Dive into the World of Sustainable Swimwear

HOURS ON THE BEACH, LAZY DAYS LOUNGING BY THE POOL – FOR A FEW PRECIOUS WEEKS WE BASICALLY LIVE IN SWIMWEAR. IT IS ONE OF THE FEW AREAS IN FASHION, WHERE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS ARE HARDER TO FIND. MANY BRANDS OFFER SWIMWEAR FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS, BUT IS THIS REALLY SUSTAINABLE, OR DOES IT ENCOURAGE FURTHER PET PRODUCTION? LET’S DIVE INTO THE TOPIC! HERE ARE OUR TIPS TO SHOPPING SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR AS WELL AS SOME BRANDS THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION.

words by HOLLY KELSEY
photographs ANDREW DAY + BRAND’S OWN
creative direction SARAH MARIE FRANKEN

There are two key factors we notices about swimwear. Firstly, what the fabrics are made from, and secondly it’s often the garment that’s is tossed away after one season. Polyester, polyamide, elastane, nylon or spandex - these are all common materials in swimwear garments. They all have one thing in common: they are made from plastic and therefore don’t biodegrade. The raw materials used to produce these fabrics are petroleum and coal. Not ideal for the environment or our bodies. They also shed micro plastics into the water when swimming or washing and when they get tossed (which particularly is a problem with ill-made fast fashion swimwear) they stay in landfills for a long time.

So what’s the solution? Here is everything we watch out for when shopping for bathing suits and more!

1. Always check the fabric label

The clothing label is a key tool in informing us about our potential purchases. Looking at what fabrics your swimwear is made from, whether they’re natural, synthetic or recycled fabrics, gives shoppers positive purchasing power. The best directions to go with swimwear fabrics are either natural ones (think hemp, organic cotton or bamboo) or recycled ones. With swimwear it’s hard to get around plastic-based fibres. So until there will be more fabric options on the market, recycled fabrics are better than newly produced plastic-based fabrics - they have less of an impact on the environment and fewer resources have been used to produce them. For recycled fabrics, we recommend ECONYL® - a 100% regenerated fibre made from nylon waste that would otherwise pollute the earth, like fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastic residues.

2. Buy from independent brands

Buying from independent brands is really important as it supports a local community. Independent brands generally means smaller scale so there is more control over the supply chain. It also means that they will probably source their fabrics from local suppliers. The products are uniquely made and cherished by skilled craftsmen and artisans. It ensures that both manufacturing and sourcing are more likely to be local and ethical because their ranges are usually produced in smaller quantities. Supporting these small-scale businesses is really valuable to local communities and individuals.

3. Shop for pieces you will also love next season

A lot of the time the trendy pieces that are mass produced will wear out quickly and only last one season. In the long run buying pieces that are well made and timeless will not only be beneficial for your wallet but also our planet.

4. Watch out for microplastics with a Guppyfriend bag

Another thing to look out for is micro-plastics, which come from fabrics that are plastic and non-biodegradable. When washing your garments these micro-plastics will shed to the water, which is why it’s important to use a Guppy Friend bag. It will collect the micro-plastics, preventing them getting into the water system.

The swimwear brands making waves in slow fashion

The good news is, you’re spoilt for choice! There are several sustainable brands out there, guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding shopper.

Peony

Founders: Becky Morton

Based in Australia

Founded in 2012

Long story short: A swimwear and resort wear brand that is meticulously designed to benefit our planet. The brand’s designs are delicate styles using subtle prints and soft-colour palettes with 100% of Peony’s fabrics made from recycled content including ECONYL® yarn. Their swimwear and resort wear are certified by Oekotex and they have a ‘Take back’ program to encourage circularity.

Mission: Peony’s painstaking attention to detail, across every aspect of their business - design, materials, manufacturing, supply chain partners - is driven by a desire to benefit the planet.

Fun fact: They are named after the flower that symbolizes the beginning of summer.

Shop their pieces online here

B the Beach Brand

Founders: Sisters Berta and Maria Rosiñol

Based in Barcelona

Founded in 2019

Long story short: The hallmark of the brand is effortless, elegant designs combined with sensuality to create understated, flattering silhouettes. They work with regenerated fabrics, with all their pieces designed and handcrafted locally in Barcelona. They have completely eliminated plastic from their supply chain from design right through to packaging.

Mission: With an affinity with nature and a love of their fellow human beings and the ocean, their brand supports both the planet and their local community in Spain.

Shop their pieces online here

Fisch

Founders: Agnes Fischer

Based in Bali

Founded in 2017

Long story short: The brand’s founder spent her childhood snorkelling in St Barths. After seeing the burden that abandoned waste is having on both the island and the world’s beaches, she decided to create a sustainable swimwear range. They were one of the first brands to use the 100% regenerated nylon fibre ECONYL®, and every garment in their collection is made from this unique material.

Mission: To help clean up waste from the ocean whilst creating a timeless aesthetic and striking swimwear.

Shop their pieces online here

Medina Swimwear

Founders: Lou Medina

Based in Portugal

Founded in 2017

Long story short: Their swimwear is known for its exceptional tailoring, with their headquarters and manufacturing both located in Porto. With the aim of being gentle on the earth, Medina Swim source their textiles from small-scale companies in Italy and Portugal. Their swimwear is made from ECONYL® and is also UV-proof and chlorine-resistant, which guarantees the product’s longevity. Medina Swim also donate 3% of their sales, which they named “OCEAN TAX”, to non-profit organisations.

Mission: To create a luxury swimwear line with purpose.

Shop their pieces online here

Vanilla Sand

Founder: Corinna Dickenbrok

Based in Portugal

Founded in 2018

Long story short: Vanilla Sand’s swimwear is cheerful and easygoing. They use fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo and ECONYL®. All of their garments are dyed with 100% plant-based dyes and they have some option for men as well!

Mission: To produce swimwear that leaves a positive ecological footprint with a specific focus on the ocean.

Shop their pieces online here

Natasha Tonić

Founder: Natasha Tonić

Based in Los Angeles

Founded in 2017

Long story short: Natasha Tonić is one of the very few brands where Hemp is the primary fabric used in all of their swimwear. The garments are made in small batches with some particular pieces made to order, thereby reducing any waste.

Mission: Launched for the purpose of changing women’s swimwear to something that is kinder on your skin and the planet without creating excess waste.

Shop their pieces online here

Vitamin A Swim

Founders: Amahlia Stevens

Based in California

Founded in 2000

Long story short: The brand combines classic and effortless styles with neutral and fun colours, whilst creating a wide range of innovative fabrics such as EcoLux and EcoRib, making the swimwear breathable and giving a flattering feel. Additionally producing imaginative collections, including the ‘Up-cycled Bikini Collection’ made from dead-stock textiles and a ‘Plant Based’ collection made from the castor bean. Vitamin A Swim have partnered with ‘1% for the Planet’ to protect our oceans as well as organising regular ocean clean ups.

Mission: To create luxury fabrics that feel soft on your skin and are made to last for an abundance of summers.

Shop their pieces online here

So with all these useful insights, now’s the ideal time to start exploring all the brilliant options out there to find that essential piece of beachwear to see you through all summer long, and for many seasons to come. The search for sensational swimwear is only up from here, brands are making more and more progress with sustainable swim. Dive in!

Further Reading