The 14+ Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands for a Sustainable Summer
Last Updated: July 30, 2023
As the swimwear season approaches and we gear up for beach or pool outings, it’s essential to recognize the impact our fashion choices have on the environment and the people involved in manufacturing.
Ethical fashion is more than just a trend—it represents a movement that promotes responsible consumption and supports brands that emphasize sustainability, fair labor practices, and inclusivity.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of ethical swimwear, explain the criteria for selecting eco-friendly options, and introduce you to some leading ethical swimwear brands that you can feel good about wearing.
Quick recommendations…
- Best For Timeless and Elegant Designs – Galamaar: Galamaar’s clean and timeless designs accentuate each woman’s beauty. Made from recycled OEKO-TEX-certified Econyl material and regenerated mixed metal hardware, Galamaar offers sustainable and elegant options.
- Best For Colorful and Retro Styles – OOKIOH: OOKIOH brings a splash of nostalgia with its colorful and retro-inspired swimwear. Made from 100% regenerated materials, OOKIOH is a sustainable option for those who love a vibrant and vintage aesthetic.
- Best For Performance and Outdoor Adventures – Patagonia: Patagonia’s high-performance swimwear is designed for outdoor adventures. Their collection, made from recycled nylon and polyester, caters to men, women, kids, and babies, making it a one-stop shop for the adventurous family.
- Best For Inclusivity and Diversity – BOLD Swim: WOC-founded BOLD Swim champions inclusivity in size and diversity, offering designs for all women. Their swimwear, made from Amni Soul Eco fabric, combines style and eco-friendliness.
- Best For Sporty and Stay-Put Swimwear – Sensi Graves: Sensi Graves offers sustainable swimwear designed to stay put, empowering women to confidently enjoy their sports activities. Their collection, made from recycled ECONYL and Repreve fabrics, caters to every sporting need.
- Best For Gender-Neutral Swimwear – TomboyX: TomboyX offers gender-neutral swimwear made from recycled polyester, catering to a diverse range of body types and identities. Their inclusive designs ensure anyone can feel comfortable and stylish in their swimwear.
- Best For Minimalistic and Versatile Styles – JADE Swim: JADE Swim offers minimalistic and versatile swimwear that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Their solid-colored pieces, made from ECONYL and Azo-tested fabrics, are perfect for those who appreciate slow fashion and reduced fabric waste.
Better Goods’ Criteria For Ethical Swimwear
Before exploring specific brands, it’s crucial to understand the attributes that make swimwear ethical. Here are four main factors to consider when shopping for sustainable swimwear:
Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainable materials are at the heart of ethical swimwear, as they significantly reduce environmental impact. These materials typically include:
- Recycled materials: Popular options like Econyl and Repreve are derived from repurposed fishing nets and plastic bottles, helping to keep our oceans clean and minimize waste.
- Organic and natural fibers: Eco-friendly alternatives such as organic cotton and hemp require fewer resources and chemicals during production, reducing pollution and supporting sustainable farming practices.
- Biodegradable materials: Amni Soul Eco is an innovative, biodegradable substance that decomposes quickly after disposal, minimizing landfill waste and contributing to a cleaner planet.
Fair Production Practices
Ensuring that garments are created under fair and secure working conditions is a fundamental aspect of ethical swimwear. A truly ethical swimwear brand practices the following:
- Fair labor practices: These include fair wages, reasonable working hours, and the right to unionize, empowering workers and fostering a respectful work environment.
- Safe working conditions: Brands should maintain a safe and healthy work environment, providing adequate ventilation and access to protective gear, ensuring the well-being of their employees.
- Transparent supply chains: Supply chain transparency enables customers to trace the origins of their garments and make informed decisions about the brands they support, holding businesses accountable for their practices.
Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing
Ethical swimwear brands should also adopt environmentally friendly manufacturing practices to reduce their ecological footprint, such as:
- Low-impact dyes: These dyes produce a smaller environmental footprint and utilize fewer harmful chemicals, safeguarding both the environment and the health of workers.
- Reduced water and energy consumption: Brands should actively minimize water and energy usage during production, adopting more efficient processes and embracing renewable energy sources.
- Minimal waste production: Ethical businesses aim to decrease waste by repurposing or recycling surplus materials, promoting a circular economy and reducing landfill contributions.
Inclusive Sizes, Designs and Pricing Options
Finally, ethical swimwear should cater to a diverse range of body types and personal preferences:
- Design: We looked for brands that offer fashionable, comfortable, and functional swimsuits for various body types and preferences, including bikinis, one-pieces, maternity, long torso, plus size, boardshorts, rashguards, or cover-ups. These options should be available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body shapes and sizes.
- Gender-neutral options: Providing gender-neutral styles allows individuals to express themselves authentically and feel comfortable in their swimwear, fostering a more inclusive and accepting fashion industry.
- Price: We identified brands that offer affordable, accessible, and value-for-money options ranging from $39 to $200+ per piece. We also took into account brands that provide free or low-cost shipping options worldwide, making ethical swimwear more readily available to consumers.
The Best Ethical Swimwear Brands
We found a total of 14 ethical swimwear brands that meet our standards for ethical, inclusive and high quality swimwear. All of the brands below are a great choice for a sustainable beach season.
Galamaar
| Styles | One-Pieces | Two-Pieces (Women’s Only) |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Materials | Recycled ECONYL fabric and Spandex |
| Made In | Los Angeles |
| Price Range | $118-276 |
| Where to Buy? | Galamaar.com |
Made locally in Los Angeles, Galamaar’s clean and timeless designs are built to embrace each woman’s beauty and accentuate the female form. Using recycled OEKO-TEX-certified Econyl material, these swimsuits are made of nylon from discarded fishing nets to create long-lasting and environmentally conscious designs.
They also incorporate regenerated mixed metal hardware into their pieces, mindfully including sustainability throughout the design process. Recently partnering with Greenspark, Galamaar is working to reclaim ocean-bound plastic and support a variety of environmental and social impact projects with every order placed.
OOKIOH
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces |
| Sizes | XS – 4X (Women’s Only) |
| Materials | Recycled Polyamide and Elastane |
| Made in | Los Angeles and China |
| Price Range | $50-125 |
| Where to Buy? | Ookioh.com |
Bright and colorful, OOKOH’s cheeky swimsuits are self-described as ‘modern swimwear with a splash of nostalgia’. With an array of retro styles, OOKOH’s sustainable swimwear is made of 100% regenerated materials including recycled nylon from ocean waste and pre-consumer waste products.
They’ve also released two collaborations with quirky retailer Lisa Says Gah and fashion stylist Rachael Wang that include limited-release fabrics and designs.
We Are HAH
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces |
| Sizes | XS – L (Women’s Only) |
| Materials | EFL fabric, LYCRA XTRA LIFE |
| Made in | Sri Lanka |
| Price Range | $68-158 |
| Where to Buy? | WeAreHAH.com |
California cool-girl brand We are HAH makes sustainability sexy with their easy wear, easy care swim collection. Partnering with their manufacturer in Sri Lanka, they have co-launched their signature EFL fabric, an innovative apolymer material that is made from renewable sourced corn sugar paired with LYCRA XTRA LIFE to create durable and long lasting swimwear.
This material also allows for eco-friendly digital printing to create HAH’s iconic prints while limiting the environmental impact of traditional dyeing methods. Their collection inclues swimwear, lingerie, apparel, and pajamas for those wanting a complete eco-friendly wardrobe for their next exotic destination.
Patagonia
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces | Boardshorts | Rashguards |
| Sizes | XXS – XXL (Women’s) | 28-44 (Men’s) | 3 months – Kid’s XXL (Baby and Kids) |
| Materials | Recycled Nylon, Recycled Polyester, Spandex Jersey |
| Made in | Colombia, Thailand and Vietnam (depending on product) |
| Price Range | $39-189 |
| Where to Buy? | Patagonia.com |
For the wild soul at heart, Patagonia’s swimwear collection is a line of high-performance pieces meant to move with the wearer for whatever adventure they choose.
Using recycled nylon and polyester that is sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory, this collection includes styles for men, women, kids and babies for the whole family to enjoy. They also have a special Nanogrip collection for women that features a blended lining that holds snug to the skin while in the surf.
prAna
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces | Tankinis | Boardshorts | |
| Sizes | XS – XL (Women’s) 28-40 (Men’s) |
| Materials | ECONYL, Recycled Polyester, LYCRA XTRA Life Elastane |
| Made in | Sri Lanka |
| Price Range | $59-115 |
| Where to Buy? | prAna.com |
Made of recycled nylon Econyl and recycled polyester, prAna’s men and women’s collection features staple swimwear styles built for an active lifestyle. Including reversible pieces for women, these adaptable pieces are perfect for a range of activities and are UPF 50+ to ensure safety in the sun. Their 4-way stretch and quick dry material allows for endless hours of fun both in and out of the surf.
Vissla
| Styles | Boardshorts | Wetsuits |
| Sizes | S – XXL (Men’s Only) |
| Materials | Cocotex, REPREVE, Cotton |
| Made in | Japan |
| Price Range | $59.95 (boardshorts) |
| Where to Buy? | Vissla.com |
Men’s lifestyle brand Vissla’s Ecolastics collection includes a range of boardshorts sustainably made from a blend of coconut fibers, REPREVE polyester (made from recycled plastic bottles) and cotton.
These shorts come in a range of prints and solid colors to suit every style and are coated with 100% PFC and Fluorocarbon-free DWR water repellant to ensure safety for both the wearer and the living organisms they come into contact with.
They also have wetsuits available on their site for those looking for more performance wear that are sustainably made of limestone-based neoprene and Carbon Black that is pyrolyzed from scrap rubber tires.
BOLD Swim
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces |
| Sizes | XS – XXXL (Women’s only) |
| Materials | AMNI Soul Eco |
| Made in | Brazil |
| Price Range | $55 – 160 |
| Where to Buy? | BoldSwim.com |
BOLD Swim is a WOC-founded brand that focuses on inclusivity in size and diversity with swimwear designs that can be worn by all women. For their swimwear pieces, they use revolutionary Amni Soul Eco fabric, the world’s first biodegradable polyamide yarn.
Certified by Oeko-Tex, this pioneering fabric takes between 3-5 years to compose as opposed to conventional polyamides that take more than 50 years to decompose. Their designs include fun monokinis, one-shoulder tops and reversible pieces built for summer adventures.
Sensi Graves
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces | Surf Leggings | |
| Sizes | XS – XL (Women’s Only) |
| Materials | ECONYL and Repreve |
| Made in | USA |
| Price Range | $54 – 148 |
| Where to Buy? | SensiGravesSwim.com |
Professional kiteboarder Sensi Graves set out to design sustainable swimwear that stays put after losing one too many swim bottoms out in the rough surf. Her eponymous label empowers women to get out there and enjoy the sports they love while wearing swimsuits they can rely on.
Made in the USA from recycled ECONYL and Repreve fabrics, the line has a range of designs to fit every sporting need from hooded bikini tops, high waisted stay-put bottoms, and surf leggings. They are a proud partner of 1% for the planet and also donate 1% of every purchase to nonprofits such as Black Girls Surf and Surfrider Foundation.
Sunspel
| Styles | Swim Shorts |
| Sizes | XS – XXL (Men’s Only) |
| Materials | Recycled Polyester from Seaqual |
| Made in | Portugal |
| Price Range | $225 – 250 |
| Where to Buy? | US.Sunspel.com |
Inspired by the iconic shorts worn by Sean Connery in ‘Thunderball’, Sunspel’s tailored swim shorts are an elegant statement at the beach.
Made of upcycled marine plastic and plastic bottles from Seaqual, these shorts are perfect for men who want a more elevated take on the classic swim short. For those wanting a more traditional style, Sunspel also offers drawstring swim shorts in a variety of color and prints.
Kust
| Styles | Swim Briefs | Swim Shorts |
| Sizes | S-XXL Men’s Only |
| Materials | ECONYL |
| Made in | Poland |
| Price Range | $98-110 |
| Where to Buy? | Kust.com |
Handmade of recycled nylon Econyl, Kust’s retro running swim shorts are a playful addition to a summer wardrobe looking for a dose of nostalgia.
Available in red, black, and blue, these shorts are reminiscent of classic styles worn in the 80’s and 90’s. They also offer swim briefs for those wanting more support in their summer style.
Vitamin A Swimwear
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces |
| Sizes | XS – XXL (Depending on style) |
| Materials | Ecolux fabric made of recycled nylon-poly blend, deadstock fabric |
| Made in | USA |
| Price Range | $49 – 325 |
| Where to Buy? | VitaminASwim.com |
Sustainably made in California, Vitamin A Swimwear is made of the brand’s signature EcoLux fabric made of recycled nylon fibers. Forging the path for sustainability in swim and resortwear, they also have an upcycled bikini collection made of upcycled nylon fabric scraps.
By using a domestic supply chain, they not only support local communities but also greatly minimize their carbon footprint and they transparently share the statistics on their website of how much emissions and water is saved through this localized production.
TomboyX
| Styles | Swim Tanks | Shirts | Shorts | Unisuits | Tops |
| Sizes | XS – 6X (Gender Neutral) |
| Materials | Recycled Polyester |
| Made in | China |
| Price Range | $49 – 89 |
| Where to Buy? | Tomboyx.com |
Gender-neutral TomboyX fills a need for swimwear that anybody can feel comfortable in no matter their size or where they fall on the gender spectrum.
Their recycled polyester collection features inclusive designs such as the swim tank, unisuit, and a variety of shorts and come in sizes ranging from XS – 6X. They are B Corp certified and are manufactured in facilities that are certified by WRAP and the Fair Labor Association.
JADE Swim
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces |
| Sizes | XS – XL (Women’s only) |
| Materials | ECONYL |
| Made in | California |
| Price Range | $80-245 |
| Where to Buy? | JADEswim.com |
Former fashion editor Brittany Kozerski’s JADE Swim is designed with versatility in mind with a minimalistic aesthetic that can be worn from day to night. Designed in New York City and made in Los Angeles, these pieces are made of ECONYL and Azo tested fabrics which ensures no harmful chemicals are used to dye the fabric.
Their pieces are only offered in solid colors to avoid the extreme water usage that is needed in conventional pattern printing. These pieces are made with a slow fashion process using small production batches to reduce fabric waste.
Faithfull the Brand
| Styles | One-pieces | Two-pieces |
| Sizes | XS – XXL (Women’s only) |
| Materials | ECONYL |
| Made in | Bali |
| Price Range | $85-189 |
| Where to Buy? | Faithfullthebrand.com |
Founded in Indonesia, Faithfull the Brand works with local artisans in Bali to create their hand-made pieces that evoke a love of adventure with a high fashion lens.
Their colorful suits are available in a range of bright tones and vintage-inspired patterns and are sustainably made using Econyl. Their pieces are also hand-dyed and hand-printed in Bali making each piece unique.
Caring for Your Ethical Swimwear
To make the most of your ethical swimwear and ensure it lasts for many seasons, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here are some tips to keep your swimwear in top shape:
Washing and Maintenance Tips
- Gentle washing techniques: Hand wash your swimwear in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric.
- Proper drying methods: Gently squeeze out excess water and lay your swimwear flat to dry in the shade. Avoid wringing it out, using a dryer, or direct sunlight, as these methods can cause the fabric to lose its shape and color.
- Storage recommendations: Store your swimwear in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Maximizing The Lifespan of Your Swimwear
- Rotating between multiple pieces: Instead of wearing the same swimsuit every day, alternate between different pieces to give the fabric time to recover and maintain its shape.
- Avoiding harsh chemicals and rough surfaces: Be mindful of where you sit or lean when wearing your swimwear. Rough surfaces can cause pilling or snagging, and chemicals like chlorine can break down the fabric over time.
- Making repairs when necessary: If you notice small tears or loose threads, address them promptly. Fixing minor issues can extend the life of your swimwear and help you avoid needing to replace it.
Quick recommendations…
- Best For Timeless and Elegant Designs – Galamaar: Galamaar’s clean and timeless designs accentuate each woman’s beauty. Made from recycled OEKO-TEX-certified Econyl material and regenerated mixed metal hardware, Galamaar offers sustainable and elegant options.
- Best For Colorful and Retro Styles – OOKIOH: OOKIOH brings a splash of nostalgia with its colorful and retro-inspired swimwear. Made from 100% regenerated materials, OOKIOH is a sustainable option for those who love a vibrant and vintage aesthetic.
- Best For Performance and Outdoor Adventures – Patagonia: Patagonia’s high-performance swimwear is designed for outdoor adventures. Their collection, made from recycled nylon and polyester, caters to men, women, kids, and babies, making it a one-stop shop for the adventurous family.
- Best For Inclusivity and Diversity – BOLD Swim: WOC-founded BOLD Swim champions inclusivity in size and diversity, offering designs for all women. Their swimwear, made from Amni Soul Eco fabric, combines style and eco-friendliness.
- Best For Sporty and Stay-Put Swimwear – Sensi Graves: Sensi Graves offers sustainable swimwear designed to stay put, empowering women to confidently enjoy their sports activities. Their collection, made from recycled ECONYL and Repreve fabrics, caters to every sporting need.
- Best For Gender-Neutral Swimwear – TomboyX: TomboyX offers gender-neutral swimwear made from recycled polyester, catering to a diverse range of body types and identities. Their inclusive designs ensure anyone can feel comfortable and stylish in their swimwear.
- Best For Minimalistic and Versatile Styles – JADE Swim: JADE Swim offers minimalistic and versatile swimwear that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Their solid-colored pieces, made from ECONYL and Azo-tested fabrics, are perfect for those who appreciate slow fashion and reduced fabric waste.
