Sustainable swimwear is having a moment as conscious shoppers are looking to reduce their impact on the environment but sustainable can mean many things to many people. From reusing dead stock and recycling to fabrics made from plastics each of these brands is doing their bit to improve the impact whilst not compromising on style.
Natasha Tonić
Natasha Tonić launched in August 2017 with the idea of making swimwear sustainable. Refusing to use the polyester fabric that is common with swimwear she uses a fabric that is unique and made from natural hemp fiber that is anti-microbial, UV resistant, durable and a healthier choice for your skin.
Silhouettes are classic yet modern in a range of block colours and colourful tie-dyes.
Ethics | Made in USA, uses sustainable, recycled materials
Location | California
Vitamin A
Amahlia Stevens launched Vitamin A back in 2000 after spending a lifetime in bikinis. The first to launch EcoLux, a premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon that combines sustainability and technology.
The waterless digital printing technology is mixed with other sustainable materials including Linen, organic cotton, recycled cotton and many more to create simple yet sexy swimwear.
Ethics | Made in USA, launched first recycled nylon fabric
Location | California
Stay wild swim
When founders Natalie Glaze and Zanna van Dijk decided to create a swimwear brand they wanted to make sure every step of the process was considered. From the factory all the way through to the packaging they looked to support local start-ups and sustainability leaders.
The swimwear is created from ECONYL® regenerated nylon which is recycled fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastics.
Ethics | Conscious living, sustainable production
Location | UK
All Sisters
Barcelona based brand All Sisters uses high quality recycled textiles from Italy that carry the Made in Green by OEKO-TEX® certification to create stylish swimwear and surfwear.
The monochrome collection focuses on different shapes and offers everything from a tiny string bikini tops to a full jumpsuit. The long sleeve swimsuits are ideal for surfing and the high neck styles are suitable for a lap session in the pool.
Ethics | Sweatshop free, made in Dublin and Portugal
Location | Barcelona, Spain
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman created her namesake brand in 2000 before sustainability was fashionable. Today the focus remains on sustainable materials, processes, and production in order to improve and extend each garment’s life.
The collection of beach dresses and swimwear is created from responsibly sourced organic, recycled and regenerated materials. The brand also have a wear more wash less approach to reduce the negative environmental impact.
Ethics | Made in USA, sustainable materials, processes, and production
Location | US
Galamaar
Galamaar is the brainchild of designer Blakely Wickstrom her LA upbringing mixed with NYC life where the perfect catalyst for a sustainable swim brand.
Made in LA everything from the pad inserts and recycled hang tags to regenerated mixed metal hardware and eco-packaging materials are thought through to reduce the impact on the environment.
Ethics | Uses sustainable, recycled materials
Location | California
Sweaty Betty
Back in 1998 Tamara Hill-Norton created activewear brand Sweaty Betty as an activewear brand that was designed by women for women. Today they continue to grow and evolve and their latest swimwear collection is testament to that.
The collection combines a recycled blend fabric made from repurposed plastic and fishing nets with support for performance.
Ethics | Made from recycled fishing nets and rescued plastic
Location | UK
JULIENNE
Julie & Etienne, both born and raised in Switzerland, created Julienne after they fell in love with bali. They both had a desire to go back and preserve the environment whilst creating a premium quality swimwear.
Today, the colourful collection uses ECONYL® regenerated nylon made from abandoned fishing nets and REPREVE® made from recycled plastic bottles.
Ethics | sustainably produced and giving back to the community
Location | Bali