19 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands
Conventional swimwear is made of virgin plastic fibers. These synthetic fibers do not biodegrade like natural fibers and can spend many years clogging our landfills and oceans.
One way to make sustainable fashion choices is to support brands that use sustainable fabrics, ethical, fair labor, and carbon-neutral manufacturing processes, amongst other sustainable practices.
Thankfully, a selection of sustainable swimwear brands creates comfortable and timeless swimsuits for all shapes and sizes. Many of these brands use recycled fabrics and other sustainable fabrics that prioritize eco-friendly production and circular fashion.
Read on as we look at some of the best sustainable swim brands you should consider when next shopping for your swimwear.
19 best sustainable swimwear brands to shop from
Here are our top picks for eco-swimwear brands that will stand the test of time:
1. Vitamin A
Using innovation, this sustainable swimwear brand creates unique swimsuits that will make you feel good about wearing them. Each piece comes in uniquely designed fabrics like EcoLux™ and EcoRib® made from recycled nylon and plant-based fibers. Vitamin A also uses fabrics like linen, recycled cotton, organic cotton, and Tencel® Lyocell.
Their bikinis and one-pieces come in sizes ranging from XS- XXL that you can choose from. Vitamin A packages these swimsuits in recycled and biodegradable packaging.
With all of its swimwear produced locally in California, United States, the brand reduces shipping-based carbon emissions. They also work in a vertically integrated facility where they do everything from knitting to dyeing in one location to lower the product's carbon footprint. They also prioritize ethical production, high workplace standards, and fair wages.
What's more, Vitamin A sets aside some of its proceeds to support environmental causes and create initiatives that reduce their environmental impact.
2. Summersault
No matter your size or shape, you're sure to find the perfect fit, as this eco-friendly swimwear brand uses 1.5M measurements from 10,000 women! Each swimwear piece, from one and two-piece swimsuits to long torso options, comes in a luxurious fabric crafted from recycled polyamide and elastane that gives you a secure fit.
They source the raw materials for their recycled polyamide fabric from post-consumer materials, old fishing nets, and other materials from ocean waste.
Even more interesting is that the brand claims that its swim fabric has UPF 50+ protection which can withstand sweat, chlorine, and sand. Manufacturers craft each piece in factories with certifications like WRAP, The Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), and The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI).
Summersault ships all its items in poly bags made from recycled materials and uses FSC-certified or recycled paper postcards.
3. Wolven
The beautiful bold patterned prints on Wolven’s eco-friendly swimwear will make you stand out from the crowd. You can get their bikinis and one-pieces in unique henna-inspired designs in sizes ranging from XS-XL.
Each swimwear item is made from recycled plastic bottles and spandex to give your swimsuit some extra stretch as you run around the shores. You also get these beautiful and sustainable swimsuits in biodegradable or recycled packaging.
Moreover, Wolven is a member of 1% for the Planet and donates a portion of its sales to support environmental causes.
4. TomboyX
TomboyX is an eco-conscious brand that champions diversity and inclusions through its gender-neutral and eco-friendly bathing suits. From tops to uni suits, shorts, and shirts, TomboyX creates classic styles for those looking to express themselves the way they please.
The brand uses OEKO-tex-certified fabrics with UPF sun protection. They also use recycled textiles and biodegradable packaging for packing and shipping their products. The majority of their facilities also come with a WRAP or Fair Labor Association certification.
5. Boden
From tops and bottoms to one-piece suits, Boden creates sustainable and ethical swimwear made from recycled polyester and recycled plastics. Manufacturers make these eco-friendly swimsuits in ethical factories with a team that ensures the company follows ethical standards. Also, each sustainable swimsuit comes in recycled packaging.
The brand also donates a portion of its proceeds to various environmental and humanitarian causes.
6. Outerknown
Outerknown has a versatile range of eco-friendly swimwear, from leggings to men’s trunks, bikini tops, and bottoms, and one-piece suits.
Their swim line comes in recycled synthetic fabrics like recycled nylon and recycled polyester.
You can get their swimwear in beautiful patterns and colors in sizes that go from XS-L.
Outerknown commits to fair labor and responsible sourcing throughout its supply chain. It also has accreditations from the Fair Labor Association (FLA) thanks to its compliance with the code of conduct. In addition, Outerknown also works with Fair-Trade Certified factories.
7. Carve Designs
Carve Designs offers sustainable swimsuits, clothing, accessories, and gifts. Their swimwear line comes in 100% recycled materials made from recycled plastic bottles. The brand also uses other sustainable fabrics like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Each piece comes with beautiful designs inspired by a passion for the outdoors. They come in various vibrant colors and sizes that range from XS-XL.
You also get your swimsuit in 100% compostable, biodegradable plant-based packaging, plus hang tags made from recyclable paper and printed with soy inks.
8. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is a sustainable clothing brand that prioritizes ethical manufacturing and recycled materials. Besides its eco-friendly activewear, Girlfriend Collective has also won the hearts of many with its swimwear collection.
Whether you're going for a relaxing swim at the pool or going to the beach with friends, this eco-friendly brand offers everything from tops to bottoms and one-piece suits made from recycled materials like recycled fishing nets and recycled plastic bottles. The brand also uses other materials like regenerated nylon, OEKO-TEX certified ECONYL®, and post-industrial waste.
They work with factories verified by third parties and have certifications like Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and SA8000. You can find sustainable bathing suits and swimwear in various bright and dark colors in sizes ranging from XXS - 6XL.
Not only are their clothes sustainable, but the brand claims their packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable.
9. Do Good Swimwear
Do Good is a sustainable swimwear brand that offers comfortable, affordable and sustainable swimwear. The brand produces its swimsuits from sustainable materials like ECONYL® regenerated nylon, abandoned fishing nets, fabric scraps, industrial plastics, and Repreve, made from recycled plastic bottles.
Related: Read more about the environmental impact of plastic water bottles.
Not only do they use sustainable recycled materials, but they also give back to the planet. A portion of the profits made from Do Good swimwear goes towards non-profit organizations that focus on ocean conservation efforts, tree planting, coral reef conservation, as well as families in need. Their swimwear comes in various colors and sizes ranging from XS-XL.
10. Medina
This luxurious female swimwear brand creates its swimwear from regenerated nylon from plastics, fishing nets, nylon waste, and other recycled ocean waste. This high-quality swimwear comes in a UV-proof material that is also sun cream, chlorine, and oil resistant.
The brand claims to work with local suppliers that prioritize sustainability and works to reduce their environmental impact.
Medina also works towards creating a change in our environment by contributing 3% of its profit to non-profit organizations that protect the sea.
11. BOLD Swim
This sustainable swimwear brand uses a biodegradable nylon fabric to create swimwear for bold and beautiful women. The fabric feels light and breathable on the skin, ensuring a good fit.
The brand also employs sustainable practices to reduce its impact. Manufacturers use minimal water during production and excess deadstock fabrics to create upcycled mats and rugs. Did we mention that this sustainable swimwear is also biodegradable and UV-protected? You can get them in exceptional colors and sizes that range from S-XL.
12. Patagonia
Patagonia is a certified B corporation that offers sustainable clothing for men, women, and kids. You will surely find high-quality swimwear, including one-piece and two-piece bikini styles, rashguards, and board shorts in sizes ranging from XXS-XXL.
Each piece comes in recycled materials like recycled nylon, recycled polyester, and spandex for extra stretch and durability. The brand also uses natural fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and Lyocell.
Apart from using natural and recycled fabrics, Patagonia also crafts each swimsuit in Fair Trade Certified factories. The brand also has several environmental programs that ensure they produce each material or product sustainably.
13. Londre
Whether you're looking for classic styles like high-waisted bottoms and tops or one-pieces, you can find them in bright patterns and colors at Londre. Londre makes each piece from recycled plastic bottles and can withstand sale, sweat, and sand.
Londre also sets itself apart when it comes to sustainability. The brand claims to have taken over one million plastic bottles from the beaches. Londre makes each bathing suit in an OEKO-tex-certified factory and uses compostable and recyclable packaging for its products.
Moreover, you can give your old bathing suit new life thanks to their recycling and repair program.
14. Cosabella
Being a master of Italian Lingerie for around 40 years, Cosabella offers sustainable underwear, including bras, panties, and loungewear for different shapes and sizes. Their swimwear line comes in recycled materials like recycled nylon and elastane.
You can find ethical bathing suits from tops and bottoms to one-pieces in three major colors (black, blue, and red). You can also get their eco-friendly swimwear in sizes ranging from XS-XL.
15. Kaylyn Gardner
If you are looking for sustainable swimwear made with natural materials, make a stop at Kaylyn Gardner. This brand knits beautiful one and two-pieces with materials like Baby Alpaca and GOTS-certified organic cotton and natural dyes.
Whether you’re looking for a small or large-sized bathing suit, Kaylyn Gardner has you covered, as they make each swimwear by hand. You can also get this swimwear in three main colors - Avocado Pink, Natural White, and Indigo Blue.
Apart from their beautiful swimwear, you can also get carefully-knit loungewear made of natural materials.
16. Salome Swim
Made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon, this Dominican brand creates gorgeous swimwear for women of different shapes and sizes. You can tops and bottoms, one-pieces, and coverups in different colors and sizes that range from XS-XL. Their coverups come in 100% Tencel fabric which they harvest sustainably from trees. Women produce each suit ethically in their home country, Dominican Republic.
17. Mayomi Swimwear
Using ECONYL from old fishing nets and post-consumer plastic waste, Mayomi Swimwear creates sustainable swimsuits that are comfortable and elegant. At Mayomi, you can find everything from bikini tops, bottoms, and one-pieces in sizes ranging from S-XL.
Thanks to its double-layered fabric and seamless finish, each piece gives you a light shaping effect to boost your confidence. What’s more, the fabric comes with UVP 50+ protection and is resistant to sun cream, ultra-chlorine, and oil.
Their swimsuits come in recyclable packaging made from 90% recycled materials. The brand also donates a portion of its proceeds to One Tree Planted to ensure more tree planting. Apart from swimwear, you can also shop for sustainable activewear and accessories from Mayomi.
18. Night Dive
Made with recycled fabric like ECONYL®, and REPREVE® Night Dive creates unique suits available in sizes ranging from S-3XL. Thanks to the ECONYL material, the brand claims that with every 10,000 tons of ECONYL®, they can save 70,000 barrels of crude oil and avoid 57,100 tonnes of CO2 eq. emissions.
Night Dive makes this ethical swimwear in Bali, Indonesia, using zero-waste production processes. The brand ensures that the leftover fabrics help the local community. Night Dive also claims that garment workers get access to free medical and hospital company insurance, which also covers family members.
19. Peony
At Peony, you can find unique eco-friendly swimsuits made from recycled fibers. Their printed suits come in ECONYL® and other fabrics like Repreve. They also use fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and linen. You can find everything from swim tops, bottoms, and one-pieces in sizes that range from XS to XL. When you buy from Peony, you get your swimsuit pieces wrapped in compostable tissue paper and sealed with a compostable sticker.
Manufacturers of each swimsuit hold internationally recognized certifications like OEKO-tex, BSCI, and S8000. What’s more, Peony uses digital printing instead of screen printing to reduce fabric waste.
This certified carbon-neutral company also invests in various environmental projects to offset carbon from their deliveries.
20. Youswim
Youswim creates simple and unique swimwear styles for women, from high-waisted two-pieces to seamless one-pieces. You can get these swimsuits in various vibrant colors at the same price in sizes ranging from US 2-14 and UK/AUS 6-18. Each of them comes in a nylon fabric sourced from Europe.
Youswim is certified Plastic Negative, meaning that for every plastic used for their swimsuits, they collect just as much plastic waste. Each swimsuit from Youswim comes in 100% plastic-free packaging, FSC-certified paper, and natural inks. The brand uses recycled nylon fabric instead of plastic to maximize its sustainability.
Conclusion
What’s better than a comfortable, stylish swimsuit that ticks all the sustainability boxes? Instead of the conventional swimsuit made of dirty plastics, you can switch to sustainable swimsuits from eco-friendly swimwear brands that make you and the environment feel good.
Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.
Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.
