Summertime is a season of carefree outdoor days. It's a time to enjoy the sunshine and refreshing water, but it may also be a time when we need to be concerned about our attire.

Due of the prevalent "one-piece or nothing" mentality, you may assume that the selection of swimwear is restricted. However, you'd be mistaken! For individuals who prefer gorgeous things to going au naturel on the beach this year, there are several sustainable brands available.

Do you require a new summer swimsuit? You're in luck if so! There are numerous environmentally friendly products that offer good quality and comfort. Check out this list of eco-friendly swimwear companies before you hit the beach this summer!

Do you want to go swimming this summer but are unsure of what swimsuit is eco-friendly? Well, fear not, for we have made a list for you!

These companies produce eco-friendly and sustainable swimwear without sacrificing style, according to the list. There is something for everyone with the selection of bikinis and one-pieces. It's time to get wet, so grab your beach towel and head to the closest pool.

When sustainability is your primary priority, it may initially seem unusual that it might be challenging to discover appropriate swimwear options. Fortunately, we've done all the legwork for you; all you have to do is choose which suit best suits your needs.

If you're anything like me, you've been putting money down for some new swimwear as summer approaches.

I am aware that there are some swimwear brands out there that are difficult to find. Nevertheless, with this list of sustainable swimwear companies to wear this summer (in no particular order), you'll be able to choose your next buy wisely!

What swimwear do you plan to wear this summer? These days, it's impossible to narrow down your choices. But one thing is certain. Wearing something that won't harm the environment is what you should do.

It might be challenging to choose which sustainable brands would be most effective for you with so many emerging on a daily basis. If you're looking for high-end or budget-friendly swimwear, we've compiled a list of some of our favourite sustainable swimwear manufacturers. Discover your next go-to brand by reading on!

But which swimsuit or bikini should you choose? There are many options available, but only certain of them will enable sustainability for you.

This blog post will discuss a few different companies that produce eco-friendly suits for women just like you. Everything is available, from suits made of plant-based materials to bikinis made of organic cotton and recycled materials.

So let's get started without further ado!

What Does Sustainable Fashion Mean And Why Is It Important?

Everyone should strive to become more sustainable, and a wonderful place to start is with our clothing.

We are aware that avoiding quick fashion and making more deliberate decisions—including choosing to rent or buy used clothing when possible—are the best ways to move forwards.

If you do decide to purchase something new, you may still shop ethically by promoting and patronising environmentally conscious companies that prioritise protecting the environment.

Although the realm of sustainable fashion can occasionally seem perplexing, many businesses are making significant efforts to make the sector more environmentally friendly.

There are many sustainable options available, ranging from wedding dress brands to loungewear labels and jewellery designers; the key is to conduct thorough research before purchasing (you can read our full guide to multi-brand sustainable shopping destinations here).

Shopping for swimwear is no different in this regard. Make careful to research the brand's sustainability stances, the materials they use and their potential environmental impact, whether they help regional communities or charitable organisations, and how these may affect the world.

You can learn more about understanding sustainability here. If you're having trouble finding the facts, it's likely that the company isn't as environmentally friendly as it claims to be.

There are many labels to pick from that offer fashionable and environmentally sustainable choices; additionally, you may support lesser-known labels at the same time.

What Should You Look For When Shopping Sustainable Bathing Suits?

Finding sustainable swimwear manufactured without some synthetic fibre has been nearly impossible (if you are unfamiliar, these fibres are petrochemical-based and do not biodegrade like natural fibres).

Although some businesses are attempting to avoid using pure synthetic materials, micro-plastics are still a problem in ethical swimwear.

These companies are developing new performance fabrics out of post-consumer trash like plastic bottles and fishing nets that are just as functional as any other bathing suit you can find.

These Are The Eco-Friendly Swimwear Fabrics To Know

The two most popular swimwear fabrics you'll find in this post are going to be REPREVE and ECONYL.

The most prevalent sort of recycled nylon we can locate is econyl, a fibre that is 100 percent recycled and recyclable. It is constructed of pre- and post-consumer trash, including fabric scraps (fishing nets, old carpets...).

Econyl was granted Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. It ensures that the content is free of any elements that could be hazardous to our health. Repreve is a synthetic fabric, but unlike nylon, it is made from recycled polyester.

It is created from pre- and post-consumer waste and is the top brand of recycled performance fibre in the world.

In addition to these two well-liked options, EcoRib (a stretchy ribbed fabric manufactured from nylon fibre scraps) and Bio-Nylon are also available (a biodegradable plant-based fibre).

Many companies use recycled materials like fishing nets and plastic bottles to create swimsuits, bikinis, board shorts, and trunks.

For instance, Aima Dora prioritises pre-orders in order to avoid stock waste and recycles its material cut-offs from fabrics made from marine plastic waste into new goods. Aima Dora also adheres to the slow fashion tenet of making less but better.

Products from RubyMoon are verified to have 42% fewer carbon emissions than the typical high-street swimsuit. Additionally, they are vegan and Oeko-Tex certified, indicating that no hazardous chemicals are utilised.

The swimwear and activewear from RubyMoon are manufactured from ECONYL nylon yarn, which is produced from fishing nets and other waste products found in our seas.

After that, this trash is transformed into premium, long-lasting cloth. According to the founder Jo, this fabric also incorporates Xtra Life Lycra, which can withstand exposure to chlorine for more than 100 hours.

How Sustainable Is Your Swimwear, Really? Two Experts Explain How To Buy An Eco-Friendly Bikini

Australia has an abundance of stunning beaches and shorelines that have been touched by the sun. So it only seems sense that while selecting a cossie, we should try to have as little of an influence as possible on the world's natural treasures.

Over the past few years, there have been more and more possibilities for sustainable swimwear. But what really qualifies these options as "eco-friendly"?

Will this fit and suit my body type? is the first thing to ask, say swimwear experts Kay Howitt and Lynne Tramonte. This seems like a no-brainer considering how many garments are dumped in landfills every year, but start by picking a bikini or one-piece you truly adore.

Howitt and Tramonte should know; they founded the swimwear company Monte & Lou and have a combined 35 years of expertise in the field. We thus asked them for some advice on what makes swimwear sustainable.

1. Fabric matters

You should be familiar with recycled nylon. Check to see if the swimsuit (both the interior and the outside layer) is created with a significant amount of recycled yarn if you want to support a more environmentally friendly brand.

For the best fit, Monte & Lou's collections are manufactured with their own fabric and a silky lining that are both made from 85% recycled nylon and elastane. According to Howitt, "Recycled nylon retains the qualities of the regular nylon yarn, providing the swimwear the same longevity and quality."

Keep an eye out for the highest certification for ethical fabric manufacture of its kind, the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. (naturally, Monte & Lou only use a fabric of this standard).

2. Know the printing method

The pattern is the most attractive feature of your bathing suit, but without the right printer, the operations can be among the most environmentally harmful.

Thankfully, digital printing techniques minimise water consumption and do not require the use of hazardous chemicals (the method saved more than 40 billion litres of water worldwide in 2018).

The line from Monte & Lou also employs this printing technique, which enhances the beauty of its vivacious, feminine prints.

3. Packaging 

You'll notice how much packaging is being used and likely ending up in the trash if you're anything like us and doing (even more) of your shopping online during these socially isolating times.

Howitt and Tramonte are also waste-aware, and they follow their own advice to the very last detail. Using online orders transported in reusable zip-lock bags in biodegradable satchels as an illustration, they introduced totally compostable and biodegradable packaging.

4. Check the brand ethos

A little investigation into the company will reveal a lot about its sustainability philosophy. In light of the promotion of a culture of rapid fashion by Tramonte's past experiences, "Kay and I were constantly cognisant of the influence of swimwear manufacture on our environment," he says.

"We desired to change the model of our own company to one that would lessen these long-term effects. Our company's ethos was founded on sustainability when we first established our brand. Even a little business like ours can have an impact."

Understand the Difference between Ethical vs. Sustainable

It's crucial to understand where your swimsuit's material is made. But that's also how it was created. It wouldn't make much sense to discuss a "sustainable" swimsuit if it was produced in subpar circumstances in an abusive sweatshop, would it?

These factors aren't often taken into consideration while using the word "sustainable." This implies that a company might advertise its swimwear as "sustainable" without ensuring respectable working conditions. The word "ethical" can be helpful in this situation.

You want to know who made it when you purchase environmentally friendly swimwear. what circumstances? What kind of material? Where on earth is this? These indicators will show you whether a brand is truly conscientious or merely using greenwashing to win your business.

Greenwashing: How to Spot It

Disinformation deliberately spread by a group or business in an effort to project an appearance of environmental responsibility is known as "greenwashing."

This occurs when a business invests more time and resources on making a good impression on the public than actual sustainability.

Depending on the brand, greenwashing can take many various forms, but here are some warning signs to watch out for as you scroll:

• Buzzwords like "eco," "green," "sustainable," "conscious," and "natural" without much or any supporting information.
• Packaging with a muted or natural colour scheme.
• Utilizing green in their branding and messaging.
• Not knowing the origin of the materials.
• Finding information on the product is difficult.
• Instead of accepting responsibility for the waste they are producing, some campaigns encourage consumers to "recycle and repurpose" their products.

Concrete examples work best for demonstrating these concepts. So let's look at a wonderful illustration provided by Heidi Kalulza of @the rogue essentials. In a video, Heidi discusses a specific instance of greenwashing from the fast-fashion retailer H&M.

H&M has released what they are referring to as "The Conscious Collection." This collection states that 50% of each item's content consists of "more sustainable" components.

This indicates that just 50% of the clothing is truly sustainable. Furthermore, there is little to no information on their website on "sustainable materials."

Furthermore, this "conscious" collection makes no mention of the circumstances under which the clothing was produced or its overall environmental impact.

Overall, it appears that greenwashing is more of a means to make the buyer feel better about their purchases when they have any good environmental impact.

Top Sustainable Swimwear Brands

1. Girlfriend Collective

The US-based Girlfriend Collective is setting the standard for swimwear produced ethically.

Their assortment of colourful, vibrant bikinis and swimsuits are made from industrial waste and recycled fishing nets that have been rescued from the ocean.

Girlfriend is a favourite among consumers for activewear because it is the swimwear line on this list with the biggest size diversity. I can't wait to see them launch a swimwear collection!

Their swimming suits are really simple and come in a variety of colours. Additionally, 1% is donated to Healthy Seas.

Girlfriend Collective offers one of the broadest size choices available, with its designs available in sizes XXS to 6XL, making them suitable for all body types.

2. Summersalt

Summersalt has you covered if you enjoy colour blocking and simple silhouettes.

Compression panelling makes everything smooth and comfy for in-water activities, and the recycled polyamide fabric keeps the seas happy in their colourful, eye-catching one-pieces and eco-friendly bikinis.

There are so many adorable options from Summersalt! Their swimsuit is created from a sumptuous, ultra-compressive fabric consisting of 78% recycled polyamide.

This kind of fabric is made from waste nylon, such as old fishing nets, that is collected directly from the oceans, recycled plastic, and post-consumer goods.

They go a step further and use recycled materials into every aspect of their packaging.

3. Londre

Each swimsuit made by Londre contains a minimum of 6 recycled plastic bottles, demonstrating the company's commitment to manufacturing high-quality swimwear with the least amount of negative environmental impact.

Their swimsuits are both attractive and comfortable, and you can return them back at the end of their useful lives so they can be recycled into new materials.

This is one of the top sustainable swimwear brands that you'll love to support, with a variety of cute & flattering styles!

4. Wolven

Wolven uses recycled plastic bottles to construct their line of fun swimwear, making sustainability sexy.

In addition to literally removing waste from the system, they have a partnership with Climate Neutral to reduce their carbon footprint.

Additionally, you can be confident that the packing in which your swimsuit will be delivered is recyclable.

5. Frankies Bikinis

Frankies is a Malibu-based bikini shop that often releases new, stylish styles that create buzz.

Their eco-friendly swimwear line has a somewhat smaller range, but if you're searching for a cute string bikini, Frankies might be the option for you.

The environmentally friendly bikini line is created with biodegradable Amni Soul Eco polyamide yarn.

6. Outerknown

The boys weren't forgotten! Although it's true that the majority of eco-friendly swimwear companies target women, Outerknown produces board-worthy trunks made entirely of recycled materials, thanks to founder and eco-aware surfer Kelly Slater. They obviously meet beach boy standards.

Men were not to be left off of this list, I promise! However, Outerknown has achieved history in other ways, including being the first company to launch swimwear made of ECONYL and the first company to become accredited by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) without ever shipping a product.

Additionally, they collaborate with Fair Trade USA to guarantee that garment workers receive a fair wage and have a secure workplace.

7. Vitamin A

Cali females, take note. A sustainable bikini company called Vitamin A creates fashionable swimwear targeted at the Instagram population. They manufacture their exclusive EcoLux, EcoRib, and EcoTex suits in California using recycled and plant-based materials.

This collection contains so many amazing fabrics: EcoLux is created from recycled nylon fibres; EcoRib is a stretch-ribbed swim fabric manufactured from nylon fibre scraps; EcoTex produces less glasshouse gas emissions and uses less water and energy; and BioSculpt offers an organic substitute for nylon made from fossil fuels.

Vitamin A also contributes a portion of its earnings to organisations like Girls Inc., Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, and 1% For the Planet.

8. Prana

Prana's yoga, climbing, travel, and eco-swimwear are designed for an active, adventurous lifestyle and have been produced responsibly from the beginning.

Their ethically produced swimwear is composed of ocean-cleaning ECONYL fabric and is designed to stay in place while engaging in water-friendly activities.

Prana is the company to choose if you want an eco-friendly bathing suit that looks good and will withstand your surf training.

9. Made Trade

Manufactured Trade handpicks products from small, independent designers and craftspeople that are made sustainably and ethically. Their swimwear line has adorable and accommodating styling for a variety of body types.

The majority of manufacturers employ ECONYL, and some, like Bold Swim, also use biodegradable, CO2-light nylon, making their bikinis compostable. What clever product development that is.

10. Ookioh

Clean lines, traditional silhouettes, and vibrant colours define Ookioh. Additionally, they only use recycled and biodegradable materials to make their swimwear.

Because their fabrics are so comfortable, this playful and travel-inspired business encouraged wearing their one-pieces as bodysuits and their bikinis as your all-day vacation baselayer. No problem, if I may!

11. Solid & Striped

With its flattering cuts and straightforward designs, Solid & Striped has revolutionised the Instagram swimsuit industry. They provide a large assortment of recycled polyamide fabric-based cuts and colours in their sustainable line.

You can mix and combine sets to your heart's content to put together the ideal top-to-bottom bikini set.

12. Patagonia

When it comes to ethically produced swimwear, Patagonia is the original. Their athletic clothing is made with technical, recycled-material textiles that work well year after year without losing fashion.

This brand is arguably one of the better ones to buy from in terms of functionality. They also provide some of the best performance clothing available, so whether you enjoy surfing, hiking, boating, etc., you'll find these swimsuits to be incredibly useful!

They have everything you need, including board shorts and rash guard tops. Additionally, they provide a fantastic selection of men's swimwear and all swimsuits are Fair Trade stitched!

Additionally Fair Trade Certified, all Patagonia recycled swimwear allows you to feel comfortable both physically and psychologically in your outfit. Namaste.

13. Fair Harbor

Men's fashionable swim trunks are produced by Fair Harbor from recycled plastic bottles. Fair Harbor incorporates a northern aesthetic into its swim designs by basing them on the principles of the austere Fair Harbor neighbourhood on Fire Island, New York.

For comfort and movement, their designs have built-in compression underwear.

14. Reformation

Reformation was one of the first companies to make sustainability seriously cool, and it is the favourite of Millennials who care about the environment but also want to look good.

Reformation, a brand best known for its summer dresses, has expanded its selection to include a small but adorable range of bikinis and one-pieces created from eco-friendly materials like ECONYL (repurposed nylon) or recycled polyester.

The environmental impact of each product is detailed, along with washing guidelines to reduce microplastic shedding.

15. Madewell

Madewell, a cult favourite brand, has now released a line of eco-friendly swimwear made entirely from recycled material. Their one-pieces and bikinis, which come in muted colours in useful cuts, also exhibit their flair for design and fun designs.

Other eco-friendly swimwear labels that they carry include Solid & Striped, Summersalt, Palm, Mara Hoffman, and Galamaar.

16. Hülya Swim

"Cleaning the water one bikini at a time" is Hülya's motto. By obtaining its swimwear from ocean waste and collaborating with organisations like 1% for the Ocean and the Coral Restoration Fund, they work to make this vision a reality.

Their bikini designs feature vibrant solids in sporty cuts that can withstand all of your beach activities.

17. Do Good Swimwear

Do Good swimsuits are for girls who love the ocean and are made from recycled ocean garbage.

Their timeless styles come in vibrant colours that may be mixed and matched year after year. They contribute a portion of their earnings to ocean conservation, carbon offsets, and the education of women in underdeveloped nations.

Do Good is a little, independent company, thus its selections are constrained and tend to sell out quickly.

18. The Saltwater Collective

The Saltwater Collective specialises on well-made basics with timeless styles and plain colours.

Saltwater Collective's suits help clean the ocean and boost body confidence because they are made of sustainable ECONYL, which is made from trash from landfills and abandoned nets.

Their appealing looks are created to boost self-assurance in women of all sizes.

19. Hackwith Design House

Full covering is made adorable by Hackwith Design House. Every body type is taken into consideration while designing their ethical swimwear, and the majority of their styles are tied or wrapped to match a range of shapes and moods.

With their subdued hues and high-quality recycled fabrics, your suit will look stylish all summer long.

Final Thoughts

Have I mentioned the brand of ethical swimwear you prefer? I sincerely hope you discovered one or two fresh brands to shop from this season and in the future.

Plan ahead for a suit you love and for the sake of the environment rather than waiting until the last minute and buying a cheap bikini at your hotel's beachwear shop.

Let's head to the beach now!