Eco friendly swimwear isn’t just for beach lovers—it’s also a great way to support the planet. Many brands use low-impact materials and fair-paying, ethically certified factories for their sustainable swimwear.
Reformation’s summery suits are made from repurposed ECONYL fabric, cutting new plastic waste from ocean debris and landfills. For a classic silhouette, try Saltwater Collective, who “clean the ocean one bikini at a time.” Their inclusive designs are the definition of vacay chic.
Wolven
Wolven is a sustainable brand that makes activewear that’s both sexy and eco-friendly. Their leggings and sports bras are perfect for high-intensity workouts, running errands, or even dancing at festivals. The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the way they treat their workers, as well as the environment.
They use OEKO-TEX certified recycled PET (from plastic water bottles) and super-soft carbon neutral modal made from sustainably harvested beechwood pulp fibers. They also invest in carbon offset programs to reduce their emissions and environmental impact.
Their manufacturing is ethically done in LA and China, with a WCA certified factory that has exemplary work conditions. They also promote diversity in their model selection and donate 1% of profits to organizations that support intersectional climate activism.
Arrow + Phoenix
The best sustainable swimwear brands offer chic styles that are crafted with eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods. These brands minimize their environmental impact and promote better business practices throughout the fashion industry.
Kayla Bell created Arrow + Phoenix as a size inclusive swimwear brand after struggling to find flattering suits. She uses sustainable fabrics like recycled ECONYL and regenerated nylon from discarded fishing nets to create her one-pieces and bikinis. All of her swimwear is designed and sewn within the USA to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure ethical manufacturing.
Using recycled polyester instead of virgin polyester decreases water usage and energy consumption, while also keeping swimwear soft and stretchy. Londre is a top choice for stylish eco-friendly beachwear, proving that style and sustainability can coexist.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective uses a mix of recycled materials, including repurposed fishing nets and post-industrial waste for their ECONYL fabric. They use low-impact dyes and ensure that any wastewater from their factories is treated and disposed of properly. They also have a reusable pouch to send your orders in and are SA8000 certified, meaning their factories meet social accountability standards.
The Cleo Bra is sweat-wicking, lightweight, and double lined for a flattering look during low-impact workouts. The skort is perfect for your next bike ride or hike, and it even has a hidden pocket to keep your keys.
This gender-neutral brand makes swimwear with a conscious, with diverse models of all shapes, sizes, skintones, and genders splashed across their website. They prioritize people in their marketing and making, too, donating 1% of sales to Healthy Seas, an organization that cleans up pollution in the ocean.
TomboyX
After creating their first set of gender-neutral boxer briefs, TomboyX founders Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez knew they had something special on their hands. They’re now a popular LGBTQ+ women-founded brand that offers underwear, bras, lounge and sleepwear, swimwear, and soon, activewear designed with bodies first and inclusivity in mind, all in sizes XS to 6XL.
Unlike most brands that slap a rainbow label on their swimwear to cash in on Pride month, these Seattle-based designers are the real deal. Their bold designs and responsible manufacturing practices align their ethos with their customers, who support them by purchasing their products year after year.
Buying from these sustainable brands is more than just buying a cute suit; it’s supporting an ethical and sustainable business model that’s changing the fashion industry for the better. Check out our Analyst Collections to find more companies that align with your values.
Madewell
Leading the way when it comes to ethically made swimwear, US based Girlfriend Collective make playful bikinis from recycled fishing nets and industrial waste. They also work with fair-trade factories and are a One Tree Planted partner. They are committed to reducing their environmental footprint by using sustainable fabrics and washing instructions that minimize micro plastic shedding.
Reformation is another swimwear brand that’s been making sustainability cool for Millennials. Their sustainable swimwear line is crafted from repurposed deadstock and regenerated fabrics like ECONYL. They’re also carbon neutral, water neutral and maintain a tight, transparent supply chain with their ethical factories.
Another sustainable swimwear option is Prana, whose line of sustainable swinsuits uses a fabric called Repreve. It’s a recycled polyester textile made from pre and post-consumer waste, and ocean waste like plastic bottles and old fishing nets.
