Is sustainable swimwear possible? I'm going to tell you something that might surprise you. Swimwear can be made from environmentally harmful materials, just like most clothes. It's hard to ignore this when you're swimming in nature. The good news is that many unique, sustainable swimwear brands are on the market today.
It can be daunting to switch to an eco-friendly wardrobe, especially when many of your favorite brands may no longer be available.
The big brands are introducing sustainable lines within their collections or 'doing their part,' but some smaller brands are equally concerned about sustainability as style.
In our research, we analyzed swimwear based on its performance, impact on people, and environmental impact.
Our guide to the 10 Most Sustainable Swimwear Brands In 2023 on the market is a complete overview of the most ethical and sustainable swimwear brands.
Quick List of the 10 Sustainable Swimwear Brands
These are our top ten picks for sustainable swimwear.
Vitamin A
Kitty and Vibe
Summersalt
Girlfriend Collective
Patagonia
Vanessa Sposi
Lulu Ru
Reformation
Peony
Jade Swim
Vitamin A
California is the home of this American brand. Modern art and travel are the inspirations behind Vitamin A swimsuits. The swimwear at Vitamin A is made of EcoLuxTM, a superfine matte jersey fabric formulated from recycled nylon fibers and LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fibers.
By blending the two materials, the swimsuits are more durable than swimsuits made from spandex. You'll be able to wear your Vitamin A swimsuit for years to come.
Swimwear prints by Vitamin A are created with waterless digital technology in factories that conserve electricity and water by using innovative methods.
Vitamin A donates a portion of its profits to 1% for the Planet, Surfrider Foundation, Oceana, and Girls Inc. They also host beach cleanups locally.
Kitty and Vibe
Kitty and Vibe is a New York-based swimwear brand that designs fun, gorgeous swimsuits. A family-owned factory in Bogota digitally prints and assembles the fabric in small batches.
There are many sizing options available with Kitty and Vibe, which is one of this brand's best features.
To ensure they have a suit for every body type, they offer two bootey sizes for every hip size to avoid the typical sizing issues that most swimsuits have, either insufficient or too much material.
They have launched a new Wildflower Collection made exclusively from 100% recycled fabric that offers SPF 50+ sun protection. When you get out of the water, it dries quickly because of the water-saving production methods used.
Summersalt
The swimwear from Summersalt is made ethically from recycled materials in New York City. Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin and Lori Coulter are the creators of this brand.
This high-quality swimwear is flattering and quite affordable at a price under $100. This brand is also good for your wallet and your body.
Summersalt claims that their swimwear is five times stronger and four times compressive than other brands. Swimwear comes in different styles, patterns, and cuts.
There are all kinds of bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups available here. Bathing suits for pregnant women are even available!
Summersalt believes new companies are responsible for looking after the environment, so they focus on the customer and the planet. In addition to recycled polyamide, recycled plastic, and post-consumer materials, nylon waste is used to make the swimwear line.
The beach-proof material is UPF 50 and can withstand sand, sweat, and over 100 hours in chlorinated water. As a result of 1.5 million body measurements taken from 10,000 women, the company ensures an exact fit.
Its patented process, known as "TrueMeasure," uses 3D body scanning, mass customization, and computer-aided design to create its suits. The sleek designs and durable fittings of Summersalt's suits combine confidence and comfort perfectly.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective's swimwear range includes bikinis, bottoms, and one-pieces using recycled fishing nets and post-industrial waste. Officially, the material is called ECONYL®.
You'll save 0.99 ounces of oil, 30 pounds of CO2 emissions, and 0.63-kilowatt hours than a regular swimsuit. An ocean conversation organization, Healthy Seas, also receives 1% of sales from the brand.
In addition to low-impact support, their suits are sheer-proof, quick-drying, and have UPF 50+ protection. The Girlfriend Collective offers one of the most comprehensive sizes ranges available, with sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL.
Patagonia
It is not surprising that Patagonia has become one of the biggest names in sustainable fashion! The brand is known for creating eco-friendly swimwear that sets a precedent for the broader fashion industry. The product line includes bikinis, one-piece suits, and shorts.
Patagonia's business model has been based on preservation and conservation since its inception. Over the years, over $89 million has been donated and cash provided to grassroots environmental groups based on the brand's pledge of 1% of sales.
Designed for those who enjoy being active on the beach, Patagonia swimwear provides extra security and coverage so that swimming and surfing will be worry-free. The polyester used in swimwear is recycled from plastic soda bottles.
Wolven
Based out of Los Angeles, Wolven is a female-founded brand that produces sustainable activewear and swimwear. They make all their clothing out of post-consumer plastic, which helps reduce waste in natural ecosystems, including one-pieces and eco-friendly bikinis.
Its swimwear is made mainly from RPET (recycled plastic bottles) in combination with spandex, so it remains supportive and stretchy.
Wolven donates 1% of their profits to environmental causes through 1% For The Planet. They offset carbon emissions through Carbon Neutral, with carbon credits used to conserve rainforests and capture landfill methane.
Also among the brand's eco-friendly initiatives is the use of OEKO-Tex Certified dyes that are non-toxic, as well as the use of 100% recycled packaging. The diverse range of swimwear from Wolven will keep you covered for summer.
Lulu Ru
The swimwear company Lula Ru grew out of a 1950s fashion aesthetic. Fabric is sourced from Eurojersey, resulting in hair scrunchies made from extra material.
They ship their swimwear in canvas bags instead of plastic. They are reducing their carbon footprint by donating to conservation and environmental charities.
Reformation
The Los Angeles-based Reformation swimwear line features beautiful bikinis, one-pieces, and beach bags for women.
Reformation manufactures its swimwear using eco-friendly methods. Their swimsuits are made of deadstock fabrics that would otherwise be sent to landfills and ECONYL fabric.
This brand is known for its vibrant prints on its swimwear. There is much to love about the collection, from tie-dye patterns to leopard prints to pretty wallpaper florals.
Eco-conscious Millennials love Reformation because it maintains fashion forwardness without sacrificing sustainability.
The product pages of every item include sustainability information and washing instructions to minimize microplastic shedding.
Peony
This independent family-run brand emphasizes conscious creation and sustainability in all its designs.
Combining classic silhouettes with soft color palettes, Peony is a collection of confident pieces by Australian designer Becky Morton. All collections are made exclusively from recycled materials and sustainable textiles to reduce waste. There are many charming collections to choose from, so prepare to fall in love with them.
Its name refers to the flowering plant that symbolizes the start of summer, the Peony, which inspires us to live our life fully. Econyl is used in 50% of Peony Swimwear, and recycled materials are used for the lining. Biodegradable and compostable packaging is used throughout.
Peony offers swimwear, beachwear, and resort wear collections for your entire summer wardrobe. From wide flowy skirts to elegant summer dresses, they feature beautiful silhouettes. Make your outfit complete with their accessories, and you're sure to bloom during summer.
Jade Swim
Jade Swim, a Black-owned brand, was founded by former fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski Freeney. (“12 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands of Summer 2020 | Glamour”) Its minimalist aesthetic, high-quality Italian fabrics and shape retention technology with IV protection make it an ethical swimwear brand worth trying.
Since the company is owned and operated by women (from factory owners to warehouse workers), its flattering swimwear fits every body type amazingly well.
Their fabrics are made from 100% regenerated nylon and use organic, recycled, or regenerated materials whenever possible. Their goal is to reduce waste from oceans and landfills by recycling fishing nets, plastic bottles, and fabric scraps.
The company uses 100% recyclable plastic and biodegradable bags to deliver its products. There are many strapless swimsuits to choose from, such as the Yara One Piece.
Their product was manufactured in Los Angeles, California, where American labor laws protect employees and provide economic support. Additionally, Jade Swim donates to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, the NAACP, and No Kid Hungry and plays an active role in charity.
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