7 Sustainable & Stylish Swimwear Brands to Check Out

August 9, 2020

August 9, 2020

editor's note:

Being sustainable doesn’t mean giving up the things you love, like basking in the sun rays, splashing in the water, and planning summer activities. It all starts with an understanding that we need to protect the planet to continue enjoying all of the beauties it has to offer. And then it’s time to start making some simple changes.

Back to school season may be looming over our shoulders, but let’s enjoy the weather while it’s still hot (unless you’re in Florida like me, where bathing suits are a year-round wardrobe staple).

Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly swimwear brands that are making your poolside/beachside wardrobe one that’s both stylish and sustainable. While the most eco-friendly action would be to limit the number of bathing suits you own, that starts with selecting quality swimwear that will last for years to come.

These brands are changing the way bathing suits are made by using sustainably-sourced or recycled materials. This is as opposed to conventional swimwear which is made from non-biodegradable virgin plastic materials that are derived from petroleum, a fossil fuel extracted through offshore drilling.

While sustainable swimwear may cost more than what you can purchase from a fast fashion brand, eco-friendly brands reduce the need for the manufacturing of virgin plastics, and their materials usually last much longer.

The list of sustainable swimwear brands can go on-and-on as brands continue innovating, but here are our top 7 fashion-forward, eco-friendly swimwear brands:

1. Reformation

Reading List:

Their Early 2020 Sustainability Report

Sustainable Material Spotlight:

Econyl

Our Take:

This California-based company creates feminine fashion pieces, including leopard and tropical prints. Not only does the brand use recycled materials from fishnets, industrial plastic, and more, but they are also carbon and water neutral, and ethically produce their pieces in their LA factory.

2. Mara Hoffman

Reading List:

Their Sustainability Approach

Sustainable Material Spotlight:

Econyl & Tencel

Our Take:

This brand’s swimsuits are designed not only with sustainability in mind with their recycled materials and carbon offsetting, but they’re also luxurious and flattering. Well-known for their bright colors, high waist cuts, and prints, Mara Hoffman’s swimsuits are boldly fashionable and last a long time.

3. Vitamin A Swim

Reading List:

Their Material Transparency Page

Sustainable Material Spotlight:

EcoLux, EcoRib, EcoTex, BioSculpt, Recycled Plastic Water Bottles & Recycled Cotton

Our Take:

In addition to its wide array of sustainable materials, this brand utilizes waterless printing technologies to reduce their water usage, and they also donate a portion of their proceeds to ocean protection organizations. They also have a line of swimsuits, titled Everything but Water, made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles. How cool?! Produced in California, their swimsuits have a classic appeal that we love.

4. Natasha Tonic

Reading List:

Their Transparency Page

Sustainable Material Spotlight:

Natural Hemp Fibers

Our Take:

While recycling plastic is crucial to giving it a second life and preventing it from ending up in landfills, there is the potential of releasing microplastics into the water. Natasha Tonic provides an alternative solution by creating unique swimsuits made from hemp. An additional benefit of supporting hemp-made swimwear is that the hemp works to detoxify soil and intakes carbon dioxide.

5. For the Dreamers

Reading List:

Their Sustainability Page

Sustainable Material Spotlight:

Econyl

Our Take:

While keeping your bathing suit collection to a minimum is ideal, you’re not likely going to want to wear the same swimsuit everyday. Australia-based brand, For the Dreamers, creates reversible swimsuits made from recycled nylon materials, so you can confidently enjoy your beach days and pool parties without worrying about being an “outfit repeater.” Along with their sustainable and versatile pieces, the company follows eco-friendly shipping practices such as using compostable, recycled shipping materials and sustainably made labels. The shipping company they work with is also carbon-neutral. On top of all of that, for each purchase you make, they donate 5% to Water is Life-- an organization that increases access to clean water.

6. Wolven

Reading List:

Their Sustainability & Materials Page

Sustainable Material Spotlight:

Recycled Plastic & Modal

Our Take:

Wolven’s collection of swimsuits are also reversible and come in many different styles, colors, and prints. What’s even better though is that they’ve dedicated themselves to sustainability by getting Climate Neutral certified. They do their best to reduce their manufacturing waste by producing their swimwear in limited quantities.

7. Davy J

Reading List:

Davy J's Mission

Sustainable Material Spotlight:

Econyl Yarn & Rubber

Our Take:

Swimwear isn’t just for lounging by the pool or tanning at the beach though. If you’re an avid beach volleyballer, skim/surf/paddleboarder, runner, etc. you’re not going to want to miss out on Davy J’s durable swimwear, made from econyl yarn (regenerated nylon from fishing nets). The nylon is double-lined to increase the strength of the material, and the swimwear has hidden rubber strips to keep the swimsuit in place as you play. We also admire their dedication a circular economy-- they encourage you to send over your swimsuit towards its end to get a discount on your next purchase so they can reuse the material.