Swimwear is one of the most popular items of clothing worn during the summer months. Unfortunately, most swimsuits are made with synthetic materials that are not environmentally friendly. These materials often contain toxic chemicals which can harm marine life and sea beds when they end up in the ocean.

The good thing is that sustainable swimwear brands use eco-friendly materials and fair-trade practices. In this blog post, we will be discussing sustainable swimwear brands and the materials they use.

We will also differentiate sustainable swimwear from conventional swimwear and explain why sustainable swimwear is a better option for the environment.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Traditional Vs. Sustainable Swimwear: The Differences

Traditional swimwear is made with synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and Lycra. These materials are quick-drying, but they are not environmentally friendly. For instance, polyester is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource.

Nylon is also derived from petroleum, and it takes centuries to break down in the environment. These materials are also not biodegradable and will sit in landfills for years.

Meanwhile, eco-friendly swimwear brands use recycled materials and fabric to make their swimsuits. One example is the ECONYL regenerated nylon, a type of recycled nylon made from fishing nets and other waste products.

This sustainable material can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality. Recycled polyester is also used to make sustainable swimwear. This type of polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer plastics.

Sustainable swimwear brands also use sustainable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp. These materials are environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable and grown without the use of harmful chemicals.

10 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands To Shop

Now that we have discussed the difference between sustainable and traditional swimwear, it’s time to look at some of the best sustainable swimwear brands.

Below are our top picks for sustainable swimwear brands:

Salomé

Ethically produced by women in the Dominican Republic, Salomé’s sustainable swimsuits are primarily made with ECONYL regenerated nylon. They also use Tencel, a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp.

Salome’s sustainable swimsuits are made to last, and they offer a wide range of styles to choose from. All of their swimwear is resistant to chlorine and offers UV protection.

This sustainable swimwear brand only produces a limited number of items to reduce waste.

Vitamin A

If you strive for a 70s vibe on the beach or pool, you’ll love Vitamin A’s sustainable bathing suits. Using recycled and plant-based materials, this sustainable swimwear brand offers a range of bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups.

Vitamin A’s sustainable swimsuits are made with numerous eco-friendly fabrics like EcoLux, Tencel, and EcoRib – all of which are soft, sustainable, and skin-friendly.

This ethical swimwear brand also partners with organizations that protect the environment, such as 1% of the planet, One Tree Planted, and Oceana.

Made Trade

If you’re on the lookout for eco-swimwear brands with inclusive sizing, you’ll want to check out Made Trade.

Made Trade has sizes up to 2XL, making them one of the most size-inclusive sustainable swimwear companies that carry several brands under its ethical umbrella.

Eco thread and sustainable dyes are used in their sustainable swimwear garments. You’ll find plenty of sustainable one-piece and two-piece suits on their website.

BOLD Swim

Carefully created to fit a range of body types, BOLD swimsuits will make you feel confident and beautiful.

Ethically made in Brazil, the swimwear is made out of recycled and sustainable materials that are gentle on your skin and the environment. BOLD Swim also uses the Amni Soul Eco, a biodegradable nylon fabric derived from sustainable sources.

This sustainable swimwear brand has many styles, including bikinis, one-pieces, and plus-size options. BOLD Swim also partners with only a handful of brands to ensure quality and sustainable practices.

Girlfriend Collective

This sustainable fashion brand is always at the forefront of sustainable innovation.

Girlfriend Collective uses recycled fishing nets and other industrial waste from the ocean to create and design sustainable and chic swimwear.

This sustainable swimwear brand also offers a wide range of inclusive sizes, from XXS to 6XL. Girlfriend Collective also uses recycled packaging to reduce its environmental impact further.

CUUP

CUUP is more than just an inclusive and eco-friendly swimwear brand – it also creates bathing suits that fit women with chests larger than a D cup.

The sleek and sustainable swimsuit brand partners with an integrated development and manufacturing facility that practices sustainable methods.

CUUP’s swimsuits are inclusive, sustainable, and made to last. Whether you’re looking for a bikini, one-piece, or tankini – CUUP has you covered.

Do Good Swimwear

Created and designed by surfers, Do Good Swimwear is an eco-friendly swimwear brand inspired by the ocean.

Each swimwear and bathing suit is created using recycled materials from plastic bottles, old nylons, and fishing nets.

Do Good Swimwear also gives back to the community and has partnered with organizations that advocate for ocean conservation efforts. A portion of the profits from each swimsuit sold goes towards these organizations.

Patagonia

Aside from selling sustainable and eco-friendly clothing, Patagonia is also known for its eco-friendly swimwear.

This fair-trade certified company has always been an eco-friendly and sustainable brand.

Patagonia’s swimsuits are made with recycled materials like nylon and polyester. The company also ensures that its workers are paid a fair wage and have good working conditions.

Some of their other products also use natural materials like organic cotton and wool. Patagonia is definitely a sustainable company that you can trust.

Jessica Rey Swimwear

Finding an ethical swim brand that offers modest swimwear options can be quite a challenge.

But Jessica Rey Swimwear offers swim dresses that are not only stylish but also sustainable and modest.

The sustainable swimwear brand uses recycled materials to create its garments. Jessica Rey Swimwear also focuses on fair labor practices and ensuring that its workers are paid a living wage.

The brand uses Italian fabrics made from regenerated polyamide, a recycled material sourced from rescued fishnets. Its diverse range of sizes ensures that everyone can enjoy sustainable swimwear options.

Fair Harbor

On the lookout for men’s trunks made from sustainable materials?

Fair Harbor has got you covered. The sustainable swimwear brand uses recycled plastic bottles to create its trunks.

These stylish and functional swim trunks have designs that will make you stand out from the rest. Fair Harbor also has a range of sustainable apparel made from recycled materials.

Conclusion

Many sustainable swimwear brands offer eco-friendly and sustainable options for the conscious swimmer. These brands use sustainable materials and fair labor practices and give back to the community.

When shopping for sustainable swimwear, it is crucial to consider the materials that the garments are made from and the brand’s sustainable practices.

With so many sustainable swimwear brands available, there will be a sustainable option for everyone. So go ahead and enjoy a guilt-free swim!