This article originally published on Conscious Fashion Collective.
Can’t wait for beach weather? Same here.
So we put together this comprehensive and up-to-date guide on 15 of our favorite eco swimwear brands you can browse through as you daydream about your upcoming beach days and pool parties.
Conventional swimwear is made of virgin nylon and polyester. That’s plastic, which will not biodegrade and requires us to keep drilling for more and more petroleum. As off-shore drilling projects increase, we’ll just have less pristine oceans to enjoy. We’re not sure if we want this in the background of our beachy photos, either.
Oh, and did you know a quarter of fish tested in California were found to have plastic in their bodies? It’s true–what goes around comes around. So it’s time to at the very least reduce our purchase of virgin plastic whenever possible.
Good thing we’ve already got lots of eco-conscious and sexy, elegant, and stylish swimwear to choose from.
While many of the following eco swimwear brands still use nylon and polyester, these plastic fibers are recycled from trashed fishnets and plastic bottles, meaning we’re not increasing demand for new plastic and are helping to give new life and value to what otherwise would just be trash.
First, make good use of all the bikinis and one-pieces you already have, then dive in.
ABYSSE
Highlights: Uses Japanese Limestone Neoprene made of natural rubber and recycled fibers; surf-wear and activewear
Vibes: Surfer chick
Investment: $$$
ALL SISTERS
Highlights: Uses Recycled Polyamide based fibers (ECONYL); mix and match black and white pieces
Vibes: Athletic elegance
Investment: $$$
AMARA TULUM
Highlights: Made from ECONYL; produced in green energy facilities in Tulum where workers are paid fairly; coordinates beach cleanups regularly
Vibes: Luxury resort
Investment:$$
BAREKINI
Highlights: Made from regenerated Nylon; 10% donated to ocean conservation
Vibes: Bold cuts
Investment: $$
BUSTED SWIMWEAR
Highlights: Made from recycled Lycra; fits up to F cup
Vibes: Pool party
Investment: $$$
Check it out
DAVY J
Highlights: Made from regenerated nylon; durable; suitable for active sports & adventures; going closed-loop
Vibes: Adventure junkie
Investment: $$$
ECO|MONO
Highlights: Made using regenerated Lycra; ethical manufacturing in the supply chain; provides UV protection
Vibes: Simple and sexy
Investment: $$
ELLE EVANS
Highlights: Uses water-free printing; made from recycled Nylon
Vibes: Boho beach babe
Investment: $$
FAE SWIM
Highlights: Uses regenerated polyamide; ECONYL
Vibes: Nautical classics
Investment: $$
Check it out
FREE BELLA SWIM
Highlights: Made in Los Angeles; uses recycled polyester fibers
Vibes: Bold with an edge
Investment: $
Check it out
GREENLEE SWIM
Highlights: Made using recycled fibers; gives back to environmental organizations
Vibes: Modern botanical
Investment: $$$
HOUNDSDITCH
Highlights: Custom cuts available; uses post-consumer recycled materials whenever possible
Vibes: Vibrant & lively
Investment: $$$
LEAHRAY
Highlights: Custom shop; made in small batches; water-based inks; uses recycled fibers
Vibes: Designer flirty
Investment: $$
Check it out
LOKA SWIMWEAR
Highlights: Made using recycled fibers (ECONYL); donates to environmental organizations; handcrafted
Vibes: Glam surfer
Investment: $$$
Check it out
MANAKAI
Highlights: Made out of recycled fibers and regenerated fabrics; made ethically in the USA; hosts beach cleanups and donates to non-profits
Vibes: Tropical getaway
Investment: $$
Find more eco swimwear brands on Conscious Fashion Collective.
What are your favorite eco swimwear brands?
Related: Beyond The Glitz, 6 Reasons You’ll Love Miami’s New Sustainable Style Makeover
This Belgian Effort To Recycle Ocean Plastic Is Overdue Morale Booster We All Need
These Sustainable Swimsuits Are Breathtakingly Beautiful (Be Still, Your Beating Heart)
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Photos: Respective brands