Sustainable swimwear for women made with eco-friendly swimsuit materials is a growing sector of the green industry.
Since swimwear’s conception, swimsuits have been made without nature in mind. Using man-made synthetic fibres like rayon, latex, polyester and nylon, each one derived from optimum evil: oil. The negative effects on the environment in the production of these fabrics are vast. From the mining of the oil to the greenhouse gasses emitted during production, and finally to the inability these fabrics have to decompose. To top it off, conventional swimwear is created by workers being paid slave wages in unsafe working conditions, making the whole story a tale of terrors. (including Victoria’s Secret, J Crew, H&M ect … ) are created by workers being paid slave wages in unsafe working conditions.
Each beautifully designed reversible swimsuit by Summerhouse is made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, which is recycled from landfills and oceans around the world.
AZURA BAY
CANADA, ships globally
This female-owned and operated online boutique, based in Winnipeg, Canada, ships globally and specializes in luxurious ethical and sustainable lingerie and swimwear. She carries two of the top sustainable brands, Vitamin A, ethically made in California, and Underprotection, created in Fair Trade facilities in India. Their suits are made up of eco-friendly fabrics or recycled fibres and printed using waterless digital printing in low energy factories.
WHERE TO BUY? On her website HERE.
This brand is a great choice for surfers with sea bodies and bikinis which will allow you to move in the water without getting board rash. Each bathing suit is designed in Hamburg and produced in Stuttgart, Germany, then manufactured ethically in Italy. The suits are made out of PA (Polyamide), and 20% EA (Elasthan) certified by Öko-Tex Standard 100.
STATICE
FRANCE, ships globally
Made with OEKO-TEX® certified Sensitive® FIT fabric, this French brand produces stylish bathing suits made ethically in Marrakech, Morocco. You can read more on the brand HERE. Their bathing suits are incredibly flattering and well made.
WHERE TO BUY? On her website HERE.
ARKITAIP
England, ships globally | made to order
Crochet Swimwear handmade in limited numbers by Australian designer Chloé Dunlop. Each one is made with natural materials meaning it can biodegrade at the end of its lifecycle.
ECO GYPSY
AUSTRALIA, ships globally
This handmade collection of beautiful crochet bathing suits and accessories is created by workers paid fair wages in safe working conditions. The materials used are natural fibres and none are chemically treated.
WHERE TO BUY? Here
AMARA
USA, ships globally
Manufactured in a green energy facility dedicated to the reduction and prevention of pollution, protection and preservation of green spaces, water treatment and monitoring of gas emissions, Amara is a credibly conscious brand. They use biodegradable, recyclable or reusable packaging. Their ITALIAN fabric is made up of 78% RECYCLED post-consumer materials as well as XTRALIFE LYCRA® fibres to extend the life of each piece far beyond that of traditional spandex products. Each bikini they make is built to last with quality and sustainability in mind. Cut, printed and sewn in the USA.
WHERE TO BUY? On their website HERE.
LA ISLA
Colombian made swimwear produced through ethical fair trade standards. The collection is made with Oeko Tex certified printed fabrics and in 2015 they began using recycled spandex swimwear fabric for some of their swimwear and bikinis. They also donate to charitable organizations including the LA Youth Network, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and Woods Humane Society.
WHERE TO BUY? On their website Here.
Such cute choices! The only thing is that crochet bikinis tend to stretch out when they get wet which, as you might guess, will quickly become a problem. I have a crochet bikini and I wear it to festivals but not in the water.
I tried one crochet bikini belonging to my cousin-in-law in Costa Rica for a snorkeling trip and it kept form – but – wasn't a sustainable one – it had think straps though which may have been the trick! So nice to see so much selection online though 🙂