With so many swimwear brands on the market, it’s very important to know where your swimsuit comes from. Fast fashion swimwear is mass-produced and used clothing is dumped into landfills every single day.
Swimsuits are made of plastics which can take over 500+ years to decompose. Many swimsuits also leak microplastics which are harmful to marine life. Luckily there’s the Guppyfriend washing bag that reduces the amount of microplastics from leaking into the ocean.
Many ethically made suits may be pricey but it is worth it when considering the impact fast fashion has on our environment.
What Makes Swimwear Sustainable?
There are many factors but here are our top qualities considered.
- They’re made to last. The longer you keep your suit, the fewer you’ll need to buy and dispose of in the future. Both the design and fabrics used are high-quality and will be pieces you can keep for years.
- Avoids virgin fabrics. Virgin nylon is wasteful but cheap to create. Many sustainable brands will use Econyl, which diverts fibers found in landfills and oceans, and regenerates it into high-quality swimwear material. Recycled fabrics are always the way to go!
- They’re fairly priced. While we all want a good deal, sustainable clothing is mindfully made and priced fairly. It’s important to take into account that employees need to be paid a fair wage, these companies are often operating on a lean production cycle, and may even be donating on a larger scale to non-profits.
- Some suits are even biodegradable. Biodegradable suits are made to decompose quickly and absorb back into the Earth. How cool is that?
Below we’ll share our favorite sustainable swimwear brands to help you find the perfect suit.
Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands
#1 Niyama Sol
Lagoon Bikini Set
Niyama Sol swimsuits are made from recycled water bottles. Their buttery soft fabric is dry wicking and super comfortable. You’ll never want to leave your swimsuits at home. Their suits also come in various patterns and colors that you’ll swoon over.
Use our link to save 20% off your first order at Niyama Sol.
Based In: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Lean production to prevent waste | Designs that give back to specific causes
Product Range: bikini separates, boardshorts
Price Range: Separates start at $58
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
#2 Wolven
Jungle Reversible Bikini Set
Wolven creates sustainable activewear and swimwear in beautiful psychedelic patterns. Many of their pieces are reversible (swap from solids to prints) so that you can get many uses out of your Wolven pieces.
They also created their own wash bag that collects and prevents microplastics from entering our oceans.
Just a heads up, their products run out ALL THE TIMEand may take months to restock. It’s slow fashion at its best!
Based In: California, USA
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Lean Production | Part of 1% for the Planet | Climate Neutral Certified | OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T.
Product Range: bikinis, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $52, One pieces start at $102
Size Range: XS–XL | Runs Small (size up)
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Wolven Zephyr Deep-V One Piece Swimsuit
#3 Londre Bodywear
Multiway Navy Vertical Stripe Swimsuit
Each Londre Bodywear swimsuit is made with approximately 6 recycled water bottles. All suits are manufactured locally in Vancouver with recycled and imported fabrics.
We are absolutely obsessed with their minimalist designs that are timeless and classic. Their multiway swimsuit is great for those who want to get the most of their closet. It’s a capsule closet must!
We recommend going with your true size in Londre Bodywear. For example, I wear a size 6 in US women’s and a size small in Londre Bodywear.
Use code SCHIMIGGY15 to save 15% off your orders of Londre Bodywear.
Based In: Vancouver, BC Canada
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Lean production creates minimal waste | OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T. | Free repairs within 1st year of purchase | Compostable packaging | Workers paid above a living wage | Give back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $52, One pieces start at $98
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
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#4 Leonisa
Scoop Back Cheeky Scalloped One-Piece Shaper Swimsuit
Leonisa is a women’s activewear brand. They offer swimwear as well as activewear, compression wear, and super supportive bras and underwear.
We love their swimwear because it’s made from recycled plastic bottles. They sell tons of styles including one-piece, two-piece, and reversible suits.
Based In: Medellin, Colombia
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Reversible Swimwear
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $25, One pieces start at $95
Size Range: S-L | True to Size
#5 Athleta
Based In: Vancouver, BC Canada
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Lean production creates minimal waste | OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T. | Free repairs within 1st year of purchase | Compostable packaging | Workers paid above a living wage | Give back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $44, One pieces start at $98
Size Range: XXS–XL | True to Size
#6 lululemon
lululemon Deep Sea Swim Top and Sun Soaker Bikini Bottom
You’ll be surprised but many of lululemon’s products are made sustainably, including their swimwear. Many of their bikini tops include bra cups for added support.
We recommend sizing up in lululemon swimwear.
Based In: Vancouver, BC Canada
Ethics: UV-Protective, Esca™ Fabric | Member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition | Workers paid a living wage | Give back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces, rash guards, cover-ups
Price Range: Separates start at $68, One pieces start at $128, Other items start at $48
Size Range: 2–12 Womens | Runs Small (size up)
#7 Vitamin A
Vitamin A‘s founder Amahlia pioneered EcoLux™ when she was told there were no suitable swimwear fibers made from recycled plastics. Their entire swim line is sustainable and offers classic and timeless silhouettes.
Read more about their sustainability efforts.
Use this link to save $25 off your first order at Vitamin A. This is valid on sale items too.
Based In: California, USA
Ethics: EcoLux™ made from recycled plastic bottles Workers paid a living wage | 100% Biodegradable packaging and shipping materials | Sustainable and responsible manufacturing | Gives back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces, loungewear
Price Range: Separates start at $95, One pieces start at $154
Size Range: XS–XL | Runs Small (size up)
#8 Summersalt
Summersalt Ruffle Backflip Swimsuit
Summersalt has some of the cutest swimwear ever! Choose from solid, ruffled, polka dot and floral patterns that will flatter any body shape and size.
We are also swooning over their models of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Oh, and they’re also a size-inclusive brand!
Use our link for $10 off your first order at Summersalt.
Based In: Vancouver, BC Canada
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Gives back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces, cover ups
Price Range: Separates start at $52, One pieces start at $95
Size Range: 0-24 Womens | True to Size
#9 Patagonia
While Patagonia is known for their responsible down practices and sustainable alternatives, they’re also great at making sustainable swimwear. Their suits are made with at least 83% recycled polyester fibers.
Based In: California, USA
Ethics: Recycled fabrics | Plant-based Rubber (instead of Petroleum) | Lifetime guarantee | Compostable packaging | Fairtrade sewn | Workers paid a living wage | 1% for the Planet | Gives back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces, wet suits
Price Range: Separates start at $75, One pieces start at $159
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
#10 Reformation
The Reformation makes a range of sustainable apparel. Their swimwear is made with ECONYL®, which is made from regenerated 100% nylon waste rescued from oceans and landfills like fishing nets, carpet fluff, and fabric scraps.
Based In: Los Angeles, California, USA
Ethics: Recycled fabrics | Compostable packaging | Workers paid a living wage | Gives back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $58, One pieces start at $128
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
#11 We Are HAH
We Are HAH uses ♻EFL™ Swim Fabric that uses emits 51% less greenhouse gases than other competing fabrics. Their styles are super sexy and durable.
Use this link to save $20 off your first order at We Are HAH.
Based In: Los Angeles, California, USA
Ethics: Recycled and sustainably fabrics (♻EFL™ Swim Fabric) | Compostable packaging | Workers paid a living wage | Gives back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces, cover ups
Price Range: Separates start at $98, One pieces start at $158
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
#12 Outerknown
SEEA Cleo One Piece
Outerknown’s swim label SEEA makes adorable and sustainable swimwear from Econyl. All apparel is sewn domestically and workers are paid a living wage.
Based In: California, USA
Ethics: Made with 90% Recycled fabrics | Free repairs for life on purchases of jeans | Gives back to important causes | FLA Accredited
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $70, One pieces start at $120
Size Range: XS–L | True to Size
#13 Made Trade
Made Trade swimwear is biodegradable and fashionable. Their styles are minimalist and they are a size-inclusive brand.
Based In: Portland, Oregon, USA
Ethics: Biodegradable Amni Soul eco thread and CO2 light fabric | Compostable packaging | Workers paid a living wage | 1% for the Planet member | Woman-owned | POC owned | Made in USA
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $49, One pieces start at $99
Size Range: XS–3XL | True to Size
#14 Kool and Koncious
Kool and Konscious Not a Virgin Circular Swimsuit
Kool and Konscious makes a Not a Virgin 100% recycled swimsuit (collaboration with ImpaktID) in a pretty sage green color.
While they only have one suit, they have a wide range of sustainable brands on their webstore.
Based In: Vancouver, BC Canada
Ethics: Made with Recycled and Biodegradable fabrics | Compostable packaging | Workers paid a living wage | Gives back to important causes
Product Range: one-piece swimsuit
Price Range: Collaborative one-piece costs £89
Size Range: XS–XL
#15 REI
Based In: Washington, USA
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Lean production creates minimal waste | OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T. | Free repairs within 1st year of purchase | Compostable packaging | Workers paid above a living wage | Give back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $52, One pieces start at $98
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
#16 PrAna
Based In: Carlsbad, California, USA
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Lean production creates minimal waste | OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T. | Free repairs within 1st year of purchase | Compostable packaging | Workers paid above a living wage | Give back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $52, One pieces start at $98
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
#17 Amara
Amara translates to love for the sea. Their swimsuits are made from recycled fibers and each suit comes with a silicone pouch to keep your swimsuit safe. If you don’t want your pouch, you can send it back and get points towards another purchase at Amara.
Each suit is made to order, so expect 4-6 weeks to receive your suit.
Based In: Tulum, Mexico
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (ECONYL® and LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™) | Made to Order | Compostable packaging | Workers paid a living wage | Gives back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $95, One pieces start at $190
Size Range: XS–L | Runs Small
#18 Jade
All In One Piece Swimsuit
Jade Swim is a sustainable swimwear brand by former fashion editor & stylist Brittany Kozerski. Her designs are minimalist and classic.
Based In: Designed in NYC and Made in Los Angeles, California, USA
Ethics: Recycled fabrics (plastic bottles) | Lean production creates minimal waste | OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T. | Free repairs within 1st year of purchase | Compostable packaging | Workers paid above a living wage | Give back to important causes
Product Range: bikini separates, one-pieces
Price Range: Separates start at $80, One pieces start at $198
Size Range: XS–XL | True to Size
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