As summer approaches, many of us are starting to think about swimwear. But with the fashion industry being one of the largest polluters on the planet, it’s important to consider sustainable options. Plus, we gotta save money! Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable sustainable swimwear brands out there, and we’ve rounded up the best of them for you. From recycled materials to ethical manufacturing, these brands prioritize both sustainability and affordability.
Want the best sustainable swimwear to wear under a wetsuit? Or, are you looking for more sustainable swimwear brands?
TL;DR: Choose swimsuits made from recycled nylon fibers (like Vitamin A swimsuits from $105) or recycled polyamide (like Summersalt suits starting at $50). They’re sustainably made, durable, and affordable!
- Small Business Swimwear: Affordable & Sustainable Brands
- Do Good Swimwear
- ColeiCo Swimwear
- Why Sustainable Swimwear Matters
- How to Choose Sustainable Swimwear
- FAQs about Sustainable Swimwear
- 1 / How can I tell if a swimwear brand is sustainable?
- 2 / Is sustainable swimwear more expensive than traditional swimwear?
- 3 / Can sustainable swimwear be stylish?
- 4 / Where can I buy sustainable swimwear?
- 5 / What types of sustainable materials are used in swimwear?
- 6 / Are sustainable swimsuits durable?
- 7 / How can I properly care for my sustainable swimsuit and make my swimwear last longer?
- This post was about affordable sustainable swimwear
Small Business Swimwear: Affordable & Sustainable Brands
1 // Summersalt
Price: Starts at $50
Summersalt is a brand that’s been making waves in the sustainable swimwear industry. Their swimsuits are made from a fabric called recycled polyamide, which is made from recycled materials like fishing nets and industrial plastic (read more about sustainable swimwear fabric). They also use a process called digital printing, which uses less water and reduces waste.
The Sidestroke, at $95, is one of Summersalt’s best-selling designs, and comes in a variety of colors and prints.
SummerSalt The Sidestroke Review: “My favorite swimsuit ever! I’ve had a few of these swimsuits from summersalt over the past several years and they are incredible! The compression is great at holding in the muffin top and the fit is perfect. I love the new color I just got and can’t wait for my cruise to wear it. My oldest one is 4 years old and still in perfect condition. I live at the beach and have a pool, so I get a LOT of usage out of it and wash it frequently. I’m amazed how well these hold up. I’ve had to throw away so many suits over the years because they don’t hold up like the summersalt suits.”
2 // Vitamin A
Price: Starts at $105
Vitamin A has been committed to sustainability from the beginning. Their sustainably produced luxury swimsuits are made from a fabric called EcoLux, which is basically recycled nylon fibers. They also prioritize ethical manufacturing (in California) and donate a portion of their profits to environmental organizations, and are a member of 1% For the Planet. While their swimsuits are on the pricier side, they’re high-quality and built to last (and super sleek!).
3 // Wolven
Price: Starts at $56
Wolven is a team of artists and activists working to reduce environmental harm. The fabric in this Harmony Bandeau bikini is 84% rPET (which is recycled PET made from recycled plastic bottles) and 16% spandex, comprising a four-way stretch fabric that is soft, breathable, and quick-drying. It’s also odor resistant.
Wolven’s Swim collection has stunning prints, lovely styles, and are all sustainably made!
Wolven Harmony Bandeau Bikini Review: “I love how stretchy these are, not restricting at all! Thanks Wolven!”
4 // Batoko Swimwear
Price: Starts at $60
Batoko is a UK-based brand that makes recycled plastic swimwear. The prints are wild and fun – and colorful – and the vibe is very outdoorsy. The designs focus on simplicity, durability and comfort – which is perfect.
This small business produces their products in small batches, and also uses eco-friendly packaging.
Their seal print swimsuit is our favorite! It has excellent bust support and coverage. Plus, a proportion of the proceeds made from sales of this seal print swimsuit goes to helping the rescue and rehabilitate of gray seal pups at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
5 // Shapes in the Sand
Price: $ 79.00 AUD
Lovely name and lovely ethos! Shapes in the Sand is an Australian brand making sustainable shaping swimwear. All their swimwear are made in small capsule collections, and designed, printed and made in Sydney. They use materials supporting circular fashion.
The Nectar Garden Bow Tie swimsuit is seamless and has removable cups. Shapes in the Sand will donate $10 from the sale of this Nectar Garden Bow Tie one-piece to BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project.
All the swimwear are made from their certified recycled fabrication derived from materials destined for landfill. Shapes in the Sand’s fabrics have twice the resistance to chlorine, sun creams and oils compared to standard lycra.
Do Good Swimwear
Megan One Piece
Price: $58
Do Good makes swimsuits out of ECONYL in small batches. ECONYL is a 100% regenerated nylon fiber made from nylon waste – things like fishing nets, carpet flooring, and industrial plastics. Do Good also uses Repreve, which is made out of recycled materials, as well as deadstock fabrics.
Do Good collaborates on their designs with female artists, using direct-to-fabric printing that minimizes resource waste. They have a repair and recycle program to extend the life of all the swimsuits.
The Megan one-piece is a simple retro suit that flatters all body shapes. It has a square neckline and thick straps – so it provides great bust support. It also comes with removable padding.
Do Good Megan Swimsuit Review: “This bathing suit is awesome. One of the main reasons why I love Do Good Swimwear so much is because the suit material is slightly thick. It feels good quality.
On top of all of that, the company itself is so special. I have had handwritten messages in each of the 3 or 4 orders I’ve received! And, I even got an extra gift this time. It was unexpected and totally made my day! Thank you!!!”
ColeiCo Swimwear
Paloma Wrap Around Bikini Set
Price: € 51.00
ColeiCo is a Portuguese swimwear brand that makes their swimsuits from reclaimed luxury swimwear lycra. All their fabric and elastics are OEKO-TEX certified and 100% ethically made in Europe. Besides, the swimsuits are made to order. You first mix and match bikini tops and bottoms from four swim sets, in five different colors. Once you’ve made your choices, your swimsuit will be ethically made in the ColieCo studio, and be dispatched in 1-2 weeks.
The lycra they use has been rescued from fashion industry deadstock, and then hand-selected for use by ColieCo. The Paloma bikini is made from reclaimed premium Italian knit lycra (80% Nylon, 20% Elastane).
Why Sustainable Swimwear Matters
Let’s talk about why sustainable swimwear is important. Traditional swimwear is often made from non-biodegradable materials like polyester and nylon, which can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Additionally, many swimsuits are made under poor labor conditions, with workers being paid low wages and exposed to harmful chemicals. By choosing sustainable swimwear, you’re not only reducing your environmental impact but also supporting ethical and fair labor practices.
How to Choose Sustainable Swimwear
When shopping for sustainable swimwear, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for brands that use recycled materials, like Econyl, which is made from recycled fishing nets and other waste. You can also look for swimsuits made from organic cotton or bamboo, which are renewable resources. Additionally, consider the manufacturing process – look for brands that prioritize ethical labor practices and transparency.
FAQs about Sustainable Swimwear
1 / How can I tell if a swimwear brand is sustainable?
Look for brands that use recycled materials, prioritize ethical manufacturing practices, and are transparent about their sustainability practices.
2 / Is sustainable swimwear more expensive than traditional swimwear?
Not necessarily – there are plenty of affordable sustainable swimwear brands available.
3 / Can sustainable swimwear be stylish?
Absolutely – many sustainable swimwear brands offer unique and stylish designs.
4 / Where can I buy sustainable swimwear?
Many sustainable swimwear brands are available online, or check out eco-friendly boutiques in your area.
5 / What types of sustainable materials are used in swimwear?
Some sustainable materials used in swimwear include recycled fishing nets, organic cotton, and Tencel.
6 / Are sustainable swimsuits durable?
Yes, many sustainable swimsuit brands prioritize quality and durability, so their swimsuits can last just as long (if not longer) than traditional swimsuits.
7 / How can I properly care for my sustainable swimsuit and make my swimwear last longer?
Check the swimwear care instructions on the tag of your swimsuit, but generally, washing in cold water and air drying is the best way to maintain the integrity of the sustainable materials.
This post was about affordable sustainable swimwear
Sustainable swimwear is not only better for the planet but also for the people who make them. By choosing affordable sustainable swimwear brands, you can make a difference while still looking great at the beach or pool. With options like recycled materials and ethical manufacturing practices, there’s no reason not to make the switch to sustainable swimwear.
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NOTE: All brand photographs belong to the respective brands/businesses.
All reviews included in this post are verified reviews taken from the respective brand websites.
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