modacritic
Introduction: A Brand with Heart and Purpose
Founded in 2014 by siblings Jake and Caroline Danehy, Fair Harbor was born out of a deep passion for preserving the coastal environment of Fire Island, NY. Their childhood summers on the beach—a time spent biking, surfing, and witnessing growing plastic pollution—sparked a mission: to transform discarded plastic bottles into stylish, high-performance beachwear. Today, Fair Harbor has already repurposed over 37 million plastic bottles into their iconic apparel.
Certified as a B Corporation since June 2022, Fair Harbor consistently exceeds environmental and social standards, achieving a remarkable B Impact score of 92.6—well above the median. As a result, Fair Harbor stands out not only for its thoughtful design but also for its responsibility towards people and planet.
Materials & Innovation: Where Sustainability Meets Performance
Fair Harbor’s fabrics are a testament to mindful innovation:
- Recycled Polyester (from plastic bottles): This is the brand’s primary material, delivering superior comfort while diverting single-use plastic from oceans.
- Organic & BCI Cotton: The brand incorporates soft, breathable organic and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton, which promote pesticide-free farming, improved soil health, and reduced water usage.
- Seawool: A breakthrough blend of recycled plastic bottles and oyster shell fibers, Seawool is antibacterial, insulating, and eco-efficient.
Each garment typically includes around 12 recycled plastic bottles, showcasing Fair Harbor’s impactful recycling efforts.
What Makes Fair Harbor Special
- Ultimate Comfort & Style
- Built with the innovative BreezeKnit liner, Fair Harbor’s swim trunks address chafing and provide comfort without mesh linings.
- Products like the Anchor Swim Short, with over 22,000 reviews and a 4.9-star rating, deliver exceptional fit and feel.
- Versatile Everyday Pieces
- Fans rave about the One Short—a multipurpose design ideal for everything from gym workouts to beach outings.
- The Kismet Tee blends organic cotton with recycled polyester, offering breathability, stretch, and lasting shape.
- The SeaBreeze Hoodie, crafted from recycled polyester and Tencel, includes UPF 50 protection and soft comfort ideal for cool seaside evenings.
- B Corp & Good On You Recognized
- Fair Harbor is ranked as “good” in the environment category for its use of recycled materials.
- As a Certified B Corp, Fair Harbor adheres to high benchmarks of social and environmental performance.
- True to Its Roots
- The brand is deeply inspired by Fire Island, NY—evident in both its name and ethos.
- But Fair Harbor’s reach has grown far beyond: their collection now includes menswear, womenswear, kids’ apparel, and accessories.
Brick-and-Mortar Debut: Bringing the Beach to Manhattan
In a major milestone, Fair Harbor opened its first flagship store in downtown Manhattan at 19 Prince Street—a space designed to reflect the relaxed beach lifestyle that defines the brand. More than just a retail outlet, the store doubles as a community hub, hosting cleanups, cultural events, and happy hours to connect like-minded individuals.
Interior architect Chris Antista—known for his work on iconic New York hospitality spaces—designed a coastal-inspired environment that immerses shoppers in the Fire Island vibe.
Environmental Impact: Doing Good by Doing Well
Fair Harbor’s sustainability claims are more than just green messaging:
- Over 37 million plastic bottles recycled, with over 12 bottles per garment.
- 12 beach cleanups hosted by the brand, promoting hands-on conservation efforts.
- Water savings: about 4.2 liters per pair of eco-wash denim.
- Commitment to organic and BCI cotton practices to reduce environmental footprint.
As Fair Harbor remarks: “Sustainability isn’t just a marketing buzzword for us. Environmental consciousness is at the heart of Fair Harbor and the very reason for our existence.”
Expert Praise & Real-World Reviews
- Fair Harbor is considered a summer favorite, earning top marks for style, performance, comfort, and durability.
- Key products like the One Short, Anchor Swim Short, and SeaBreeze Hoodie are praised for their multifunctional use and eco-friendly credentials.
- The brand has been recognized favorably for its eco-credentials, though there is room for improvement in labor transparency.
Room to Grow
Though sustainable and customer-loved, Fair Harbor faces criticism in certain areas:
- Some customers have highlighted issues with customer service, shipping delays, and limited return policies.
- There is a noted need for better labor practices and supply chain transparency.
Summary: Why Fair Harbor Matters
For the conscious consumer: Fair Harbor delivers style and performance without compromising environmental values. With materials like recycled plastic, organic cotton, and Seawool, each piece supports reducing waste and resource consumption. Their B Corp certification and strong environmental ratings affirm these efforts.
For the modern lifestyle: Products—such as their signature swim trunks, versatile shorts, T-shirts, and hoodies—combine comfort, function, and style. They’re designed for those who live by the water or simply appreciate easygoing, well-crafted apparel.
For the community: Opening a physical store in SoHo and hosting local events demonstrates a genuine commitment to building connections around sustainability and lifestyle.
Explore Fair Harbor
From swimwear to ready-to-wear essentials, Fair Harbor offers:
- Men’s, Women’s & Kids’ Swimwear – including trunks, rashguards, bikinis, and one-pieces.
- Apparel – versatile tops, shorts, hoodies, pants, and eco-wash denim.
- Accessories – hats, bags, towels, flip-flops, sunglasses, and more.
Final Thoughts: A Brand Worth Backing
Fair Harbor brings together eco-conscious innovation, summer-inspired design, and coastal spirit. Their journey from a small Fire Island–inspired startup to a B-Corp–certified lifestyle brand is a testament to how passion can translate into lasting impact—37 million plastic bottles and counting.
Want clothes that feel good, perform well, and help the planet? Check out Fair Harbor for effortless, responsible style.
