Blank Sustainably Sourced and Organic Shorts
The nights are lighter and we’re getting that summery feeling. Of course, the warmer weather means a welcome switch of wardrobe for most of us. It’ll be a relief to leave those heavy coats on their hangers and chunkier sweatshirts folded on the shelf. Pulling on a lightweight tee or short-sleeved polo is an oddly liberating experience. And there’s nothing quite like getting some air to your legs. So, what better time to put a spotlight on sustainably sourced and organic cotton shorts. We’ve picked out 11 pairs of the best sustainable shorts for 2026 that are well worth consideration if eco-friendly is one of the attributes which features high on your priority list. And whilst these shorts are perfectly fine plain and undecorated, they are all designed with customisation in mind.
A brief history of the short trouser
The origin of shorts can be seen in subligaculum, a Roman undergarment worn by both men and women. In more recent times, knee breeches were a normal part of an 18th century gentleman’s attire. And during the Victorian era, boys were commonly found wearing knickerbockers, a loose fitting knee-length trouser. However, shorts as we know them appeared around the 1900s as the British military sought apparel suitable for use in hotter climes. By the 1920s, these army shorts had morphed into the Bermuda short which became popular with tourists. Get to the Fifties and shorts had transitioned to the general public. An item of clothing ideal for everyday casual wear, as well more practical uses such as sport, and perfect for branding. Below, we’ve a selection of outstanding items designed for the latter.
1. Stanley Stella Trainer 2.0 Shorts
We’ll start our quick look at the best sustainably sourced and organic cotton shorts with a garment from a highly respected producer of organic merchandise. And when we say respected, we mean exactly that. Stanley Stella are one of the world’s most sustainable brands. It’s fair to say that Stanley Stella Trainer 2.0 Shorts (product code STBU186) tick all the ethical boxes. They are made from an organic cotton and recycled polyester blend and have an adaptable unisex styling. The comprehensive size range goes from XXS to 3XL and they’re available in six colours. The latter include some lovely on-trend shades.
2. Earth Positive Sweat Shorts
A spell of warmer weather offers a great opportunity for getting out there and you can do so in a sustainably stylish way with these Earth Positive sweat shorts (product code EP341). The first point to note is that they’re compact spun and constructed from 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) cotton. As well as being sustainable, this type of cotton delivers a smooth surface for printing. At 300gsm, the brushed, sueded fleece cotton used in the EP341 short is also a very good weight. Certainly suitable for either print or embroidery. And the soft and comfortable fabric perfectly suits the relaxed styling of the garment.
3. AS Colour Active Bike Shorts
Let’s get properly active with our third entry. These AS Colour Active Bike shorts (product code 4621) are an environmentally aware choice made from recycled polyester and elastane. The material has a matte finish and they’re slim fitting with a mid thigh and high waist. Also mid weight at 220gsm. Stylish and versatile, we can imagine them being ideal for general fitness as well as riding your bike. Furthermore, they have moisture wicking properties and are quick drying.
4. Result Safety Shorts
We’ve got the Safe-Guard recycled dynamic stretch safety short (product code R519X) next in our take on the best sustainable shorts to customise. It’s pleasing to see more hi visibility safety clothing being manufactured in eco friendly materials. And these shorts deliver in plenty of other ways. Such as being soft to the feel and springing back into shape due to the stretch fabric. Plus lots of practical pockets and triple stitched in areas where seams take the most punishment.
5. Stanley Stella Boarder Unisex Shorts
Here we have another entry from those sustainable super stars at Stanley Stella. These Boarder Dry jog shorts (product code STBU944) are high quality, have that popular dry hand feel, and are an excellent weight at 400gsm. Plus, an on trend relaxed fit. Constructed from high quality organic cotton, they feature a number of appealing features. For example, a self fabric elasticated waistband and round draw cord with metal tips. And a comprehensive size range from XXS to 3XL.
6. AS Colour Cargo Walk Shorts
A list of sustainably sourced shorts would be incomplete with a cargo short. To that end, we chosen these Cargo Walk shorts (product code 5925) from AS Colour. For reference, the latter are a blank clothing supplier who place great emphasis on quality combined with responsible sourcing and ethical methods of production. Relaxed fitting, these shorts have a 19in outer seam and are mid weight. They’re suitable for a range of decoration that includes screen printing, DTG and embroidery.
7. Premier Workwear Cargo Shorts
We’ll stick with the practical appeal of multiple pockets. These Premier shorts (product code PR564) are primarily aimed at the workwear market. That said, the relaxed styling makes them attractive beyond working environments. They’re made with certified recycled polyester and are hardwearing. Features include the aforementioned profusion of pockets such as the mobile-friendly hook and loop flap sealed pocket with combined pen slot on the left leg.
8. Neutral Tiger Cotton Shorts
This is an absolute must-have in our list of the best sustainable shorts made for custom ink and stitch. Because Tiger Cotton sweat shorts (code T64111) are crafted from 100% organic cotton in conversion. And that means they’re okay for the tiger, the farmer and our planet. The cotton used in this garment and others from the Tiger Cotton range helps convert non-organic cotton fields to organic and therefore maintains and restores tiger habitats.
9. AS Colour Relax Track Shorts
How about track shorts with a fashionable fitting and a beautiful faded effect to the fabric. If that sounds good, we’ve got just the thing. These AS Colour Relax Faded Track Shorts (product code 5939) have a garment dyed finish and are constructed from top quality cotton and eco friendly recycled poly. A good weight at 320gsm and lots of nice finishing touches. By the way, they’re good for a number of customisation techniques including screen printing, embroidery, and DTG print.
10. Result Recycled Utility Shorts
At number 10, we have a rather splendid engineered work short that is made from a recycled polyester and cotton twill blend. The Result Recycled work guard utility short (code R512X) is super practical as well as being positive for our environment. That’s to say, they have an impressive six pockets and an expansion waistband for an adjustable, comfortable fit. Plus, critical seams are triple needle stitched and there’s also bar tacking at critical points for added durability.
11. Stanley Stella Mini Bolter
A item for the younger generation is our last pair in this take on the best sustainable shorts for custom print and embroidery. Kids’ jogger shorts are always a winner — versatile and comfortable — and these Mini Bolter shorts (product code STBK102) are a lovely example of the style. A French Terry fabric made from organic combed and ring spun cotton with recycled polyester, these will be a summer sensation with a little bespoke branding.
Fifth Column can help
That’s about it for our spotlight on the best sustainably sourced and organic cotton shorts. Get in touch if you’re planning the next range of garments for your clothing brand, event or promotion, and need help. Fifth Column have been printing t-shirts in London since 1977 – we offer an extensive range of garment customisation services – and we love what we do. Contact us for more information or get a quote online.
