Sustainable swimwear Online ticks off a lot of boxes, including eco-conscious materials, ethical production and a low carbon footprint. The best brands do this well, reducing waste and keeping oceans clean and their customers confident.
Byron Bay boho label Kitty and Vibe use econyl recycled nylon in their kaftans, wraps and bikinis, with a focus on fair trade. They also offer a range of body positivity pieces, including maternity and long-torso fits.
1. Outerknown
When it comes to sustainable swimwear, the options are plentiful. From eco-friendly bathing suits to beach dresses, these brands are paving the way for an industry that is conscious of people and the planet.
Co-created by world champion surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown makes stylish everyday clothing that’s built to last. They’re also dedicated to reducing their impact on the environment through innovation, transparency and people-first practices.
Their supply chain is fully transparent, allowing you to see the names, locations and certifications of their makers. And they work with makers who abide by the Fair Labor Association standards and follow Greenpeace’s guidelines to minimize their environmental footprint.
They use recycled, organic or regenerated fibers to create their men’s and women’s swim trunks. And they’re a Fair Trade USA partner, investing in the livelihoods of their workers. They’re also a member of 1% for the Planet and work with Oceana to help restore the oceans. Plus, they have a 2030 plan to make their products circular.
2. Free People
Tomboy makes eco-friendly swimwear with recycled nylon, a synthetic fabric made from repurposed fishing nets and carpet fibers. They also prioritize ethical manufacturing practices and have a commitment to inclusivity. Their gender-neutral styles are a hit among YouTubers who post try-on hauls.
This brand is all about sustainable fashion that reflects a free-spirited lifestyle. They create one-of-a-kind designs that incorporate vintage and bohemian influences. They have a large following among 20-somethings. They’re part of the URBN group and share the same values as its sister brands.
The brand is committed to sustainability but still has a ways to go in terms of people and the environment. While they’ve improved by offering reusable shopping bags and using energy efficient LED lighting in their stores, there’s more that can be done to reduce carbon emissions, hazardous chemicals, water usage, and waste. They also need to make a stronger commitment to pay a living wage and disclose their list of suppliers.
3. Bold Swim
Bold Swim is a sustainable bathing suit brand that uses luxury fabrics to make swimsuits for the modern, confident vacationer. This brand uses only sustainable materials that reduce their environmental impact. They also use durable fabrics that can be worn multiple times before they need to be washed. This reduces the number of outfits in your suitcase and cuts down on water and energy usage on vacation.
This brand is dedicated to environmental stewardship and uses transparency in their supply chain. They reveal the name, location, and conditions of every facility they work with. They also funnel a portion of their profits into environmental non-profits.
This brand blends style and sustainability beautifully. They use eco-conscious materials like recycled nylon and plant-based Tencel. They also have a zero-deadstock policy so no fabric goes to waste. In addition to their environmentally friendly materials, they have a wide range of styles from classic to trendy. This makes them a great choice for any type of summer getaway.
4. CYELL
If you’re shopping sustainable swimwear for women, make sure to look for transparent brands that prioritize production location and materials. Ideally, you want to be supporting small businesses that value water and energy efficiency and have minimal planetary impact as well as those that employ fair wages for their garment workers.
The eco-friendly swimwear line by CYELL is bold, universally-flattering and oh-so chic. Their pieces are made with a recycled polyester and regenerated nylon called econyl, which gives second life to plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.
The line is also one of the few size-inclusive sustainable swimwear brands, and it’s a great choice for plus-size women as well. Their reversible suits and wrap dresses feature UPF50 sun protection for safe outdoor lounging. The brand also uses a tencel fabric that’s grown sustainably and processed with less waste and chemicals, and their bandeau tops, curve-enhancing bottoms and one-piece suits are designed to look amazing on every woman.