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Sustainable swimwear is often hard to find, which is why a lot of shoppers end up choosing fast fashion alternatives.
It’s tempting to do that, since they’re made of (supposedly) great materials, and will last for a multiple holidays…right?
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I know that, and so do you.
Most swimwear in fast fashion stores isn’t built to last. Made from materials that are low-quality and bad for the environment to boot, it ends up being an unwise purchase.
So rather than purchasing swimwear destined for a landfill after a few uses, why not look for some sustainable alternatives?
Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, there are lots of great sustainable swimwear brands out there.
- 1. Summersalt
- 2. Vitamin A Swim
- 3. Boden
- 4. OOKIOH
- 5. Wolven
- 6. Urbankissed
- 7. Dippin’ Daisys
- 8. Ina Swim
- 9. Kitty and Vibe
- 10. Patagonia
- 11. Arrow and Phoenix
- 12. Baserange
- 13. Araks
- 14. RubyMoon
- 15. Peony Swimwear
- 16. Filippa K
- 17. Hakuna Wear
- 18. Casa Raki
- 19. Medina Swimwear
- 20. Rendl
- 21. Stay Wild Swim
- 22. Galamaar
- 23. Do Good Swimwear
- 24. LÈ BUNS
- 25. Sloactive
With sleek silhouettes, modern designs, and bold looks, the brands we’re covering in this article have it all.
Let’s dive in.
Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands
1. Summersalt
Highlights: Recycled, eco-friendly materials. Women-led company. Inclusive sizing based on over 1.5 million body measurements.
Product line: Swimsuits and Bikinis
Size guide: 2 – 22 (with detailed fit guides available)
Summersalt are making stylish, flattering, and sustainable bathing suits from a range of eco-friendly fabrics. Despite the luxurious feel, their swimwear is made from fabric crafted with 78% recycled polyamide from post-consumer waste, and materials like old fishing nets.
The best thing about Summersalt is their inclusive sizing. The women-led company created their system sizing based on 1.5 million measurements taken from 10,000 women.
They offer detailed sizing guides to help you find the best fitting swimsuit. The result is a range of one-piece suits and bikinis that are super comfy, and stay in place.
The suits also offer UPF 50+ protection, and tests have found they they can withstand sand, sweat, and chlorine for 100+ hours without losing any support or shape.
2. Vitamin A Swim
Highlights: Vitamin A offers premium swimwear using recycled and plant-based materials, manufactured in the USA
Product line: Tops, bottoms, coverups & wraps
Size guide: XS-XL
Vitamin A offers transparency on how their products are made, where they’re made, and what they’re made of. Using recycled and plant-based materials, the brand has created a premium swimwear fabric, dubbed EcoLux™, to develop products.
The fabric was designed while working with the top mills in Italy, Canada, and California to create the recycled nylon fiber that’s being used across their swimwear garments. Other fabrics used are eco-conscious textiles such as organic cotton, linen, recycled cotton, and Tencel®.
Products are ethically made in California, and where that is not possible, factories are chosen for their female workforce and Fair Trade practices.
Each product comes with statistics to help you see how the product compares in terms of sustainability.
3. Boden
Highlights: A well-established brand, Boden offers sustainable swimwear without sacrificing quality.
Product line: One pieces, bikinis
Size guide: UK 2-22 (US XXS-4XL)
Boden’s swimwear is created in more substantial quantities compared to other brands in this list, but it’s done thoughtfully with a lot of consideration around environmental impact.
They’ve taken steps to ensure ethical manufacturing processes are being followed from inception to creation when it comes to their clothing. Each item purchased comes with a 365-day guarantee, reinforcing their purpose in creating functional and durable pieces.
The brand ensures their sourcing and packaging comes from responsible sources and have signed pledges to increase their accountability around how fabrics like cotton are sourced. Their swimwear line is created from regenerated nylon yarn derived from ocean waste. Boden is also involved in charitable causes such as female education and workplace support through HERproject.
4. OOKIOH
Highlights: Nostalgic and timeless swimwear that is truly designed for “living your best life” and versatile enough for different uses.
Product line: One pieces, tops, bottoms
Size guide: XS-XXL
OOKIOH’s swimwear isn’t just swimwear. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or the beach, or running errands, each piece can be used across different functions.
Bodysuits can be used as a quick outfit for grocery runs, or bikini tops can be used with other summer pieces such as shorts and skirts for a fun look. Their swimwear is fun and exciting, designed for traveling and spontaneity. Their pieces have sleek cuts, minimal colors, and interesting detailing. Mix and match pieces or buy as a full set, there are options for everyone.
Fabrics for the swimwear line are sourced from Italian mills and are made from 100% regenerated materials using ocean and consumer waste. The brand aims to ultimately reduce their carbon footprint by eliminating plastic from its supply chain over the next few years.
Also available to shop at Wolf and Badger.
5. Wolven
Highlights: Each purchase removes one pound of ocean-bound waste via Cleanhub, donate profits to environmental causes, and a variety of other eco-friendly initiatives.
Product line: Bikinis and one pieces in a variety of patterns and styles
Size guide: XS – XL
Wolven is a female-founded, sustainable activewear and swimwear brand based out of Los Angeles. All of their clothing — including their range of one-pieces and eco-friendly bikinis — is sustainably made from post-consumer plastic, helping remove wasted materials from our natural ecosystems.
Most of Wolven’s swimwear is made from a combination of RPET (recycled plastic bottles) with spandex, so the suits stay stretchy and supportive.
Wolven donate 1% of their profits to environmental causes through 1% For The Planet, as well as offsetting carbon emissions via Carbon Neutral, with the brand’s carbon credits supporting rainforest conservation and landfill methane capture initiatives.
The brand has a variety of other eco-friendly initiatives, from using OEKO-Tex Certified, non-toxic dyes, to using fully recycled packaging. We’re a big fan of Wolven and their diverse range of swimwear will have you covered for summer.
6. Urbankissed
Highlights: Stylish sustainable one-pieces and bikinis from sustainable swimwear brands
Product line: Bikinis, swimsuits
Size guide: XS – 2XL
Immerse yourselves into Urbankissed – a carefully curated online destination to shop from the best eco friendly swimwear favorites, making sustainability sexy at the beach. You will find popular sustainable swimwear brands such as Narah Soleigh, Holiday Romance, and Lilja The Label at Urbankissed.
The brands featured create chic sustainable bikinis and one-pieces from recycled materials and the softest Seaqual and Econyl – fashion’s favorite eco-friendly fabrics, made from post-consumer PET and upcycled marine plastic to help clean our oceans.
Moreover, each product goes through its “Slow & Ethical” Index that includes 15 values along the supply chain before making the cut.
Urbankissed ensures its range is made ethically and that each product has been extensively fit tested to offer comfort and support in every size. Plus, all shipping and returns are 100% carbon neutral at no extra cost.
We caught up with Urbankissed’s founder Sophie, to learn more about the marketplace.
7. Dippin’ Daisys
Highlights: 95% of swimsuits from recycled pre and post-consumer nylon. Made in LA. Eco-friendly dying process. Biodegradable packaging. Female-founded.
Product line: Biknis (tops and bottoms available separately), one pieces
Size range: XS – XL
Dippin’ Daisy’s make a range of stylish and fun swimsuits, all crafted and created in LA.
The brand has implemented a variety of sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials in their swimsuits, recycled and biodegradable packaging, and an eco-friendly digital printing process that uses less water and ink than traditional dying.
They’re also joining TerraCycle to close the clothing loop.
8. Ina Swim
Highlights: Ethical swimwear designed in Australia and made in Bali using 100% recycled materials free from chemicals
Product line: Reversible swimsuits, bikinis, and children’s sustainable swimwear
Size guide: S-XL
Ina Swim is a refreshingly different sustainable swimwear brand. Founded in 2018 by mothers of small children, the Australian brand designs sustainable swimwear for eco-conscious mothers and their children. Ina’s minimalist designs are high-quality and resistant to chlorine, sunscreen, and oils.
The brand uses 100% recycled materials with a UPF 50+ rating to keep you and your little ones sun-safe all year round.
9. Kitty and Vibe
Highlights: 100% recycled materials, produced in family owned factory in Bogota, recycled packaging
Product line: Bikinis (tops and bottoms available separately), one pieces
Size guide: Top sizes: A-G, Bottom sizes: S1 – 3XL2 (two booty sizes for every hip size)
Kitty and Vibe is an ethical swimwear brand designing fun, good-looking swimsuits in NYC. The fabric is digitally printed and assembled in small batches at a family owned factory in Bogota.
Kitty and Vibe’s sizing options are as inclusive as possible, and is one of the best parts about this brand. For every hip size, they offer two booty sizes to ensure they have a suit for every body type to help you avoid the common sizing issues with most swimsuits, of either not enough, or too much material.
Their new Wildflower Collection is created using 100% recycled fabric, and also offers SPF 50+ sun protection. It’s created using water-saving production methods, and dries quickly when you get out of the water.
If you’re interested in learning more about Kitty and Vibe’s backstory, make sure to read our interview with the brand’s founder here.
10. Patagonia
Highlights: A familiar face in the sustainable fashion world, Patagonia is continually making strides in creating eco-friendly swimwear and setting an example in the broader fashion world.
Product line: Biknis, one-piece suits, shorts
Size guide: XS-XXL
Since the brand’s inception, preservation and conservation have been a foundation of Patagonia’s business model. The brand pledges 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment and over the years, donations and cash have been provided, totalling over $89 million to grassroots environmental groups.
The swimwear has a slip-resistant nanogrip lining for extra security, and all items are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Patagonia swimwear is designed for those that like to be active on the beach and want some extra coverage and security to go swimming and surfing without worry. Swimwear is created from recycled polyester derived from plastic soda bottles.
11. Arrow and Phoenix
Highlights: Size-inclusive swimwear brand made in the USA swimwear from sustainable materials
Product line: Tops, bottoms, activewear, skincare
Size guide: XS-4XL
Arrow and Phoenix is a refreshingly different size-inclusive swimwear brand, allowing you to customize your swimwear to your color of choice.
The brand uses sustainable materials, including recycled Econyl, to create flattering one-pieces and bikinis. Plus, all of Phoenix and Arrow’s pieces are designed and sewn within the USA to lower their carbon footprint and ensure ethical production practices.
We discussed the inspiration behind the Arrow and Phoenix brand with founder Kayla Bell.
Using recycled polamide materials including ECONYL and REPREVE helps to reduce our use of non renewable fossil fuels, and helps to remove plastic pollution from landfills and oceans.
12.
Highlights: High-quality textiles and a clean production process are used to design modern pieces that have an effortless and chic silhouette.
Product line: One pieces and bikinis
Pricing: $$
Size range: XS-L
is all about innovation. The brand has been around since 2012, creating modern pieces that are all about elegant silhouettes and clean lines.
Fabrics are created from both natural fibers and recycled content and he production process aims at minimizing environmental impact and ethical working conditions.
Their swimsuits are generally made from 80% Polyamide and 20% Elastane, with Sun Protection Factor +50. All items of clothing are created under fair wages in Portugal as part of Baserange’s commitment to maintain sustainability and offer fair pay to factory workers.
13. Araks
Highlights: Recycled swimwear, ethical swimwear from audited partners, including swimsuits made in NYC
Product line: Recycled swimsuits, bikinis
Pricing: $$$$
Size guide: XS-XL
Araks creates eco-conscious swimwear from recycled material ECONYL®, a material made with recycled nylon abandoned fishing nets.
Araks’ recycled swimwear comes in chic, clean-cut styles, but some styles are also rated UPF 50+, ensuring a high UV protection.
The brand has an ethos rooted in sustainability. Araks participated in the 2018-2019 CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative and was mentored on sustainability and responsible design. This initiative has allowed Araks to grow its brand sustainably, ensuring responsible material sourcing and ethical labor.
Also available to shop at theyes.com and ssense.com.
14. RubyMoon
Highlights: 100% of profits go to loans to empower women entrepreneurs. Sustainable fabrics, vegan.
Product line: One pieces, bikinis, long-sleeve tops, shorts
Size range: S – XL
RubyMoon creates vibrant swimwear for women who want ethical swimwear that can be worn in or out of the water.
The brand uses ethical materials, including recycled ocean plastics. All of their materials and dyes are PETA-approved vegan, and OEKO-Tex certified.
RubyMoon also donate 100% of their net profits to women entrepreneurs in 11+ countries to help offer opportunities to those who need them most.
15. Peony Swimwear
Highlights: An independent family-run brand that focuses on conscious creation and sustainability across its designs
Product line: One pieces, bikinis, belted shorts
Size guide: 6-14 (Australia), XS-XL equivalent
An independent family-run business, Peony creates gorgeous swimwear that’s all about bringing in some femininity and fun to the designs.
Peony creates swimwear pieces from recycled fabrics, both as the main design and as the lining. The swimwear styles are sold separately, so customers can easily mix and match pieces and pick something that works for their particular style and body type.
Swimwear generally contains a high percentage of ECONYL®, regenerated nylon yarn created from the ocean, and landfill nylon waste.
The commitment to sustainability also extends to packaging, as Peony uses compostable and biodegradable packaging throughout the manufacturing and delivery process.
Many sustainable swimwear brands are using recycled materials including recycled polyester in their swimwear.
Using recycled polyester compared to virgin polyester is a great eco friendly switch, as it reduces our non renewable crude oil usage, and used around 30% less energy.
16. Filippa K
Highlights: UV protection and chlorine resistant swimwear. Sustainable materials, recycled polyester, recycled fabrics, plastic-free FSC certified packaging
Product Line: Minimalist bikinis and sustainable one-piece swimsuits
Size Guide: XS-XL
Luxury Swedish designer Filippa K creates minimalist chic sustainable swimwear from recycled materials.
Filippa K swimwear is traditional and chic, offering classic structured bathing suits and bikinis featuring a front lining and quick-drying material with chlorine resistance and UV protection.
17. Hakuna Wear
Highlights: Sustainable swimwear with pockets, made for surfers
Product line: One-piece and surf suits, bikinis, board shorts, rash guards
Size range: XS – XL
Hakuna Wear makes high-performing swimsuits designed to be worn on your ocean adventures.
Their swimsuits use eco-friendly materials, like natural Yulux rubber, and recycled fabrics made from post-consumer plastic water bottles.
Hakuna Wear’s suits are made for active use, and thery contain hidden pockets and key loops, and offer grewat support. The suits also offer 50+ UPF protection.
We had a chance to interview Hakuna Wear’s founder, Jessica — check it out to learn more about the brand and her mission.
18. Casa Raki
Highlights: A London-based independent boutique that focuses on thoughtful fabric choices and designs to create eco-conscious swimwear
Product line: Bottoms, tops, one-pieces in a variety of styles
Size Range: XS-L
Casa Raki is a small and independent boutique brand, all items are designed in London and ethically created in a female-owned and operated factory in Portugal.
The company partners with mills, factories, and people to produce garments as eco-consciously and ethically as possible.
Their commitment to sustainability is also reflected in their fabric choices. From labels to fabric, all designs include recycled nylon or recycled polyester, as do the linings of their swimsuits.
The company mainly uses ECONYL®, an innovative and eco-friendly fabric that turns waste into resources. The material is created from items such as industrial plastic, waste fabric, and fishing nets to produce new nylon yarn used in Casa Raki’s swimwear. Other fabrics include 100% GOTS certified organic linen and a completely renewable resource yarn, sourced from Castor Bean.
19. Medina Swimwear
Highlights: A truly luxe swimwear brand that’s both ethical and eco-conscious
Product line: One pieces, bikini tops (including long sleeve options) and bottoms
Size guide: XS-L
Like Casa Raki, Medina swimwear also uses waste-to-wear fabric ECONYL® regenerated nylon for its swimwear. UV-proof, sun cream, oil, and chlorine resistant, Medina Swimwear items are designed to last and follow a commitment to reduce environmental impact.
The company also ensures that a percentage of purchase has a charitable initiative attached to it by supporting a variety of causes.
Each season, Medina Swimwear chooses a different non-profit organization or project that is committed to cleaning the ocean. Working with nonprofits such as The Ocean Cleanup Project and Restore Coral, the brand focuses on creating ethical and sustainable swimwear with a purpose.
20. Rendl
Highlights: Signature details and design elements is what makes Rendl swimwear sustainable and unforgettable.
Product line: Bikinis and one piece suits
Size guide: S-XL
Rendl pieces are contemporary: a fusion of sporty, and functional to create a signature Rendl designed swimsuit. Each detail in design, form, and construction is thoughtfully chosen to be minimal and sleek, yet environmentally and socially aware.
Look out for Rendl’s square necklines, color-blocking, and streamlined silhouettes, making each piece incredibly distinctive. The brand also offers modest swimsuits to accommodate a variety of body types and needs.
The swimwear is created from Italian material ECONYL®. It’s quick-drying, light, chlorine resistant, and UV protective, making it the perfect choice for lazing by the beach. The swimwear is made in Bulgaria and features 82% regenerated Polyamide and Lycra for stretchiness.
21. Stay Wild Swim
Highlights: Creating swimwear with a purpose, Stay Wild’s small-batch swimwear is flattering and eco-friendly
Size guide: UK size 6-18 (US XS-XXL)
Stay Wild’s swimwear is about creating beautiful pieces that serve a larger purpose. Passionate about the environment and ocean conservation, the brand is committed to creating functional swimwear that protects the planet.
Using ECONYL® regenerated nylon, ocean waste is turned into yarn by an Italian mill. All of the swimwear is produced in a small ethical factory in the brand’s hometown, London. The close proximity of the factory enables the team to have substantial involvement in the creation and production of their swimwear while also ensuring that the production process remains as sustainable as possible.
The factory operates under industry ethical standards, fair wages, and has a zero-waste approach when producing swimwear.
22. Galamaar
Highlights: Los Angeles-made swimwear made sustainably and ethically with quality construction
Size guide: XS-XL
Galamaar’s swimwear is bold, funky, and bright – truly matching the LA aesthetic where the products are created and manufactured. Keenly aware of the environmental impact of fashion, Galamaar is committed to ensuring its products change the status quo and usher in a new wave of sustainable fashion. The brand uses locally manufactured pad inserts, recycled hang tags, regenerated mixed metal hardware, and eco-packaging materials as part of their commitment to sustainability.
Similar to other brands, they also use ECONYL® fabric to create their swimwear. This waste-to-wear ideology of using ocean pollution to create this fabric ensures that ocean pollution impact is decreased, without sacrificing quality. The material is durable and long-lasting. Combined with the Galamaar’s immaculate construction, it makes for a beautiful product that will last forever.
The brand is also one of the few that highlights its production and manufacturing team, so you can know exactly who is responsible for the garments and their working conditions. All products are created in Los Angeles, California, at a small family-owned and operated facility. Information is available about the owners of the factory, as well as the employees on the website, so that you can learn more about how Galamaar’s products are made.
23. Do Good Swimwear
Highlights: Recycled materials, made locally in the USA, Recyclable and compostable packaging, Profits give back to charity.
Product Line: Swimsuits, bikini tops and bottoms, perfect for surfing.
Sizes: S-XL
Do Good Swimwear is a small, sustainable swim brand made for active ocean lovers who want to do good, look good, and feel good. They provide simple, classic cuts and designs, so you can mix and match your swimsuits and keep them for years to come.
Their swimwear is made from recycled materials, such as Econyl® and Repreve. Do Good Swimwear use digital printing technology, and suits are made in small batches by local manufacturers and sewists around the USA.
Access and inclusivity are as important as sustainability for this brand. Their sustainable swimwear is affordable for more people to enjoy. Many of the models featured are everyday ocean lovers from all walks of life, showing that all shapes and sizes are beautiful.
Each purchase also gives back to various nonprofits supporting ocean conservation efforts, tree planting for carbon offsets, and women’s empowerment nonprofits.
24. LÈ BUNS
Highlights: 100% regenerated materials, pushes for ethical worker treatment, recycled packaging, female-led
Product line: Versatile and convertible bikinis (tops and bottoms available separately)
Pricing: $$
Size guide: AUS Sizes: 6-16
LÈ BUNS is all about basics you can feel good about adding to your cart. Every piece in its swimwear collection is convertible, versatile, and can be transformed to be worn in various ways, making it a true staple in your summer wardrobe. In addition, the swimwear line looks good on all body shapes and sizes and provides support for those with bigger busts.
The luxurious feeling swimwear collection is made from durable regenerated nylon, sourced in Italy from a mill that has been knitting innovative fabrics for over 50 years. This yarn helps reduce waste globally, with every tonne of fish net recovered and regenerated will produce enough years for 26,000 pairs of bikini bottoms.
LÉ BUNS gives back with i=Change and donates $1 from every purchase to one of its three chosen charities: Greening Australia, The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation, and Women’s Community Shelters.
25. Sloactive
Highlights:
Product line: Bikinis, one-pieces, high-waist surf shorts, wetsuits.
Pricing: $$$
Size guide: S-L
Sloactive is a women-led sustainable swimwear brand following a circular approach.
Sloactive products are made from Yulex – a 100% plant based material. Yulex is a natural rubber that’s harvested from FSC Certified forests. The Yulex is then turned into a high-performance, high-quality material that’s ideal for sustainable swimsuits.
All of the products are made in Italy in an independent textile factory, using eco-friendly production methods such as replacing solvent-based glue with water-based glues. The dyeing process they use requires 75% less water than traditional methods, and the process is petroleum-free. In summary, Sloactive is an excellent option if you’re looking for your next summer swimwear. If you’re into cold water swimming or surfing, Sloactive have you covered with their Yulex-based wetsuits too.
For every purchase, the brand donates to an ocean charity partner via their EARTH TO OCEAN model – which you can choose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco Beach Swimwear
Look for fabrics such as recycled nylon, ECONYL, hemp, and regenerated materials from post-consumer waste.
How We Chose These Sustainable Swimwear Brands
1. Sustainable Materials
We look to see what proportion of sustainably sourced materials a brand uses. In particular, we love when brands are transparent about exactly where their materials come from and the processes used.
It’s also important that the sustainable materials are high-quality and fit for purpose. In addition, the materials must be functional, quick-drying, stretchy, and provide good coverage for sustainable bathing suits and bikinis.
Materials that are a good option for sustainable swimwear include ECONYL®, a versatile recycled material made from fishing nets, Repreve – a recycled fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, or innovative materials.
2. Ethics
When choosing sustainable swimwear brands, we look at how the company treats workers in its supply chain. As a result, we select brands that ethically create their sustainable beachwear and swimwear. In addition, we look at brand transparency, auditing, and accreditations such as Fair Trade Certified™, Fair Labor Association, and more.
3. Reviews
We look at brand and product reviews on the brand’s website to ensure the products and brands we recommend are high-quality.
Wrapping Up: Sustainable Swimwear
When it comes to sustainable swimwear, it’s clear that there are a lot of brands out there that are genuinely making a difference.
Each one featured here provides a great deal of information – far more than usual to underscore the commitment to sustainability they uphold. Using innovative and new types of recycled fabrics, ethical working conditions, and new forms of working to reduce carbon footprint, these brands are creating products with a clear conscience.
Paired with unique designs, unusual cuts, and beautiful products, this is a new way of shopping. Rather than opt for disposable swimwear, these brands offer products that can withstand the test of time. Created to be durable, functional, and built to last, swimwear from these brands isn’t just a purchase, it’s an investment into a product that you can use forever and does good for the planet too.
If you’re looking to discover mens sustainable swimwear, take a look at our recommendations here.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure you’re summer ready by checking out our sustainable sandals, sustainable shorts, cruelty-free sunscreen, and sustainable dresses recommendations.
Really great article! You should also include Tuhkana in this list.
Amazing
Bundle of thanks for sharing this post
This is great! I also found a brand it’s called OH LA MER the ig is @oh.la.mer . I really liked it ! it has a perfect fit and it also is reversible and has kind of a boho style vibe
They use carvico vita and and packaging is all recycled.. I definitely recommend it!
Yes! Let’s change the mindset and buy sustainable clothes!!!