothing in limited batches just a few miles away from their office and sources repurposed fabrics (i.e. deadstock) and lower-impact natural materials (such as linen and organic cotton) for their unapologetically feminine clothing. And don’t sleep on their bridesmaid dress options!
Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Fabrics, Small Batch Production
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$-$$$
3. Tradlands
Best for effortless house dresses
Created out of co-founder Sadie’s desire for classic, high-quality pieces, Tradlands is designed with longevity and versatility top of mind. And their effortless dresses are just as simple to care for — Tradlands uses natural — but washable! — fibers like cotton and linen.
The 100% cotton tiered dress I have from Tradlands (this one’s similar) is one of my summer go-to’s — breathable, flattering, and easy to dress up or down. I can wear it as a house dress working from home, or paired with jewelry and elegant sandals to dinner. (Monofiber fabrics — i.e. 100% of one fiber — is also easier to recycle than fabric blends.)
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Small Batch Production, Extended Sizing
Size Range: XS-4XL
Price Range: $$
4. Magic Linen
Best for 100% linen dresses
Versatile, breezy, and perfect for simmering temps, Magic Linen’s relaxed styles offer everything you need to feel calm and collected all summer long. Crafted from pure linen that has been stone-washed to provide unparalleled softness against your skin, these relaxed fits are the ideal intersection between vacation chic and functional style.
All of Magic Linen’s summer-ready pieces are created on a made-to-order basis, ensuring their garments are not overproduced. The brand also minimizes wastage by repurposing most of its fabric offcuts to create smaller items.
Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Natural Materials, Woman-Owned, Made-To-Order
Size Range: US 2–18
Price Range: $$-$$$
5. Rare & Fair
Best for special occasionwear
Made thoughtfully with time-honored practices by master artisans and craftspeople in small batches, Rare & Fair has truly exceptional sustainable dresses. Each piece is made in a fully transparent, traceable process from fiber to final stitch.
Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Fabrics & Processes, Artisan Made, Cultural Preservation
Size Range: XXS-XL
Price Range: $$$
6. tentree
Best for casual weekend dresses
When warm weather approaches, all you want is a dress you can throw on. And if your style skews minimalist, all you desire is a dress that has interesting details but doesn’t make too much of a fuss or song and dance about itself. Lucky for you, tentree has an array of simple dresses that fit the bill.
Button-down, wrap, cami, or even hooded, these pieces make everyday dressing feel like a breeze. Made from breathable materials like modal, hemp, TENCEL
Lyocell, linen, and organic cotton, these dresses are an ideal investment for the long haul.
Conscious Qualities: Eco Materials, Supply Chain Transparency, Plants Trees, Circularity Programs
Size Range: XS–XL
Price Range: $$-$$$
7. MATE
Best for non-toxic dresses
There’s nothing more satisfying than finding summer dresses that make you look instantly put together without much effort – and MATE’s curation checks every box.
From breezy maxi dresses to functional dresses that come with a removable belt bag, their styles are made using GOTS Certified Organic Linen, ideal for keeping the heat at bay when the mercury rises to unbearable temperatures.
What’s more? You can work up a sweat feeling relieved knowing that all of their pieces are made using non-toxic dyes that don’t rely on harmful chemicals like pesticides, BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde.
Size Range: XS – XL
Price Range: $ – $$$
8. OhSevenDays
Best for elevated dresses with a point of view
OhSevenDays’ dresses feature feminine silhouettes, muted colors, and unique details to impress. Made from deadstock fabrics sourced from Istanbul, Turkey. The slow fashion brand also offers a transparent behind the scenes look at their production process, all done in-house by a team of four tailors.
With the level of detail on OhSevenDays dresses, all you need is an elevated pair of sustainably-made sandals and you’ve got a complete look.
Conscious Qualities: Reclaimed Fabrics, Transparent Production
Size Range: S-L + custom sizing
Price Range: $
9. No Nasties
Best for vacation dresses with vibrant hues
No Nasties creates 100% organic cotton fair trade dresses perfect for wearing to the beach with flip flops or pairing with heeled sandals for date night. Their versatile sustainable dresses are comfy, organic, and affordable with most pieces priced at under $100.
Conscious Qualities: Organic Fabrics, Traceable Supply Chain, Fair Trade
Size Range: XS-L
Price Range: $
10. Míe
Best for dresses you won’t see anywhere else
Míe is an independent fashion brand prioritizing natural fibers like linen and distinguished design details like tiered puff sleeves and unique necklines. Based in Nigeria and only sold in select global retailers, you’re unlikely to see anyone else wearing something similar.
Each dress is designed and handcrafted responsibly at their atelier in Lagos, Nigeria.
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Black Woman-Owned
Size Range: XS-3XL
Price Range: $$$
11. Reformation
Best for going out styles
Reformation is one of the more transparent and accountable mainstream sustainable brands. In 2023, Reformation used 97% recycled, regenerative, or renewable materials and nearly 1 in 5 of their sales were resale, vintage, or rental. They also have a number of circularity programs. (Find more details in their sustainability report.)
That said, they’re still a growth-focused brand selling trend-driven clothing, which has inherent sustainability limits.
Conscious Qualities: Responsible Material Sourcing, Circularity Initiatives, Traceability
Size Range: 0 – 12 and 14 – 24 in select styles
Price Range: $$$
12. Toad & Co
Crafted from fabrics like hemp, TENCEL, and organic cotton, and designed with easygoing silhouettes, Toad & Co’s has the perfect natural fiber dresses for warm sunny days.
The airy dresses can be worn as naturally breathable house dresses or with their delicate details and subtle prints, easily worn out with a pair of strappy sandals or slingbacks.
My top picks would be the brands midi dresses, but they also have wrap and tank dresses that hit mid-thigh if you prefer a shorter hemline.
Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Fabrics, Resale Program, Factory Transparency
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$
You Might Also Be Wondering…
Are sustainable dresses worth the higher price tag?
It depends! The key here is to look at cost-per-wear. A $250 organic linen dress you wear 80 times costs $3.12 per wear. A $40 fast fashion dress you wear 5 times costs $8 per wear. More sustainable dresses tend to have timeless design and be made with higher quality materials and construction, meaning they last longer, hold their shape better, and don’t need replacing as often. That said, always look at the care instructions! Natural fibers may require a bit more attention than synthetic fibers (such as air-drying instead of throwing in a machine dryer) but they’re well worth the additional effort.
And there are also genuinely affordable sustainable options (like No Nasties and tentree) that prove sustainability doesn’t always mean expensive. Some brands are priced very competitively with their less sustainably-minded couterparts.
What certifications should I look for when buying a sustainable dress?
The most meaningful certifications for dresses are:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic fibers and other sustainability assurances during production
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 for chemical safety in finished garments (note that this is a product certification, not a material certification — and many brands miscommunicate this label)
- Made in Fair Trade Certified factories which ensure that the brand is paying into a premium that goes to a Community Development Fund that workers can vote on to determine how to use those funds
However, many small brands cannot afford to buy certified products, fabrics, or pay into fair trade programs. There are other ways to ensure ethical sourcing as well, so look into a brand’s sustainability or sourcing pages too.
What’s the most sustainable type of fabric for a dress?
This is a nearly impossible question to answer because no single fiber is the “best” by all measures. There are so many considerations (land use, water use, biodegradability, longevity, carbon emissions, and so on) that I cannot tell you the single “best” fiber.
That said, I avoid synthetic materials, which are made from fossil fuels and release microplastics into our environment when washed. Among natural options, different fibers have different use cases, so I recommend looking for the best version of each. This deep dive has much more on fabrics.
But even then there are nuances — is 50% organic cotton blend with hemp or linen better than a 100% conventional cotton fabric considering that monofiber fabrics are much easier to recycle at the end of their life? As you can see, the most sustainable question is complicated.
Should I buy secondhand instead of new sustainable dresses?
From a pure environmental standpoint, secondhand is almost always the better choice — no new resources used, no new manufacturing emissions. Platforms like ThredUp, The RealReal, Poshmark, and Depop are great starting points. That said, buying new from sustainably-minded brands does serve a purpose: it signals market demand for responsible production and can support artisans, ethical manufacturers, and/or women-owned small businesses, depending on the brand. The best approach in my mind? Check secondhand first. If you can’t find what you need, then invest in a quality piece from a trusted more sustainable brand if you can.
What sustainable dresses come in plus sizes or extended sizes?
Size inclusivity is an area where sustainable fashion has historically underperformed — but it’s improving. LOUD BODIES is the standout on this list, offering 15 sizes from XXS to 10XL. Christy Dawn goes up to 3XL in some styles, Míe up to 3XL, and Tradlands to 4XL. When shopping, always check the full size range on the brand’s website, as some brands offer extended sizes only in select styles.
The post The Best Sustainable Brands — for Any Budget (2026) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
Searching for affordable sustainable swimwear is not easy! Finding a suit that’s flattering, timeless, made ethically from eco-friendly materials and is also not exorbitantly expensive is challenging, to say the least.
On my search, though, I’ve come across many incredible eco-friendly and ethical swimwear companies with fantastic quality suits at affordable prices.
Now, I will say that “affordable” is relative. I’m not going to show you “cheap” swimsuits but rather brands with great value that sell ethically made, quality swimwear for a fair price. Because let’s be honest—that $5 bikini will likely fall apart after a few wears anyway, if not sooner. (I once bought a cheap suit from Target that literally fell apart before I even wore it out of the house. Lesson learned!)
What is Sustainable Swimwear?
Well, for one, quality is key. Because the longer you keep your suit, the fewer you’ll need to buy in the future! It can be difficult to determine quality when shopping online, but I always look at what fabric is used (ECONYL® is a fantastic sustainable + luxurious material used in swimwear). Then, I try to find as many reviews as possible to figure out if that particular brand has long-lasting swimwear.
Also essential: eco-minded fabrics. You’ll see that most of the suits from these brands use regenerated and recycled synthetic fabrics. This is because though natural fibers are generally preferable, synthetics like polyester and nylon are sometimes required for performance, given where material innovation is at right now.
There are a few natural solutions on the market, though! I have an organic cotton and hemp suit from Natasha Tonic, for example. There are only 3 brands I know that create natural swimwear at a decent-sized scale but we are still seeing progress on this front which is great!
Just be sure to use a Guppyfriend Washing Bag so that microfibers don’t get released when washing your synthetic fabric suits!
And then bonus points if a brand has other sustainability initiatives. See if they use renewable energy at their factories, purchase carbon offsets for their energy use, or donate regularly to environmental nonprofits.
Where to Find Affordable Sustainable Swimwear
Check out these brands making sustainable affordable swimwear, from sporty one-pieces to beach-ready bikinis. Note that this guide affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through some of these links. As always, we only include brands that meet rigorous standards for sustainability we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Do Good Swimwear
Do Good Swimwear creates colorful or neutral suits in classic, comfy cuts. The sustainable affordable swimwear brand uses ECONYL, regenerated nylon made from ocean waste like discarded fishing nets, and each suit is designed with timeless shapes, making them easy to mix, match, and love for many summers to come. Adopting a slow fashion mindset, Do Good Swimwear’s pieces are made in a local manufacturer for maximum transparency and minimal waste.
Do Good Swimwear also has quite a few give-back projects: they donate to Trees for the Future (plants trees and focuses on enriching soil), Surfrider Foundation (ocean conservation organization), and Tahanan (women’s crisis center in the Philippines), and Women’s Global Empowerment Fund (micro finance loans for women and education for girls).
Separates: $54+ | One-Pieces: $72
Size Range: XS – L
2. Dippin’ Daisys
This brand is one of my favorites on the list for their style, sustainability standards, and size inclusivity. With a variety of collections from their cheeky Club Ibiza suits to their feminine Petit Déjeuner collection, the brand has a range of prints, colors, and silhouettes for every aesthetic.
Founded by a chemist, Dippin Daisys created their signature fabric from 83% recycled nylon. The sustainably minded swimwear brand also uses recycled foam for their bra inserts and elastic made from rubber instead of synthetics. And since the brand owns their own factory — exceedingly rare in the fashion industry — they also have control over any waste fabric. With current recycling technology, this fabric turns into insulation — but Dippin Daisys is working on a new process that can recycle the fabric back into yarn for new suits.
With many separates priced below $50 and one-pieces under $100, and a collection of sets on sale for $50 or under, this is an affordable option for recycled fabric swimwear.
Separates: $49+ | One-pieces: $76+
Size Range: XXS – 3XL
3. Londre
Londre has high-quality and flattering separates and one-pieces made from recycled materials.
Not only are Londre’s eco-minded swimwear pieces versatile (they can also be worn under bottoms as bodysuits!) and durable, but they are also designed to be fully recyclable at the end of their life.
Separates: $40+ | One-pieces: $98+
Size Range: XS – 5XL
4. Ohoy Swim
Inspired by the beauty of the ocean — and the need to protect it — Ohoy Swim is an eco-friendly swimwear brand prioritizing recycled materials, durability, and ethical production.
Their bikinis, rashguards, one-pieces and other sustainable swimwear is made from recycled nylon sourced from ocean waste like discarded fishing nets.
The European brand has recently switched to manufacturing in Portugal to further reduce their carbon footprint and increase transparency into their supply chain.
Separates: €55+ | One-pieces: €95+
Size Range: S – XL
5. Carve Designs
Every single suit from Carve Designs swimwear collection — from rashguards to one-pieces and bikinis to tankinis — is made using recycled materials. The brand has recycled swimwear is solid colors and a range of prints, like floral and nautical. They also have reversible options if you want to maximize wear out of your suit. (Or in case you just can’t decide!)
Many of their designs offer full coverage, making Carve Designs a good option for more modest eco-friendly swimwear or for getting active in the water.
Separates: $66+ | One-pieces: $98+
Size Range: XS – XL
6. Kitty and Vibe
Kitty and Vibe is a sustainable swimwear brand that went viral for being the first company to make bikini bottoms based on your butt size — not just your hip size. For every size they offer there’s an option for a smaller or larger booty so you don’t have to worry about having too much or too little fabric.
Their suits are made from 82% Recycled Poly and 18% X-Life Lycra and are ethically made in a woman-run factory in Bogota, Colombia.
Separates: $72+ (sale as low as $21) | One-Pieces: $138+
Size Range: XS – 4XL
7. Patagonia
Sustainably-minded outdoor clothing and adventure gear brand Patagonia also has a great collection of affordable eco-friendly swimwear. Their style leans athletic, but the fun prints and colors make their suits great for lounging at the pool as well.
Patagonia uses recycled nylon for their swimwear and some suits are made in Fair Trade Certified factories as well. I have a Patagonia bikini that I bought a couple of years ago and I’m definitely a fan—the fabric is comfy and the suit stays in place when swimming.
Separates: $49+ | One-pieces: $129+
Size Range: XXS – XXL
8. Saturday Swimwear
Saturday Swimwear has suits in colorful and neutral hues made from ECONYL regenerated nylon sourced from waste like discarded fishing nets. Each suit is thoughtfully handmade by owner Emily Laplume as she travels across the United States in her van!
The affordable sustainable swimwear brand packages their suits in completely biodegradable and compostable materials and uses recycled paper hang tags with soy-based inks.
Separates: $55 – $60
Size Range: S – L
More Guides For Sunny Beach Days:
Organic & Recycled Beach Towels for Sustainable Summer Fun
Eco-Friendly & Ethical Dresses for Any Aesthetic
15 Sustainable Sandals for Carefree Sunny Days
The post 8 More Affordable Sustainable Swimwear Brands For Your 2026 Adventures — and Beyond appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
8 More Affordable Sustainable Swimwear Brands For Your 2026 Adventures — and Beyond
Philosopher and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson is the source of today’s inspiration. In his essay History, he wrote, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”
Earth911 inspirations. Post them and share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: A Thousand Forests in One Acorn appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-a-thousand-forests-in-one-acorn/
-
Greenhouse Gases10 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Climate Change10 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
-
Renewable Energy8 months agoSending Progressive Philanthropist George Soros to Prison?
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Greenhouse Gases11 months ago
嘉宾来稿：探究火山喷发如何影响气候预测