By 2050, there will be more plastic in the water than fish, according to figures that everyone has heard. Therefore, it is up to us to change and choose environmentally friendly alternatives when it comes to clothing.

What are the advantages of wearing eco-friendly swimwear? The most obvious advantage is, of course, that you're not adding any hazardous chemicals or garbage to our environment, which can amass and harm both people and animals.

Additionally, sustainable swimwear often lasts longer than other swimsuit kinds, saving you money on replacement costs. Last but not least, these suits appear to be on par with their non-sustainable counterparts! If this has persuaded you that choosing eco-friendly swimwear is worthwhile, see our blog page.

Like most things in life, bikini wear involves striking a balance. Naturally, we want to flaunt our bodies and feel good about ourselves while doing so, but we also want to take care of the environment and consider how we will appear in the future. The good news is that eco-friendly swimming attire may provide both! Today's market is flooded with eco-friendly choices that enable you to have your cake and eat it too.

Sustainable swimwear is the greatest option for you and the environment for a variety of reasons. Did you realise that there's more at stake than just your own satisfaction when wearing these clothes to boost your self-confidence in public?

All swimsuit production has an impact on the environment. One garment can require up to 500 gallons of water to make! Additionally, each garment contributes to the annual release of 16 million tonnes of CO2 and nearly 20 pounds of dangerous chemicals.

When possible, each of us can contribute to sustainability by dressing in this way, protecting the environment from additional harm.

Is it time to make a purchase of eco-friendly swimwear? Maybe, but what makes anything sustainable as opposed to regular? Natural materials from organic farms, including cotton or hemp, are used to make sustainable clothes.

The manufacturing of these materials doesn't release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, making them better for the environment. You may also feel good about that because they use less water to produce than synthetic fibres do.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about how crucial it is to wear clothing that won't harm the environment. Your swimwear should be the next item on your list if you wish to join the sustainable living movement.

There are numerous benefits to selecting eco-friendly swimwear. The first is that the textile business uses dangerous dyes, insecticides, and poisonous chemicals that degrade our environment. By selecting an eco-friendly item made of organic cotton, you are ensuring that you are not adding to these issues.

Second, let's assume we keep consuming non-organic textiles at the same rate we are. Because it can take nature up to 1000 years to regenerate one square mile of forestland, there would be no natural resources available for future generations in that situation.

Last but not least, supporting child labour by purchasing clothing made in sweatshops is morally repugnant on many levels. Fortunately, there are many possibilities for eco-friendly swimwear, so please think about purchasing something that uses sustainable materials.

Let's get going!

So why the need for sustainable swimwear?

With 10% of the world's carbon emissions coming from the textile sector, it is the world's second-largest industrial polluter behind the oil sector. Give that some time to sink in.

However, given of its land, water, and energy-intensive processes, it has an adverse effect on the environment in more ways than just the production of new materials.

The disposal of textile waste raises extra issues. An estimated 3 million tonnes of textiles are disposed of in landfills annually in Australia alone. 6 tonnes of garments are reportedly disposed away in landfills every ten minutes. That's messed up!

Those of us who are conscious, including YOU for being cool and reading this post (Yeah you!!). You are concerned about straws and plastic bottles. Wow, it's time to consider the environmental impact of your worn-out T-shirts, ski jackets, and yoga leggings.

Did you know that polyester takes up to a thousand years to decompose and is made from petroleum?

The future is circular

Recycling textiles has the immediate benefit of diverting more waste from landfills. The unintended effects of trends like quick fashion and minimalism, however, are an increase in fabric waste, which is now a major global waste problem.

You should definitely see Why Recycled, a fantastic 12-minute video produced by Patagonia that goes into great detail into the problem.

There is currently a new industry that views waste as a valuable resource. The industry "up-cycles" recycled nylon fibres from plastic polymers including fishing nets, bottles, and carpets to create sustainable swimwear. The two major participants in the textile industry are REPREVE® (produced in the United States) and ECONYL® (manufactured in Italy).

Over 18 million plastic bottles have currently been recycled by REPREVE alone.

Did you know that 13,000 litres of water are needed to produce just one kilogramme of virgin cotton? In contrast, one kilogramme of recycled, upcycled cotton uses no more water, does not require extra cultivation, processing, or dyeing, and does not result in additional glasshouse gas emissions.

Other important factors in creating sustainable swimwear

Adopting up-cycled textiles is excellent, but other factors need to be considered to be a truly sustainable swimwear brand. 

These include:

• Be mindful of the fabric-dying procedure. Using nontoxic dyes that don't pollute the air or water and switching to digital printing to save water (conventional printing procedures consume 50–60 litres of water per metre on average).
• Producing clothing in settings that strictly adhere to environmental rules and reduce waste.
• Providing clean, safe working conditions and paying fair wages for labour.
• Becoming a carbon-neutral corporation by offsetting any carbon emissions.
• Keeping a careful eye on your shipping and supply chain

It's important to note that many firms haven't switched to 100% recycled fabrics because they believe the quality is inferior to that of virgin fibres.

It is also taken into account how far these imported materials must travel. For instance, Econyl is recycled in a Slovenian facility before being sent to an Italian mill and finally a Hong Kong storage facility. Sustainability issues are rarely that simple to resolve.

Every action, interaction, and procedure has an effect. The secret is to be aware of those acts so you can choose the least damaging course.

The sustainable swimwear brands making waves

It is encouraging to know that independent, small, female-owned surf swimwear companies are driving the sustainable swimwear movement. Even though putting all of the above into practise would require a lot of work, the fact that people are considering all factors is tremendously encouraging.

The already slim profit margins are further squeezed by the significant operating costs associated with producing sustainable swimwear. However, if these fantastic indie brands can pull it off, so can huge surf brands and companies (come on, major swimwear labels!).

So the next time you need new swimwear, make a sustainable purchase from one of the below-mentioned brands. All of these brands have been put to the test by us, and we can attest that they are of the best calibre, durable, and their suits are effective in the surf.

All of these eco-friendly swimwear companies deserve our admiration and unwavering support for all of their efforts, which go far beyond the brief synopsis we provide below. Visit each of their websites to read about their individual experiences. These ladies are an inspiration, as are the businesses they have created.

In no particular order…

1. Sensi Graves Bikinis

Sensi Graves, a skilled kiteboarder, founded this American company in 2012 to produce eco-friendly swimwear that is fiercely utilitarian and fabulously feminine. Everything they do is centred on sustainability.

Sensi launched an Indiegogo campaign in 2019 to raise money for the transfer of the whole 2020 range, which consists of five tops and five bottoms, to recycled materials (the swimwear will still contain a percentage of non-recycled spandex or lycra). To achieve this change, they collected more than AUD 37,000.

The sustainable swimwear policy of Sensi Graves Bikinis entails:

• Made from recycled fabrics by ECONYL® and REPREVE®
• Use polybags, labels, and hangtags made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
• Utilize digital printing techniques that consume little water.
• 1% of revenues from For The Planet Members are contributed to environmental organisations.
• From Salem, Oregon. from Hood River, Oregon, shipped
• All carbon emissions should be offset in cooperation with Climate Neutral.

Visit the Sensi Graves Bikinis website to view the entire selection of eco-friendly swimwear and bikinis.

2. Wolven

It can be difficult to find the ideal bathing suit, but thanks to Wolven, your troubles are over. Their eco-friendly swimwear is not only lovely A.F., but most of the styles are reversible. So, for instance, there are FOUR WAYS to wear the Santorini Ruched Top.

In other words, you could go to the pool four times and nobody would ever know you're wearing the same suit. Who is an outfit repeater? Wait until you hear this, as if we haven't already persuaded you to get a suit from Wolven!

They wear soft, cosy clothing created from recycled plastic water bottles. They are in fact produced from P.E.T. materials that were recycled and spun from BPA-free bottles. Each cargo is dispatched with Mother Nature in mind, complete with eco-friendly packing and carbon offsets.

3. Salt Gypsy

An independent, self-supporting business that has raised all of its own funding. In the Maldives, founder Danielle Clayton began working as a surf instructor and soon after launched a blog that would become Salt Gypsy.

The company is now situated in Byron Bay, Australia, and caters to a worldwide surfing community. In addition, Salt Gypsy recently unveiled a line of women-specific surfboards, a first for the industry.

Salt Gypsy sustainable swimwear policy includes:

• Made from recycled textiles by ECONYL®
• Responsible Australian manufacturing
• Uses packaging that is biodegradable
• Provide a take-back programme for your used Surf Gypsy clothing.

Visit the Salt Gypsy website to view their entire selection of eco-friendly bikinis and swimwear.

4. Reformation

Look to Reformation for everything apparel-related. Along with their regular attire, underwear, and accessories.

Reformation makes their fashionable suits using a mixture of recycled polyester and lycra; the sustainability impact of each item is listed in the information section. For example, the lovely Tide Bikini Top conserves 1.1 pounds of waste, 32 gallons of water, and 11 pounds of carbon dioxide. What a fantastic thing!

5. DKOKO

Founded by two Costa Rican women who were born into a paradise full of waves and tropical climate. DKOKO is steadfastly committed to making a good difference in the area of Central America where they do business.

The people at DKOKO think that in order for the earth to be in good health, we must all buy less but better. Therefore, reducing waste and producing high-quality goods should be the top priorities.

In accordance with DKOKO's sustainable swimwear philosophy:

• Concentrate on great quality to extend the shelf life of your items and cut down on waste.
• Acquired directly from the producer in Brazil and made from Lycra Extra Life with U.P.F. protection. The supplier of the cloth is Oeketex approved and obediently complies with all national, state, and local social and environmental regulations.

Their fabrics are produced with the most recent technology and cutting-edge equipment, using water from the Tiete River near Sao Paolo (one of the most polluted in the Americas). Their environmentally friendly manufacturing procedure cleans the water before reintroducing it into the river.

• Creating locally and supporting families in Masaya, Nicaragua with their very own sewing business.
• Social responsibility: All full-time Dkoko staff members are eligible for benefits such as health insurance, social security, and pension funds, as well as two weekly days off, one month of paid vacation each year, and a pay increase through the month of December.
• Limited production: Producing from our boutique sewing shop in Nicaragua rather than Asia enables us to produce in small amounts and only make the number of garments we sell, minimising waste to the utmost extent possible.
• Every piece of apparel is made entirely of organic cotton and hemp.
  The products are tagged or labelled using only biodegradable envelopes and no plastic at all.

Visit the DKOKO website to view the entire selection of eco-friendly swimwear and sustainable bikinis.

6. Bromelia Swimwear

Lauren Quinn started Bromelia Swimwear after relocating to Brazil and becoming familiar with the exquisitely created native designs.

To bring its vivid ideas to life, this ethical clothing brand collaborates closely with indigenous Brazilian artists, particularly women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Bromelia provides its artists with respect for their trade, a respectful workspace, a fair wage, and the opportunity to gain experience. These exquisite swimwear designs are expertly crafted to accentuate women's bodies, starting with the sketch stage and continuing through construction and final touches.

We've had our eyes on the gorgeous Pantanal Bikini Top and Bottoms this season; it's the ideal summer outfit!

7. Elation Surfwear

Elation swimwear is developed in Newcastle, Australia, and produced in Bali, Indonesia, and was founded by young Australian surfer Kellie. Made for the women who feel at home in the sea, unique swimwear that is ethically and sustainably produced.

The sustainable swimwear philosophy of Elation Surfwear entails:

• Made from recycled fabrics by ECONYL® and REPREVE®
• Balinese workers receive pay that is 2.5 times the minimum wage and family and individual health insurance.
• Instead of plastic, use compostable mailing satchels and hygiene stickers.
• Digital printing is used to create prints utilising eco-friendly dyes.
• Instead of plastic, the product is packaged in a reusable zip-up pouch.

Visit the Elation Surfwear website to view the whole selection of sustainable swimwear and sustainable bikinis.

8. Santos Swim

Do you have a hankering to travel? So go to Santos Swim and purchase a suit! This socially responsible swimwear company draws ideas for its designs from international travel locales.

The Seminyak One Piece, named after the resort in Indonesia, is a multifunctional item that may be worn as a bodysuit or swimwear.

It is made up of 78% ECONYL, a substance created from used plastic, cloth, and fishing net scraps. Santos Swim works with a manufacturing partner that offers secure working conditions, competitive pay, and health insurance for both employees and their families, and all of the clothing it sells is packaged in biodegradable materials.

9. Zealous 

With a background in clothes engineering, Marie relocated from Germany to Bali where she learned the language and worked as an intern in local manufacturers to create a local team that you can see in films on the Zealous website.

Every surf bikini and piece of streetwear in the line symbolises the hard work and devotion of the employees she has met in person.

The sustainable swimwear policy at Zealous Clothing entails:

• The OCEAN surf bikini line is constructed of 22% virgin spandex and 78% ECONYL.
• In Bali, Indonesia, products were developed, tested, cut, and sewed. then transported to the storage facility in Hamburg, Germany
• For the first time, Zealous will be carbon neutral in 2019.
• 75% of clothing collections are manufactured from recycled and organic materials.
• There are no metal rings or studs; all tags and strings are biodegradable.
• Uses compostable mailers to deliver products to clients and biodegradable bags to package the products themselves.
• DHL Green CO2 neutral shipping: to retailers and consumers
• 1% Donate 1% of our annual sales as a For The Planet Member to support environmental solutions.
• Additionally, they occasionally plan beach clean-ups around Bali.

Visit the Zealous Clothing website to view the whole selection of eco-friendly swimsuits and bikinis.

10. Lybethras

Luciana Martinez began making garments when she was a little girl. She now runs a whole Brazilian swimwear company that strives to empower women by producing flattering, cosy, and ecologically constructed suits.

The selections from Lybethras include one-pieces and cover-ups as well as triangular, strapless, and ruffled tops that are ideal for a day in the sun. Unfortunately, the company uses a polyamide yarn in its CO2 control fabric, which is quickly dissolved after being disposed of in a landfill. However, after seeing these gorgeous suits, we highly doubt they'll ever end up there.

Other ecologically responsible techniques used by Lybethras include digitally printing textiles with eco-friendly inks, paying workers fairly, ensuring a safe workplace, and upcycling old textiles.

11. Anowi Surf 

Anowi, a tiny independent company based in Manhattan's Garment District, aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible in all of its operations. Their products' high quality is immediately apparent. They are currently developing a take-back programme to provide their swimsuit goods a full lifecycle.

The sustainable swimwear philosophy of Anowi Surf entails:

• Made from recycled textiles REPREVE®
• Digital printing without water on textiles
• New York City, USA, is where the product is designed, made, and shipped.
• The U.S.A. is the location of all suppliers.
• The sticker used to seal the container is made entirely of recycled materials.
• At the moment, I'm working on making things out of leftover manufacturing fabric, including previous customers' Anowi swimwear.

Visit the Anowi Surf website to view the entire selection of eco-friendly swimwear and bikinis.

12. Galamaar

Galamaar has you covered—literally—whether you're looking for a hot new one-piece or a charming and fashionable bikini. The nylon used by this company to make its swimwear is taken from old fishing nets that were dumped in the ocean.

What a complete circle! In addition to using recycled hang tags, recycled mixed metal hardware, and eco-friendly packaging, Galamaar also works to lessen ocean pollution. while also creating the most striking tops and trunks.

Pro tip: Combine and contrast their swim separates to discover the outfit that flatters your body type and sense of style.

13. Monique Rotteveel

Monique Surf and Swimwear is produced in a small, family-run facility in Europe. Its goal is to transform the world for the better. It is Monique's personal mission to design fair, useful, and feminine clothing with vibrant prints.

The sustainable swimwear philosophy of Monique Rotteveel entails:

• Made from recycled textiles by ECONYL®
• Biodegradable and recycled packaging
• 1% Donating 1% of all sales to environmental causes as a For The Planet member
• With production in Bulgaria and the warehouse in the Netherlands, their entire production is done in Europe.
• To save water, fabrics are digitally printed.
• Fair compensation and favourable working conditions for all parties

Visit the Monique Rotteveel website to view the entire selection of eco-friendly bikinis and swimwear.

14. SEPTEMBER

Investing in high-quality clothing that will last you a long time is considerably more sustainable (and cost-effective) than supporting rapid fashion and buying the newest and trendiest clothes. SEPTEMBER enters the picture here!

The female-owned swimwear company specialises in classic, stylish swimwear that goes with everything. Each suit is made of recycled Italian nylon spun from ghost fishing nets that were found in the ocean, and it is decorated with trim and packaging made of recycled PVC and card board.

Additionally, all of SEPTEMBER's suits are created in a Bali factory that is locally owned and run and that upholds moral and ethical labour practises. Therefore, you can be confident that when you're ready to place your order, it will last you the entire season and beyond!

15. Bondi Alchemist

Bondi Alchemist, a well-known local beach, served as the inspiration for Jarra's first Australian brand, which emphasised deliberate design and "getting it right."

Jarra wants women to feel attractive in her ecological, ethical, one-of-a-kind, aesthetically pleasing, AND technically manufactured surfwear for women, which is handcrafted in Bali in limited quantities. Jarra produces in small batches so that they don't overproduce; once they're gone, they're gone!

In accordance with its sustainable swimwear policy, The Bondi Alchemist

• Manufactured from Carvico, a sustainable technological fabric created from ECONYL®.
• Designed on the go, all materials were cut, stitched, and shipped from Bali.
• Directly into biodegradable packaging at the manufacturing
• Everything is packaged in a washable cotton bag.
• All products are shipped directly to the consumer from Bali, where they are manufactured, to reduce CO2 emissions during shipment.

Check out the Bondi Alchemist website to see their entire selection of eco-friendly bikinis and swimwear.

16. Shapes in the Sand

The mission statement of this Australian swimwear company is, "The expression of a love for the natural world through drawing inspiration from nature and the diversity within it." So when you browse their website, be prepared to be greeted by a profusion of lovely patterns and attractive designs.

They hand-make rash guards, one-pieces, and bikini tops and bottoms from two different eco-friendly technical textiles called Econyl and E.V.O. yarn. While E.V.O. yarn is made from castor bean oil, a renewable resource that does not require water or have an effect on the human or animal food chain, Econyl yarn is made from garbage that is collected from the ocean.

Without using water or harsh chemicals, these materials are printed locally. Any extra material is also made into accessories like headbands.

17. CURMS

Carmen from the Netherlands and a passionate, swimwear-loving family in Indonesia hand-make each and every item of CURMS.

The owner Carmen's philosophy is that CURMS isn't only about the product but the story behind it. Each item is a one-of-a-kind work of art.

These swimsuits are built with sustainability in mind and are expertly crafted. They create textile patterns by weaving with an old Indonesian method known as IKAT.

The sustainable swimwear guidelines at CURMS include:

• Manufactured from 100% regenerated nylon fibre and ECONYL®-based VITA XTRA LIFE LYCRA®.
• Sublimation printing, which uses no water, is used to print on fabrics.
• They try to reuse as much as possible (paper, fabric, etc.) clothing wrapped in a small drawstring cotton bag that can be used again.
• Together with a tiny local family in Eastern Java, Indonesia, all clothing is made.

Visit the CURMS website to view the whole selection of eco-friendly swimwear and sustainable bikinis.

18. La Porte

You name it, La Porte has it: halter top one-pieces, ruffle bottom bikinis, scoop neck tops, beach shorts. This adorable bathing suit business takes great delight in producing high-quality items that give you the best sense of self.

One method they achieve this is through their open-door policy, which enables clients to replace their suit within a year of the original purchase if their size or form changes. Everything is manufactured in New York using Italian fabric that has been sustainably sourced.

19. Hakuna Wear 

a new independent company from a surfer with a Ph.D. in chemistry, based in San Diego, California! Jessica is dedicated to sustainability and will only use new wetsuit materials that can replace neoprene, which is bad for the environment. She will also offer to fix any products that experience damage from normal use.

The sustainable swimwear guidelines at Hakuna Wear include:

• Made using recycled materials
• Designed, manufactured, and shipped from San Diego, California, is all swimwear.
• Hakuna Wear Ding Repair: Wear-and-tear damage will be fixed for a fair price.
• Replacing petroleum-based neoprene with Yulex and limestone neoprene

Check out the Hakuna Wear website to see their entire selection of eco-friendly bikinis and swimwear.

20. Hackwith Design House

The swimwear collection from Hackwith Design House is breathtakingly beautiful this season! There is undoubtedly a suit for you, regardless of the colour and style you want!

The Two-Tone Shoulder Tie One Piece honours the wildly popular color-blocking trend. It has a high-cut bottom, shoulder straps that are adjustable, and a deep scoop back.

The exquisite clothing from Hackwith Design House is completely produced by hand in Minnesota by a skilled sewing team using recycled polyester. Their items are stylish yet modest, and they are available in a variety of colours and fits.

21. TIDE + SEEK

The UK-based surf swimwear brand Tide + Seek. They are dedicated to using only repurposed materials while producing their adorable pastel swimwear.

The sustainable swimwear guidelines at Tide + Seek include:

• Made from recycled fabrics by REPREVE®
• Cute headbands are made from leftover fabric.
• Is delivered in a reusable canvas pouch.

22. Kitty and Vibe

Can't decide whether to wear a one-piece or a bikini? The best of both worlds may be found in Kitty and Vibe's Cut Out One Piece! It features all the protection and comfort of a one-piece with a central cutout resembling a bikini to expose a bit more skin.

Additionally, it features the most gorgeous sweetheart neckline. Other designs from Kitty and Vibe include backless one-pieces, high-waisted bottoms, front tie tops, and pretty much any other type of bikini you can think of.

In terms of sustainability, the company uses 82% recycled polyester for the majority of its clothing, which is then packaged in 100% biodegradable bags and dispatched.

Their factory workers receive wages over the minimum rate as well as perks like healthcare and retirement plans. Kitty and Vibe, in summary, passes the vibe test with flying colours.