Top Environmentally Friendly Fair Trade Women's Shorts

Whether you’re dressing for warmer weather or need something to wear to the gym in the fall, you want to look your best. At Citrus Sleep, we believe that dressing well shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment, fair trade practices or your conscious.

To help you in your search for eco-friendly, organic shorts from fashion companies that also give back to the global community, we’ve compiled this list of 15 of our top women's organic shorts.  Choose your favorite organic women's shorts from this list; no matter which pair of shorts you select, you can wear with confidence that you’re doing your best for the planet and looking your best!

Type of Shorts | Drawstring High Waist Striped Short
Women's Shorts Features | Socially Responsible, Fair Trade, Organic Cotton, Give Back
Women's Shorts Price | $55

The United by Blue Westray Short is cute, modest and unique. Of course, it’s also made from sustainable recycled materials under fair trade conditions. Ultra durable with just enough stretch, the United by Blue Westray Short is constructed of sustainable recycled polyester, organic cotton, cation and spandex. The short boasts a 3” inseam with a back pocket and zipper closure. The Westray short performs like swimwear too. The elastic, drawstring waistband lends even more to the comfort of the short, and the bold stripe print will grab attention.

We included the United By Blue review on this list not only because of the comfort and sustainability of the clothes, but also because we stand behind the vision of United by Blue. For each item sold on the website United by Blue removes one pound of trash from our world’s oceans, parks, and waterways.

SHOP UNITED BY BLUE

Type of Shorts | Casual OPR Short
Women's Yoga Shorts Features | Socially Responsible, Fair Trade
Women's Yoga Shorts Price | $77 

Stio is a female-owned company with a goal to protect the planet and her people. The boutique sells clothes from brands that meet certain criteria. Whether they’re fair trade, organic, vegan, female owned companies or made in the United States, the styles offered by Stio are consciously and deliberately chosen.

That’s why we’ve included this Stio review. This streamlined, stretchy fitting, mountain biking performance short was made with Velos stretch twill fabric. The Velos fabric consist of 83% polyester, 17% spandex with a DWR finish for optimum performance. Colorful, eco-friendly dyes offer two options – Vintage Indigo and Mountain Mulch, and either is perfect for getting ready for a mountain bike ride.  Women who bought the short say it’s one of the comfiest they’ve owned. The OPR Short will make you feel like you’re wearing pajamas, they’re so soft and comfortable.

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Type of Shorts | Bamboo Jogger Shorts
Women's Shorts Features | Socially responsible, Partners with local charities
Women's Shorts Price | $75   

Next on the list of the top eco-friendly shorts is our Cozy Earth Bamboo Jogger Shorts review. Take one glance at these shorts and you’ll see for yourself why women love them. The length of the inseam is perfect for lounging, hiking or cycling, and the style is so simple it’s brilliant.

Cozy Earth Bamboo Shorts are available in five colors, and all are enticingly neutral. That means you can pair these shorts with a sports bra or a blouse and still look like you’ve dressed for the occasion.

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Type of Shorts | Crossover High-Waisted Shorts
Women's Recycled Shorts Features | Recycled, Socially Responsible, Partners with Local Charities
Women's Recycled Shorts Price | $64

Wolven is a company that understands the impact of fashion on the environment. Activewear shorts, in particular, requires a lot of water to produce, and the dyes can be extremely harmful to the planet.

It’s for those reasons that Wolven makes all of its clothing wear using eco friendly practices. Eco-friendly dyes and water conserving production make products like the Aquarius Crossover High-Waisted Short friendly to the environment.

The Wolven review earns a top spot on our list because the short is, simply, put, flattering to everyone. The high waist isn’t too low. The angled hem isn’t angled too high. In other words, the short will make your legs look longer and your waistline look great without sacrificing your modesty. Plus, the short is available in six colors. You can choose the earth friendly denim shorts in whatever style suits your mood.

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5. Carhartt

Type of Shorts | Crawford Original Fit Shorts
Women's Shorts Features | Fair Trade, Socially Responsible, Ethical Working Conditions
Women's Shorts Price | $23 - $30   

Carhartt has long been known for its commitment to products that are made in the United States. In fact, all of Carhartt’s products are designed in Dearborn, Michigan. A vast majority of those are produced in factories in Georgia, Kentucky and other places across the United States.

What we love about Carhartt is their responsibility to the American worker. Since the company was founded, Carhartt has given aid to organizations like Helmets to Hardhats and the FFA, ensuring that Americans continue to learn the skill necessary to keep work here in the States.

The Carhartt Crawford Short review earns a spot on this list of our favorite products. The short is crafted from 98% cotton and is reinforced with spandex to allow you to move comfortably.  The mid-rise waist rests comfortably just above your hips, while the hem falls mid-thigh. The Crawford Short is available in two colors – Yukon and Coal – so you’ll always have a top to match.

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6. Organic Basics

Type of Shorts | TENCEL Short
Women's Shorts Features | Give Back, Partners with Local Charities
Women's Shorts Price | $55

Our list of the top 15 eco friendly shorts wouldn’t be complete without a review of one of our favorite swim shorts. That’s where the Organic Basics review comes in.

The TENCEL Lite short provides the ultimate comfort for a relaxed fit. The no-tug design provides full-bottom coverage, so you can feel free to move around. Available in six colors, the TENCEL Lite short will pair with any casual top. Flat seams and high waisted tie front shorts work together to ensure you’re looking your best on your next night out.

What’s more is that when you choose the Organic Basics TENCEL Lite short, you’re helping give back to the global community. Next, the creators of this suit, have partnered with the Nordic Ocean Watch, WWF and many more.   

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7. Able

Type of Shorts | The Cut Off Judith Wash Jean Short
Women's Cutoff Jean Shorts Features | Fair Trade, Handmade, Give Back, Socially Responsible
Women's Cutoff Jean Shorts Price | $98     

The Able Cut-Off Judith Wash Jean Short review makes number eleven on our list. This short, like other shorts we’ve included on this list, provides great coverage so you won’t feel the need to pull and tug at your bottoms all day. Crafted from non-stretch denim, even the most particular of women will love the way this short fits.

Women who have worn the short say that the fit is just about perfect. The waist is roomy, but not loose, and the length is modest and flattering. Best of all, the shorts fit true to size, so there’s no need to guess what will fit.

The Able Cut-Off Judith Wash Jean short is handmade in Mexico under fair working conditions. Able, who sells the short, is committed to empowering women through work and supports manufacturers that provide jobs to women who would be otherwise unemployed.

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8. Orvis

Type of Shorts | Guide Shorts
Women's Shorts Features | Socially responsible, Partners with local charities, Ethically sourced material
Women's Shorts Price | $79   

The Orvis Women’s Guide Short is another perfect piece if you’re a woman who loves to get outside. The stretchy, durable fabric of these shorts wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and preventing chafing while you hike, fish or read in your hammock.

The Women’s Guide Short is available in five colors, so feel free to mix and match your styles, but there’s something we love even more about the short: it’s super versatile. Orvis knows that no two women play outside the same way. With that in mind, they’ve included a roll tab on the short. That means you can shorten or lengthen the Women’s Guide Short to suit your activity.

We included the Orvis Women’s Guide Shorts review on our list because we love both the short and the brand. Orvis has a proven record of philanthropy, giving 5% of all pre-tax profits to organizations like American Rivers, Ducks Unlimited and Casting for Recovery. You’ll love the Women’s Guide Short, and your purchase will help support organizations that give back to the planet.

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Type of Shorts | Trailhead Adventure Shorts
Women's Adventure Shorts Features | Socially responsible, Give Back, Organic, Eco Friendly
Women's Adventure Shorts Price | $69   

This Women's Trailhead Adventure Shorts is just adorable. The Coalatree Trailhead Adventure Short is akin to a classic yoga short, featuring a flat, slimming waist panel and a soft and comfortable feel. Coalatree added a few fun twists, though, including a eco friendly water repellent finish with a large front pocket to tuck your wallet into and flirty side ties so that you can adjust the fit.

Women who have bought the short say the fit is perfect for relaxing outdoors or wearing to yoga class or for a quick outdoor run. Our Coalatree Trailhead Adventure Shorts review said the organic fabric in the short was as soft as silk.

No matter what you buy from Coalatree, you can feel good about doing it. The company chooses to sell only products which are either made in the United States, are organic or are recycled. You can shop the Coalatree site knowing that whatever you pair with your Trailhead Adventure Short is socially and environmentally conscious.

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10. Prana

Type of Shorts | Casual Shorts
Women's Running Shorts Features | Fair Trade, Bluesign Certified, Organic Cotton, RDS Certified, Socially Responsible
Women's Running Shorts Price | $69    

Are you looking for something to relax in while you enjoy warmer weather? Look no further than the Prana Elle Shorts. Women who have bought these Tess shorts say they’re the “next best thing to wearing air.”

The Prana review makes our list because they’re comfortable, but there’s more. Prana supports sustainability and is proud to be Bluesign Certified, Fair Trade Certified, and offer products that are RDS Certified, and Recycled Wool.  The Prana Elle Short is available in XS, S, M, and L. Women say the sheer fabric is ideal and prefect for a quick run in the park.

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Type of Shorts | Destination Shorts
Women's Shorts Features | Recycled Polyester, Silver-Free Anti-Microbial Finish, Socially Responsible
Women's Shorts Price | $48   

You may have heard of the Ten Tree brand. Ten Tree was launched when one woman decided to end the embarrassing “yoga pants bunch” problem, once and for all. Fortunately for us, Ten Tree was a success and that mission has prevailed.

Of course, we can’t write a Ten Tree review without mentioning that these shorts won’t bunch. The flat front of each Ten Tree design eliminates fit issues that females frequently face with tighter shorts.  The unique chevron design is flattering to every body shape, and the length of the short is perfect for running, cycling or just going for a walk.

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12. PACT

Type of Shorts | Woven Twill Drawstring Shorts
Women's Organic Shorts Features | Socially responsible, Partners with local charities, GOTS Certified, Fair Trade, Give Back
Women's Organic Shorts Price | $60

Every woman needs a short she can feel good about playing in. For you playful types, we’ve included the PACT Woven Twill Drawstring Short review on our list.

The canvas short fabric is crafted from 100% organic cotton and is as durable as can be.  There are four front pockets, and two are secured. Two back pockets are hook and loop secured, too. With an adjustable waistband feature you will feel comfortable to move around with the 5” inseam. The drawstring shorts may just be the world’s most perfect short.

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Type of Shorts | Liberty Shorts
Women's Denim Shorts Features | Certified Organic Cotton, GOTS Certified, Fair Trade, Vegan Verified, Socially Responsible
Women's Denim Shorts Price | $44

The People Tree Pocket Cycling Short is next on the list of the top 15 give-back shorts to wear this summer.  We love that they’re just the right length for comfort and you won’t feel the need to tug at them all day. The almost imperceptible side vent adds to your ability to move.

What we love best about the liberty short though is the use of certified organic cotton fabric. The company crafts a majority of their products from upcycled clothes and utilizes certified organic cotton when possible. You’ll find shorts, shirts, and even pants in cute and classic styles. Each of those styles is crafted using methods that are easy on the planet. We added the People Tree review to this list because it’s perfect for a day on the boardwalk or just lounging at home.

SHOP PEOPLE TREE

14. New Balance

Type of Shorts | Game Changer Woven Running Shorts
Women's Athletic Shorts Features | Socially Responsible, Upcycled Clothing, Give Back, Made in the USA
Women's Athletic Shorts Price | $30    

Next on our list is our New Balance review. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a short on this site that you don’t like. The site features other activewear items including jackets, vests, hoodies, sweaters, shirts, tank tops, sports bras, pants, sock and of course shorts. All of which are approved under the Consumer Product Safety Iprovement Act (CPSIA), which requires manufacturers to certify safety requirements of children’s products.

What we love the most about New Balance is that they recognize the importance of sustainable manufacturing and is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. That means that when you shop at New Balance, you’re buying from a green eco-friendly company first activewear brand.

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15. Cotopaxi

Type of Shorts | Crux Active Shorts
Women's Fair Trade Shorts Features | Eco-friendly, Give Back, Fair Trade
Women's Fair Trade Shorts Price | $65    

These quirky, fun shorts aren’t what you may think of as running shorts. In fact, the style is quite refreshing for an athletic pair of women’s shorts. The Cotopaxi Crux Active Shorts feature a breathable four-way-stretch fabric, with a 3 Inch inseam. What makes this pair of shorts unique is the fabric consist of moisture wicking polyester eco-friendly Tencel and spandex. The soft fabric of these shorts has a linen feel, which means you’ll keep cool on even the hottest of summer days.

The Cotopaxi review makes our list of the top 15 shorts because they are a Certified B Corporation company. Secondly, 2 percent of the online sales are donated to support non-profit organizations like International Rescue Committee that work with poverty. Lastly, the shorts and the rest of the activewear line are simply fantastic.

SHOP COTOPAXI

Eco-Friendly and Organic Women's Shorts for a Green World

You may be a hiker, a cyclist, a swimmer or, well, a barbecue champion. Whatever your pleasure, you want to feel good, look good and stay cool. This list of the best eco-friendly, give-back shorts features something for every lifestyle. Choose the shorts you like best, and feel comfortable cool no matter how you play.   

Karen A Mulvey is a personal social blogger and mom with 14 years of experience in the every day world of motherhood and sustainable product research. Karen is on a mission to help everyday families select sustainable, non-toxic organic products, stop stressing about uncertainties on sustainable home goods and apparel, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.

Follow Karen at @karenAmulveycs | Karen A Mulvey

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