Give Back and Look Good This Summer With These 11 Items
The only thing that's better than looking good is feeling good, too.
This summer, as you work on expanding your wardrobe and accessory collection, why not try shopping brands that are not only high quality but give back as well?
From fair trade products, to products that help feed the poor and even assist women globally to find jobs, we've rounded up 11 summer essentials you'll actually feel good about purchasing.
Patagonia Fair Trade Suit: $65 for top and $59 for bottoms
If you didn't already know, Patagonia has an amazing Fair Trade collection—this adorable monsoon kelp print just happens to be a part of it! What exactly does Fair Trade mean? It means that Patagonia pays a premium for every Fair Trade item in their collection that wears their label. The extra money is used to raise workers' wages, improve their overall living standards and get them one step closer to earning a living wage. We can totally support that. ????
(via Patagonia)
Pura Vida Good Vibes Bracelet: $5
Need a summer accessory staple? This bracelet is just for you—it's simple, cute and totally durable for all of your many adventures! The best part is that every bracelet is handcrafted by an artisan in Costa Rica. Thanks to this company, full-time jobs are now available for these local artisans who would have otherwise been unemployed.
(via Pura Vida)
DIFF Eyewear Sunglasses: $85
If you're looking for a new pair of bright and bold sunnies this summer, look no further than these tortoise frame shades. If you buy this pair, DIFF eyewear will give a pair of reading glasses to "Eyes on Africa," another nonprofit organization focusing on distributing reading glasses in African countries. Pretty amazing, right? ????
(via DIFF)
Better Life Bags Clara Purse: $118
Say hello to your new fave summer tote. This Clara bag by Better Life Bags is big enough to hold all your essentials—beach towel, sunscreen, a magazine, you name it. Better Life Bags' mission is one that will make you want this bag even more than you already do. They aim to hire women who have various barriers to employment to make their custom leather and fabric bags. It's their goal to help these women succeed in all aspects of their life. Don't you want to be a part of that?
(via Better Life Bags)
Sevenly Flowy V Neck Shirt: $32
Everyone needs a comfy summer shirt they can lounge around in all day, so why not snag this Sevenly V Neck? If you purchase this shirt, 7% of your your money funds Sevenly's pledge to Invisible Girl Project—a company whose primary goal is to end gendercide in India.
(via Sevenly)
Hiptipico Gaucho Belt: $59
Nothing screams summer quite like a pop of color. This gaucho belt by Hiptipico is going to be the accessory you add to every outfit this summer, and you're going to feel great about it. Why? Every Hiptipico belt is handmade by a Maya artisan in rural Guatemala. Essentially, buying this belt gives one more artisan the chance to escape poverty.
(via Hiptipico)
FEED Pendant Necklace: $90
If you're going to wear one piece of jewelry all summer long, let it be this gorgeous FEED pendant necklace. Every pendant includes the engraving "woman on a mission" on the side and provides 50 school meals for impoverished children and also supports local artisans. You can't beat that kind of goodness.
(via Feed Projects)
Sseko Carmel and Gold Sandals: $64.99
These summer kicks are all you need and more. These bad boys are hand-crafted from soft caramel and metallic gold leather and have an adjustable ankle strap. Not only are the shoes fabulous, the Uganda-based fashion brand who sells them is doing outstanding things. Sseko helps generate income and opportunity for not only women in Uganda, but women in the U.S. as well. To date, Sseko has helped 87 women in Uganda attend university. ????
(via Sseko Designs)
RJP Vintage Shorts: $195
You can thank us later, we've found you the perfect summer shorts made by the Rialto Jean Project. Each of the company's jean shorts are vintage and uniquely painted. This eco-friendly philanthropic denim brand gives back to children by giving proceeds to support innovative art therapy programs at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Amazing.
(via Rialto Jean Project)
Sand Cloud Tie Dye Beach Sheet: $42
Look cute and stay dry at the beach this summer with this chic and colorful tie dye beach sheet that can also double as bedroom decor! Besides being cute, this tapestry is worth the buy because purchasing this product (or any of Sand Cloud's products) helps preserve the ocean, beaches and marine life. A total of 10% of their net profit is donated to organizations that share a common mission, including The Surfrider Foundation, The Pacific Marine Mammal Center and the San Diego Coast Keeper.
(via Sand Cloud)
Soma Water Bottle: $35
Because it's quickly warming up, you're probably going to want a cute water bottle to tote around with you, right? We highly recommend you invest in this adorable and simple Soma Water Bottle. A five-dollar donation will be made to charity: water—a non-profit organization that provides clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations—for every bottle sold. ????
(via Drink Soma)
Interested in purchasing clothing and accessories from other companies that give back? Check out THESE other stylish brands that do good.