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All materials in some way or another take from our lovely planet, but some are a lot more sustainable and less destructive than others. For those looking to tread a little lighter knowing they’re wading blue waters with a swimwear brand sourced from sustainable materials, know that there are a number of brands out there that have taken extra measures to create high-quality, eco-minded textiles, as well as seek production facilities that support fair trade and safe labor.
Whatever your needs and wants may be, there is an entire pod of sustainable swimwear lines out there. These brands are doing their part in encouraging fellow saltwater dwellers and wave chasers to dive into the world of slow fashion, and to take action around the critical issue of responsible consumption. From design and production to packaging, distribution and partnerships, these are the best swimsuit brands that are making a serious splash in minimizing their carbon footprint while maximizing their positive social impact, giving us all the more reason to get a little wet and wild.
Explore 12 of the best sustainable swimwear brands
Vitamin A
This Southern California brand has been paving the way for plant-based bikinis and bodysuits, from high-performance, recycled materials such as BioSculpt® (made from plant-based fiber and especially breathable for water and workouts) and EcoLux® (made from a recycled nylon and Lycra® blend, providing a hella stretchy, butter-smooth fit). Plus other innovative textiles trailblazing the fashion sector such as EcoRib® and EcoTex®.
And whenever possible, Vitamin A works with vertically integrated facilities, so everything from dyeing to knitting is done in one location. For some products that cannot be made in California, it partners globally with fair trade artisans to produce materials ethically, and in safe working conditions. Meanwhile, Vitamin A’s partnership with 1% For The Planet gives back a portion of every sale to environmental organizations that protect our oceans (such as Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, Greenpeace, Women’s Earth Alliance and more).
Tropic of C
Eco-lifestyle brand, Tropic of C, is the brainchild of supermodel and philanthropist Candice Swanepoel. Born with the health of the planet in mind, the super sexy swimwear line is inspired by Swanepoel’s life spent at the beach, growing up in South Africa. The former Victoria’s Secret Angel is more about ethical purpose and positive impact than glittering garter belts and bedazzled C-cups these days (not that there’s anything wrong with the latter!).
A direct-to-consumer brand, Tropic cuts out the middleman so it can offer fair pricing for incredible quality. It continually aims to reduce the environmental impact of production by implementing sustainable fabric development and refining its manufacturing processes to its partnerships/programs that support women around the globe. It also commissions products from artisan groups in the developing world. Made from 100 percent recycled materials such as fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastics rescued from landfills and oceans, bikinis are made ultra-durable so all styles maintain their shape over time.
Outerknown
Professional surfer and 11x World Champion (the GOAT really, if you ask just about anyone), Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore set out to change the clothing industry with outdoor brand, Outerknown. Having pioneered many new ideas for sustainable surfwear designs, they were the first to launch ECONYL® clothing, turning nylon waste like carpeting and fishing nets into endlessly organic and regenerative fibers. In an effort to be radically transparent, the site also publishes its supplier list, showing a global network of manufacturers and makers who share its values and abide by the strict guidelines of Fair Labor Association (FLA), Bluesign, and Fair Trade (for select partners). Its swim line is made of 80 percent recycled and regenerated nylon, 20 percent spandex, and a bonus of UPF 30 to 50+ sun protection.
Carve Designs
Manifested from the beach on a surf trip in San Pacho, Mexico by two friends, Carve was made for folks with all kinds of bodies and a real passion for adventure. 100 percent of the surf apparel company’s swimwear is made from plastic bottles, with one swimsuit equaling five plastic bottles coming out of the landfill—or worse, the ocean. Its chosen swim fabric not only reduces its reliance on petroleum, but cuts back on 80 percent of carbon emissions in air and water pollution. Expect a seamless construction and UPF 50+ in its expansive line of swim styles and prints built for people actively engaged in the outdoor world.
SPELL
Designed by hand in the coastal slice of heaven known as Byron Bay, Australia, Spell is the epitome of slow fashion, with some pieces taking up to a year from sketch, and being sent overseas for final production by its SAI-approved Swim Partner in Dongguan, China. Crafted from 82 percent recycled Polyamide (to promote circularity by turning waste into resources), and 18 percent elastane (for a comfy stretch), you’ll find what you need and then some (although the styles are very curated).
Mix and match florals and animal prints for a bit of playful fun. All styles come digitally printed, which means Spell is able to produce intricately and precisely detailed prints using less water, less energy, less ink and less of a risk of chemical runoff to the environment (compared to conventional screen printing methods). Spell saves up to 95 percent of water usage and reduces energy consumption up to 75 percent.
Patagonia
Patagonia is no stranger to eco-minded consumerism. And expanding into swimwear has never been smarter for the ever-popular outdoor brand. Using 87 percent recycled nylon made from post-industrial waste fiber and discards from weaving mills and post-consumer fishing nets, Patagonia’s swim comes with an added punch being Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Incorporating as much recycled nylon and polyester as it can in its products lessens its dependence on virgin petroleum as a raw material source, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing, and helps to eliminate discarded material that would otherwise end up in the open ocean with our many marine friends. So far, Patagonia has kept 527 tons of plastic waste out of the world’s oceans by turning abandoned fishing nets into its sporty gear.
PrAna
With a mantra as straightforward as “Clothing for Positive Change,” PrAna attracts mindful yogis, surfers, and outdoor athletes alike. Sustainability’s been part of the brand’s DNA from day one, with big steps to have 100 percent of its products made with preferred fibers and materials by 2025. And when it comes to swimwear design, its simplistic cuts, colors and shapes are sublime.
Always quick-drying, rocking a four-way stretch UPF 50+ barrier, PrAna’s swim collection is made with a GRS (Global Recycle Standard), RCS (Recycled Claim Standard), and within a Fair Trade Certified™ Factory. The brand works closely with Linea Aqua, the first apparel manufacturing facility in the world to be certified as Water Neutral, and where the team of designers and makers take multiple trips back and forth from PrAna’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California to the factory in Hanwell, Sri Lanka to ensure consistent standards.
Summersalt
With clean, modern silhouettes featuring soft details and a vivacious body-positive vibe, Summersalt’s architectural one-piece suits with sharp colorblock hues made of recycled materials keep them top of mind (and not just because we get served all the Summersalt IG ads). They make cute bikinis, swimsuits for large busts, coverups, and more.
The brand’s design team creates its collections using sustainable components and a luxurious fabric crafted from post-consumer materials/waste as a compressive 78 percent recycled polyamide and 22 percent lycra. Summersalt's one-pieces are known for its signature compression to feel super secure (no tugging or adjusting in the midst of water sports).
Athleta
The high-end basics of this well-established, athletic performance wear brand successfully broke into the eco-swim market with stamina. Athleta’s recycled H₂ECO nylon/lycra® spandex fabric is all kinds of smooth and sleek, providing sporty seafarers with ultimate mobility and an all-around powerful stretch. All pieces boast UPF 50+ coverage and quick-drying abilities, allowing you to pursue an entire day in the sun and saltwater with no worries of soaking up the car seats or having to stop for aloe vera on the way home after a full send in the surf.
Athleta Sun Shield One Piece Rashguard
$139
Made with the brand's recycled H₂ECO swim fabric, this long-sleeved one-piece is as protective as it is cute. No matter which of the six vibrant colors you choose, you can rest assured that you'll have UPF 50+ sun protection (just watch those legs!). Best of all, it's available in 2XS-XL standard sizes, as well as additional tall and petite sizes.
Koraru
Inspired by coral—one of the planet’s largest and most endangered ecosystems—Koraru is dedicated to circularity. The brand’s stunning swimsuits are made using materials that would normally be dubbed as waste, such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic. But it doesn’t stop at the suits—the packaging is planet-friendly, too. Boxes are lined with reused algae fibers, while the bikinis themselves come wrapped in a sustainably-sourced celluose envelope that’s kinder on Earth. Each suit reduces ocean plastic, champions natural resources, and promotes ethical production—can your regular swim trunks do that?
Londre
Since Londre launching in 2017, the brand has successfully upcycled more than, “750,000 plastic bottles, planted a coral reef, and taken over 4.5 tons of plastic off the Pacific Rim Coast.” That’s because everything—from water usage to its repair program—is made to promote sustainability and ethical production first. And it’s cute. From its slinky bikinis and cheeky one-pieces, to resort-worthy sarongs and cover-ups, you’ll want to add everything to your cart the moment you scroll.
Fisch
Fisch’s entire product line is made from ECONYL, a regenerated nylon fiber made from abandoned fishing nets and other nylon waste. The brand also lowers its carbon footprint but having their fabric mill located close to their factory. Fisch’s swimsuits come in unique cuts and patterns so you can both look and feel good in your sustainable swimsuits.
Fisch Mustique Flags Top
$165
This underwire-style top is supportive for smaller cups, plus it has adjustable straps to help you find just the right fit. It's also made with 65% Econyl and 35% elastane so it's stretchy, soft, and sustainable (our three favorite "S" words). Available in XS-XL and one color.
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