By: Paxton Ruzicka
Published: May 6, 2023
Swimwear is probably one of the least sustainable items in our closet. Fast fashion brands do a 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 bikini’s and invest in something quality. 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 next year.
We have all been there, after a few uses 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 swimwear.
Personally, I want to wear something I feel comfortable in, something supportive, made with a high-quality material.
Sides from quality, your fabric choice is super important. To be as environmentally conscious as possible, we want something that has been recycled, upcycled or repurposed. Avoiding virgin materials and striving for organic plant-based textiles. These choices will reduce water waste, the sourcing of raw materials, chemical processing and so on.
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Lastly, purchase from a company with strong ethics and eco-friendly practices. Companies that have values that support its people, the consumer, and the planet.
The goal is something that will be long lasting so if you have swimwear in your closet already that has a lot more life to live, I highly encourage you to keep rocking it!
Overview:
In this guide, we are going to highlight some of the most sustainable swim lines out there, while focusing on eco-friendly fabrics, inclusive body type, and affordability.
Carve Designs
With a love for nature and the beach, Carve Design founders created a company that keeps mama earth happy and healthy. It is truly inspiring that 95% of this brand is made from recycled, upcycled or organic materials.
Material
Carve Designs checks the boxes when it comes to sustainable materials. Many of their products are made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton, recycled polyester, and even discarded coconut husks. Their swimsuit collection is 100% recycled.
Cost
In terms of sustainable swimwear, I would put these suits on the more affordable end. A one-piece suit ranges from $78 to $110 and a bikini top and bottom would cost you $50 to $86 a piece. So for about $100 you can brag that your suit is keeping 5 plastic water bottles out of the ocean. Woo!
Sizes
Sizes range from XS to XL and cup sizes 32A to 38C
Vitamin A
With their moto “feel good, look good, do good” Vitamin A was founded 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.
OEKO-TEX® and GOTS certified Vitamin A takes their material very seriously. They have a great breakdown on their website that explains the features of each. You can even shop by category.
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Cost
I would place Vitamin A on the higher end in terms of cost with a one-pieces ranging from $165 to $215 and tops starting at $115. 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. With hopes to make a difference, they repurposed and regenerated beautiful and sustainable swimwear.
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 is definitely one of the most affordable with one-pieces ranging from $52-$68 and single pieces $39 to $72.
Sizes
Sizes range from small to XL.
Liandra Swim
Based on a contemporary representation of Aboriginal Australian culture, Liandra Swim’s prints are inspired by real-life stories. They are proud to create quality pieces backed by ethical practices.
Material
Lianda Swim uses a technology created from recycled fibers called REPREVE®. More than 10 billion plastic bottles have been recycled! The material is breathable, UV and chlorine resistant, and super soft. These suits have a unqiue look that sets them apart from the rest.
Cost
One-pieces range from $103-$192 while individual pieces range from $52 to $102.
Size
Sizes range from 6 to 16.
Berlook
Berlook was created to help women feel free while keeping our planet beautiful. Manufacturers are carefully selected as this brand wants to connect via that shared respect for ethics and sustainability.
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 brand on our list. Offering one-pieces started 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.
This is a personal favorite
Sizes
Sizes range from XS to XL but they also have a plus size collection for sizes 16-24.
Elle Evans
Understanding that our oceans are vital to our own survival, Elle Evans does the best they can to remove ocean plastic and use it for something better. This company is the first, made-to-order that I have researched, which is pretty incredible. They do this to produce only what is ordered and leave behind no waste or unpurchased suits at the end of the season.
Material
Knit by a mill in Italy, Elle Evans uses ECONYL® which is the regenerated nylon also used by Do Good Swim.
Cost
On the higher price range, one-pieces start at $145 and bikini bottoms range from $66-$69 and tops can reach as high as $159. If you can afford it, I definitely think their quality and standards justifies the price.
Size
Sizes are super inclusive accommodating women from XXS to XXXL.
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.
