In this comprehensive guide to sustainable swimwear, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eco-friendly swimwear, from the materials used to the ethical practices behind the brands. Say goodbye to conventional swimwear and embrace a more responsible and sustainable choice!
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What is Sustainable Swimwear?
Simply put, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to conventional swimsuits that are designed with the well-being of our planet in mind. Unlike regular swimwear, which often relies on resource-intensive materials and harmful production practices, sustainable swimwear takes a greener approach.
It’s not just one thing that makes a swimsuit sustainable, rather it’s a combination of things:
- The type of fabric used
- Use of dyes and pigment
- Production methods
- Fair wages and working conditions
- Business model and packaging
It’s a little extra effort to find eco-friendly options. But with this guide to sustainable swimwear, you can rest assured that when you slip into that beautiful eco-friendly swimsuit it was made with love and respect for people and the planet!
Sustainable Swimwear: Things To Look For
1. Natural or Recycled Fibers
When it comes to sustainable swimwear, it’s all about the fabrics! Embrace swimsuits made from recycled materials like plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets that would otherwise end up in our oceans.
Traditional swimwear is often made from synthetic fibers that when manufactured and worn, release plastic microfibers. It’s actually estimated that the fashion industry accounts for 20 to 35% of all the microplastic that flows into the ocean. Yikes! So you can see how the clothes we wear matters because they can end up as plastic waste in our oceans, contributing to the massive problem of marine pollution.
- Say YES to: organic or recycled cotton, linen, hemp, recycled polyester, Lyocell, Econyl, bamboo (Tip: Look for Repreve, a fabric made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles!)
- Think twice about: polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon
2. Natural Dyes
Clothing, in general, is often manufactured with highly toxic dyes and heavy metals that are flushed into clean water streams, rivers and aquifers where they are harmful to people, animals, and ecosystems. When you’re shopping for sustainable swimwear, check out the brand’s website and look for information about what type of dyes they use.
- Say YES to: Natural or plant-based dyes, non-toxic dyes, and biodegradable dyes (Tip: look for these things on the tag: Bluesign, Certified B Corporation, Oeko-Tex, GOTS
- Think twice about: a garment that doesn’t specify the type of dye – it’s likely a synthetic dye and more harmful to the environment
3. Production Method
How the swimwear is produced, from sourcing materials, to finding a manufacturer, and shipping is important to consider. It isn’t something you will see on a price tag or label and might take a little bit of research on your end, but it is a component to finding sustainable swimwear. Take a peek at the brand’s “about us” or “sustainability” section on their website to learn more.
- Say YES to: transparency! Are they sharing details about their manufacturing process and suppliers? If they use sustainable practices, they will definitely be talking about it
- Think twice about: vague information, no specifics that you can find on their site
4. Safe Wages and Working Conditions
Some other criteria to have on your radar when looking for sustainable swimwear are how garment workers are treated. It’s important to ensure that your swimwear is made under ethical and environmentally responsible conditions.
Supporting local production is another way to reduce the carbon footprint of your swimwear. Choosing brands that manufacture locally reduces transportation-related emissions, contributing to a greener planet.
- Say YES to: Brands that are “fair trade” certified or “GOTS” certified
- Think twice about: Low prices that are “too good to be true”, this could be an indication that the company isn’t prioritizing safety or fair treatment
5. Business Model and Packaging
Another consideration for sustainable swimwear is the company itself. What are their goals and mission? Do they contribute positively to the planet in other, additional ways? Are they “greenwashing” to appear eco-friendly or truly walking the walk? Here are some things you can look for:
- Say YES to: positive consumer reviews, google search that doesn’t turn up any questionable business practices, packaging that’s mindful of the environment
- Think twice about: Lack of details shared on their website, negative reviews, conflicting information when you start to look closely
Sustainable Swimwear: Brands To Support
Let’s face it; fashion isn’t always the most planet-friendly industry. But with sustainable swimwear, you can make a positive impact on the environment without sacrificing style. Let’s take a look at some brands that prioritize ethical manufacturing practices and use energy-efficient processes, reducing their carbon footprint.
By choosing to support these environmentally conscious companies, you’re encouraging a shift towards a greener fashion industry. I’ve already done the work for you! So check out these sustainable swimwear brands, and have fun shopping! Click on the brand’s name to check them out:
Alohas
Alohas is a brand born in Hawaii, and they make not only sustainable swimwear, but other clothing, shoes and accessories too! Something. unique about this brand is their “on demand” system, meant to reduce excess product from being created in the first place. So smart! They also have swimwear in lots of different cuts, prints, and styles so there’s something for everyone.
Batoko
What I love about this small English brand is their fun, playful and whimsical prints! Their logo is “we’re rubbish… literally”, which is right on point because they grab plastic waste so it never ends up in a landfill and use it to create the most fun suits EVER. They’re turning trash into treasure, but are also mindful not to overproduce, are transparent about their supply chain, and partner with loads of groups like the National Lobster Hatchery, Surfers Against Sewage and more! I love the orca suit pictured below…
Berlook
Berlook is another brand on this list using recycled plastic bottles into swimwear. 415 thousand bottles to be exact! They also use natural fabrics that can degrade easier once we’re done wearing them and package everything responsibly in compostable bags. I also personally love the affordability of their pieces and just recently picked up a pink one-piece from this brand!
Boden
Boden is a British company that takes a different approach, (and a smart one!) to shopping sustainably. They have a program called ‘Pass it On’ where you can recycle your used Boden pieces, they gather them up, and donate to charities. I love this idea and really appreciate their passion behind creating pieces you will cherish for years versus “fast fashion”. Boden shares a ton of detail on their site, from materials used, to packaging and even charities they work with if you want to explore more.
Do Good Swimwear
Do Good Swimwear is female-owned and based in CA and HI. I love how all-inclusive their sustainability practices are. Their suits are made with Econyl and Repreve recycled fabrics, they ship in sustainable packaging, and a portion of profits from each order goes towards nonprofits that support ocean conservation efforts, coral reef conservaton, tree planting, and women and families in need.
Everlane
Everlane is another great sustainable brand that makes swimwear that’s classic and timeless. In 2018, they made a big commitment: to eliminate all virgin plastic from thesupply chain by 2021, which includes our products, packaging, poly bags, offices, and stores. For swimwear specifically, their collection is made from 34,000 pounds of regenerated nylon waste. Each suit is made with 82% ECONYL® yarn, a 100% regenerated nylon fiber made from nylon waste otherwise polluting the Earth, like fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring, and industrial plastic rescued from all over the world.
Kitty and Vibe
Kitty and Vibe is such a fun brand but also has a unique POV that I love – you can shop their swim bottoms by your booty size. Cool right? As far as sustainability goes, all their swimsuit prints are made with a signature eco-friendly fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Additionally, all orders ship in 100% biodegradable bags inside of a 100% recycled material mailer. Win, win, win!
Londre
Londre is a Canadian brand I’ve been following for a year or so now, and I love the unique designs of their suits! Each suit contains a minimum of 6 recycled plastic bottles, and in total they’ve collected and recycled over 1 million. They truly want you to love your swimsuit for years to come, and even have a Repair program , where they will compensate you if you need to have a swimsuit repaired within the first year after purchase. Super cool! I’ve not heard of other brands doing this, so I love their commitment to help us love our suits even longer.
Mon Bali
I heard about Mon Bali from a fellow travel blogger, and love their stance on sustainability. Their products are produced locally, in Bali and they pay close attention to the fabric choices, making the swimsuits with sustainable fibers such as ECONYL ®, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, linen and organic cotton. They have a small assortment, but some of my favorite suits in unique cuts and color combinations.
Ookioh
Winning the award for most fun brand name, Ookioh! I love how the brand is inspired by Japanese culture and is all about traveling, female beauty, and living in the moment. The fabric mill they work with actually takes ocean waste (fishing nets, etc.) and pre-consumer waste products (things people might throw away in production) and turns them into dreamy, luxurious textiles. Definitely a brand to check out on your hunt for sustainable swimwear.
Patagonia
A leader in sustainability, Patagonia is one of the most well-known brands on this list. I loved going onto their site and seeing all the statistics they have. For example, 85% of their products are made in Fair Trade Certified factories. and 98% of their current season collection is made from recycled materials. 98 PERCENT! It’s truly impressive what they’re doing, and it goes way beyond swimwear.
Prana
Another of the early-adopters in the sustainable clothing space is Prana, and I love the history of their company and thinking back to how, in the early 90s their founders delivered clothing in upcycled fruit boxes. You can tell sustainability is truly part of who they are as a company. They also have a TON of cute swimwear at totally reasonable prices, so you can shop Prana on a budget as well.
Summersalt
I love the thoughtfulness behind Summersalt, a brand that manufactures using recycled materials and nylon waste (for example, old fishing nets) that are literally pulled from the ocean. Pretty cool right? If you order a swimsuit from them, it will arrive in a recycled bag and the card inside made from recycled or FSC certified paper. Not only that, but their suits are timeless and designed to travel well.
Tai Swim
Born and based in Hawaii, Tai Swim is where you wanna go if you’re looking for trendy, but eco-friendly, affordable, and functional. They’re checking all the boxes! They create in small batches to minimize waste, have close relationships with their suppliers to ensure an ethical supply chain, and even makes scrunchies from leftover fabric! Not to mention the recycled-plastic-bottle fabric and abundance of sale options. *cue the happy dance*
Vitamin A
If you’re looking for a sustainable swimsuit made in the USA, check out Vitamin A. They have really gone the extra mile, hiring a third party to audit their materials and supply chain over the last 10 years. In addition to helping create EcoLux™ — the first premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon fibers, they also use materials like organic cotton, linen, recycled cotton and Tencel. Ethical factory practices, energy usage, and shipping methods are all detailed on their site and it’s incredible to see how thorough and transparent they are!
Vivida
One of the founding values of the Vivida brand is to promote connection to & appreciation for nature. They use biodegradable or recycled materials whenever possible, ship their products in “leave no trace” packaging, and are thoughtful about their product line to keep it small and intentional. If you want to really get into the details, they are transparent about everything from what tags are made of, which dyes are used, and specifics on fabric. They’re also part of the The United Nation Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Wolven
Last, but certainly not least is Wolven Swimwear. Their slogan is “making sustainability sexy”, and they take recycled plastic and weave it into amazing swimsuits. Each year they also measure greenhouse gas emissions, purchase carbon credits to offset that footprint, and implement plans to reduce emissions moving forward. Definitely a sold addition to this list!
Sustainable Swimwear: Other Ways to Help
Now you’ve gone through this guide to sustainable swimwear and found some good options, what happens after you make that purchase? Here are some other helpful things to keep in mind…
The average person today buys 60 percent more items of clothing than they did 15 years ago, but keep them for only half as long. The average garment may be worn as few as ten times before disposal.
Taking Care of Your Swimwear
To make the most of your eco-friendly swimwear, proper care and maintenance are crucial. By taking good care of your sustainable swimwear, you’ll not only extend its life but also minimize the need for frequent replacements, reducing waste.Follow these tips to ensure your swimsuits last for many seasons to come:
- Hand wash your swimwear with cold water and mild detergent to preserve the fabric and its colors
- Avoid wringing or twisting the swimsuit, as this can damage the fibers
- After use, rinse your swimsuit in fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, and sand
- Dry your swimwear flat in the shade to prevent fading and stretching
Upcycling and Recycling
When it’s time to part ways with your worn-out swimwear, don’t just toss it in the trash. Embrace upcycling and recycling to give your swimsuits a new lease on life. Check if the brand you purchased from has a recycling program, or consider donating your old swimwear to organizations that repurpose them into useful items like bags or yoga mats.
If you enjoy crafting, upcycling your swimsuit can be a fun and creative project. Transform it into a stylish headband, a crop top, or even a bikini bottom. Upcycling reduces waste and promotes a circular fashion economy.
Have you ever bought a garment and never ended up wearing it? Resale shops, consignment, and apps like Poshmark (my personal fave!) are all good sources to find brand new or gently used swimwear so it doesn’t end up in the trash. If you want to sign up (it’s free) use my code KELLIHOGAN to get $10 off your first order. There are TONS of sustainable swim options!
Final Thoughts
With this guide to sustainable swimwear, you’re now well-equipped to make eco-friendly choices for your beach fashion. Embrace sustainable swimwear made from recycled materials and support brands with ethical practices. By making conscious decisions, you can look fabulous, feel great, and protect the environment – all while enjoying the waves and sunshine!
