Looking for swimwear that's good for you and the planet? Here's what you need to know:
- Eco-friendly swimwear uses recycled materials like plastic bottles and fishing nets
- These suits often last longer than fast fashion options
- Many brands ensure fair wages and safe working conditions
Top 5 sustainable swimwear brands to check out:
- Batoko: Turns plastic bottles into stylish suits
- Swim Wild Swimwear: Uses ECONYL® from recycled ocean plastic
- Deakin & Blue: Offers sizes 8-24, AA-HH cups
- Tide & Seek: Already recycled over 10,000 plastic bottles
- Selkie Swim Co: Makes swimwear and change robes from recycled materials
Quick Comparison:
Brand | Materials | Price Range | Unique Feature |
---|---|---|---|
Batoko | Recycled polyester | £60 | Eye-catching designs |
Swim Wild | ECONYL® | $68-$180 | B-Corp Certified |
Deakin & Blue | Recycled ocean waste | £46-£171 | Size inclusive |
Tide & Seek | REPREVE® | Not specified | Ethical manufacturing |
Selkie Swim Co | Regenerated fiber | Not specified | Change robes available |
By choosing eco-friendly swimwear, you're helping reduce plastic waste and supporting ethical production. Ready to make a splash?
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What Makes Swimwear Green?
Green swimwear isn't just about looking good at the beach. It's about making choices that help our planet.
So, what makes swimwear eco-friendly? Let's dive in:
Materials Matter
The biggest factor in green swimwear is the fabric. Traditional swimsuits often use nylon or polyester, which are BAD for the environment. These materials:
- Take forever to break down
- Come from oil (non-renewable)
- Release microplastics when washed
But eco-friendly brands are changing the game. They're using cool new materials like:
- ECONYL: Made from recycled fishing nets and nylon waste
- REPREVE: Created from recycled plastic bottles
- Amni Soul Eco: A biodegradable yarn that breaks down in about 5 years
Check out this comparison:
Material | Source | Environmental Impact |
---|---|---|
ECONYL | Recycled nylon waste | 90% lower CO2 emissions than virgin nylon |
REPREVE | Recycled plastic bottles | 75% fewer CO2 emissions than virgin polyester |
Amni Soul Eco | Biodegradable yarn | Decomposes in ~5 years |
Ethical Production
Green swimwear isn't just about materials. It's also about how it's made. Eco-friendly brands focus on:
- Fair wages and safe working conditions
- Using less water and energy
- Cutting down on waste and chemicals
For example, Summersalt uses factories with WRAP certifications to ensure ethical production.
Circular Economy
Some brands are taking it a step further. Stay Wild Swim lets customers return old swimsuits for recycling. Pretty cool, right?
The Microfiber Problem
Even eco-friendly swimwear can shed microfibers when washed. To fight this, brands suggest:
- Hand washing in cold water
- Using a Guppyfriend washing bag to catch microfibers
"Customers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchases." - Ezz Studios founders
In short: Green swimwear is about better materials, ethical production, and thinking about the whole lifecycle of the product. It's swimwear that looks good AND does good.
Batoko: Turning Trash into Trendy Swimwear
Batoko, a British swimwear brand, is making a splash in eco-friendly fashion. How? By transforming plastic waste into stylish swimsuits.
Here's what sets Batoko apart:
- Recycled Materials: Each swimsuit uses about 10 plastic bottles' worth of waste. That's trash that won't end up in landfills or oceans.
- Eye-Catching Designs: From jellyfish to wildflowers, Batoko's swimsuits are far from boring.
- Simple Pricing: All swimsuits cost £60.00 (about $79.10). No complicated pricing schemes here.
- Size Inclusive: Batoko caters to a wide range of body types:
Size | UK | USA | Bust | Waist | Hips |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
XS | 6-8 | 2-4 | 32-33" | 24-26" | 34-35" |
S | 10-12 | 6-8 | 34-36" | 27-29" | 36-38" |
M | 14 | 10 | 37-39" | 30-31" | 39-40" |
L | 16 | 12 | 40-41" | 32-34" | 41-42" |
XL | 18-20 | 14-16 | 42-44" | 35-37" | 43-46" |
2XL | 22 | 18 | 45-46" | 38-39" | 47-48" |
3XL | 24 | 20 | 47-48" | 40-41" | 49-50" |
- Eco-Friendly Production: Digital printing cuts water usage, and worldwide shipping uses paper packaging.
- Giving Back: Batoko supports ocean-related causes, partnering with the National Lobster Hatchery and sponsoring coral reef restoration.
Since 2017, Batoko has proven that sustainable fashion can be stylish and affordable. Their tagline? "We're Rubbish, Literally." But don't be fooled - their swimwear is anything but trash.
2. Swim Wild Swimwear
Swim Wild Swimwear is shaking up the eco-friendly swimwear scene. Here's why they're making a splash:
- They use ECONYL®, a fabric made from recycled ocean plastic and fishing nets
- All products are designed and handmade in London
- They're B-Corp Certified
- They run a take-back program for old swimwear
Their product lineup includes:
Product | Price | Sizes |
---|---|---|
One-piece suits | $180 | 4-14 |
Bikini tops | $68 | 4-10 |
Bikini bottoms | $82 | 4-10 |
The Lamu Collection features the 'Alice' swimsuit, 'Dee' bikini, and 'Kami' bikini. Each has its own unique style, from vintage-inspired to modern cuts.
"We work with tree planting initiatives and charitable projects that help facilitate clean water, clean air and solar energy." - Natalie Glaze, Co-founder of Stay Wild Swim
But Swim Wild isn't just about looks. Their ECONYL® fabric is tough stuff:
- Resists sun cream and oil
- Protects against UV rays
- Stands up to chlorine
So you're covered whether you're sunbathing or surfing.
3. Deakin & Blue
Deakin & Blue isn't your average swimwear brand. They're all about eco-friendly suits that fit REAL bodies.
What's cool about them?
- They use ECONYL® - that's recycled ocean waste
- Sizes for everyone (8-24, AA-HH cups)
- Made in small batches right in London
- No plastic packaging
- They'll fix your suit if it breaks
What can you buy?
Product | How much? |
---|---|
One-piece suits | £95 - £171 |
Bikini tops | £46 - £92 |
Bikini bottoms | £62 - £125 |
These folks are serious about being green. They've kicked single-use plastic to the curb in EVERYTHING they do.
Want something unique? Check out their D&B Deadstock Designs. They use leftover fabric to make one-of-a-kind suits. Smart, right?
"At D&B we believe in the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit." - Rosie, Founder of Deakin & Blue
But it's not just about looking good. These suits can handle chlorine, salt, sun, and sunscreen. Perfect for actual swimming.
Pro tip: Follow them on social media. They sometimes sell sample suits for half price. Score!
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4. Tide & Seek
Tide & Seek, a British swimwear brand from Cornwall, UK, is turning plastic waste into stylish swimsuits. Here's what sets them apart:
- They use REPREVE® fabric made from recycled plastic bottles
- Their designs are digitally printed on sustainable fabrics
- They focus on slow fashion and ethical manufacturing
They've already recycled over 10,000 plastic bottles into swimwear, leggings, and scrunchies. That's a lot of plastic kept out of our oceans!
But Tide & Seek isn't just about being green. They're committed to ethical production too. They spent three months in Bali finding a factory that met their standards. Here's what they offer their workers:
Factory Benefits |
---|
Free medical insurance for workers and families |
Above minimum wage pay |
13 months' salary per year |
Optional overtime at 2-3x normal rate |
Air-conditioned workspace |
Free healthy lunch daily |
Their swimwear line includes bikinis and one-piece suits, like the "Pool Party Ready" one-piece for petite swimmers. All their swimwear offers UV protection (SPF50), chlorine resistance, and adjustable straps.
"We aim to reduce the number of plastic bottles that go into landfills every year by recycling them to create swimwear." - Tide & Seek
While prices aren't listed on their website, remember: you're not just buying a swimsuit. You're helping clean up our oceans and support fair working conditions. Now that's a splash worth making!
5. Selkie Swim Co
Selkie Swim Co is shaking up the eco-friendly swimwear scene. They're all about wild swimming and keeping our planet happy. Here's the scoop:
Green to the Core:
- Swimwear? 100% regenerated fiber from used stuff
- Change robe? Made from old plastic bottles
- One tonne of their yarn = nearly 70,000 plastic bottles saved
What They Sell:
- Swimsuits for everyone
- Kaftans and cover-ups
- Change robes
- Swim caps
- Jammers (think swim trunks meet board shorts)
Why It's Cool:
- Laughs at chlorine and UV rays
- Tough as nails, but looks good doing it
- Perfect for folks who like to swim in lakes and oceans
Their change robe is something else:
Feature | What's Cool About It |
---|---|
Inside | Sherpa fleece that dries you fast |
Zippers | Super long, easy to grab |
Hood | Adjust it to fit your head |
Sleeves | Velcro to keep the wind out |
Pockets | Spots for your phone, gear, and hands |
Colors | Grey or Blue, with a pop of orange inside |
But Selkie Swim Co isn't just about selling stuff. They're on a mission to get people into wild swimming. They've even teamed up with the 'Wild Swimming Brothers' - three guys who swam 90 miles down a river in England. Talk about dedication!
While they don't list prices for everything, their swim bag goes for £20. And get this - all their stuff comes in packaging you can recycle. They're serious about cutting down on trash.
Brand Comparison
Let's compare these five eco-friendly swimwear brands:
Brand | Green Practices | Materials | Price Range | Product Types |
---|---|---|---|---|
Batoko | Recycled plastic bottles | 100% recycled polyester | Not specified | One-pieces, bikinis |
Swim Wild Swimwear | Ethically made in USA | REPREVE® and ECONYL® recycled materials | $65 - $140 | Bikinis, water sports suits |
Deakin & Blue | OEKO-TEX certified | Recycled fishing nets and industrial plastic | Not specified | One-pieces, bikinis, tankinis |
Tide & Seek | Ethically made in Portland, OR | Regenerated nylon from fishing nets | $60 - $130 | Various styles |
Selkie Swim Co | 100% regenerated fiber | Recycled plastic bottles | Not specified | Swimsuits, kaftans, change robes |
Each brand has its own eco-friendly twist:
Batoko turns plastic bottles into swimwear. Simple as that.
Swim Wild Swimwear uses REPREVE® and ECONYL® recycled materials. They're USA-made and offer bikinis and water sports suits.
Deakin & Blue is OEKO-TEX certified. They use fishing nets and industrial plastic for their swimwear.
Tide & Seek keeps it local in Portland, Oregon. They use fishing net nylon for various styles.
Selkie Swim Co goes beyond swimsuits. They make kaftans and change robes too, all from recycled plastic bottles.
Price-wise, only Swim Wild Swimwear ($65-$140) and Tide & Seek ($60-$130) give clear ranges. The others? You'll have to check their sites.
Bottom line: Whether you want a basic bikini or a fancy kaftan, there's an eco-friendly option out there. Just pick your style and budget, and dive in!
Why Choose Green Swimwear
Green swimwear isn't just trendy - it's smart for you and the planet. Here's why:
Earth-friendly materials: Eco-swimwear uses recycled fabrics like ECONYL® (from old fishing nets) and recycled plastic bottles. This cleans oceans and reduces landfill waste.
Built to last: These suits are tough. They outlast fast fashion, meaning less waste and more swimming.
Fair work: Many eco-brands ensure safe conditions and fair wages for workers.
Cool designs: "Eco" doesn't mean boring. Natasha Tonic uses hemp and organic cotton for breathable, antimicrobial suits. They even plant corals for each suit sold from their coral city collection.
Beyond swimwear: Some brands do more. Remnant pays seamstresses double the minimum wage.
Quick comparison:
Aspect | Traditional Swimwear | Green Swimwear |
---|---|---|
Materials | Often virgin synthetics | Recycled or organic fabrics |
Durability | Variable, often lower | Typically higher quality |
Worker conditions | Can be poor | Often prioritize fair practices |
Environmental impact | High water use, pollution | Reduced waste, lower impact |
Price | Can be cheaper upfront | May cost more, but last longer |
Try it: Replace one swimsuit with an eco-friendly option. Le Club Original offers affordable, quality styles.
"Fast fashion swimwear uses non-eco-friendly materials and tons of water. A 2-for-$10 swim trunks deal just isn't worth it." - Le Club Original
Taking Care of Green Swimwear
Your eco-friendly swimsuit needs some love. Here's how to keep it looking great:
Rinse after swimming
Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen can damage your suit. Rinse it in cool water after use. For a deeper clean, soak for 30 minutes.
Wash by hand
Skip the machine. Hand wash with mild soap or delicate detergent. Regular laundry soap is too harsh.
Dry carefully
Don't wring it out! Instead:
- Lay flat on a towel
- Roll up to squeeze out water
- Unroll and air dry away from sun
Store properly
Keep it in a cool, dry spot. Avoid plastic bags or containers that trap moisture.
Quick care guide:
Do | Don't |
---|---|
Rinse after use | Use hot water |
Hand wash | Machine wash or dry |
Air dry flat | Wring or twist |
Store cool and dry | Leave in direct sun |
Pro tip: For new suits, soak in vinegar-water for 30 minutes before first wear. This sets the dye and prevents bleeding.
Wrap-up
Picking eco-friendly swimwear? It's a small splash that makes big waves for our planet.
Here's the deal:
- Our oceans are drowning in 12 million tonnes of plastic each year
- Brands are fishing out this waste to make swimwear
- These suits often outlast their fast-fashion cousins
Want to dip your toes in? Check out these green options:
Brand | What's Cool? |
---|---|
Batoko | Turns bottles into bikinis |
Swim Wild | All about biodegradable |
Deakin & Blue | Fits all shapes and sizes |
Tide & Seek | 5 bottles = 1 swimsuit |
Selkie Swim Co | Keeps workers happy |