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Jump to: Women’s Swimwear | Men’s Swimwear | Also: Kid’s Swimwear
Finding truly non-toxic swimwear can feel like navigating a sea of greenwashing.
With so many brands making eco-friendly claims, how do you separate the truly sustainable from the simply trendy?
This guide cuts through the noise, helping you choose swimwear that’s free from harmful chemicals, made with sustainable materials, and built to last.
Psst. This article is geared towards adults – so don’t forget to check out our guide to the best non-toxic swimwear for babies & kids!
As someone deeply passionate about sustainable living, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of eco-friendly fashion—especially when it comes to swimwear.
Swimwear isn’t just another piece of clothing; it’s something that sits directly on your skin, stretches with your movement, and often gets exposed to sun, salt, and chlorine.
It needs to be functional, durable, and, ideally, made without harmful chemicals. But with so many brands claiming to be “eco-friendly,” “non-toxic,” and “organic,” how do you know which ones are truly sustainable and safe?
I’ve spent years researching materials, testing different brands, and diving into the truth behind labels. And I get it—it’s frustrating when companies greenwash their products, making it harder for conscious consumers to make informed choices.
That’s why I’m here: to help break down the facts, share what actually works, and guide you toward swimwear that’s good for both you and the planet. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Swimwear Fabrics: The Good, the Bad, and the Revolutionary
🚫 The Worst: 100% Virgin Synthetic Fabrics
Traditional swimwear relies heavily on petroleum-based materials like polyester, nylon, and elastane. These fabrics are durable and quick-drying but come with a heavy environmental and health cost.
❌ Potential issues with virgin synthetics:
- It can contain BPA, PFAS, and other harmful chemicals that leach into your skin and the ocean.
- Without certifications like OEKO-TEX®, they are more likely to harbor toxic substances.
- Non-biodegradable, contributing to microplastic pollution in our waterways.
The Better Choices
✅ OEKO-TEX® Certified Synthetics
- OEKO-TEX® certification ensures that fabrics are free from over 100 toxic substances, including PFAS, heavy metals, and formaldehyde.
- These materials offer durability and performance without compromising safety.
✅ Recycled Synthetics (ECONYL®, Recycled Polyester)
- Made from post-consumer waste like discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles.
- Reduces new plastic production and repurposes existing waste.
✅ Plant-Based Synthetics (BioSculpt, Yulex, Bananatex)
- Derived from renewable sources like castor seed oil, eucalyptus pulp, and natural rubber.
- Offers stretch and flexibility without petroleum-based plastics.
- Biodegradable and lower in environmental impact when produced in closed-loop systems.
✅ And of course, the best: Organic Cotton & Hemp
- Free from pesticides and harmful dyes.
- Less stretch but brands are innovating with elastic-free designs like adjustable ties.
- Best for lounging swimwear rather than high-performance suits.
What Chemicals Are Screened by OEKO-TEX®?
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Found in water-resistant fabrics, but strictly limited by OEKO-TEX®.
- Heavy Metals: Include lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can pose health risks with prolonged exposure.
- Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen sometimes used in textile finishing.
- Azo Dyes & Carcinogenic Dyes: Certain synthetic dyes release harmful aromatic amines linked to cancer.
- Pesticides & Chlorinated Phenols: Common in non-organic cotton but banned under OEKO-TEX®.
- Phthalates & Plasticizers: Used to make synthetic fabrics more flexible but can disrupt hormones.
- Allergenic Disperse Dyes: Some polyester dyes can cause skin irritation and are restricted.
Why is organic swimwear so hard to find?
Durability and flexibility are non-negotiable when it comes to swimwear, and I’ve found that synthetic fabrics definitely excel in these areas.
Natural fibers like organic cotton and hemp, while amazing in many ways, tend to absorb moisture and lose their shape when wet—making them a challenge for swimwear.
But here’s the exciting part: innovative brands are stepping up with smart solutions.
I’ve seen thicker weaves that add structure and support, as well as elastic-free designs like adjustable ties and wraps that keep everything in place without sacrificing comfort or sustainability.
It’s proof that with a little creativity, we don’t have to compromise on performance to make better choices for our bodies and the planet!
Why should I keep PFAS out of my swimwear?
Many companies that promote “quick-drying” swimwear may actually be using PFAS—those notorious “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in the environment and can pose major health risks.
To avoid them, I always look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification or brands that clearly state they’re PFAS-free. A little extra research goes a long way in keeping both my body and the planet safe!
How to Choose Healthier, More Sustainable Swimwear
1️⃣ Try Plant-Based Performance Fabrics – Ditch traditional synthetics and opt for innovative materials like BioSculpt and Yulex. These plant-based alternatives offer stretch, durability, and sustainability without the toxic impact of conventional swimwear.
2️⃣ Look for Certifications That Matter – Don’t just take a brand’s word for it! Check for OEKO-TEX® or GOTS certifications to ensure your swimwear is free from harmful chemicals and truly eco-friendly.
3️⃣ Support Brands That Do It Right – Choose companies that prioritize fair wages, ethical sourcing, and sustainable manufacturing. Transparency matters—if a brand isn’t upfront about its process, it’s a red flag.
4️⃣ Reduce Microplastic Pollution – If you own synthetic swimwear, wash it responsibly. Use a Guppyfriend bag or a microplastic filter to keep tiny plastic fibers from polluting our oceans.
With the growing demand for non-toxic, sustainable swimwear and stronger regulations against harmful chemicals like PFAS, I truly believe the future of eco-friendly swimwear is looking brighter than ever.
By making conscious choices, I know I’m not just protecting my own health but also contributing to a cleaner planet. And the best part? I don’t have to sacrifice style or performance to do it. Sustainable swimwear is evolving fast, and I’m excited to see (and wear!) what comes next!
The Best Non-Toxic Swimwear For Women
Summersalt is proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Their swimwear is made with 78% recycled polyamide, sourced from post-consumer waste like discarded fishing nets.
Not only are these suits eco-friendly, but they’re also built to last—holding their shape for 100+ hours in chlorinated water.
With UPF 50+ protection and ultra-soft sustainable fabrics like TENCEL™ and Cupro, these suits are designed for both comfort and durability.
Plus, their commitment to responsible production and innovative materials makes them a standout choice for anyone looking to make a more conscious swimwear purchase.
Price & Size
$95 for one piece | $95 for bikini set | Size 2-22 (25-inch waist – 46-inch waist)
Materials
78% Recycled Polyamide | OEKO-TEX®-Certified Fabrics | TENCEL™ | TENCEL™ Modal | Cupro
Location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Cleobella’s swimwear is where timeless elegance meets sustainability.
Their ethically made swim collection, crafted in Sri Lanka, features OEKO-TEX® and GRS-certified fabrics, ensuring both quality and eco-conscious production.
The Monica One-Piece blends a chic v-wire neckline with a thick ribbed design for a flattering, sculpted fit, while adjustable straps provide the perfect level of support.
Made from 80% recycled nylon, Cleobella’s swimwear is designed to make you look and feel incredible while honoring traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
Price & Size
$228 for one-piece | $98 for bikini top | $98 for bikini bottom | XS-XL
Materials
80% Recycled Nylon | 20% Elastane | OEKO-TEX® & GRS Certified
Location/shipping
Ethically made in Sri Lanka, ships worldwide
Quince is making sustainable luxury more accessible than ever.
Their swimwear is crafted from Italian-made recycled fabrics, offering a high-end feel without the high-end price tag.
Designed for durability, these suits resist fading, pilling, and snagging, ensuring they stay in perfect condition for years to come.
With UPF 50 sun protection and resistance to chlorine, sunscreen, and oils, Quince’s swimwear is built for real life—without compromising on sustainability.
Plus, their OEKO-TEX®-certified, PFAS-free materials mean you can feel good about what you’re wearing, inside and out.
Price & Size
$49.90 for one-piece | $50 for bikini set | XS-XL
Materials
78% Recycled Polyamide | 22% Spandex | OEKO-TEX®-Certified | PFAS-Free
location/shipping
United States | Ships To Canada
Londre is setting a new standard for sustainable swimwear with circular fashion in mind.
Every suit is crafted in an OEKO-TEX®-certified facility, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are used in production.
Their commitment goes beyond eco-friendly materials—they offer a repair program for the first year after purchase and a recycling program to transform old suits into new materials, keeping waste out of landfills.
Even their compostable, corn-based packaging is designed with sustainability in mind.
With a focus on small-batch production to minimize waste, Londre delivers luxurious, sculpting swimwear that feels as good as it looks—while making a real impact on the planet.
Price & Size
$189 for one-piece | $98 for bikini top | $98 for bikini bottom | XS-3XL
Materials
OEKO-TEX®-Certified Fabrics | Sustainable Production With Water Reuse | Recyclable & Repairable Designs
location/shipping
Ships to the United States & Australia + select international countries
TomboyX is making waves with size-inclusive, sustainable swimwear designed for everybody.
Their swim collection features quick-drying, UPF 50 fabric made from OEKO-TEX®-certified recycled polyester, offering both sun protection and eco-conscious style.
From reversible one-pieces to board shorts and swim tanks, each piece is designed with comfort and versatility in mind.
Whether you prefer a sleek, classic look or a bold, vibrant design, their reversible styles let you switch it up effortlessly.
Plus, with smooth flatlock seams to prevent chafing and a fit-tested range from XS to 6X, TomboyX is redefining what it means to have truly inclusive, sustainable swimwear.
Price & Size
$89 for one-piece | $59 for swim tank | $69 for swim shorts | XS-6X
Materials
80% Recycled Polyester | 20% Spandex | OEKO-TEX®-Certified Fabric
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
YouSwim is redefining comfort with a revolutionary two-size swimwear system that adapts to your body like no other.
Designed for absolute freedom, their signature Versoform™ fabric stretches and moves with you, providing gentle support without restriction.
Whether you’re swimming, stretching, or simply soaking up the sun, these suits hug and flatter in all the right places.
Made in England using OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics and ethical production practices, YouSwim ensures that every piece is crafted with both people and the planet in mind.
Price & Size
$200+ for one-piece & bikini set | Two-size system | Stretch I (UK/AUS 6-16) | Stretch II (UK/AUS 18-28)
Materials
OEKO-TEX®-Certified Versoform™ Fabric
location/shipping
Responsibly made in England, ships worldwide
BeachCandy is leading the way in organic, non-toxic swimwear, combining luxury with sustainability.
Their newest swim collection is crafted from natural fibers and plant-based dyes, eliminating harmful chemicals while offering a soft, breathable, and skin-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic swimsuits.
Each piece is thoughtfully designed for longevity, with careful attention to fit, durability, and timeless style.
To ensure these organic swimsuits stay vibrant and last season after season, BeachCandy provides specialized garment care instructions—from delicate washing techniques to the use of chemical-free detergents and plant-safe fabric treatments.
Price & Size
$75 for one-piece | $40+ for bikini top | $50 for bikini bottom | 0-14 (B-DD cup)
Materials
Organic & Natural Fibers | Plant-Dyed | Plastic-Free Packaging
location/shipping
Made in California, ships internationally
Sustainable swimwear that doesn’t compromise on style? That’s Vitamin A.
This California-based brand is leading the way with eco-luxe fabrics, ethical production, and a commitment to ocean conservation.
From pioneering EcoLux™—the first premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon fibers—to using OEKO-TEX®-certified textiles, Vitamin A is redefining what it means to be a conscious swimwear brand.
Their bikinis and one-pieces are designed to fit beautifully and last for years, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
Every piece is made in the USA, with most production happening locally in California to reduce carbon emissions.
Price & Size
$125 for bikini sets | $165+ for one-piece swimsuit | XS-XL
Materials
EcoLux™ Recycled Nylon | OEKO-TEX®-Certified Fabrics | Organic Cotton, Linen & Tencel®
location/shipping
Made in the USA (mostly California), ships worldwide
Step into the world of handcrafted, sustainable swimwear with Kaylyn Gardner Knitwear—where every piece is made just for you.
In a fast-fashion world, this brand is redefining luxury with GOTS-certified organic cotton, natural dyes, and zero-waste craftsmanship.
Their stunning Orient One Piece is more than just a swimsuit—it’s a versatile, hand-knit essential that doubles as a bodysuit, giving you effortless style in and out of the water.
Each piece is carefully made to order, ensuring a perfect fit and minimizing waste.
Whether you’re looking for a classic one-piece or a beautifully crafted bikini, Kaylyn Gardner offers timeless swimwear that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your skin.
Price & Size
$220 for one piece | $220 for bikini set | XS-XL (Custom sizing available)
Materials
GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton | Naturally Dyed | Handcrafted | Zero-Waste Production
Location/shipping
Made to order, ships worldwide (allow up to 15 days for production)
Natasha Tonic is redefining swimwear with hemp-based, biodegradable fabrics that are better for both your skin and the planet.
Unlike traditional polyester swimsuits, which shed harmful microplastics, Natasha Tonic’s pieces are made from certified organic hemp and cotton, offering a naturally UV-resistant, durable, and breathable alternative.
With a minimalist, multi-functional design, these swimsuits double as lingerie, bodysuits, or activewear—perfect for the traveler or minimalist who values sustainability without sacrificing style.
Every purchase from the Coral City collection goes beyond fashion, helping to restore marine ecosystems by planting one coral in Bali through Ocean Gardener.
Designed, sewn, and dyed in Los Angeles, this brand is leading the way in sustainable swimwear innovation while challenging the industry to move away from polyester-based fabrics.
Price & Size
$180 for one-piece | $60 for bikini top | $60 for bikini bottom | XS-L
Materials
Certified Organic Hemp & Cotton | Plant-Based & Vegan-Friendly | Naturally UV-Resistant
location/shipping
Made in Los Angeles, ships worldwide
The Best Non-Toxic Swimwear For Men
Afends brings eco-conscious innovation to the waves with its Surf Related Fixed Waist Boardshorts, crafted from sustainable hemp, recycled polyester, and cotton blend.
Designed by surfers for surfers, these lightweight boardies offer durability, rash resistance, and a slight stretch for all-day comfort.
Featuring a securely fixed waistband, drawcord, and velcro back pocket, Afends merges high-performance function with ethical production, making it a top choice for non-toxic men’s swimwear.
Price & Size
$79.99 | 28-36
Materials
66% Recycled Polyester | 20% Recycled Cotton | 8% Hemp | 6% Elastane
location/shipping
Made ethically in India, ships worldwide
Dive into performance and sustainability with Arena, a powerhouse in swimwear since 1973.
Designed for durability and speed, Arena’s eco-friendly MaxLife Eco fabric—crafted from recycled PET bottles—delivers top-tier quality without compromise.
With OEKO-TEX® certified, non-toxic materials, it’s the go-to brand for swimmers who demand style, safety, and sustainability in every stroke.
Price & Size
$40+ | XS-XXL
Materials
MaxLife Eco Fabric | Made From At Least 50% Recycled PET Bottles | Highly Chlorine-Resistant | OEKO-TEX® Certified
location/shipping
Made in Italy, ships worldwide
Perfect for swimming, running, or just soaking up the sun, the Bondi Beach Organic Hemp Swimming Trunks from Rawganique are sustainably crafted from European hemp.
These breathable, quick-drying swim shorts feature a slim, snug fit and an inner lining for all-day comfort.
Naturally UV-resistant and ethically made in-house at the Rawganique Atelier, they’re the ultimate sweatshop-free, eco-friendly essential.
Price & Size
$84.97 | S-XXXL
Materials
100% Organic Hemp
location/shipping
Made in the United States & Europe, ships internationally
Industry of All Nations clean boardshorts are crafted from 100% organic cotton and hand-printed using the eco-friendly Batik wax-resist technique.
Dipped six times in fermented natural indigo, they achieve a rich, deep blue hue—how cool is that?
Sustainably made in Tamil Nadu, India, these lightweight twill shorts feature a playful flamingo print and blend Indonesian Batik with Indian dyeing traditions.
Master Muthu, a skilled craftsman, personally stamps every piece, preserving a centuries-old craft while supporting sustainable, non-GMO, and pesticide-free practices.
Price & Size
$115 | XS-XL
Materials
100% Organic Cotton | Batik Wax Resist
location/shipping
Ethically made in India, ships worldwide
Alex Crane redefines swimwear with its 100% plastic-free Rama Board Shorts, crafted from Bananatex®—a biodegradable fabric made from sustainably harvested Abacá banana plants.
Lightweight, water-resistant, and quick-drying, these eco-conscious trunks prove that high-performance swimwear doesn’t need plastic!
Ethically cut-and-sewn in Chennai, India, and packed in seaweed-based polybags, Alex Crane’s commitment to sustainability makes it a standout for non-toxic men’s swimwear.
Price & Size
$125 | XS-XXL
Materials
Bananatex® Fabric | Made From Sustainably Harvested Abacá Banana Plants | 100% Biodegradable
location/shipping
Made ethically in India, ships to the United States & internationally
Combatting Microplastics: Small Changes, Big Impact
If you choose recycled synthetic materials like ECONYL, you can minimize microplastic pollution with tools like the Guppyfriend bag or Cora Ball. These devices catch microplastics during washing, preventing them from entering the ocean.
This was your full guide to the best non-toxic, organic & sustainable swimwear!
Choosing non-toxic swimwear isn’t just about style—it’s about making a conscious decision for your health and the environment.
By opting for brands that prioritize safe materials, ethical production, and sustainable innovation, you’re taking a step toward cleaner oceans and a healthier future.
Whether you’re hitting the waves or lounging by the pool, investing in eco-friendly swimwear ensures that you can enjoy the water without worrying about harmful chemicals. Dive in with confidence, knowing you’re making a difference!
Explore more of our incredible articles:
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- Sun Protection Clothing
- Non-Toxic Bug Sprays
- Non-Toxic Self Tanner
- Non-Toxic Sunscreen
- Plus Size Swimwear
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