A capsule wardrobe for summer can be created with a couple of sustainable staples. Swimmers are a must on any Australian coast, T-shirt and shorts are up there too, something to sweat in and of course keep the sun off. These are our top picks for sustainable staples for an Australian summer wardrobe.
1. Sustainable surf and swimwear
Whether you’re a certified beach bum looking to hit the surf most mornings during the season or you’re more likely to take a leisurely dip in the pool at a Christmas bbq, Salt Gypsy has your swimwear covered. Shop for a range of sun safe staples including swim tops and rashies, one piece swimsuits, bottoms, tees and tanks and more. The Salt Gypsy pieces are all ethically made in Australia from recycled nylon. Shop here.
2. The tee that’s made for you, literally 
Everyone needs a favourite T-shirt. It’s the one thing you can always rely on when you don’t have anything else to wear (or it’s too hot to wear anything else 😅). For a T-shirt that is literally made for you, check out Citizen Wolf. The Sydney-based brand takes your weight, height and date of birth to craft a custom T-shirt in your cut and fabric of choice. They cut it out with lasers and send it off to you within the fortnight. The tees are all ethically made in Australia and certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.
3. Super (stylish) sneakers
Summer is the time to get outdoors and #explore so you’re going to need some sweet gear for that. For casual footwear that’ll have you hiking, trekking and chasing waterfalls, check out Brazilian-made Veja (available in Australia via The Iconic). Veja says the brand infuses each stage of production with a positive impact. The sneakers are made out organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazonian forest and innovative fabrics such as recycled plastic bottles.
4. A sustainable sweat set
Speaking of hiking, a bit of ethical activewear won’t go astray this summer either. We recommend checking out the Brisbane-based brand dk active. dk active makes high quality activewear for all activities, opting for recycled nylon in the pieces and assembling everything locally in Brisbane.
5. The hiking buddy you didn’t know you needed
While most of summer can be spent flocking around the beach and bushland without a worry in the world, there is doubt we’ll get a good soaking from above along the way. If you’re planning the spend the season climbing mountains, trekking trails and chasing waterfalls, this rain jacket by Team Timbuktu will have you covered. It’s made from 100% post consumer waste – specifically plastic water bottles.
6. A minimal summer dress
One simply cannot get through an Australian summer without a light, flowing linen dress. We’ve wrapped up all the beautiful and ethical brands making sustainable summer dresses.
7. Denim shorts to live in
These could be the simple most important item in the capsule closet. Comfortable, wearable (for days without washing) and versatile, denim shorts are a summer staple in every Australian state. For ethically produced denim shorts, we recommend you check out Outland Denim.
8. Some breezy pants
If you have to wear pants, at least let them be baggy and breezy. Obus Clothing has an extensive range of culottes and baggy pants in fun and funky prints and colours. They’re all ethically assembled in Australia.
9. A sun-safe accessory
If you’re not already sorted in the hat department, now’s the time. There’s some really fun bucket style hats being released by Obus Clothing in matching print to the brand’s fun summer line. Alternatively, Will and Bear does an Insta-worthy straw hat with lots of structure and a nice wide brim to keep the sun off.
