Make a Splash in These 14 Sustainable Swimwear Brands (2024)
Image: Do Good Swimwear
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Do Good Swimwear & Kaylyn Gardner. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!
The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Swimwear Brands
Dive into a sustainable fashion trend that's making waves - sustainable swimwear. Are you tired of contributing to the environmental damage caused by fast fashion? It's time to make a splash with eco-friendly swimwear options prioritizing style and sustainability.
Gone are the days when "eco-friendly" meant compromising on design or quality. Today, sustainable swimwear brands offer many fashionable options made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, fishing nets, and even ocean waste. Not only are these pieces stylish, but they also help reduce waste and promote a cleaner environment.
By choosing sustainable swimwear, you can positively impact the planet without sacrificing your style. Supporting brands that align with your values and prioritize ethical manufacturing practices is a small step that can make a big difference in reducing the fashion industry's carbon footprint.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Swimwear
Fast fashion swimwear has become popular for many due to its affordability and trendy designs. However, the environmental impact of this industry is staggering. Fast fashion swimwear contributes to pollution, waste, and exploitation from the production process to the end of the garment's life.
The production of fast fashion swimwear involves the intensive use of water, energy, and chemicals. The textile industry is known for its high water consumption and the release of harmful chemicals into water bodies. Additionally, producing virgin synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, commonly used in swimwear, requires the extraction of non-renewable resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, fast fashion swimwear is often made with cheap labor and unethical manufacturing practices. Workers in garment factories are subjected to long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. Child labor is also prevalent in some regions, highlighting the industry's dark side.
Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Swimwear
Choosing sustainable swimwear comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just being environmentally friendly. Let's explore some of the advantages of opting for eco-friendly swimwear:
1. Reducing waste and pollution: Sustainable swimwear is often made from recycled materials, reducing the demand for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills. Choosing these options will help reduce pollution and support a circular economy.
2. High-quality and durable: Sustainable swimwear brands focus on quality and durability. These pieces are designed to last, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. They can withstand multiple seasons and maintain their shape and color with proper care.
3. Comfort and fit: Sustainable swimwear is designed with both style and functionality in mind. These brands prioritize comfort and fit, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in your swimsuit.
4. Support for ethical practices: By choosing sustainable swimwear, you support brands prioritizing fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains. You contribute to the creation of a more ethical and responsible fashion industry.
What Should You Look For When Shopping for Sustainable Bathing Suits?
It has been almost impossible to find sustainable swimsuits made without synthetic fiber (if you are unfamiliar, these fibers are petrochemical-based and do not biodegrade like natural fibers). Microplastics are still an issue in ethical swimwear, but brands are working to ensure they do not use virgin synthetics. Instead, these brands are taking post-consumer waste like plastic bottles and fishing nets and creating new performance fabrics that work just as well as any other bathing suit you find.
These are the Eco-Friendly Swimwear Fabrics To Know
ECONYL® and REPREVE will be the most popular swimwear fabrics in this post. Econyl is a 100% recycled and recyclable fiber and the most common type of recycled nylon. It is made from pre-consumer (fabric scraps) and post-consumer waste (fishing nets, old carpets...). Econyl received certification from Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It guarantees that the material does not contain harmful products to our health. Repreve is another synthetic fabric, but a recycled polyester rather than nylon. It is the world's number-one brand of recycled performance fiber and is made from post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste. Besides these two popular choices, you can also find EcoRib (a stretch-ribbed fabric made from nylon fiber scraps) and Bio-Nylon (a biodegradable plant-based fiber).
our top picks for sustainable swimwear:
1. Do Good Swimwear
Materials: ECONYL®
Price: $38-50
Sizes: XS-XL
Do Good Swimwear is a women’s surf collective offering eco, affordable & sustainably-made swimsuits. Not only are they accessible, but they give back to the planet, too! All swimsuits are made from recycled ocean waste such as fish nets, plastic bottles, etc. Also, with each purchase, a portion of profits are given to ocean conservation efforts, tree planting, and social impact non-profits.
2. Kaylyn Gardner
Materials: GOTS Organic Cotton
Price: $80-$200
Sizes: XS-XL (& custom)
If you're looking for a synthetic-free suit that's made from all-natural materials, check out Kaylyn Gardner. These beautiful knitted one- and two-pieces are made with organic cotton and natural dyes (including avocado!). Each piece is handmade to order, so if you need a larger or smaller size, they can accommodate you. In addition to swimwear, Kaylyn Gardner also carries knit loungewear perfect for wearing around the house, pool, or beach all year round.
code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+
3. Made Trade
Materials: Amni Soul Eco® Thread / CO2 Light Fabric, Deadstock Fabrics, ECONYL®, Repreve
Price: $45-225
Sizes: XS-2XL
Made Trade is home to several brands who create sustainable swimsuits for every type of body. Many of their brands are woman-owned, and full of different fibers to choose from. The Amni Soul Eco® Thread used by BOLD Swim is so interesting because it’s a biodegradable nylon fabric!
4. Carve Designs
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles
Price: $42 - 99
Size: XS-XL
As a company born at the beach and inspired by the outdoors, Carve Designs prides itself on crafting fashion-forward swimsuit designs made from 100% recycled materials. Their swim line is made from plastic bottles found in the ocean, where 5 bottles are used for each piece, reducing carbon emissions by 80%. The women of Carve set out to push boundaries & prove functionality, sustainability, and fashion go hand in hand.
5. Kitty & Vibe
Materials: Recycled Polyester
Price: $46-95
Sizes: S-5X
Kitty & Vibe carries swimwear that not only comes in super fun fabrics, but is also available in a wide variety of fits, sizes, and styles, making it easier to find something that feels great on your body. The brand is in the process of transitioning their fabrics to more sustainable ones; currently, half of their suits are made from recycled polyester.
6. Wolven
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles
Price: $48-168
Sizes: XS-XL
Wolven probably has one of the most colorful collections of any swimwear line. Their prints are so vibrant, and perfect for all your under the sun activities. I think it’s great they have many different styles - from one pieces to high-waisted bikini bottoms. Plus, all swimwear is made from recycled plastic bottles! I’ve had one of their bathing suits for years and love it!
7. Vitamin A
Materials: EcoLux, EcoRib, EcoTex, BioSculpt
Price: $78-264
Sizes: XS-XXL
So many cool fabrics in this collection: EcoLux is made from recycled nylon fibers - EcoRib is a stretch-ribbed swim fabric made from nylon fiber scraps - EcoTex emits fewer greenhouse gases and conserves water + energy in the production process - BioSculpt provides an organic alternative to fossil fuel based nylon.
8. Girlfriend
Materials: ECONYL®
Price: $38-78
Sizes: XXS-6XL
The most size-inclusive of the swimwear brands on this list, Girlfriend is definitely a fan favorite in activewear. I’m so excited to see them come out with a swimwear line!
Their bathing suits are very basic, and come in many different colors. They also give back 1% to Healthy Seas.
9. Patagonia
Materials: Recycled Nylon & Polyester
Price: $55-179
Sizes: XXS-XL
From an active standpoint, this brand is probably one of the best to shop through. They create some of the best performance wear on the market, so if you love to surf, hike, boat, etc - you’ll find these swimsuits very practical! From rash guard tops to board shorts, they have you covered. Plus, all swimsuits are Fair Trade sewn, and they have a great collection of men’s swimsuits!
10. Lively
Materials: Recycled Polyester
Price: $45-80
Sizes: XS-XXXL
I am so glad I found this brand because I’ve had several people ask for bathing suit tops for curvier chests. Well, here you go!! Lively has tops for A to DDD, and you can mix-and-match bottoms with ease. They are inspired by a mix of active lifestyle and vintage vibes, and besides their mix-and-match bikinis, they have a few one-pieces!
11. Cleobella
Materials: Recycled Nylon
Price: $98-228
Sizes: XS-XL
Cleobella's swimsuits are ethically made in Sri Lanka from OEKO-TEX® and GRS-certified fabrics. They work with local artisans and small factories, creating jobs and sustainable incomes worldwide. Their new Spring 23 collection is gorgeous!!
12. TomboyX
Materials: Recycled Polyester
Price: $49-99
Size: XS-6X
Female-founded and run, Tomboy has designed a variety of swimsuits that truly fit different bodies and styles. They have uni suits, board shorts, swimsuits, and swim tanks. Each piece is offered in different creative patterns with full coverage options.
13. REI
Materials: ECONYL®, Recycled Polyester
Price: $45-100
Sizes: XXS-2XL
REI has a great curated collection of sustainable swimsuits from brands like prAna, Nani Swimwear and Patagonia. When it comes to outdoor shopping, REI is a company I trust much more than others. The brands they choose to curate typically have a much higher level of ethics!
14. Outerknown
Materials: ECONYL®
Price: $68-145
I didn’t want to leave the men out of this list! Outerknown has been a trailblazer in many ways, like being the first brand to be certified by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) without ever shipping a product and being the very first brand to launch swimwear made out of ECONYL. Plus, they work with Fair Trade USA to ensure that garment workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
Tips for Caring for and Extending the Life of Your Sustainable Swimwear
Proper care is essential to maximize the lifespan of your sustainable swimwear and reduce waste. Follow these tips to ensure that your swimwear stays in excellent condition for years to come:
1. Rinse with fresh water: After each use, rinse your swimwear with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities. This helps prevent discoloration and maintains the fabric's integrity.
2. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle: To minimize damage, hand wash your swimwear using mild detergent or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine. Avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners that can degrade the fabric. We have a list of cleaning brands we love here.
3. Avoid excessive heat and sun exposure: Excessive heat and sun exposure can cause fading and degradation of the fabric. Dry your swimwear in the shade and avoid ironing or using a dryer.
4. Store properly: Store your swimwear in a cool and dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Avoid folding or twisting the fabric, which can cause stretching or deformation.
5. Rotate your swimwear: Rotate your swimwear pieces to minimize wear and tear instead of using the same one repeatedly. This allows each piece to rest and recover between uses.
By following these care tips, you can extend the life of your sustainable swimwear and reduce the need for frequent replacements. After all, sustainable fashion is about taking care of the things we have so we can wear them for many, many years :)
MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
Want more? VISIT OUR
sustainable
brand directory!
Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.
