Ethical summer clothes are looking to be one of the biggest fashion trends of the season. They are losing the unfashionable image that seems to have haunted them in previous years are now up there with some of the key brands to be seen in this summer. Ethical fashion no longer means wearing just an organic cotton summer top or a hemp ladies day dress, it now encompasses a much wider range of fabrics, styles and initiatives than ever before. From the cutting edge ethical designer collections at London Fashion Week to the high street collaborations and established ethical labels there is now something to suit ever budget and style.

Most notably there has recently been a well publicised collaboration between ethical fashion pioneers, People Tree and actress Emma Watson. People Tree have also collaborated in a collection with high street chain Laura Ashley. Online fashion retail giant ASOS have their own range that is made in Africa and H & M have even got in on the act with their own ethical collection of summer clothes.

The great thing about the latest ethical summer clothes is that they incorporate the principles of sustainable design. Not only are they made from a sustainable fabric but they feature handcrafted details from co operatives around the world from batik beach dresses to beaded summer dresses. The reduce waste and recycling principle have also thrown up some very interesting designs with vintage fabrics being a key feature and new cutting techniques to minimise waste also adding to the design process.

Ethical fashion and summer clothes also tend to be less reliant on fashion and trends than many of the high street labels allowing the wearers to look individual and also invest in a piece that will look stylish for many years to come. This is not only good for the environment but also the purse!

Here are some of our favourite ethical brands for summer clothes and summer dresses in 2011:

Jackpot

summer dresses

Jackpot has beautiful and wearable clothes like this polka dot ladies day dress. It works with MADE-BY an umbrella organisation of socially and ethically committed fashion labels. Jackpot have recently increased the amount of organic cotton that they use in the products and also introduced certifications to ensure good working conditions for those working to make the clothes.

People Tree

summer dresses

As mentioned before People Tree are pioneers of ethical fashion. They are made of Fairtrade and organic cotton certified by the soil association. Their designs are simple flattering cuts like this Lula Party Dress and feature the interesting embellishments and details that you don’t often see on high street clothing.

Komodo

summer dresses

If you are looking for a beach dress or summer clothes with beautiful prints then Komodo is a great place to start. This Fairtrade Peacock One Shoulder Tunic dressis made from sustainable Rayon. Komodo also focuses on an ethical and sustainable production process where all workers are fairly paid. Their collection of summer dresses for 2011 also feature a kaftan and maxi dress in this same beautiful peacock print.