Did you know that it takes plastic garbage 500-1,00 years to degrade and that most of that garbage is currently in our oceans? Sustainable swimwear made of recycled and regenerated materials is an eco-conscious decision you can make to help protect our oceans and resources.
Many of the materials used are post-consumer waste that has been given a new life. Plastic bottles and fishing nets are being revamped for a new life as creative performance fabrics such as swimsuits.
Manufacturing for these recycled swimwear pieces is responsible, environmentally friendly, and of high quality. And, not to mention, super cute.
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How to find sustainable swimwear brands
When looking for ethical swimwear, there are two materials to steer clear of: synthetic fibers and microplastics. While synthetic fibers are durable and have elasticity, they are not biodegradable and don’t decompose. Instead of decomposing, synthetic materials harm marine organisms like fish and can even mess with the entire food chain consuming them.
Microplastics can cause entanglement and ingestion by marine organisms such as fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and mammals. Smaller microplastics have also been found to cause higher toxicity to algae.
So, how do you find sustainable swimwear perfect for your next beach trip? Check out our roundup of sustainable swimwear brands, and be sure to look for recycled materials and fabrics like ECONYL® and existing materials like fishing nets and repurposed bottles.
Sustainable swimwear brands
Do Good Swimwear
Do Good Swimwear lives by one motto: Do Good, Look Good, Feel Good. Producing eco-friendly, affordable, sustainably and ethically made swimwear, you’ll find nothing cute swimwear made with ECONYL®, a sustainable material made from nylon waste that would otherwise pollute the Earth.
This small swimwear business was sparked by a couple of surfer girls, and it came to fruition to support anyone looking to give back to the earth and community. Each swimsuit is made to last not just this swimsuit season, but swimsuit seasons to come. In addition to rocking some classic, timeless cuts, a portion of the profits from each sale goes toward ocean conservation efforts, planting a tree for carbon offsetting and toward girls/women’s mental health, education and life-skill building.
What to know
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | ECONYL®, giving back to community
Product Range | Mix and match tops and bottoms, one-pieces
Price Range | Separates start at $35, one-pieces start at $40
Size Range | S–XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Nettle’s Tale
Nettle’s Tale is a Vancouver-based company that makes dresses, tops, bottoms and swimwear. Each swimsuit is designed ethically and thoughtfully for women in all walks of life, making it feel custom-made. Both mix-and-match and one-piece swimsuits are designed for six packs, stretch marks, plus, petites and plentiful busts.
The company launched in 2014 after a successful crowdsourcing campaign where the campaign goal was quickly surpassed seven times over. In 2019, the desire to create locally made, honest swimwear expanded to include an apparel line.
What to know
Based in | Vancouver, Canada
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | 92% recycled polyester for all swimsuits
Product Range | Mix and match tops and bottoms, one-pieces
Price Range | $62-$169
Size Range | XS–XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | No
Patagonia
If you’ve heard of Patagonia, you’ve probably seen someone wearing their tops, shorts or jackets. But, did you know the eco-conscious company makes ethical swimwear, too? 64% of the fabrics made this season across the brand have been created with recycled materials and the company has kept 35 tons of waste out of the ocean this year by turning fishing nets into hat brims.
Patagonia makes an effort to keep in mind the impact their products have on the planet, making sure to create pieces in the most ethically and eco-conscious way possible. 1% of sales have been pledged to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
What to know
Based in | Ventura, California
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | 82% of the line is Fair Trade Certified sewn, recycled nylon and polyester
Product Range | Two-piece bikinis, one-pieces
Price Range | $59-179
Size Range | XS–XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Prana
“Prana” comes from Sanskrit and means breath, which is considered the life-giving force. Each of us is immersed in prana, and we are connected wholly and completed to each other. Prana sees each breath as an opportunity to reconnect with the planet, each other and reimagine the future of our world.
At Prana, style is less about fashion or trends and more about making a statement. While the design team works to elevate the look and feel of each seasonal collection, the team also looks to incorporate innovative and sustainable fabrics and practices to improve performance and lessen the impact of the company on the planet.
What to know
Based in | California
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | ECONYL® regenerated nylon, made by Fair Trade Certified Factory partners
Product Range | Swim tops, tankinis, bottoms, one-pieces and cover-ups
Price Range | $45-$100
Size Range | XS–XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Kaylyn Gardner
Kaylyn Gardner is knitwear made to last and cherish for countless seasons. Living in a disposable fashion world, Kaylyn Gardner is committed to creating pieces handcrafted for the consumer. The unique swimwear is also dyed naturally,
The knitwear brand keeps a small, selective inventory that is fully-fashioned with no wasted material. Kaylyn Gardner continues to push themselves to try new things, including techniques, materials and more sustainable material options.
What to know
Based in | California
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | Natural dyes from avocados
Product Range | Swim tops and bottoms
Price Range | $50-$100
Size Range | XS–L
Is the entire brand sustainable? | No
Summersalt
Summersalt believes in creating travel essentials that are comfortable enough for the journey there and stylish enough when you get there. At Summersalt, fashion and function should always play well together and you shouldn’t have to stress when packing for your next trip.
Each of Summersalt’s swim pieces are designed to look great without sacrificing comfort. Summersalt believes that the companies of the future must have sustainability at their core to make a lasting impact, and they are turning toward sustainability whenever they can.
What to know
Based in | St. Louis, Missouri
Ships to | U.S., Canada, and Australia
Ethics | Recycled materials, recycled packaging
Product Range | One pieces, bikinis, and coverups
Price Range | $45-$125
Size Range | 0-24
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Isla in Bloom
Isla in Bloom is an Australian boutique label that features sustainable swimwear and summer accessories in beautiful, bold floral and boho-inspired prints. The swimwear is designed to last on the beach from sun-up to sun-down and be the defining image of the Australian summer lifestyle they love and live.
From the beginning, Isla in Bloom has been committed to a social and ethical responsibility of creating beautiful swimwear with minimal impact on the environment and the people creating them. All swimwear is made from high-quality, sustainable fabric made from ECONYL® sources from Italy. Lining is made from recycled polyester yarn derived from plastic bottles and packaging is made from recycled materials.
What to know
Based in | Australia
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | ECONYL®, recycled polyester, water-based and eco-friendly inks, recycled packaging
Product Range | Bikini tops and bottoms
Price Range | $89.95-$109.95
Size Range | S-2X
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Wolven
Wolven wants to Make Sustainability Sexy. As a team of artists and activists, Wolven is consistently working to reduce negative footprints left on earth. Wolvens are carbon-neutral, and support a range of projects such as rainforest conservation and landfill methane-capture.
When water bottles are recycled, Wolven reformulates them down and into thread, then the thread is woven into fabric before artwork is printed on the fabric. Wolven garments are made with OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T., which ensures that materials are free of harmful and toxic chemicals and recycles them into breathable, soft and durable material
What to know
Based in | Los Angeles, California
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T., recycled and biodegradable packaging
Product Range | Bikinis and one-pieces
Price Range | $54-$168
Size Range | XS-XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Vivida Lifestyle
Vivida is a community, a philosophy and a lifestyle designed for the adventurers, the dreamers, the thinkers and the doers. The Vivida Lifestyle was created to inspire and empower others to unlock their full potential and live their best and healthiest lives.
What started as a passion-driven project has evolved into a movement that reaches worldwide to create sustainable products that are eco-conscious. Vivida Lifestyle promotes a connection to and appreciation for nature through being good stewards in the industry and inspiring others to do the same.
What to know
Based in | United Kingdom
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | Recycled polyester, Plan to eradicate single use packaging by 2022, reduce carbon footprint 50% by 2024
Product Range | Bikinis and one-pieces
Price Range | $50-$134
Size Range | XS-L
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Stay Wild
Stay Wild was founded by Natalie Glaze and Zanna Van Dijk who both grew up scuba diving, snorkelling and spending time by the water. Each has a strong connection to the sea, and feel a responsibility to give back to the ocean.
That responsibility led to Stay Wild, which has a mission of producing swimwear with a purpose. Each piece is created using regenerated ocean plastic through the most sustainable practices possible and they are made into clean cut styles designed to flatter every body type.
What to know
Based in | United Kingdom
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | Recycled materials, zero waste approach, recyclable packaging
Product Range | Bikinis and one-pieces
Price Range | $35-$85
Size Range | 6-24
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Natasha Tonic
At Natasha Tonic, you’re given the opportunity to find swimwear that is a healthier choice for your skin and for the planet. Each swimsuit is made with hemp, and designed to perform double duty as lingerie, bodysuits of activewear.
The breathable, durable, anti-microbial and UV resistant swimwear is created in a way that doesn’t pollute the environment with toxic microfibers. Each bath of swimwear is created in small quantities to reduce unnecessary waste and some styles are made to order only.
What to know
Based in | Los Angeles, California
Ships to | United States
Ethics | Sustainable and fair trade fabric, low impact dyes, 100% electric production
Product Range | Bikinis and one-pieces
Price Range | $45-$250
Size Range | 6-24
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
For the Dreamers
For the Dreamers was born from a staggering statistic: 780 million people do not have access to an improved water sources and its estimated that 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation. The dream is to provide access to safe drinking water by connecting a mutual love of the ocean with the fight for fresh and clean water.
Each piece of swimwear is made from ECONYL® and is ethically made from fabric creation to shipping. All packaging is recyclable, and 5% of each purchase is donated to Water is Life. For the Dreamers also offers great swimsuits for plus size women.
What to know
Based in | Australia
Ships to | United States
Ethics | Recycled materials, 5% of each purchase to Water is Life
Product Range | Bikinis and one-pieces
Price Range | $95-$185
Size Range | XS-3XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Carolina K
Carolina Kleinman started Carolina K in 2005, coming from a family lineage of textiles and design that started in Bolivia. She works to preserve the history and culture of communities that her family has visited such as Mexico, Bolivia and Peru.
Carolina K is striving to operate in the most responsible, sustainable way. The company recently introduced its Zero Waste collection as a commitment to reducing the impact they have on nature by using every last scrap of fabric. In addition to this collection, packaging is made from recycled materials, and Carolina K is committed to supporting artisan communities across the world.
What to know
Based in | Miami, Florida
Ships to | International
Ethics | Recycled materials, recycled packaging
Product Range | Bikinis and one-pieces
Price Range | $125-$280
Size Range | XS-L
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Bower
Bower was launched in early 2015 as an ethical and sustainable design-led swim and resort wear brand and was influenced by founders Rupert and Fiona’s childhood, which was spent by the sea at Sydney’s Fairy Bower. From the beginning, production has been ethically run to produce as little waste as possible.
Each design utilizes Italian, Portuguese and French fabrics and complex construction and details. All swimwear pieces are created from fabrics produced with ECONYL® and 1% of the profits is donated to the Healthy Seas Initiative. Quantities are limited to minimize dead stock and waste.
What to know
Based in | Haarlem, Netherlands
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | Recycled fabrics, 1% donated to Healthy Seas Initiative, limited production
Product Range | Bikinis, one-pieces, and resort wear
Price Range | $100-$200
Size Range | XS-XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman founded her label in 2000. In 2015, Mara Hoffman began learning how to manufacture responsibly using new techniques and practices. In addition to learning new ways to protect the natural resources of the planet while producing their swimwear, Maria Hoffman also partners with several organizations like Blue Business Council, Fabscrap and Queen of Raw.
When sourcing for swimwear pieces, Mara Hoffman prioritizes natural, recycled and organic fibers. 100% of swimwear is also made from recycled nylon and recycled polyester, like ECONYL®, REPREVE® and hemp.
What to know
Based in | New York City
Ships to | Internationally
Ethics | Recycled materials, partnership with various eco-conscious organizations
Product Range | Bikinis and one-pieces
Price Range | $140-$295
Size Range | XS-XL
Is the entire brand sustainable? | Yes
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