The summer is here, so am I, presenting the best swimwear brands to all of you who need something different and special for your summer adventures. Therefore, I have another great Brand to talk about, and if you are willing to take a few minutes to read this review, please, be my guest. Today’s star is a brand called Fair Harbor, and its web presentation, accessible at www.fairharborclothing.com.
This is a New York-based lifestyle brand specializing in sustainable swimwear and apparel for men, women, and kids. Founded in 2014 by Jake and Caroline Danehy, it transforms recycled plastic bottles into comfortable, versatile clothing, emphasizing eco-conscious coastal style. This is probably the biggest difference between Fair Harbor and the other competition. With endorsements from Forbes and Esquire, Fair Harbor has grown through retail partnerships like Nordstrom and REI. In the following lines, I will try to explore its history, offerings, user experience, pricing, shipping, pros, cons, and appeal for sustainability-focused shoppers.
Short History
This exclusive brand was founded in 2014 by siblings Jake and Caroline Danehy, inspired by their summers in Fair Harbor, New York. Starting with men’s swim trunks made from recycled plastic bottles, the brand expanded into women’s swimwear, apparel, and kids’ lines.
Headquartered in Larchmont, New York, it raised $30.7 million from investors like Broad Sky Partners and TIA Summer Accelerator, per PitchBook.
Certified as a B Corp, Fair Harbor boasts +50,000 five-star reviews and media coverage from WWD and Men’s Health.
What Is the Site All About?
When it comes to this, you already know that Fair Harbor’s website is an e-commerce platform offering sustainable swimwear and apparel crafted from recycled plastic bottles. It targets eco-conscious consumers with collections like Anchor Shorts and Driftwood Denim, blending performance, comfort, and coastal style.
The site promotes a “protect the places you love” motive, using eco-friendly materials and sustainable packaging. Features like the Fair Harbor Crew program and discounts for students or military personnel enhance accessibility.
Social campaigns like #sustainableswimwear on Instagram (@fairharbor) foster the community.
What Do They Have to Offer?
Fair Harbor’s offerings include:
Men’s Swimwear and Apparel: Anchor Shorts ($68–$78), boardshorts, and BreezeKnit™ Boxer Briefs made from recycled polyester, plus tees, polos, and Driftwood Denim shirts ($98) with UPF 30 protection.
Women’s Swimwear and Apparel: Bikinis ($40–$60 per piece), one-pieces ($98), and activewear like leggings, designed for versatility.
Kids’ Clothing: Swim trunks and rash guards with vibrant prints.
Sustainable Materials: Each product uses 8–12 recycled plastic bottles, with eco-friendly packaging.
Collections: Bungalow, Bayberry, and Sextant offer vibrant prints; 2024 Fall sportswear debuted at Surf Expo.
Retail Partnerships: Available at Nordstrom, REI, and Saint Bernard.
Join the Fair Harbor Crew for free shipping/returns for members (free to join).
Promotions: 15% off for first-time buyers, students, military, and teachers via ID.me.
Mobile Accessibility: Shopify-hosted site with newsletter sign-ups for discounts.
What Is the User Experience Like?
This is a sensitive topic these days, because we live in the technological age, where every site is made to appeal a top-notch.
It’s the same with the Fair Harbor website. It is built on the Shopify platform and it features a clean, coastal-inspired design with high-quality imagery of Anchor Shorts and Kismet Tees.
Navigation is intuitive, with filters for gender, category, and size (XS–XXL, kids’ sizes), plus a fit guide.
The search bar and mobile responsiveness enhance usability, but users report cart glitches and slow load times during sales.
Checkout supports PayPal and Klarna, though order cancellation issues persist.
What Are the Prices Like?
Another great thing about this brand is the pricing. Fair Harbor’s pricing is mid-range, competitive with a lot of other brands.
Men’s swim trunks cost $68–$78, women’s bikinis $40–$60 per piece, and one-pieces $98. Apparel like Kismet Tees ($48) and Driftwood Denim shirts ($98) reflects premium quality.
They have occasional sales, and sale items start at $29, with up to 60% off, but final sale policies apply.
Free shipping over $100, 15% off for new customers, and 30% off codes add value to the overall mark. But, some users note durability issues like loose stitching, questioning the value for the price.
What Are Their Shipping Options?
Fair Harbor offers free US shipping on orders over $100 via USPS (3–7 business days), with standard rates at $7–$15 otherwise. Expedited shipping (2–3 days) costs $15–$30.
International shipping is available, with costs and duties calculated at checkout (7–15 days). Returns are free for Crew members within 30 days (unworn, tagged items), but non-members pay a $7 fee, and sale items are non-returnable.
No in-store pickup is available, as Fair Harbor lacks physical stores. Shipping is generally reliable, but policies may frustrate.
Conclusion
In the end, I will just sum everything up and invite you to visit the site itself and see if the brand is suitable for your needs.
Fair Harbor excels as a sustainable lifestyle brand, transforming recycled plastic bottles into comfortable swimwear and apparel.
It’s Anchor Shorts, Driftwood Denim, and B Corp certification appeal to eco-conscious shoppers, with endorsements from Forbes and WWD.
The Shopify site is user-friendly and offers free shipping over $100, plus 15–30% off promotions, which add value.
However, mixed customer reviews and their return policies may frustrate. For those prioritizing sustainability and coastal style, Fair Harbor is a strong choice and I would strongly advise you to give this place a chance. I won’t be surprised to see you wearing their products this summer. See ya.