I'll be the first to admit that there is no dopamine hit like online shopping. However, I did vow that 2026 was going to be the year I shopped more consciously — and that includes tracking down sustainable swimwear ahead of my summer vacays.
For context, I've booked a week in Italy with my in-laws and a five-day break in NYC — and yes, I'll need one-piece swimsuits or bikinis for both. Yet, where does one start when seeking out long-lasting, eco-friendly swimwear that uses upcycled materials (AKA those crafted from recycled water bottles), which is delivered in biodegradable packaging and designed by a brand that prioritises earth-friendly manufacturing?
Lucky for you, I've spent the last month tracking down the best sustainable swimwear brands, including the likes of Hunza G, Free People, Reina Olga and SKIMS — yep, even Kim K is taking an eco-conscious approach to fashion.
Featured in this article:
- The 13 best sustainable swimwear brands for 2026, approved by Glamour's eco-conscious editors
- Sustainable swimwear FAQs, answered
- Can swimwear be sustainable?
- How can I tell if a brand is truly sustainable?
- What materials are sustainable swimwear made from?
- What to look for when shopping for sustainable swimwear?
- Why is sustainable swimwear so expensive?
- Meet the experts
- Why you can trust me
But what exactly constitutes ethical swimwear? Well, it mostly comes down to fabric. “Recycled yarns are amazing,” says Georgiana Huddart, founder of sustainable swimwear brand Hunza G, which counts Hailey Bieber, Alexa Chung and Dua Lipa as celebrity fans of the one-size-fits-all crinkle swimsuits.
The second thing to look for is whether a brand is focused on creating a positive environment for the people who make their designs, with fair wages and a healthy workplace. Case in point: Reina Olga swimwear is handmade in a female-run lingerie atelier in Milan, while 70% of its collection is made from sustainable materials and delivered in fully compostable packaging.
Bonus points: many of the sustainable swimwear brands we've come across also focus on reducing their carbon footprint by using renewable energy and a slow fashion supply chain. So, read on to see who scored highly with this eco-conscious shopping editor, plus answers to common FAQs, answered by industry experts.
Ahead, the best sustainable swimwear brands, approved by Glamour's eco-conscious editors.
Focused on minimising waste, thanks to its one-size-fits-all now-famous crinkle fabric, a Hunza G swimsuit or bikini will adapt to your body with each season. And yes, the brand even works as maternity swimwear, ridding the need to repurchase. Plus, in production, all wastewater from the dyeing process is purified to drinking water quality. And 86% of the electricity in Hunza G’s fabric manufacturing facility comes from renewable energy sources, proving the brand takes its environmental impact seriously.
Save when you shop the best sustainable swimwear with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Free People excels when it comes to boho wardrobe additions, including lace-edged bloomers, whimsical co-ords and floral summer dresses. However, in recent years the brand has branched into swimwear, delivering high-performing, boldly patterned bikini tops, high-waisted bottoms, long-sleeve swimwear, rash vests and swim shorts. In terms of its eco-credentials, many styles are made from up to 80% recycled materials, including repurposed polyamide, polyester and elastane.
Save when you shop for sustainable swimwear with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
Unsurprisingly, Sweaty Betty swimwear is a great option for swimmers, divers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Made from recycled nylon and the brand’s own Xtra Life Lycra — a blend of part-recycled nylon with Xtra Life Lycra, which resists chlorine damage up to 10x more than normal elastane, plus holds its own against suncream, UV50+ rays, heat and body oils in a bid to reduce consumption. But in-house testing has also revealed the brand's swimwear to be super supportive, and therefore suitable for all sporting activities – beach cartwheels, included.
Save when you shop for sustainable swimwear with these Sweaty Betty discount codes at checkout.
Home to some of the chicest sustainable swimwear pieces around, Away That Day swimsuits are loved by many. The high-quality, incredibly comfortable, trend-led bikinis are made by small manufacturers in the UK, Europe and India, from Econyl, recycled polyamide, Lenzing viscose and Pyratex – the latter a biodegradable polyamide certified by textile researchers, OEKO-TEX. Plus, you can send any old swimwear pieces to the brand to have them recycled in return for a 15% discount code. Obsessed.
Offering up a huge number of ultra-feminine summer dresses, linen shorts and skirts, I wouldn't be surprised to learn you already own an item or two from Nobody’s Child. But its swimwear is just as good. With one-piece swimsuits and bandeaus finished in various pretty and on-trend patterns (florals, for summer? Groundbreaking), there are plenty of styles to see you through every type of holiday, whether you’re set to take up residence on a beach in Italy or dive into countless pools in Sri Lanka. Each piece is made from recycled materials in Europe to reduce transportation carbon emissions.
Save when you shop for sustainable swimwear with these Nobody's Child discount codes at checkout.
For those in need of an introduction, Finisterre makes enduring outdoor wear for those whose lives revolve around the sea. In fact, it all began in 2003, the brand's first launch of an innovative fleece, designed to keep out chill winds and warm up cold bodies. And while it now offers hard-wearing loungewear, activewear and hiking gear, it's continued to take a sustainable approach to clothing production. Every year, it produces a yearly impact report — a summary of its successes, learnings and a sign of its commitment to transparency. But it also relies on regenerative and recycled cotton, REPREVE (recycled insulation) and responsibly sourced natural rubber known as Yulex, which aims to help reduce reliance on petroleum-based materials.
Inspired by the golden beaches of Ibiza, where founder Aliya Wilkinson grew up, Ôsalé combines high-shine fabrics and colour-clashing patterns to produce pool party-ready bikinis and swimsuits. Handmade in Venice, each piece is made from OEKO-TEX-certified recycled materials. Plus, some of the brand's profits are donated towards Ibiza Preservation, who work to preserve the natural environment of the island.
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear needs no introduction. Shooting to fame as a go-to label for soft t-shirt bras, seamless underwear and figure-skimming solutionwear, the reality TV star has seen huge success with her everyday basics brand. But her limited line of swimwear has been well received, too. With most made from recycled materials and cut into various unique styles — heard of a monokini? — plus available in every size from an XXS to 4X, this is a size-inclusive, sustainable brand to have on your radar.
British brand Boden is trying to make its swimwear range more sustainable thanks to the increased inclusion of recycled fabrics. In each bikini, tummy control swimsuit, and tankini, you’ll spot recycled polyamide and polyester forming the base of most of these high street styles.
Save when you shop for sustainable swimwear with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
Reina Olga certainly has the A-list celeb seal of approval. Specialising in bum-bearing Brazilian cuts, the luxury swimwear is handmade by a lingerie atelier in Milan, with 70% of the entire collection formed from recycled materials and housed in fully compostable packaging. The brand's made-to-order manufacturing process also means fewer deadstock materials and a strong eye on the short supply chain, too.
Designed in Brooklyn and produced in Bali, Argot Swim has a strong focus on transparency. Thoroughly detailed on its website, the brand states that every piece is made exclusively from Italian Carvico Vita — a sustainable techno-fabric made of ECONYL regenerated Nylon. But it also claims that the Balinese factory it relies on has great working conditions, with its staff guaranteed, fair wages, health insurance and proper breaks. In terms of its swimwear, you'll find both minimalist designs and some more fashion-forward pieces. Win-win-win!
Turning plastic bottles into swimsuits may seem like some sort of sorcery, but that’s exactly what happens at Tide and Seek. Crafted from a patented fabric called Repreve, each of the boldly printed bikinis and one-piece swimsuits is made of around five plastic bottles, all reclaimed from landfill or the ocean. Each piece is designed to be moved in, thanks to the high level of stretch support. However, most also offer UPF 50+ sun protection, plus are both chlorine and saltwater-resistant.
Patagonia is renowned for being one of the most sustainable fashion brands around, producing high-quality items that last a lifetime. But the brand also has a strong focus on reducing its environmental impact — evident in that it's gained certified B-corp status, which is the highest accreditation for brands doing good for the planet and its people. Each item in its swimwear range is made from recycled nylon, polyester or elastane and produced in fair trade factories. Plus, some styles are even reversible, too!
Sustainable swimwear FAQs, answered:
A fashion brand can’t have zero impact on the planet, yet there are plenty of practices that make swimwear more sustainable. Looking for pieces that will last more than one season, to minimise demand, production and consumption, plus recycled materials and eco-conscious delivery will help.
“Firstly, you want good quality, otherwise you will just be chucking it away after one summer,” says Georgiana Huddart, founder of Hunza G. “Secondly, wearing swimwear is generally when you are at your most exposed and vulnerable, so it's important to make sure your swimwear fits well, and the fabric is great so you feel good in it! It means you will keep it forever and feel amazing in it forever.”
"Start with transparency," urges Joanna Bury, Finisterre's Senior Product Designer for Swimwear. "Brands worth paying attention to are open about how their products are made — where materials come from, how they’re processed, and who is involved along the way. Rather than relying on broad claims, they share the details, even where there’s still work to do.
“It’s also worth looking for evidence behind the words. That might be clear information on materials, independent certifications where relevant, or published impact data. Not every brand will have everything in place, but a willingness to be open and to improve goes a long way.”
She adds: “Good design is part of it too. Pieces that are built to last, both in construction and style, tend to sit outside the fast-fashion cycle, and a genuine commitment often shows up in how a brand approaches manufacturing, not just marketing — taking responsibility for the full life of a product, not just its launch.”
“No product is without impact, but some choices can reduce that impact,” details Joanna. "Most conventional swimwear is made from virgin polyester or polyamide — materials derived from fossil fuels that are energy-intensive to produce. Many brands are now switching to recycled fibres, often made from things like discarded fishing nets or plastic bottles, helping to keep existing materials in use for longer.
“For cold-water swimming, natural rubber is becoming a more considered alternative to neoprene. It’s plant-based, avoids petroleum, and still offers the warmth and flexibility needed in the water, which has featured in our collections for a number of years.”
“Focus on longevity,” continues Joanna. "A swimsuit that lasts for years will always have a lower impact than one that doesn’t. Look for well-made pieces that hold their shape, with a good proportion of recycled material where possible.
“How you care for it matters as well. Rinse after use, dry it naturally, and avoid over-washing. Small habits can make a real difference over time. It’s also worth considering what happens at the end of its life. Some brands offer repairs or take-back schemes to help keep products in use for longer.”
Sustainable swimwear is known to have a considerably higher cost than the bikinis you can buy for a couple of pounds in some high street stores. This is simply because the cost of making them is higher, shares Georgiana: “Fabric is way more expensive, processes are more expensive, and people are being paid fair prices to make the pieces.”
They should, however, last an incredibly long time, so long as you care for them correctly. “Always rinse it after being in the sea or pool and leave it to dry somewhere at room temp,” Georgiana says. Plus, “avoid getting suncream on the fabric as this changes the colour, so either get a clear one or put it on before putting on the costume.”
Meet the experts:
| Georgiana Huddart | Founder of Hunza G. |
| Joanna Bury | Finisterre's Senior Product Designer for Swimwear. |
Why you can trust me:
While I started my journalism career as a writer for a tabloid agony aunt, I quickly pivoted into shopping and have now been a commerce writer for just over three years. In that time, I've found a passion for reviewing functional fashion — menstrual health accessories like period pants and menstrual cups, activewear and swimwear, whether that be long-sleeve swimsuits or swimwear for big busts.
But to ensure I'm an authority on all things high-performing fashion and wellness, a working week includes attending countless press launches, reading the latest journals and interviews, as well as chatting one-on-one with swimwear designers, gynaecologists, women's health experts and brand founders to gain answers to common shopping FAQs.
But, having gained a degree in Human Geography from the University of Leeds a few (!) years ago, sustainability is something I know. Yep, I'm already clued up on eco-conscious fashion practises, shipping and materials, making me the perfect person to compile this guide.
Personally, I fluctuate between a DD and an E, depending on where I am in my cycle. But I also carry all my weight on my stomach, meaning that seeking out flattering swimwear is often a challenge. However, while on the hunt for sustainable options, I challenged myself to discover new brands and fresh designs that might work for both you and me.
