Looking for the best affordable sustainable swimwear for all your future sun-soaked adventures? From recycled bathing suits to splurge-worthy reversible sustainable swimwear, we rounded up the top 21 ethical swimwear options below.
This post is about the best affordable sustainable swimwear.
With summer being a breath away, now is the quintessential time to start adding the cutest one-pieces and bikinis to your warm-weather shopping list. A few years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find ethical biodegradable swimwear or reversible sustainable swimwear. Now? Recycled bathing suits are at the forefront of the fashion sphere. From modest silhouettes to bold and vibrant styles with frills, unexpected cut-outs, and barely-there patterns, there’s no shortage of affordable sustainable swimwear to choose from.
Can swimsuits really be sustainable?
The short answer is YES, swimsuits can be sustainable if slow fashion brands have strict regulations in place for their sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution process. The $5 swimsuit might look cute, but it was probably mass-produced in Bangladesh or India with polyester and elastane. Slow fashion brands, on the other hand, use sustainably-sourced and recycled materials to create their ethical swimwear collections in certified fair labor factories in small batches.
What is the most sustainable fabric for swimsuits?
Recycled bathing suits are the new craze and for a pretty good reason. Basically, synthetic textiles crafted from recycled plastics are turned into luxurious swimwear. The most sustainable fabric for swimsuits is ECONYL. This Italian fiber is made from plastic waste, textile waste, and nylon fishing nets – just to name a few. Fabrics made from recycled PET plastic bottles are another popular option for sustainable bathing suits. One of the most loved brands for recycled swimsuits is by Wolven!
What makes a bathing suit sustainable?
Unlike unethical swimwear, sustainable bathing suits are crafted from eco-conscious fabrics in fair trade certified factories. Slow fashion brands usually carry certifications that prove their pledge to sustainability. Other slow fashion brands take it a step further and focus on carbon-neutral production and renewable energy.
Can sustainable swimsuits be affordable?
This post is about sustainable swimwear.
Best of The Best In Sustainable Swimwear!
Size inclusive recycled bathing suits drenched in prints? Yes, please. Kitty & Vibe’s Recycled Poly and X-Life Lycra swimwear come with SPF 50+ sun protection to make your beach-time safer and more enjoyable. The brand is also ISO 14001 certified.
Price: $46-95
Ethics: Sustainable and recycled materials, ISO 14001 certified, size-inclusive
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Size Range: S – 5XL
Shop Kitty & Vibe Here
A Few Favorites From Kitty & Vibe:
Summersalt strives to help us enhance each and every one of our curves with affordable sustainable swimwear that are touted for their exceptional fit. Their colorful beach staples are crafted from post-consumer materials such as recycled polyamide and Lycra and offer UPF 50+ protection.
Price: $45-125
Ethics: Sustainable and recycled materials, manufacturing partners with WRAP certification, GOTS and GRS certified
Location/Shipping: Sold from Europe, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: XS-2XL
Shop Summersalt Here
A few favorites from Summersalt:
When it comes to affordable sustainable swimwear, GF Collective’s ethical collection, which goes up to 6X, reigns supreme. From look-at-me-now one-pieces with vibrant colors (that certainly don’t go unnoticed), to simple yet flattering recycled bathing suits in neutral colors, GF Collective’s affordable sustainable swimwear has you covered. Each piece is crafted from recycled fishing nets and your purchase will give back 1% to Healthy Seas.
Price: $38-$78
Ethics: Premium Sustainable & recycled materials, SA8000 Fair Trade Certified
Location/Shipping: Sold to the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia
Size Range: XXS TO 6XL
Shop GF Collective Here
A few favorites from Girlfriend Collective:
The brand’s aim to “make sustainability sexy” is evident throughout their collection. Wolven’s reversible sustainable swimwear is bold and beautiful – just like their wearers. Every design is made from recycled bottles which mas it ultra-soft, breathable, quick-drying, and good for the planet. There are currently 54 affordable sustainable swimwear options to choose from.
Price: $56-148
Ethics: Sustainable and recycled materials, recycled packaging, OEKO-Tex Certified
Location/Shipping: Sold from the USA
Size Range: XS-XL
Shop Wolven Here
A few favorites from Wolven:
Born in Paris, Sezane’s classic floral prints, monochromatic styles, and retro gingham definitely deserve your attention. The B Corp certified brand recycled bathing suits are made ethically in Tunisia using only sustainable materials.
Price: $55 – $150
Ethics: Sustainable materials, fair labor, B-certified, donations
Location/Shipping: Sold from France worldwide shipping available
Size Range: 2–12
Shop Sezane Here
Your hunt for affordable sustainable swimwear with vivid hues of color and refreshing patterns is officially over. Londre’s recycled bathing suits are crafted from plastic waste in an OEKO-Tex certified factory. From ruffle tops that effortlessly flatter every body type to plain and simple sports scoop tops for endless fun in the water, the brand has it all. So far, they have taken over 750,000 plastic bottles from the beaches to create their coveted affordable sustainable swimwear. In fact, every piece requires 6 recycled plastic bottles – wow!
Price: $49 – $98
Ethics: Sustainable and recycled materials, biodegradable packaging, OEKO-TEX certified factory
Location/Shipping: Sold from Canada, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: XS–5XL
Shop Londre Here
With reversible sustainable swimwear and biodegradable styles that perfectly adhere to your green lifestyle, Patagonia has all our beach needs covered. Their affordable sustainable swimwear is made from recycled nylon, spandex, and Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Price: $59 – $149
Ethics: Sustainable fabrics, Fair Trade certified, circular business model
Location/Shipping: Sold from The United States, worldwide shipping and locations
Size Range: XXS–2XL
Shop Patagonia Here
A few favorites from Patagonia:
The Australian affordable sustainable swimwear brand offers an array of handmade recycled bathing suits from ECONYL® regenerated nylon. Opt for a cheeky, classic, regular, full coverage or high waist bikini bottom to go hand in hand with your triangle, balconette, or bralette tops. Ethical fashion has never looked so colorful!
Price: $80-$95
Ethics: Handmade, eco-friendly inks, recycled materials, biodegradable
Location/Shipping: Sold from Australia
Size Range: S-2XL
Shop Isla in Bloom Here
Outerknown’s extensive line of recycled bathing suits runs the gamut from tropical-inspired reversible sustainable swimwear to one-of-a-kind vintage styles made from ECONYL in California. Part of the profit goes to ocean conservation programs like the Ocean Conservancy.
Price: from $68
Ethics: Organic and recycled materials, renewable energy, fair labor, donations
Location/Shipping: Sold from the USA, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: XS to 2XL
Shop Outerknown Here
Hackwith Design House’s affordable sustainable swimwear are qual parts figure-flattering and utterly stylish. Their best-selling recycled bathing suits are made in LA with Recycled Polyester. From plus size shoulder tie tops and high waisted bottoms in a slew of colors to one-pieces and vintage-inspired silhouettes, you will definitely find something that matches your aesthetic.
Price: $42 – $132
Ethics: Eco friendly and recycled materials, manufactured locally
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US, ships worldwide
Size Range: XS-4XL
Shop Hackwith Design House Here
Galamaar is the virtual home of dozens of ethical, recycled bathing suits for everyone who wants to embrace color. Each piece is made in Los Angeles from Italian recycled Econyl fabric. Think classic string tops and tie briefs one-pieces with prominent cut-outs and much more. Take advantage of the 60% off sale that’s currently available on their website to score some affordable sustainable swimwear for way less.
Price: $122 – $248
Ethics: Sustainable and recycled materials, eco-friendly packaging, ethically made in the US
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: XS–XL
Shop Galamaar Here
Boden’s recycled bathing suits are crafted in the UK from ECONYL® derived from fishing nets that were formerly dumped in the ocean. The brand believes in the quality of their affordable sustainable swimwear so much, that they offer a 365-day return policy. You’ve never seen so many beautiful swimwear styles in one place.
Price: $38 – $85
Ethics: Recycled Materials, Donations, Fair Wages
Location/Shipping: Sold from the UK, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: XS–XL
Shop Boden Here
If you want to step into a tropical oasis from everywhere in the world, DoGood is the brand for you. They carry a wide collection of ethically made reversible sustainable swimwear that promises to look absolutely gorgeous against your sun-kissed skin!
Price: $38- $50
Ethics: Sustainable materials, fair labor, donations
Location/Shipping: Sold from the USA, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: XS-XL
Shop DoGood Here
Jessica Rey aims to outfit every woman who loves playful yet modest styles. Crafted with Italian fabrics made from 100% plastic waste, their recycled bathing suits are also very size-inclusive. Jessica Rey is one of the few brands that offer swim dresses that are actually cute and made in the US.
Price: $31 – $108
Ethics: Ethically made in the US, sustainable and recycled materials
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Size Range: XS–XL
Shop Jessica Rey Here
Hailed as one of the most inclusive affordable sustainable swimwear brands of 2022, TomboyX is ready to ship gender-neutral swimsuits with UPF sun protection right to our doorstep. The brand uses OEKO-Tex certified fabrics to create their antibacterial, odor-resistant, breathable, and moisture-wicking recycled bathing suits. From unisuits and shorts to swim tanks, the options are in your favor.
Price: $26.99 – $89
Ethics: Sustainable materials, fair labor, ethical manufacturing practices
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Size Range: 3XS – 6XL
Shop TomboyX Here
Samuda Swimwear is fun, colorful, and empowering. With so many reversible sustainable swimwear to choose from, let’s just say that it will be hard to find your one true favorite. Their collections are ethically made in Spain and carry the OEKO-TEX & GRS certifications.
Price: $50-101
Ethics: Ethically made in Spain, OEKO-TEX & GRS certified, sustainable materials, donations
Location/Shipping: Sold from the Spain, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: XS -XL
Shop Samuda Swimwear Here
Biodegradable swimwear made from sustainable fabrics sourced from Brazil? It can’t get better than that. The BIPOC-owned brand BOLD Swim carries an impressive collection of affordable sustainable swimwear packed with UV protection. BOLD uses non-toxic dyes to create an array of textured bikinis as well as size-inclusive one-pieces, asymmetrical styles, and more.
Price: $145 – $165
Ethics: Biodegradable, ethically made in the US, carbon-neutral, donations
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Size Range: XS–3XL
Shop BOLD Swim Here
Inspired by the glitz and glamour of the 70s, Vitamin A’s minimalistic swimwear is sustainable, extremely flattering, and kind to our Earth. The collection is made from EcoRib (recycled nylon from fabric scraps) and EcoLux (luxurious matte jersey). All materials are certified to meet the global Oeko-Tex standard for safe textiles.
Price: 84 – $18
Ethics: Ethically-made in the US, sustainable and recycled materials
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Size Range: 4 –14
Shop Vitamin A Here
The UK-based sustainable swimwear brand does things a bit differently. Their luxurious figure-hugging designs stretch to perfectly fit seven sizes in one. Yes! Whether you have a big bust, or small bust, a petite frame, or a tall silhouette, these swimsuits promise to look absolutely gorgeous on everyone. Their materials are sourced from Europe and every style is made in London.
Price: £160
Ethics: Eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced and made in the UK
Location/Shipping: Sold from the UK, worldwide shipping available
Size Range: 2–14
Shop YouSwim Here
Strange Bikinis is the e-home for dozens of affordable sustainable swimwear created with eco-friendly fabrics. No matter your aesthetic, you will surely be able to find something gorgeous for yourself. Classics, thongs, chickies, low rise, high rise, the list goes on and on. As a small woman-owned and operated company, Strange Bikinis offer small batch swimwear that is also Nevada Green Business Certified.
Price: $53-$111
Ethics: Eco-friendly fabrics, biodegradable, Nevada Green Business Certified
Location/Shipping: Sold from the USA
Size Range: S – 2XL
Shop Strange Bikinis Here
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This post was all about affordable sustainable swimwear.
From recycled bathing suits, and reversible sustainable swimwear, to the coveted Wolven swimwear that is trending everywhere online, the ethical & sustainable swimwear options are seemingly endless!
Looking for more sustainable fashion articles?
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- 25 Sustainable Plus Size Clothing Brands To Know In 2022
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