In a world increasingly aware of climate change and ocean pollution, few brands stand out as much as Fair Harbor Clothing. Fair Harbor was born out of a simple yet profound desire: to protect our coasts and oceans from plastic waste while delivering the softest, most comfortable apparel you’ll ever wear.
Founded by siblings Jake and Caroline Danehy, the brand’s name itself comes from the small coastal community of Fair Harbor on Fire Island, New York, where they spent their childhood summers swimming, surfing, and enjoying the beach. Witnessing plastic pollution washing ashore sparked their mission — a mission to turn ocean plastic into premium, everyday clothing that looks good, feels amazing, and does good for the planet.
Every year, approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans. From discarded bottles to fishing nets and microplastics, this pollution devastates marine ecosystems, kills wildlife, and threatens the health of our planet.
Plastic bottles, in particular, are one of the biggest culprits. Single-use plastic bottles take up to 450 years to decompose and often end up floating in massive garbage patches like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. For coastal communities, this means beaches littered with plastic debris — a heartbreaking sight for ocean lovers like the Danehy siblings.
Fair Harbor Clothing’s innovative solution tackles this issue at its source. They collect recycled plastic bottles, break them down into pellets, spin them into high-quality yarn, and weave this yarn into incredibly soft, durable fabric. Each pair of their signature swim trunks, for example, removes about 11 plastic bottles from the waste stream.
This process not only reduces ocean pollution but also conserves energy and resources compared to producing virgin polyester. The result is a circular, sustainable production model that closes the loop on waste.
Fair Harbor’s product line includes a thoughtfully curated range of beachwear and everyday essentials for men, women, and kids. Each piece is designed to embody effortless coastal style while prioritizing maximum comfort.
Swim Trunks
Their flagship product — men’s swim trunks — comes in a variety of styles, colors, and lengths to suit every body and preference. All trunks are made with quick-drying fabric derived from recycled plastic bottles, with super-soft built-in liners that eliminate the need for uncomfortable mesh netting.
Tees & Tops
Fair Harbor’s tees and polos are crafted from a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton. They’re lightweight, breathable, and perfect for casual days, beach outings, or layering.
Hybrid Shorts & Lounge Pants
Their hybrid shorts transition seamlessly from the beach to the street. With stretch, water resistance, and a tailored fit, they’re made for versatility. For those cozy moments at home, the lounge pants and joggers offer the same eco-friendly softness you’ll want to live in all day.
Kids’ Collection
For the youngest ocean protectors, Fair Harbor’s kids’ line ensures even little ones can play comfortably while contributing to a cleaner planet.
Fair Harbor doesn’t just sell clothes — they’ve built a community. Their marketing and storytelling emphasize their deep connection to the ocean and coastal living. They often collaborate with local beach clean-up initiatives and donate to ocean conservation efforts.
Their community is made up of surfers, travelers, families, and everyday people who share a passion for protecting what they love.
In a fast-paced world overflowing with disposable fashion, Fair Harbor Clothing offers a refreshing alternative. They invite you to slow down, choose better, and care deeply — not just for your wardrobe but for the waves, the sand, and the vibrant marine life we risk losing.
Next time you pull on your Fair Harbor swim trunks or slip into a soft recycled tee, you’ll know you’re wearing a story: one that started with a discarded bottle and became part of a bigger mission to keep our coasts clean for generations to come.
