The 25 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands (2024)

environmentally friendly swimwear

03/10/2024

Konstantina Antoniadou

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Looking for the best sustainable swimwear brands of 2024? We’ve got you!

We want you to be able to enjoy spontaneous beach activities like everyone else, but not at the expense of the environment.

Traditional swimsuits are laden with chemicals that not only cause many health issues but also shed millions of microplastics while you’re swimming in a pool or natural body of water, as well as when doing laundry.

That’s certainly not the case for the top-rated eco-friendly bathing suits in this roundup. 

We curated a list of eco-friendly bathing suits designed to support and enhance all your curves when lounging on sandy shores, diving into pools, surfing, or simply feeling the ocean breeze on your face.

Also, don’t forget to check our latest guide of The Best Plus Size Swimwear Made With Eco-Friendly Materials!

sustainable swimwear

Do you love basking in the afternoon sun, dressed in the most comfortable, flattering, and sustainably made swimwear? Me too! 

Especially with a nice sustainable beach umbrella to shade my delicate bits and bobs.

But did you know that most swimwear options out there are made from unsustainable practices and unsustainable materials – such as virgin nylon and virgin polyester?

Even though durable, these fabrics take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills

On top of all that,  they also contribute to the release of harmful greenhouse gases during production.

Luckily for those of us who love to have fun in the sun, ethical swimwear brands are here to save the day. 

Long gone are the days when toxic-chemical-laden, synthetic swimsuits were the only readily available option.

Enter: Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands In 2024!

In 2024, there’s a plethora of eco-friendly one-piece swimsuits, bikinis, and even tankini options! Think affordable recycled swimwear, modest swimwear, plus-size bathing suits, and many more styles made of good-for-the-planet materials. 

Some companies even took it upon themselves to create comfortable swimsuits ideal for adventurers. Plus, most eco-friendly bathing suits are equipped with SPF 50+ sun protection. 

In this sustainable swimwear brands list, you’ll find plenty of curve-hugging options in every shape and size.

What is sustainable swimwear?

Unlike traditional swimwear, sustainable swimwear brands prioritize environmentally conscious practices at every stage of their production process. 

They use low-impact dyes and recycled fabrics, derived from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles or abandoned fishing nets. 

In the manufacturing process, ethical swimwear brands ensure fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and fair wages for workers involved in the production. 

Some brands even choose to manufacture their swimwear locally, minimizing carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation and contributing to the local economy!

What are the best materials for eco-friendly bathing suits?

Econyl

Econyl is a sustainable fabric made from regenerated nylon, with raw material sourced from discarded items like fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastics. 

The production process involves collecting and cleaning these materials, then breaking them down into nylon yarn through a process called depolymerization.

So, basically, it not only contributes to reducing the demand for virgin nylon but also helps clear marine litter, particularly abandoned fishing nets!

Recycled Plastic Fabrics  

Many amazing sustainable swimwear brands use recycled plastic fabrics, typically consisting of recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) derived from post-consumer plastic bottles. 

The plastic bottles undergo a transformation process, turning them into yarns that can be woven or knit into swimwear fabric. 

To put it simply, recycled swimwear helps repurpose plastic waste that would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution, and also reduces the reliance on virgin polyester production, which is resource-intensive.  


Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands In 2024


1. Farm Rio

sustainable swimwear manufacturer

Farm Rio’s eco-friendly bathing suits are responsibly designed to be vibrant, fun, colorful, and, most importantly, sustainable. 

Founded by a group of creatives from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who believe in the existence of happiness, with over 25 years of history, this company certainly knows a thing or two about exotic, toes-in-the-sand spirits. 

The brand offers a range of ethical swimwear styles, including bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups made under safe and healthy working conditions. 

If you want to really stand out from the beach crowd, you’ll absolutely love their tropical prints!

Our Top Picks from Farm Rio: 

Price: From $85+ 

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: Certified B Corporation, OEKO-TEX® Certified, supply chain transparency, circularity, one tree planted | Responsible materials, polyamide, elastane 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


2. Summersalt

sustainably made swimwear

Summersalt swimwear certainly has a cult following – and for good reason!

All eco-friendly bathing suits are ethically made from post-consumer materials such as recycled polyamide and Lycra and offer UPF 50+ protection. 

Plus, you can find an array of bold, unapologetic prints and colors that pair perfectly with your adventure-ready mood.

For gals with a long torso, there’s a dedicated line of one-piece options you’ll want to line in all summer long.

Our Top Picks from Summersalt: 

Price: From $50+ 

Size Range: XS-2X | 2-22 

Ethics/Material: GOTS & GRS Certified, BIPOC business, manufacturing partners with WRAP certification | Sustainable & recycled materials, signature recycled swimwear fabric

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


3. TomboyX

best sustainable made swimwear

The beloved gender-neutral brand TomboyX offers a fantastic range of sustainable swimwear for every preference and unique body type.

The unisuits, sports tops, bottoms, and board shorts are all made with eco-friendly, UPF 50 stretch fabric. 

Think super durable and moisture-wicking, OEKO-TEX®-certified recycled polyester and spandex for extra stretch. 

Also, to help the community further, the brand has partnered with the National Center for Transgender Equality, an initiative that supports transgender rights and inclusivity.

Our Top Picks from TomboyX: 

Price: From $49+ 

Size Range: XS-6X 

Ethics/Material: Certified B Corporation, OEKO-TEX® Certified, fair wages, SPF50 UV protection, biodegradable packaging | Recycled polyester & spandex, polyester made from recycled bottles 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


4. Carve Designs

sustainable bikinis

The Canadian slow fashion brand Carve Designs is the ultimate destination for beautifully-printed sustainable swimwear for women.

Designed for “real women with real bodies and a real passion for adventure,” the entire lineup of sustainable swimsuits is made from recycled plastic bottles. 

You can find an array of bikini tops, swim bottoms, tankinis, and one-piece styles as well as board shorts and even sun protection clothing. 

Oh, and the prints? Absolutely stunning!

Our Top Picks from Carve Designs: 

Price: From $52+  

Size Range: XXS-XL 

Ethics/Material: SPF50+ UV protection, planet first packaging | Recycled polyester, nylon & spandex, recycled swim fabric 

Location/Shipping: Canada, ships to the United States 


5. Cleobella

sustainable swimwear brands

The ultra-chic sustainable swimwear brand Cleobella aims to outfit us with beautiful bikinis with ruffle details with a flattering high leg cut, one-pieces, cover-ups, tankinis, board shorts, rash guards, and more sustainable swimsuit options.

All pieces are ethically made in Sri Lanka using OEKO-TEX® and GRS-certified fabrics, including recycled nylon and elastane. 

In fact, the eco-friendly bathing suits are created by the hands of local artisans and small factories who cherish traditional craftsman techniques.

On top of that, the brand has collaborated with various organizations to empower women, exemplified by our partnership with Bloom India. 

Our Top Picks from Cleobella: 

Price: From $98+ 

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: OEKO-TEX® and GRS certified, ethically made in Sri Lanka, handmade, small family-run business, 1% of every Cleobella purchase is donated | Recycled nylon & elastane

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


6. Quince

sustainable made swimwear

Quince manages to offer gorgeous sustainable swimwear without compromising affordability. 

How? By cutting out the middlemen and directly shipping from their BSCI-certified factories. 

All ethically made swimwear, equipped with UPF 50 sun protection, is manufactured ethically with OEKO-TEX Certified fabrics. 

Durable, fade, snag, and pilling-resistant recycled polyamide, to be exact.

This also makes them resistant to chlorine, sunscreen, and oils.

Last, but not least, the fabric is made in Italy and sewn with care in Sri Lanka.

Our Top Picks from Quince:

Price: From $49.90  

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: GOTS certified, OEKO-TEX Certified, ethically made in BSCI-Certified factories, organic & recycled materials  

Location/Shipping: United States 


7. Cosabella

sustainable swimwear

From sustainable lingerie to ultra-feminine ethical swimwear, Cosabella knows exactly how to make women feel beautiful and empowered.

Every luxurious ethical swimwear style is handmade by local artisans who have utilized Renaissance-era techniques since 1983!

Crafted with recycled materials and color-tested for durability, you can score some amazing bandeau tops, curve-enhancing bottoms, and one-piece suits!

What’s more, the collections are divided by body type – petite, curvy, super curve– just to make our search a tiny bit easier.

Best Sustainable Swimwear from Cosabella:

Price: From $110+  

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: Family-owned business, 100% made in Italy by Italian Artisans, ethically & sustainably made, inclusivity, donations  | Eco-friendly materials, polyamide, elastane 

Location/Shipping: Italy, ships worldwide 


8. Kitty And Vibe

sustainable swimsuits

Kitty and Vibe’s sustainable plus-size friendly swimwear is equal parts stylish, size-inclusive, and inherently cool. 

All ethical swimwear is manufactured with recycled materials that offer SPF 50+ sun protection.

Plus, you’ll certainly fall in love with their dopamine-boosting prints! 

In addition to being ISO 14001, the company was also the first to make bikini bottoms based on our butt size! 

Lastly, all products are made ethically by their own woman-run factory in Bogota, Colombia.

Our Top Picks from Kitty & Vibe: 

Price: From $56+  

Size Range: S-5XL 

Ethics/Material: ISO 14001 certified, eco-friendly fabric, 100% recycled materials, ethically made, women-run factory, size-inclusive, SPF50+ UV protection | Recycled polyamide, X-life Lycra 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


9. Alohas

sustainable swimwear brands australia

Alohas might be known for their amazing lineup of ethical shoes, but they also offer sustainable swimwear based on their zero-waste, on-demand production model. 

We absolutely love their high-wasted bottom styles that are designed to flatter your figure with a belted detail that cinches in your waist like a dream! 

You can also find minimalist, square-cut shape tops as well as one-piece eco-friendly bathing suits in an array of colors. 

Additionally, every second-skin style is made ethically in Portugal with recycled materials.  

Our Top Picks from Alohas: 

Price: From $50+ 

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: Designed in Barcelona & handcrafted in Alicante, fair wages, plant-based materials, recyclable packaging | 100% polyester, recycled nylon 

Location/Shipping: Alicante, ships worldwide 


10. Noserider Surf Club

best sustainable swimwear for women

The sustainable swimwear brand Noserider Surf Club is on a mission to create timeless and functional surf pieces, designed by surfers for surfers.

Seriously, they have everything! Bikini bottoms and tops, full coverage surf suits, modest swimwear, one-piece surf suits, surf leggings, and shorts, and of course, overswim styles!

To create their collection of sustainable swimwear for women, the brand uses stellar materials like Vita by Carvico.

This is basically a techno-fabric, made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon that turns waste problems into fashion and interior solutions. 

In addition to being hyper-resistant, thin, elegant, stretch, soft, and breathable, the swimwear is also resistant to chlorine and sun creams/oils and provides UV protection.

To top it all off, the brand supports local craftsmanship and small-batch production.

Price: From $48+ 

Size Range: XS-XL  

Ethics/Material: Ethically handmade in Bali, small batch production, biodegradable packaging, 100% recycled cardboard tags, recycled Kraft paper hygiene liners | sustainable techno-fabric, made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon & elastane  

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


11. Wolven

best sustainable bikinis

Wolven aims to “make sustainability sexy” and thus, their reversible sustainable swimwear line is bold, universally flattering, and oh-so-chic.

All eco-friendly swimsuits are made ethically with recycled bottles.

The result? Ultra-soft, breathable, quick-drying, and good for the planet.

Also, Wolven has one of the most diverse swimwear ranges we’ve seen so far, boasting 54+ swimwear styles.

So rest assured that you’ll find your new beachmate.

Our Top Picks from Wolven: 

Price: From $52+ 

Discount Code: SKL20 for 20% off

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: OEKO-TEX® Certified, Global Recycled Standard (GRS), ethically made fair wages, circular fashion, offset projects, 1% for the planet, recycled packaging | Recycled polyethylene terephthalate rPET & spandex

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide  


12. Vitamin A

sustainable swimwear brands list

Drawing inspiration from the glitz and glamour of the 70s, Vitamin A is one of our favorite sustainable swimsuit brands for minimalistic separates.

All of their bikinis and bodysuits are sustainably made in California, from plant-based and recycled materials. 

Most tops have a discrete center u-ring cutout and shirring for custom coverage.

The bottoms are also extremely adjustable which is not something we see very often. 

And in case you have a thing for shimmer, there’s a new metallic swim line in an array of colors.

Our Top Picks from Vitamin A: 

Price: From $100+ 

Size Range: XS-XXL 

Ethics/Material: Sustainably made in California, fair wages, 100% recycled & recyclable packaging, donations | Recycled materials, recycled Nylon & Lycra 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


13. Boden

sustainable swimwear materials

Boden is not only one of the best sustainable swimwear brands from the UK but also a vivid reminder that responsibly-made designs and elegance can go hand-in-hand.

Their motto? Buy better. Buy less. Wear more.

The company uses ECONYL® derived from fishing nets that were formerly dumped in the ocean to create all-over-printed styles designed to hold, smooth, and accentuate.

Their assortment includes one-piece and bikini options with adjustable shoulder straps to keep everything in place. 

Also, you can also opt for neoprene sleeve swimsuits with maximum sun protection.

There’s something for absolutely everyone! 

Our Top Picks from Boden:

Price: From $45+  

Size Range: 2-18

Ethics/Material: Members Of The Ethical Trading Initiative, fair wages, clothing recycling program, recycled packaging, donations, support charities | Recycled materials, polyamide & elastane 

Location/Shipping: United Kingdom, ships worldwide 


14. Londre

best eco friendly one piece swimsuit

Londre is one of those sustainable swimwear brands that put ethics and transparency above everything else.

Ultra comfy, size-inclusive, and practical, all eco-friendly bathing suits are lovingly crafted from plastic waste in an OEKO-TEX-certified factory.

Think cutest ruffle tops that effortlessly flatter every preppy gal to classic and minimalistic sports scoop tops for ideal for all your favorite water sports.

The best part? Every eco-friendly bathing suit is made of 6 recycled plastic bottles which means that the brand has already diverted over 750,000 plastic bottles from the beaches. 

Our Top Picks from Londre: 

Price: From $89+ 

Size Range: XS-4XL 

Ethics/Material: OEKO-TEX® Certified, minimize waste, recycling & repair program, compostable packaging | Recycled plastic bottles

Location/Shipping: Canada, ships worldwide  


15. Mara Hoffman

best eco friendly bathing suits

The American-made clothing brand Mara Hoffman designs curve-loving one-piece and two-piece swimsuits for modern women.

The premium sustainable company uses digital printing to reduce water and fabric waste created by women and small producers in their tier 1 factories.

What’s more, every recused swimwear style is made with recycled nylon & recycled polyester with UPF 50+ protection.

What we love most about Mara Hoffman is their gorgeously designed prints and bright colors that will look dazzling against your sand-kissed skin. 

Our Top Picks Mara Hoffman: 

Price: From $140+ 

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: Fairtrade Certified™, transparent supply chain, factories women-run & owned, made in the USA, recycled packaging | Recycled polyester, nylon & elastane

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


16. Organic Basics

sustainable swimwear for women

From organic baby clothes and maternity clothes to organic cotton underwear and sustainable swimwear, Organic Basics certainly deserves a spot in our top swimsuit category.

Aside from partnering with fair-trade factories to timeless, ethical swimwear for every taste, each style also comes with an “Impact Index”.

Made with recycled plastic from oceans and landfills, the suits provide UPF 50+ sun protection and are sun lotion and chlorine-resistant.

In fact, as of now, 2.43 tonnes of waste has been saved from entering landfills due to their ethical business practices. 

Our Top Picks from Organic Basics: 

Price: From $29+  

Size Range: XS-XXL 

Ethics/Material: GOTS Certified, PETA approved vegan, recycled, ethical production, donate to sustainable projects | Recyclable & organic materials, recycled nylon & elastane 

Location/Shipping: Denmark, ships worldwide 


17. Cuup

best sustainable swimwear brands

From affordable sustainable bras in over 40 different bra sizes to ethical swimwear with modern and classic silhouettes, CUUP has all our needs covered. 

The lineup of bikini tops is enhanced with the customized CUUP slide & set™ back closure system that offers a better fit with band adjustability. 

While they have something special for everyone, their sustainable swimwear is mostly geared towards gals with more bottom-heavy boob shapes who are in need of some extra support with a barely-there feel. 

As for their briefs, the stretchy and smoothing regenerated nylon ensures that they are incredibly soft, keep their shape, and don’t dig.

Our Top Picks from CUUP: 

Price: From $78+ 

Size Range: XS-XXXL  

Ethics/Material: Supply chained integrated, ethically made, SPF50 UV protection | Recycled ECONYL® polyamide & elastane 

Location/Shipping: United States 


18. Anekdot

sustainable high waisted bikini

Here’s yet another addition to your best sustainable swimwear brands checklist: Anekdot.

The eco-friendly lingerie and swim company is located at the heart of Berlin all while working with small woman-owned factories in nearby Poland to create gorgeous two-piece bikinis.

Equipped with sleek, internal seams that comfortably follow your natural curve, all ethical swimwear is made of ECONYL® recycled nylon and elastane for extra stretch.

Ultimately, the brand wants to be considered as a fusion between exquisite nostalgia and sleek comfort for a modern lifestyle. And in our opinion, they are exactly that!

Our Top Picks from Anekdot: 

Price: From $72+  

Size Range: XS-XL  

Ethics/Material: Local & ethical production, fair wages, zero-waste manufacturing | Responsibly made in Poland using sustainable materials, ECONYL® recycled nylon & elastane

Location/Shipping: Poland, ships worldwide 


19. Nikin

eco friendly bathing suits

The Swiss sustainable fashion label Nikin uses premium–quality recycled fabrics to create classic bathing suits fairly and responsibly in Portugal.

In addition to planting one tree for every purchase, they also strive to minimize the waste of resources in their daily operations and make sure that their packaging process is as sustainable as possible. How cool is that?

Our Top Picks from Nikin: 

Price: From €24.90+ 

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: Made in Europe, sustainable production, transparency, plants trees for every order, vegan, carbon-neutral shipping | ECONYL® recycled polyamide (nylon)

Location/Shipping: Europe, ships worldwide


20. Colie Co

sustainable swimwear brands uk

Colie Co – a sustainable swimwear brand that uses eco-friendly materials to create bold and vibrant bathing suits ethically in Portugal.

All fabric and elastics are OEKO-TEX certified and handmade to order in order to minimize waste as much as possible.

On top of that, the silhouettes are pretty simple yet incredibly comfortable, which means that you can sport them for years and years.

Our Top Picks from Colie Co: 

Price: From $26+ 

Size Range: 2XS-3XL + Custom sizing available 

Ethics/Material: OEKO-TEX® Certified fabric & elastics, 100% ethically made in Europe, UV protective (UPF 50+), 100% recycled packaging, 100% carbon-offset | Reclaimed premium Italian knit Lycra, nylon, elastane 

Location/Shipping: Europe, ships worldwide 


21. Dazey LA

sustainable swimsuits

Seems like the best sustainable swimwear brands have one thing in common: Vivid personalities!

Dazey LA chooses organic/deadstock fabric enhanced with intricate, hand-drawn graphics to instantly uplift your mood. 

Fit-friendly and supportive, all ethical swimwear is responsibly made in small batches to eliminate waste.

On their virtual shelves, you can find sustainable modest swimwear adorned with cutesy prints as well as bikini tops and bottoms. 

So if you are an unapologetic maximalist who loves recycled swimwear that “screams” your personality without making a single sound, this brand is for you.

Price: From $82+ 

Size Range: S-XL 

Ethics/Material: Sustainable & ethical, handmade to order in LA, made in small batches | Silky soft athletic grade fabric

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


22. Jessica Rey

eco friendly one piece swimsuit

Finding sustainable modest swimwear that is both chic and premium quality is no easy feat. 

Luckily, Jessica Rey’s lineup of full coverage, ethical swimwear can easily check all our boxes.

Think beautiful swim dresses, tops, bottoms, and one-piece suits with extra support for ultimate comfort.

Every design is made in the US from luxe Italian fabrics crafted from 100% plastic waste.

Plus, their wide range of prints is downright amazing! 

Price: From $52+ 

Size Range: XS-1X  

Ethics/Material: Ethically made, fair wages, SPF50+ UV protection, eco-friendly | Luxe Italian fabrics made from 100% regenerated pre & post-consumer waste 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


23. Youswim

sustainable swimwear brands usa

YouSwim is certainly not your average sustainable swimwear brand. 

On the contrary, their amazing figure-flattering styles adapt enough to perfectly fit seven sizes in one.

You heard that right! Big boobs? No problem! Small bum? Petite figure? Yes and yes!

These ethical swimsuits promise to look good on every frame – even if you gain or lose weight at some point. Plus, they are available in 12+ colors!

What’s more, their eco-friendly materials are sourced from Europe and every style is made in London.

Price: $149 

Size Range: 2-24  

Ethics/Material: Ethically sourced & made in the UK, eco-friendly packaging | Premium quality EU-sourced materials

Location/Shipping: United Kingdom, ships worldwide


24. September

sustainable swimwear brands ethical

SEPTEMBER offers crisply tailored one-pieces and eco-friendly bikinis, all made from recycled nylon from Italy.

In other words, you just “met” your new favorite, elegant, and timeless surf-approved swimsuits with a flattering, modern fit.

You can also find gender-free board shorts as well as sun protection clothing for all your future seaside adventures.

To top it all off, the company works directly with a factory based in Bali, where skilled seamstresses consciously make and sew each SEPTEMBER suit by hand.

Price: From $88+ 

Size Range: XS-2XL 

Ethics/Material: Ethical manufacturing, fair wages, SPF50+ UV protection, 100% recycled card paper tags, biodegradable hygiene liners, 100% compostable bag | ECONYL® regenerated nylon & elastane

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


25. Do Good Swimwear

sustainable swimwear canada

Responsibly made in small batches of fun patterns and colors you can mix and match for seasons to come, Do Good Swimwear is the mecca of sustainable high-waisted bikinis and onesies.

The collections were created with the modern surfer in mind, and thus, they promise to keep you secure and not slip down on you in rough surf. 

Plus, all sustainable swimwear features ECONYL® yarn. The brand also uses Repreve, which is made out of recycled materials.

To top everything off, fabric scraps are turned into cute earrings, scrunchies, and even to patch up old swimwear to eliminate waste. 

Lastly, they also offer a stellar Repair Program and a recycling program. How amazing is that?

Price: From $24+  

Size Range: XS-XL 

Ethics/Material: Small batch production, carbon offsetting, repair & recycle program, compostable packaging | ECONYL® yarn & 100% regenerated nylon

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide  


How does swimwear impact the environment?

Traditional swimwear is often made from virgin (non-recycled) nylon, polyester, and spandex, which are synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels. 

The production of these materials can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. 

In addition, swimwear production often involves the use of harsh chemicals and dyes, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. These substances can enter waterways and contribute to water pollution. 

On top of that, swimwear manufacturing requires water for various stages, such as dyeing, washing, and finishing. 

This can lead to water depletion and water pollution, as well as the release of untreated wastewater. 

Let’s not forget microfiber pollution. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon release microfibers when washed, which can end up in waterways and harm aquatic life.

Why is sustainable swimwear expensive?

Sustainable swimwear can be more expensive than traditional options. Especially if you are used to paying 10$ per set – hello, fast fashion

Ethical swimwear is expensive, firstly, due to the use of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled nylon or polyester. 

These materials can be more expensive to produce and source than non-sustainable materials, which can drive up the cost. 

Then, you have to consider that many sustainable swimwear brands prioritize ethical labor practices, such as fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers. The money has to come from somewhere, right? 

Plus, eco-friendly bathing suit brands often produce in smaller quantities than mass-market swimwear brands. 

This is because they are committed to reducing waste and overproduction, which can result in higher production costs per item. 

Lastly, ethical companies focus on producing high-quality, durable products that will last longer than traditional swimwear. 

This means that, in the long run, your favorite eco-friendly pieces will actually save you money from constantly buying new styles.

Are sustainable swimwear as durable as conventional options?

Sustainable swimwear can be as durable as conventional options, and in some cases, even more so. The choice of materials plays a huge role in the durability of sustainable swimwear. 

High-quality recycled materials, such as Econyl (recycled nylon) or other recycled plastics, offer excellent durability and resilience. 

These materials are engineered to withstand the rigors of sun, saltwater, and chlorine exposure. 

Also, sustainable swimwear brands prioritize craftsmanship and attention to detail and tend to produce more durable products.

Do sustainable swimsuits have UV protection?

Yes, many sustainable bathing suits are designed with built-in UV protection.

For example, recycled nylon (such as Econyl) and other synthetic fabrics have a natural UV-blocking ability. Plus, some sustainable swimwear brands incorporate UPF technology into their fabrics. 

UPF is similar to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) used in sunscreen, and it indicates the level of protection the fabric provides against UV radiation.

How can I help my swimwear last longer?

  1. Rinse your swimwear in cold water after each use to remove any chlorine, salt, sand, or other debris that can damage the fabric.
  2. Hand wash or use a delicate cycle: Machine washing and drying can be harsh on swimwear, so it’s best to handwash your swimwear or use a delicate cycle with mild eco-friendly laundry detergent.
  3. Hot water and bleach can weaken the fibers of your swimwear and cause the color to fade. Stick to cold water!
  4. Avoid sitting on rough surfaces like concrete or rough rocks, which can damage the fabric.
  5. Wringing or twisting your swimwear can stretch out the fabric and damage the shape. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay it flat to dry.
  6. Store your swimwear flat or rolled up, rather than folded, to avoid creases or wrinkles that can be difficult to remove. Don’t store wet swimwear in a plastic bag, as this can cause mildew or odors.

We hope this list of sustainable swimwear brands helped you spot your new, favorite eco-friendly bathing suit. 

From itty-bitty bikinis to full-coverage one-piece suits, the options are so many! All pieces are crafted ethically using eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled plastics and regenerated fabrics, steering clear of the harmful chemicals and excessive water consumption associated with traditional swimsuit production.

This way, you’ll actively help lessen the burden on landfills. Plus, since these are all sustainable brands, ethical manufacturing processes, fair wages, and safe working conditions are guaranteed.

So, let’s make an ethical splash, shall we?

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