By: Paxton Ruzicka
this post contains affiliate links meaning i may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. that being said, i only recommend products i love and trust.
Swimwear is probably one of the least sustainable items in our closet. Fast fashion brands do a really great job of making us think we need to purchase a new swimsuit every summer and sometimes, (because of the lack of quality), we do. It’s time to ditch those cheap, poorly made bikinis and invest in something of the highest quality and better for the planet. This sustainable swimwear will not only save you money but will last for many summers to come.
What is sustainable swimwear?
There are a few key things we want to focus on when selecting a new swimsuit. For one, quality. As I mentioned, many companies will create poor quality swimwear because they expect you to just buy a new one the following year.
Believe me, we have all been there, after a few wears our $5 bikini starts to tear or the threading begins to unravel. The material is thin or even see-through. This is what we are trying to avoid by choosing sustainable swimsuits.
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Material
Aside from quality, your fabric choice is super important. Synthetic fabrics make up a majority of the market today, threatening our beautiful planet. The production process of materials like virgin nylon and polyester involves extracting fossil fuels in a manner that greatly contributes to greenhouse gases.
Instead avoid virgin materials and strive for recycled or repurposed materials. The choice you make will promote renewable energy, reduce water waste, slow the sourcing of raw materials and chemical processing and so on.
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Ethics
Lastly, purchase from a company with strong ethics and sustainable practices. For example, companies that have specific values that support fair wages for employees or a positive impact on the planet. This will ensure a lower environmental impact and carbon footprint for both you and the company.
My Favorite Sustainable Swimwear Brands
The good thing about these suits is that they have no different care instructions, just wash in the washing machine like normal. Here are my top picks for sustainable and ethical swimwear brands.
Sanctuary
Your swim wardrobe Essential in every color. [More]
Sanctuary is a sustainable fashion brand in the United States that is environmentally and socially conscious. They used responsibly sourced fabrics and recycled fabrics with low impact to reduce water waste and energy.
Material
Sanctuary checks the boxes when it comes to sustainable materials, all of which are OEKO-TEX certified. Many of their products are made from recycled plastic water bottles, organic cotton, linen, and recycled polyester. Their swimsuit collection is 100% recycled.
Cost
In terms of eco friendly swimwear brands, I would put these suits on the more affordable end. A one-piece suit ranges from $65 to $119 and a bikini top and bottom would cost you $55 to $59 a piece. BUT I have seen frequent sales for as little as $13.99 a piece!
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Sizes
Sizes range from XS to XL.
Vitamin A
Our cheekiest tie side bottom is fully adjustable to fit your mood. [More]
Vitamin A Swimwear is made in the United States. Their moto is “feel good, look good, do good” and was established by Patagonia founder and environmentalist Yvon Chouinard. They are a leader in sustainable swimwear today.
Material
Vitamin A has created the World’s first premium plant-based fabric. It is said to be quick drying and breathable. Other materials are made from recycled nylon, which uses 77% less water than virgin nylon and organic cotton and linen.
These sustainable fabrics are OEKO-TEX® and GOTS certified. Not to mention, they have a great breakdown on their website that explains the features of each. You can even shop by category.
This sleek update on the classic halter top features a sexy scoop back and a high cut l… [More]
Cost
I would place Vitamin A on the higher end in terms of cost with a one-pieces ranging from $165 to $215 and bikini bottoms starting at $74. But don’t count them out, they have sales, often! I actually purchased the Sienna suit from them last year, that I absolutely love. I got it on sale PLUS received an additional 30% dropping the suit price basically in half. I am telling you, they are worth it.
Sizes
Their website has a great size guide to help you choose the perfect fit. Sizes range from 4/XS to 14/DD.
Do Good Swimwear
This company is a minority women owned business that started as an idea during a surf trip where the beaches were flooded with plastic waste. With hopes to make a difference, they repurposed and regenerated beautiful and sustainable bikinis.
Material
Do Good’s suits are made from ECONYL® which is basically a recycled nylon upcycled from fishing nets, industrial plastic, and other materials that can be found polluting our oceans. This company is super intentional with the leftover fabrics and make immense efforts to repurpose them into other products like scrunchies.
Cost
This brand has some of the most affordable prices with one-piece swimsuits ranging from $52-$68 and single pieces $39 to $72.
Sizes
Sizes range from small to XL.
PrAna
PrAna is one of my favorite brands. They truly respect the planet and its people. They are revolutionizing performance wear with a circular approach and fair trade styles.
Material
PrAna uses a technology created from recycled fibers called REPREVE®. And through this process more than 10 billion plastic bottles have been recycled. The material is breathable, UV and chlorine resistant, and super soft. These suits have a unique look that sets them apart from the rest.
Additionally, their sustainable swimwear is made entirely from ECONYL®. Which is a closed-loop system made from regenerated nylon.
While these are synthetic materials, they are saved from the landfill and revived into something new and wonderful.
Cost
Prices range from $60 to $110 but are often 50% off.
Sizes
Sizes range from XS to XL.
Berlook
- Red U-Ring Cross Back Plus Size Bikini Top
- Price: $38.00
Berlook was created to help women feel free while keeping our planet beautiful. Manufacturers are carefully selected by this sustainable swimwear brand as they want to connect via that shared respect for ethics and sustainability. A huge highlight to this brand is their plus size selection.
Material
Berlook uses natural fibers or certified recycled material to design their swim line. The Global Recycled Standard certification is their way to ensure responsible sourcing and ethical practices across the supply chain.
Cost
This might be the most affordable sustainable swimwear brand on our list. A one-piece swimsuit starts at $38 with the added bonus - buy one get one free! Bikini tops start at $28 and can be found on sale as little as $20. Bottoms are in the same boat, ranging from $28-$40.
- Solid Lurex Plus Size Bikini Bottom
- Price: $38.00
Sizes
Berlook is size inclusive and perfect for any body type. Sizes range from XS to XL but they also have a plus size collection for sizes 16-24.
Sustainable bathing suits don't have to be hard to find or expensive. A quick search can help you find sustainable brands that have a transparent supply chain and an ethical production process.
I hope you enjoy my top picks and encourage you to make a positive change by choosing sustainable swimwear.
This post contains affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. That being said, I only recommend products I love and trust.
[…] be surprised to know they also have an eco-friendly swim line for both men and […]