With summer right around the corner, you may be looking for a new sustainable swimsuit. Swimsuits should make us feel confident and comfortable. They should be made to fit our bodies – not the other way around. Unfortunately, many sustainable swimwear companies don’t offer inclusive sizing. This makes it incredibly difficult for women of all shapes and sizes to shop sustainably. That’s why we’re here to help. Below, we’ve put together seven fantastic, size inclusive swimwear brands you’ll love.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better fashion industry. Thank you for supporting these brands – and us! Cover Image: Kitty and Vibe
What makes swimwear size inclusive?
Size inclusive swimwear is simply swimwear that goes beyond straight sizes. This means the swimsuit is offered in sizes above XL or a women’s size 14/16 – and we can even say offered in sizes BELOW XS. Just any size out of the norm of XS-XL.
If a swimwear brand is size inclusive, they aren’t making a separate “plus-size” line. They simply offer all of their products in a wider range of sizes. This ensures that most bodies have access to the same styles, fits, and coverage – no matter their size.
All of the brands included in this article are more size inclusive (it’s been hard to find several who go up to 5 or 6XL, but we’ve found a few). We’ve also chosen brands that offer a range of price points to ensure that there are accessible options available.
What should you look for in sustainable swimwear?
When it comes to figuring out if a swimwear company is indeed sustainable, there are a few things you should look out for. Sustainable brands will use ethical labor, sustainable production methods, and eco-friendly materials.
So what exactly makes a fabric sustainable? Sustainable swimwear can be made from a variety of eco-friendly fabrics, but they are typically made using recycled materials. Most sustainable swimwear will still have a small percentage of virgin synthetic fibers. The majority of materials used, however, should be from recycled, regenerated, or natural sources. Sustainable companies should note what fabrics and fibers they use. There aren’t many brands who use all natural materials for swimwear because they do not hold up as well in water.
The most commonly used materials in sustainable swimwear are:
- ECONYL: Regenerated Nylon
- rPET: Recycled Polyester
- Recycled polyamide yarn
- Recycled Cotton
- Plant-based fibers
Our Top Picks for Size Inclusive Swimwear Brands:
1. Kitty and Vibe
Materials: Recycled Polyester, Xtra Life Lycra
Prices: $22-138
Sizes: XS – 6XL
This awesome sustainable swimwear company designs fun, playful, bold prints. Kitty & Vibe has a variety of styles, both cheeky and full coverage.
They even offer different cup sizes in their tops. This ensures the perfect fit for up to a G cup. Each swimsuit also has SPF 50+ protection.
What’s truly unique about Kitty and Vibe, however, is that they offer two different butt sizes for each hip size.
2. TomboyX
Materials: Recycled Polyester
Prices: $28-99
Sizes: XS – 6X
Tomboy is an awesome and unique sustainable swimwear company. Female founded and run, Tomboy has designed a variety of swimsuits that truly fit different bodies and styles. As such, they have uni suits, boardshorts, swimsuits, swim tanks, and swim shorts. Each piece is offered in different creative patterns with full coverage options.
Tomboy swimsuits are made from quick-drying, OEKO-TEX certified fabric with UV protection. They fit-test their items to ensure correct and comfortable sizing.. Even better, they have a great line of size inclusive underwear you may also love. You have an entire sustainable clothing line worth checking out.
3. Nomads
Materials: Bio-based Nylon & Recycled Nylon
Prices: $77-220
Sizes: XS – 5X
Nomads is a company that designs sustainable swimwear and resort wear inspired by various destinations. The company prioritizes inclusivity and quality, and is committed to improving the fashion industry and environment.
Size inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of their brand, and they are working tirelessly to educate the fashion industry about its significance.
Moreover, their swimwear designs are incredibly unique and beautiful!
4. Londre
Materials: Recycled Polyester
Prices: $29-189
Sizes: XS – 4XL
Londre is a beautiful woman-owned and founded company. Their size-inclusive swimwear is made out of recycled plastic bottles. Each swimsuit uses at least six plastic bottles, salvaged from the ocean. Their lovely swimwear comes in a variety of feminine styles and coverage options.
For each purchase you make, Londre plants baby coral in Baja California. They manufacture in OEKO-TEX 100 certified factories where they reuse their water in a closed-loop process.
Londre also provides a recycling program that repurposes your old swimwear. Not to mention, they give you a 15% discount on your next purchase when you use it.
5. ColieCo
Materials: Deadstock Lycra
Prices: $31-70
Sizes: XXS – 3XL
ColieCo offers bikinis ranging from 2XS to 3XL and even supports custom sizing, making it easier for more body types to find a comfortable fit.
Every suit is made just for you in their studio in Portugal. This cuts down on waste and helps make sure workers have safe conditions and fair pay. The fabric comes from leftover luxury Italian lycra that would have been thrown away, so they’re also giving new life to materials that might otherwise end up as trash.
You can also mix and match tops and bottoms to get the look, coverage, and support you want. Overall, ColieCo is a good example of a swimwear brand that cares about fit, treating people right, and helping the planet, all at the same time!
6. Araks
Materials: ECONYL®
Prices: $130-395
Sizes: XXS – XXL
Araks is based in New York and makes its swimsuits right here in the U.S., which reduces shipping costs and supports smaller, local makers.
Many Araks swimsuits are made from recycled nylon, such as ECONYL®, which is derived from old fishing nets and other waste. They also use fabrics that are certified as safer and that use fewer chemicals. Araks sticks to classic colors and styles, so leftover materials can be used in future collections, reducing waste.
Instead of pumping out new styles all the time, Araks focuses on making pieces that last, like mix-and-match separates, simple shapes, and great colors you’ll want to wear for years. Overall, their swimwear is all about thoughtful production, making smaller batches, and creating suits you’ll keep wearing summer after summer.
7. Vitamin A
Materials: Plant-Based Fibers, Recycled Nylon
Prices: $38-210
Sizes: XS – 2XL
If you’re looking for a truly sexy swimsuit, then Vitamin A is the place for you. While they don’t have as wide of a size range as the other brands on this list, their designs are amazing for up to XXL.
At Vitamin A, you’ll find leggings, bike shorts, two and one-pieces, all ready for the water. Each swimsuit has a support range indicated as well as an eco-friendly impact index.
Vitamin A uses a variety of sustainable fabrics. Their EcoRib, EcoLux, and EcoTex fabrics are all made from recycled nylon but offer different textures. They even have a few eco-friendly metallic fabrics.
