10 best sustainable swimwear brands Eco-friendly 2021
This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, EcoCult receives a small percentage of the sale price. Some brands may have paid a small fee to be featured. We only recommend brands that we truly believe in. Support our editorial work by supporting them!
Here’s the think about shopping for sustainable bathing suits: no, you can’t get ones made without petrochemical-based synthetics. I’m sorry.
I know you’ve seen some crocheted bikinis made with cotton, but unfortunately, once that crochet cotton gets wet, it stretches out. Believe me. I had one, and when I complained to the brand, their answer was that it’s not supposed to get wet. Oh! OK. It’s just decorative, then?
So, the what is a conscious consumer to do?
First, look for bathing suits made with recycled fabric, either from fishing nets or plastic water bottles. Then, look at where the textile is printed, and where the bathing suit is sewn. You want to make sure it’s made ethically in a country with strong manufacturing protections.
Lucky for you, there’s plenty to choose from with that criteria!
[Looking for other eco summer fashion? Check out our sandals, sundresses, and sunglasses roundups too.]
Summersalt
Made from recycled polyamide and elastane, this quality swimwear is super flattering, UPF 50+, and shockingly cheap, for only $95. FYI: It used to be made in NYC when it launched, but has since moved production to China.
Do Good Swimwear
Do Good Swimwear handmakes classic swimsuits in a limited assortment of colors that can be mixed and matched for longer use. Each suite is made out of recycled ocean waste materials (like fishnets, plastic bottles, and old nylons) and they aim for carbon offsetting by planting trees with each purchase. Plus, a portion from each purchase supports a number of different non-profit organizations, from ocean conservation to girls’ education.
Is Cupshe sustainable?
Wolven Threads swimwear is sustainably made from recycled bottles. Their material is free of harmful and toxic chemicals + they donate 5% of their profit to bring the sacred practice of yoga into incarcerated settings, teaching yoga to at-risk youth.
For the Dreamers
For the Dreamers swimwear is made mostly out of ECONYL, which is regenerated nylon is made from pre and post-consumer waste such as fishing nets from the oceans and aquaculture, fabric scraps from mills, old carpets destined for landfills and other nylon waste. In order to decrease their environmental impact, they work with a carbon-neutral shipping company and use more environmentally friendly printing machines for labels, recycled wrapping, and compostable shipping bags. Plus, 5% of every purchase is donated to an organization that provides clean water to those without access to it.
CasaGIN sustainable swimwear
With swimwear created in Italy, CasaGIN attempts to work with the resources Earth offers, innovating with both the aesthetic and functional properties of different fabrics. Their swimwear collection is made with soft and breathable ECONYL, a regenerated fiber that can be recycled and remolded indefinitely to reduce its impact on climate change. CasaGIN follows an ethical production process, sourcing only Italian fabrics and ensuring safe and fair work for employees.
Outerknown
This is what socially conscious surfer dudes wear when they grow up and get sophisticated. Founded by a surf champion and menswear designer, Outerknown is partnered with the Fair Labor Association and certified by Bluesign, which ensures toxins are excluded from the manufacturing process. Even their packaging is non-toxic and water-soluble. Their swimwear is made mostly out of recycled material.
Finding a Swimsuit That Really Fits
Is Triangl swimwear ethical?
Galamaar
Body positivity and racial inclusivity are big issues for this ethical swimwear brand. We adore how their styles all come in a wide range of sizes and colors to suit any body shape or skin tone
Lively
For 2020, Lively created its first ever eco-conscious swimwear line, with suits made primarily out of recycled polyester. The styles are timeless and meant to be mix and matched, and sizes go up to XXL/DDD.
Wolven sustainable swimwear
Wolven swimwear and athleisure is made from OEKO-TEX Certified Recycled P.E.T. plastic bottles and carbon-neutral modal fabric. They also partner with NativeEnergy to carbon offset their operations footprint and choose more eco-conscious packaging to ship products to their customers. Their Chinese manufacturing partner is certified by WCA for labor, wages, work hours, health, safety, and environmental practices.
REI sustainable swimwear
Every brand that REI carries meets a minimum standard of ethical and sustainable operation. Although not every single item is made out of recycled and/or natural materials, they have a really wide variety of apparel to choose from that is not only made in a conscious way but is also very high quality. Or, you can shop from their Used Gear section, which is perhaps the most sustainable (and affordable!) option. For more about REI’s sustainability initiatives in-depth, read this.
Ekouaer Women’s One Piece Swimsuit Elegant Inspired Vintage Pin up Monokinis Tummy Control Swimwear Shirred Bathing Suits
- UNIQUE DESIGN: Stylish by land and sea, this sophisticated one-piece monokinis swimsuit shines with a curve-loving ruching front, which makes you stand out in the crowd.
- ENHANCE YOUR CURVES: Vintage Inspired swimsuit allover shirring visually slims and conceals, Slims and smoothes tummy and hips.
- CONVENIENT WEARING: Light contoured padding, adjustable straps, and no closure, this one-piece monokinis swimsuit is easy to put on and save wearing tie-in problems.
- EXCELLENT QUALITY: One-piece pin-up swimsuit has classic coverage, the full-back and quickly dry fabric design provides its flexibility and stronger protective properties.
- NOTE: PLEASE DON’T USE Amazon Women’s Apparel Size Chart. FOR CORRECT FIT PLEASE USE THE SIZE CHART PROVIDED IN THE PRODUCT PHOTO. Hand washes only, flat dry, for best results, rinse and line dry immediately after use.
Where can I buy a sustainable bathing suit?
And since you’re prepping your beach bag anyway, be sure to add some natural sunscreens and eco-friendly sandals.
- Summersalt. Based In | St. …
- Boden. Based In | London, UK. …
- Vitamin A. Based In | Laguna Beach, CA. …
- TomboyX. Based In | Seattle, WA. …
- Hackwith Design House. …
- Londre. …
- Jessica Rey Swimwear. …
- JADE Swim.
Patagonia
On top of Patagonia’s swimwear is made from a soft and durable 83% recycled polyester/ 17% spandex blend, all the sewing is done in Fair Trade certified factories.
Circuit by Otherwild sustainable swimwear
Circuit Swim by Otherwild is an androgynous swimsuit designed for a wide variety of bodies and gender expressions. friends Circuit fills the hole left by a limited and patriarchal notion of swimwear, made for people whose style choices fall outside of the fashion industry’s antiquated assumptions regarding gender and identity. It’s reversible, designed and made in New York City, and made out of 82% recycled polyester (plus 18% long life spandex).
How To Buy The Best Swimsuit – Bikini For You
Kool & Konscious
Kool & Konscious’ NOT A VIRGIN suit is made from recycled materials and is meant to be recycled after you’re finished with it. The suit itself is made from ECONYL (recycled fishing nets) and recycled PA, the elastic is 100% biodegradable, and even the thread is 100% recyclable. As a company, Kool & Konscious is on the way to becoming carbon neutral and even created their own Impakt Score methodology to increase transparency as they progress toward their goals.
As a brand, BOLD Swim showcases strength, sensuality, and playfulness through soft textiles, saturated colors, and a variety of silhouettes. Their fabric is a synthetic called Amni Soul Eco, which is not only soft and breathable but also third-party tested certified to be biodegradable in a landfill!
Vitamin A
The 28 Best Sustainable & Ethical Bathing Suit Brands for 2020
When it comes to swimwear, synthetic fabrics are actually a pro since they don’t retain as much water and dry a lot faster. For more sustainable swimwear, typically the best route is to look for recycled materials so at least no new resources were used to make it and existing materials like fishing nets and bottles are being repurposed.
As with all the roundups I try to have a mix of North American, European, and Australian brands.
Rosewe swimsuits An Assortment
Hackwith Design House
HDH does it all with their clothing, swim, basics, and intimates lines. Their swim collection is all made in-house at their studio in Minnesota from recycled polyester. Many of their styles are also available in plus size!
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Solid colors in unique and versatile cuts
Conscious Highlights: Recycled materials, made in-house, made-to-order, plus size, made in America
Size Range: XS – +4.5
Ordering: Based in the USA, ships international
Minnow
A Canadian brand with sporty cuts in a variety of colors and unique prints. They design 1 collection a year which is locally made-to-order with a focus on reducing waste.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Colours and prints in sporty cuts, fuller coverage options
Conscious Highlights: Recycled materials, made-to-order, gives back, made in Canada
Size Range: XS – XXL
Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international
Swimsuits The Best Friends in Summer
UND
An Italian brand with sleek cuts and mesh details. UND uses recycled plastic lycra for the main parts of their suits, their suppliers are all part of an energy efficiency program, and they manufacture everything in Italy.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Minimal styles with see-through accents
Conscious Highlights: Recycled and Oeko-Tex certified materials, seasonless design, made in Italy
Size Range: S – L
Ordering: Based in Italy, ships international
Plus Size Tummy-Control Swimsuits
Saltwater Collective sustainable swimwear
This Canadian brand uses Econyl® for its swimwear which is made from recycled nylon, regenerated from fishing nets, and plastic waste. Saltwater Collective‘s one and two-piece suits are all made locally in Toronto.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Simple, classic cuts in both bright and neutral colours
Conscious Highlights: Recycled materials, made in Canada
Size Range: XS – 2X
Ordering: Based in Canada, ships to some international countries
Anek.
Also featured in our sustainable bra round-up, Anek. is a brand that really believes in recycling. Their swimwear is made either in their Berlin studio or Polish factory from Econyl® recycled nylon and any detailed materials and elastics are sourced from factory leftovers and deadstock.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Classic colours with cute cut-outs and strap details
Conscious Highlights: Recycled materials, made in Germany or Poland
Size Range: XS – XL
Ordering: Based in Germany, ships international
Elle Evans sustainable swimwear
Elle Evans is an Australian brand that was also featured in our sustainable activewear roundup. They have a mix of fun prints and solids in recycled nylon, and all swimsuits are made to order (mostly by Elle herself!) in their in-house studio.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Colourful prints & sexy cuts
Conscious Highlights: Recycled materials, made-to-order, zero fabric waste, made in-house, made in Australia
Size range: XS – XL
Ordering: Based in Australia, ships international
Finding The Best Slimming Swimsuit For Your Body Type
Jessica Rey
For those looking for fuller coverage or more modest swimwear, Jessica Rey has a great selection of feminine and retro-inspired styles. Their swimwear is all made in a fair-wage factory in LA from recycled nylon.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Fuller-coverage suits and retro cuts
Conscious Highlights: recycled materials, made in America
Size Range: XS – 1X
Ordering: based in US, ships international
Reset Priority
This Barcelona-based brand has a collection of colorful and unique swim styles. Some of Reset Priority‘s suits are made from recycled nylon, and they use OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified fabrics, as well as Xtra Life Lycra® which prolongs the life of the garment.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Unique cuts, details, and prints
Conscious Highlights: some recycled and certified materials, made in Spain and Italy
Size Range: XS – XL
Ordering: Based in Spain, ships international
10 top trending Bra Brands of 2021
Nettle’s Tale
I first heard about Nettle’s Tale years ago when they were crowdfunding to launch the brand and loved their celebration of body-diversity. They take fitness very seriously and all their suits are locally made in Vancouver from recycled polyester, plus the sale of each swimsuit donates 10% to a select charity.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Cuts designed to fit and flatter many body types
Conscious Highlights: Recycled materials, gives back, plus size, made in Canada
Size Range: XS – 2X
Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international
What is sustainable swimwear?
For more sustainable swimwear, typically the best route is to look for recycled materials so at least no new resources were used to make it and existing materials like fishing nets and bottles are being repurposed. As with all the roundups I try to have a mix of North American, European, and Australian brands.
Cute Designs For Baby Swimsuits and Toddler Swimwear
Shapes in the Sand sustainable swimwear
This Australian brand makes staple swim styles in their own prints. Shapes in the Sand uses Econyl® recycled nylon, takes a zero-waste approach to their fabric cutting, uses plastic-free hygiene liners, and manufactures everything in Australia.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: Unique prints in classic cuts
Conscious Highlights: Recycled materials, zero fabric waste, made in Australia
Size Range: AU/UK 6-14
Ordering: Based in Australia, ships international
BOLD Swim
BOLD Swim has sexy and classic styles (some in plus size as well!). I wanted to include them in particular though because unlike the other brands who use recycled materials, they actually make their suits from a special “biodegradable” nylon fabric called Amni Soul Eco®. Like with most proprietary fabrics it’s very difficult to get more information about how exactly it works so I am always a bit skeptical but the brand claims it will biodegrade in landfills.
Halter Swimsuits and Tankini Swimwear
-The Breakdown-
Great for: solid colour swimsuits in brights and neutrals
Conscious Highlights: biodegradable materials, plus size, sourced and made in Brazil
Size Range: S – 3X
Ordering: based in USA, ships international
Margaret and Hermione
A playful swimwear brand from Austria, Margaret, and Hermione make their swimsuits from recycled nylon with their own prints. They use recycled and sustainable materials for all their packaging and tags and their suits are all made in Croatia.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: minimalist styles and artistic prints
Conscious Highlights: recycled materials, sustainable packaging, made in Europe
Size Range: 34 – 42
Ordering: Based in Austria, ships international
My Swimsuit sustainable swimwear
Since I’ve been pregnant, swimming has become my new favorite activity – the weightlessness feels amazing plus it’s a great full-body workout! I didn’t want to get a maternity swimsuit since I wanted something that would last, and the bottoms I had still fit (they’re both from Underprotection and one I got through Azura Bay). However, the top I had wasn’t adjustable so I needed to get a new one and found this great reversible one from June’s eco collection with MEC.
June x MEC
June Swimwear is a Canadian company that makes their swimsuits locally in Montreal. Their collection mainly uses conventional fabrics although their recent collaboration with outdoor brand MEC now uses recycled materials which is awesome to see and something I hope they will continue.
-The Breakdown-
Great for: simple cuts and surf-friendly styles in colorful prints and solids
Conscious Highlights: recycled materials (MEC collaboration), made in Canada
Size Range: S – XL
Ordering: based in Canada, ships international
I also want to give a shout-out to Remember Me Green who gifted me this eco-friendly beach tote which has been the perfect bag for the pool, picnics, and everyday use! I previously used a cotton tote but especially with swimming more regularly it was always getting wet and dirty. RMG’s bags are all made from recycled NYC billboard materials so they’re not only sustainable but also water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable.
natural face wash
Searches related to sustainable swimwear
- affordable sustainable swimwear
- sustainable swimwear manufacturers
- Jessica Rey swimwear
- sustainable swimwear Europe
- simple sustainable swimwear
- do good swimwear
- sustainable swimwear fabric
- eco-friendly swimwear manufacturers
Sustainable Shoes brands women’s made in USA 2021
Rael / Hesta Women’s Organic Cotton Basic Panties Underwear 4 Pack (Large, 2black/2natural)
- Our panties are made of 95% Global Organic Textile Standard Certified Cotton and 5% spandex.
- ENJOY THE SOFTEST TOUCH: The premium fabric assures a silky smooth touch for your delicate skin. Safe on sensitive skin. (95% Organic Certified Cotton+5% Spandex)
- THE PERFECT FIT FOR ALL SIZES: Pick among the sizes that vary from XS to 4XL
- 3 CLASSIC COLORS: Make any combination you like and choose the white, black or nude briefs.
- CUTE PINK PACKAGE: You will receive these amazing underwear neatly folded in a pink package box.