Fair Harbor Review

About Fair Harbor

Fair Harbor is a sustainable swimwear and clothing brand for all. Their clothing is made of recycled materials, and to this day, they’ve upcycled more than 27 million plastic bottles. 

Sibling founders Jake and Caroline Danehy came up with the idea of sustainable swimwear in 2014. After spending their younger years vacationing in Fair Harbor, New York, they were all too familiar with the amount of plastic waste disposed of in the ocean^[1]. 

As the amount of waste kept growing, both siblings realized that the places they love aren’t guaranteed to last forever. That’s a pretty hard truth to come to terms with, but instead of standing idly by, they decided to do something about it.

The beachwear company was then born, and they remain committed to sustainable fashion^[2] and eco-friendly practices to keep the shoreline clean and beautiful for generations to come. 

In this Fair Harbor review, I’ll give you the lowdown on the company, their products, and more to help you decide if you should take the dive and buy their items. 

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Pros & Cons

Before I get into the details of some of their amazing products, just ahead in this Fair Harbor review, I’ll provide a quick overview of some of the brand’s pros and cons:

Pros

• Sustainably and ethically made from recycled plastics
• Free returns in the United States 
• More affordable than competing swimwear brands
• International shipping is available
• You can receive discount codes by recycling old bathing suits
• 60-day return policy

Cons

• Customer complaints about the unresponsive customer service team

Features

Ready to start paddling? In this review, I’ll be going over the best-selling Fair Harbor clothing options for men and children. The brand has added a line for women as well, but I’ll leave that for another day.

Before all of that, though, let’s see what truly makes this brand stand out:

1. Sustainable Materials: Fair Harbor creates apparel, including swimwear, using recycled materials, particularly recycled plastic bottles. This approach helps reduce waste and promotes the reuse of materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.
2. Comfortable and Chafeless Liner: Fair Harbor’s swim trunks feature a liner made with BreezeKnit™ technology, which is designed to be soft, supportive, and 100% chafe-less. This liner technology aims to enhance the overall comfort and functionality of the swimwear.
3. Focus on Outdoor Lifestyle: Fair Harbor’s apparel and swimwear cater to individuals who lead active outdoor lifestyles. The brand aims to provide comfortable and functional clothing suitable for those who spend time at the beach, enjoy water activities, or embrace an outdoor coastal lifestyle.
4. Range of Products: Fair Harbor offers apparel and swimwear for men, women, and children. Their collection includes swim trunks, shorts, tops, and other active gear, providing options for various preferences and needs.
5. Sustainable Manufacturing: Fair Harbor focuses on creating a more sustainable fashion industry by using eco-friendly materials and supporting initiatives that benefit the environment. While their environment rating is considered “it’s a start,” their commitment to utilizing recycled materials shows their dedication to sustainability.
6. Recognition and Honors: The founders of Fair Harbor, Jake Danehy and Caroline Danehy, have been recognized for their sustainable brand. They were honored for their efforts in turning recycled water bottles into clothing, and Jake and Caroline were listed on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list, showcasing their entrepreneurial success and commitment to sustainability.
7. Retail Presence: Fair Harbor has expanded its reach by opening a retail location in Soho, New York, offering swimwear and lifestyle apparel for men, women, and boys. This physical presence allows customers to experience the brand’s products firsthand.

Materials

If we haven’t emphasized this enough yet, Fair Harbor creates beachwear from recycled plastic bottles. They use this innovative approach to transform plastic waste into ultra-comfortable beachwear, allowing people to enjoy their favorite places while also protecting the environment.

In addition to recycled plastic bottles, Fair Harbor also incorporates other sustainable materials such as upcycled coconuts into their swimwear for both men and women. By using recycled materials and sustainable alternatives, Fair Harbor aims to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.

5 Best-Selling Fair Harbor Products

Some swim trunks can be uncomfortable, especially after a day at the beach. Luckily, Fair Harbor swim trunks and shorts have got you covered with their comfortable fabric and liner technology.

Let’s take a look at what they have to offer. 

Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunk 

First up in my Fair Harbor review is the Bayberry Trunk. I think these swim trunks are ideal for lounging by the water and are the company’s take on the classic swim trunk. 

With the Bayberry, you’re able to focus on relaxing instead of feeling uncomfortable. They come in 11 fun patterns guaranteed to make a splash at your local pool or beach. 

Here’s my favorite part: These trunks are made from 11 plastic bottles so the fabric is 80% recycled polyester. 

They’re sturdy, quick-drying, and have a drawstring waist, so beach volleyball is a definite yes. Worried about where to store your keys or wallet? These swim shorts have a zippered back pocket that can hold all of your valuables. Just remember to take them out before you take a dip.

Hit the beach in utter style and comfort with the fashionable Bayberry Trunk, available for $68. 

Fair Harbor The Anchor 

Some higher-performance water sports need high-performance swimwear, and The Anchor trunk was built to tackle a variety of aquatic activities effortlessly. I think all you sporty guys will love these.

They’re a longer trunk that has a multi-directional stretch for supreme comfort and a built-in CoolMax Liner for a chafe-less experience. I’ll even go as so far to say that you’ll be the most comfortable surfer out there with these on.

The Anchor offers easy movement without sacrificing integrity thanks to their durable fabric. 

These trunks also provide support, odor resistance, and have water-repellent fabric whether you’re lounging, running, or surfing. Take that, Mother Nature. 

Fair Harbor’s Anchor trunks are made of 88% recycled plastic bottles to stay true to their sustainable brand. 

With their 14 pattern options, you’re bound to find an eco-friendly style that suits you. Cast off the right way with the $68 Anchor trunks. 

Fair Harbor The One Short 

The third pair of shorts in this Fair Harbor review is the adaptable and ever-versatile One Short. I quickly learned there’s a reason it has “one” in the name: these cotton-looking shorts can be used as part of an everyday outfit or they can be used when swimming. 

They have the same water-repellent technology that all Fair Harbor trunks have. Even better, they have the look of comfy casual bottoms that you can wear anywhere, so feel free to tackle some errands before hitting the beach. No one will know you’re wearing comfortable trunks—though these days, anything goes.

The One Short has an optional soft liner that you can take out whenever you don’t need it. Since they’re shaping up to be a lightweight short every guy should own, I think these shorts are a perfect gift for yourself or your Dad. 

Don’t know where to put your phone? No worries! If you need some storage, these shorts have a hidden zipper pocket. 

Fair Harbor upcycled 11 plastic bottles to make the One Short, and they come in 8 different colors, including navy, red, light blue, and khaki. Keep it casual with this sustainable short for $68. 

Fair Harbor The Nautilus Boardshort 

Comfort and durability are definitely a pattern when it comes to Fair Harbor shorts. Not that I’m complaining! 

That pattern continues with the Nautilus Boardshort. This is the only style in my review that doesn’t have a liner (or the option to include one). Fair Harbor recommends going commando for this pair of stretchy duds. 

The Nautilus is another high-performance short, meaning you’ll be comfortable performing any task in and around water. It comes in 10 stylish color patterns that can easily be paired with one of Fair Harbor’s Henley tops or their SeaBreeze hoodie. 

These boardshorts also give off a relaxed, cool-guy vibe, so they’ll definitely be a hit on the beach. The Nautilus shorts retail for a chill $68. 

Fair Harbor Kids Bayberry Trunk 

Adults don’t get to have all the fun when it comes to the brand’s swimwear. Kids can too! With a pair of the Fair Harbor Kids Bayberry trunks, you and your tot will be the talk of the shore. 

This little version of their Bayberry trunk is designed for swimming and I think it’s pretty darn cute. It has a built-in anti-chafe liner, so your child can enjoy their time and not worry about any discomfort that could occur with a regular trunk. 

These pint-sized shorts have all of the same specs as the other trunks in this Fair Harbor review. They’re made of 9 plastic bottles, stretchy, and have an elastic waistband for maximum comfort. 

Also, if your youngster has stuff they want to tuck away like a tiny seashell collection, they can easily store things in the built-in zipper pocket. 

The Kids Bayberry trunk comes in the same patterns as the adult Bayberry trunk, so you can match to your heart’s desire. Fittingly, these trunks retail for $48. 

Who Is Fair Harbor For? 

Fair Harbor makes apparel and swimwear for men, women, and children. Their focus is on swimsuits and active gear, so I think it’s a great match for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Also, since the collection is sustainable, it’s a good choice for eco-conscious folk.

Comparison: Fair Harbor vs. Vilebrequin  

Both Fair Harbor and Vilebrequin are committed to a more sustainable fashion industry. They’ve both supported initiatives that better the environment and manufactured their products with eco-friendly materials. The main difference I found is in their price ranges.  

Vilebrequin is marketed as a luxury brand, and their prices reflect that. Prices for the apparel range around the $100-$300 mark. While this isn’t a bad thing, it isn’t as cost-effective for some people. 

Fair Harbor’s apparel generally stays around $40-$70, making their clothing more affordable than Vilebrequin. If you’re looking for a more upscale swimsuit and think this brand might be more your style, check out our Vilebrequin review for the latest deets.

Fair Harbor Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

No Fair Harbor review would be complete without taking a look at some customer feedback. With that in mind, I dusted off my investigative swim cap and dove into the internet for all the juicy info when it comes to what buyers truly think of the brand and their products as of June 2023.

Fair Harbor receives high praise on their website for their excellent quality products and sustainability efforts. 

None of the shorts have an average below 5/5 stars. Their Facebook page is also littered with positive reviews, but there is the occasional criticism about long shipping times. 

Fair Harbor shorts are treated to superb reviews from their customers on the company website. Here’s a quick look at all the great ratings:

• The Bayberry Trunk: 5/5 stars out of over 4.6k ratings
• The One Short: 5/5 stars out of 3.5k+ ratings
• The Nautilus Boardshort: 5/5 stars out of nearly 700 ratings
• The Ozone: 5/5 stars out of over 400 ratings

Out of the shorts in this review, The Anchor trunks seem to have the highest ratings, with nearly 10.5k customer reviews. 

One buyer reports that “I purchased The Anchor bathing suit […] after searching the web and comparing five different brands. I am very pleased with the quality of the suit I received, especially the inner lining that is very comfortable. Delivery was fast, and the product’s great.”

Another customer agrees, and says, “These are by far the best swim trunks I’ve ever worn. They are so comfortable. I bought 3 pairs. I’ve also thrown out all my other swim trunks. I’m not wearing anything else but Fair Harbor.”

On their Facebook page, one shopper was raving about the smart design of the brand’s swimwear: 

“I love these swim trunks. I hate sitting in wet mesh trunks so bad I barely get in the pool anymore. I bought these for vacation and have gotten in and out of the pool so much that I forgot I was wearing new trunks. They’re so light when wet, and they haven’t itched once.” 

On that same page, there are complaints about long waiting times or not receiving items. Some customers weren’t receiving a response from Fair Harbor’s customer service team. 

While this isn’t ideal for anyone, I was happy to see that their team responds to these complaints and promptly messages customers to fix any issues. 

Overall, I found a ton of positive feedback about the brand. Forbes even reviewed Fair Harbor and had great things to say about them. The author loved their mission and how absolutely eco-friendly they are. The technology and thought given to the little details is definitely something I think sets them apart from their competitors.

Is Fair Harbor Worth It?

The demand for sustainable fashion brands is growing, and Fair Harbor is a forerunner in that department.

It’s estimated that 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, so it’s essential to protect our environment as much as we can, and that extends to clothes consumption. 

Based on everything I discovered in this Fair Harbor review, I wholeheartedly believe that their products are worth the buy. Their apparel is comfortable, functional, and stylish. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and committed to their ethical practices. 

If I was to poke holes, it’s apparent from buyer reviews that the brand needs a bit of improvement when it comes to their customer service and deliveries. While their products are amazing, being left on read by a company is anything but.

At the end of the day, the brand’s shorts speak for themselves, and many customers end up raving about how much they enjoy wearing them. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly swimsuit with some classic and trendy designs, I’d suggest giving Fair Harbor a shot.

Fair Harbor Promotions & Discounts 

Fair Harbor gives out discount codes through their Roundtrip Initiative. All you have to do is recycle your old bathing suits through Roundtrip to receive them. I’ll break down the whole process:

1. Fill out a form with your info 
2. Pack up your bathing suit with a complimentary prepaid label. Fair Harbor will email you instructions on how to send your items. 
3. Get your discount! You can get a $5 Fair Harbor credit for each suit you donate for up to $25 off your next purchase. 
4. They send your old suits to 2ReWear where they’ll be re-made into insulation and material for rugs. 

Other than the Roundtrip Initiative and free shipping for orders over $100, I couldn’t find any current promotions or discounts for this part of my Fair Harbor review. Fortunately, you can sign up for their emails to be the first to hear about their latest sales. 

Where To Buy Fair Harbor

You can buy Fair Harbor shorts directly from their website, fairharborclothing.com, or at select retailers including Nordstrom and Amazon. 

Be cautious when ordering, as some customers have had experiences with fake Fair Harbor shorts, so make sure to buy from established and reliable retailers. 

Alternatives

Looking for other sustainable clothing brands to check out? Here are two more options to consider:

1. Patagonia: Patagonia is a renowned leader in ethical practices and sustainability. They offer a wide range of sustainable clothing, including adventure gear, casual wear, outerwear, sustainable swimwear, and eco-friendly luggage and bags. Patagonia is known for its dedication to minimizing environmental impact and supporting fair labor practices.
2. Girlfriend Collective: Girlfriend Collective is a brand known for its sustainable and Earth-friendly activewear. They offer matching activewear sets made from eco-friendly materials and have been featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things. The brand combines style and sustainability in its products.

FAQ

Who owns Fair Harbor? 

Jake Danehy and Caroline Danehy are the co-founders and owners of Fair Harbor. They started the company because of their shared love of the ocean and their desire to protect it. 

Where is Fair Harbor made? 

Fair Harbor clothing is designed at their HQ in New York. They are made in factories in the United States, China, Peru, and Pakistan. 

What sizes does Fair Harbor have? 

Here are the sizes Fair Harbor carries for the shorts I reviewed:

• The Bayberry: S-2XL (Small sizes are currently sold out)
• The Anchor: S-3XL
• The One Short: S-2XL 
• The Nautilus Boardshort: 30-36
• Kids Bayberry Trunk: S-XL (Small sizes are currently sold out)

What is Fair Harbor’s Shipping Policy?

Processing and shipping can take 1-2 business days. If you’ve ordered during the holidays, your orders will ship in 5 business days. They do offer international shipping, and all costs and shipping times are calculated at checkout.

What is Fair Harbor’s Return Policy?

Fair Harbor offers free exchanges and returns in the United States. You can return your item within 60 days, and it could take about 1-2 weeks for processing. 

To initiate your return, visit the brand’s return portal and you’ll be able to get a prepaid shipping label to send back your items. Make sure to include your order number and shipping address so you can ask for a return or exchange.  

Though I tried to for this Fair Harbor review, I couldn’t find any information on the main site or third-party websites about returns for international locations. It is safe to assume that return costs are not covered by the company.

How to contact Fair Harbor

Do you have any questions after reading this Fair Harbor review? If so, you can reach out to the brand in the following three ways: 

• Email: [email protected]
• Live Chat
• Fill out their Contact Form

They will do their best to get back to you within one business day or sooner. 

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Still searching for more options? Check out Vilebrequin,  a French luxury apparel brand that specializes in selling swimwear and ready-to-wear clothing for men, women, and kids.