Eco-friendly fashion brands are ever-evolving, and the best sustainable swimwear brands with them. We’ve seen footballs be made into trainers, scrunchies sewn from fabric scraps, and leather-like materials be crafted from mushrooms – so it's no surprise that planet-friendly practices have also made their way into swimsuits and bikinis.
But what exactly constitutes sustainable 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.
Plenty of Hunza G's pieces are crafted from recycled nylon, recycled polyester and econyl, a material made from ocean waste, fishing nets and plastic bottles. Plus, many of these eco-friendly fabrics have also received an OEKO-TEX certification, meaning they’re free from pesticides, toxic dyes and any other harmful substances.
The second thing to look for when shopping great sustainable swimwear? Whether the brand is focused on creating a positive environment for the people who make their designs, with fair wages and a healthy work place. Just take a look at Reina Olga’s sustainable swimwear line, which is handmade in a female-run lingerie atelier in Milan and has racked up a rather famous fan base, including Bella Hadid, Rita Ora, Kylie Jenner and Cindy Bruna.
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. We love to see it.
SKIP TO: Shop the best sustainable swimwear | Can swimwear be sustainable? | Why is sustainable swimwear expensive? | Is Speedo eco-friendly?
Below, find the 19 best sustainable swimwear brands to see you through this summer and many more
Hunza G
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 (yep, the brand even works as maternity swimwear), ridding the need to repurchase – genius! 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.
Free-Est
American-based brand Free People is home to a huge range of stunning fashion labels, Free-Est included. Made in the USA from recycled polyamide, polyester and elastane, the striking swim styles feature boldly patterned bikini tops, high-waisted bottoms, long-sleeve swimwear, rash vests and swim shorts, perfect for playing water sports or lying on the beach. We’ll race you to the checkout for the latest lurex collection.
Save when you shop for sustainable swimwear with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
Omnes
Sustainable British fashion brand Omnes may be best known for its beautiful wedding guest dresses, but its swimwear selection should not be overlooked. Focusing on bright and bold colours and patterns, both the bikinis and swimsuits are sure to see you through many a summer in style. Made from recycled polyester with labels crafted from upcycled plastic bottles, they’re a more affordable planet-friendly pick with prices starting at £25.
Sweaty Betty
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 lycra Xtra Life fibre, each piece is five times more durable than elastane, and chlorine, sun cream, and UV50+ ray resistant, meaning it should be a staple in your fit kit for many years to come. Plus, it’s incredibly supportive for all sporting activity needs – beach cartwheels, included.
Save when you shop for sustainable swimwear with these Sweaty Betty discount codes at checkout.
Away That Day
Home to some of the chicest sustainable swimwear pieces around, Away That Day swimsuits are loved by many a fashion fan. The high-quality, incredibly comfortable, trend-led bikinis and cozzies are made by small manufacturers in the UK, Europe and India from econyl, recycled polyamide, lenzing viscose and pyratex – a biodegradable polyamide certified by textile researchers EOEKO-TEX. You can send any old swimwear pieces to the brand to have them recycled in return for a 15% discount code. What more could we ask for?
Nobody's Child
Home to a huge number of stunning summer dresses, shorts and skirts, you may already own an item or two from Nobody’s Child – and the swimwear is just as good. Full of pretty patterns, beautiful bandeau tops and chic cut-outs, there are plenty of styles to see you through every type of swimwear occasion, whether you’re lying on a beach in Italy or swimming in a pool in Sri Lanka (or at home with the garden hose). Each piece is made from recycled materials in Europe to reduce carbon emissions while travelling.
Balzac Paris
French girl style has long been a source of outfit inspiration, so we aren’t too surprised to see this European-based brand creating stunning swimwear that’s sustainable too. Each swimsuit is cut in a wraparound style to ensure the perfect fit, and high-waisted bikini bottoms pair perfectly with triangle tops in bold leopard prints, striped patterns and vibrant shades, and everything is made from upcycled plastic econyl and EOEKO-TEX-certified sustainable materials.
Ôsalé
Inspired by the golden beaches of Ibiza, where founder Aliya Wilkinson grew up, Ôsalé swimwear combines high-shine fabrics and colour-clashing patterns to produce pool party-ready bikinis and swimsuits. Handmade in Venice, Italy, each piece is made from OEKO-TEX-certified recycled materials, and profits go towards Ibiza Preservation, working to preserve the natural environment of the island. PSA: there’s a sale section on the site with exclusive offers on old-season styles.
SKIMS
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear line needs little introduction. Shooting to fame as a go-to label for soft bras, no VPL pants and figure-skimming solutionwear, the reality TV star has seen huge success with the everyday basics brand, and the swimwear has been just as well received. Made from recycled materials in a small range of styles, the classic cuts span sizes XXS to 4X with the aim of fitting a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
Ruby Moon
Focusing on what it coins ‘gym-to-swim’ clothing, activewear brand Rubymoon is a great option for those really into water sports or training for a triathlon. Included in the small range are leggings, tops, rash vests, shorts and swimsuits made from eco-friendly econyl, helping to remove ocean plastics, and the brand has certified its product uses 42% fewer carbon emissions than similar competitors.
Boden
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 the pretty patterned high street styles.
Save when you shop for sustainable swimwear with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
Vitamin A Swim
Sustainably made in sunny California from Oeko-Tex-certified materials such as recycled nylon, cotton and lurex, Vitamin A aims to create stunning swimwear with as small of an environmental impact as possible. 1% of all profits goes to organisations that protect the oceans and the brand hosts regular beach clean-ups to go above and beyond simply selling swimsuits, too.
Tucca Swim
If you’re looking to pack light or are searching for one standout swimwear style, take a look at Tucca Swim’s multiway bikinis. Hoping to reduce our need for dozens of different options, the reversible top and bottoms can be worn in a wide range of ways to create different looks. Made from Econyl, a regenerated nylon created from fishing nets, post-consumer plastic and ocean waste, the planet-friendly brand is a standout when it comes to sustainable swimwear.
Reina Olga
Reina Olga certainly has the A-list celeb seal of approval. Focused on a bum-bearing Brazilian cut, the luxury swimwear styles are 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 means fewer deadstock materials and a strong eye on the short supply chain, too.
Stay Wild Swim
Made in London with a B-Corp certification, Stay Wild is one of the best sustainable swimwear brands around. Each piece is crafted from Econyl, the fabric made from fishing nets, deadstock fabric and old carpets and housed in eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging. To combat micro-plastics that can be released when washing, each bikini and swimsuit actually comes with GuppyFriend bag, which captures any micro-elements while in the washing machine. And, to make it even sweeter, Wild Swim is also accepting your old swimwear items from any brand which they’ll recycle in return for a 10% discount on your next order.
Argot Swim
Designed in Brooklyn and produced in Bali, Argot Swim’s eco-friendly swimwear has a strong focus on transparency in its supply chain. Each piece is crafted from econyl and the Balinese factory claims to have great working conditions with fair wages, health insurance and proper breaks, making it quite a notable ethical swimwear brand. You'll find both minimalist designs and some more fashion-forward pieces.
Core Swim
Core Swim is designed exclusively for those with bigger busts, stocking bikini tops in sizes 30F-38G. Being a small, independent brand, the style range is small, with two tops and two bottoms available in a range of both minimalist and bright colours. Each piece is made from recycled nylon and elastane and is both UV and chlorine-resistant to help keep you safe from the sun's rays and lasts an impressive amount of time.
Tide and Seek
Turning plastic bottles into swimsuits may seem like some sort of sorcery, but that’s exactly what has happened with Tide and Seek swimwear. Crafted from a patented fabric called repreve, each of the boldly printed bikinis and one-pieces is formed from around five plastic bottles, removing them from landfill or the ocean. Each piece is designed to be moved in thanks to a wide stretch high level of support, and features UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Patagonia
Patagonia is renowned for being one of the most sustainable fashion brands around, producing high-quality items that last a lifetime with a strong focus on reducing their environmental impact. Plus, it’s certified B-corp, the highest accreditation for brands doing good for the planet and its people. Each item in the swimwear range is made from recycled nylon, polyester or elastane in fair trade factories and some styles are even reversible, too.
Can swimwear be sustainable?
Although it’s impossible for any fashion brand to have zero impact on the planet, there are plenty of practices that make swimwear more sustainable, so it’s important to pay attention to these while shopping.
“Firstly, you want good quality, otherwise you will just be chucking it away after one summer,” says Georgiana. “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.”
Why is sustainable swimwear so expensive?
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 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.”
Is Speedo eco-friendly?
Speedo shares on its website that by 2024 all swimwear fabric will be made from 100% recycled polyester, and it aims to be net-zero for greenhouse gas by 2030. While some yarns used are made from post-consumer waste, such as recycled plastic bottles, the brand did score ‘not good enough’ by fashion database Good On You for its sustainability practices. So there is certainly more work to be done.
For more from Lauren Cunningham, follow them on Instagram @laurencunningha.m.
