Best Ethical and Sustainable Swimwear
Temperatures are heating up and summer fun is calling your name. No matter what type of activity you have planned, you don’t have to sacrifice your eco-friendly ideals when you shop for one of these best sustainable swimwear brands.
So grab your favorite natural reef-safe sunscreen (and possibly this DIY after-sun spray with essential oils for sunburn, in case you have a little too much fun in the sun) and get ready to hit the water in sustainable style you can feel good about!
1. OOKIOH
OOKIOH is a sustainable swimwear brand dedicated to protecting our planet and all of its beautiful waters. The company uses fabrics sourced from an Italian mill and made from 100% regenerated materials. So what exactly does that mean?
The mill takes ocean waste like sunken fishing nets and items that other manufacturers throw away during production to create soft, waterproof textiles. The company is also working to become fully sustainable by continuously reducing its carbon footprint and completely eliminating plastics from its footprint.
When you shop OOKIOH, you can find an excellent assortment of mix-and-match two-piece swimsuits and stylish one-piece swimsuits.
Related: How to Have a Zero Waste Cookout
2. Wolven
Wolven makes sustainable swimwear pieces that not only look amazing, they also fit great and help out the environment at the same time! The company offers one-piece and mix-and-match two-piece options for women and boardshorts for men.
One of my favorite pieces from Wolven is the 8-way one-piece swimsuit. You can wear this unique swimsuit eight different ways, which means you can always keep your style fresh.
Plus, not only are the pieces are made using recycled bottles, but Wolven also removes one pound of waste from the ocean with every sale. The company is also part of 1% for the Planet, Climate Neutral Certified, and they try to use as much eco-friendly packaging as possible.
3. prAna
prAna knows that a good-looking and comfortable swimsuit is indispensable. That’s why this sustainable clothing company offers the latest women’s swimwear styles in bikinis, one-pieces, swim skirts, and swim tights. Plus, you can find eco-friendly cover-ups that make it easy to go from a good time on the water to a fun afternoon around town.
Men can also find an excellent selection of boardshorts and swim shorts with features that include built-in UPF 50+ protection and a PFC-free durable water repellent finish. You can wear these shorts alone or pair them with a quick-drying sun shirt that also has UPF 50+ protection.
The women’s swimsuits are made using ECONYL, which is an infinitely recyclable regenerated nylon that helps reduce carbon emissions and energy usage by 50% when compared to virgin nylon yarn. The men’s swimwear is made from recycled polyester that’s an Earth-friendly alternative to traditional resource-and-energy-draining swimwear materials.
Plus, all pieces are made by Fair Trade Certified factory partners that help protect the health and safety of the workers.
4. Patagonia
Patagonia is known for its ethical practices, quality outdoor clothing, and for offering some of the best sustainable activewear. This includes an impressive selection of swimwear.
The high-performance two-piece swimsuits, one-piece swimsuits, and board shorts that stay securely in place through all types of activities are some of the most popular swimwear offered by the company. If you choose one of the fast-drying rashguards, you’ll also enjoy 50+ UPF sun protection.
Patagonia makes it swimwear using recycled fabrics that are sewn using Fair Trade Certified methods.
Plus, along with being in business to help you enjoy the great outdoors, the company is also in business to save our planet. That’s why it’s a member of 1% for the Planet and it gives grants to grassroots environmental groups.
Related: How to Help Kids Have a More Sustainable Summer
5. United by Blue
United by Blue is a fantastic eco-friendly brand because it offers everything you need. In addition to being able to find some of the best sustainable clothing for adults and some of the best sustainable clothing for kids, United by Blue also offers a fantastic line of sustainable swimwear.
The board shorts for men and women are a popular swimwear item. These moisture-wicking shorts are made from a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, which makes them lightweight and comfortable.
Even better, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from our oceans and waterways for every product sold.
You can get United by Blue sustainable swimwear at EarthHero. If you decide to shop at this top online zero waste store, be sure to use the code EARTHFRIENDLY to take 10% off your order!
6. Reformation
Reformation has an extensive swimwear line that includes mix-and-match separates, one-piece swimsuits, fun prints, and bright colors. The swimwear is made using textiles from renewable plant materials and recycled fabrics like ECONYL.
However, Reformation isn’t just about sustainable swimwear. Sustainability is at the core of everything the company does.
They have been 100% carbon-neutral since 2015. They also use a variety of eco-friendly manufacturing practices. This includes everything from sourcing reclaimed or reused furniture and dishware for their office to doing the majority of cutting, sewing, dyeing, and finishing locally to ensure fair and safe labor practices.
Related: The Best Organic and Sustainable Maternity Clothes
7. Carmen Sol
Carmen Sol makes affordable, effortlessly stylish, and eco-friendly swimwear that you’ll love. Their options include one-piece and mix-and-match two-piece styles.
The gorgeous swimsuits are made in Italy and come in some of your favorite bright and metallic colors. They’re also chlorine-resistant and provide SPF 50 protection, so you know you can safely have plenty of fun in the sun.
8. Fair Harbor
Fair Harbor makes incredibly comfortable swimwear from recycled plastic bottles. In addition to recycling discarded plastic bottles, the company takes things a step further by closing the loop and giving your used swimwear a second life.
With this initiative, all you need to do is fill out the online form to receive a prepaid label and packing instructions (they accept all swimwear brands). Fair Harbor will recycle your old suit to give it a second life, and you’ll get a $5 credit for every suit you send in, up to $25.
Now, I do feel it’s important to point out that new research suggests any clothing made from synthetic fibers increases the amount of microplastics in our waters. That’s why you should use products like the Cora Ball or Guppyfriend to catch any microplastics released when you’re washing your sustainable swimwear.
Choosing the Best Sustainable Swimwear
Whether you’re planning an afternoon on the lake, some relaxation by the pool, or a little bit of time at the beach, you want to make sure your swimwear isn’t harming the environment you love. That’s why it’s important to choose one of these top sustainable swimwear brands.
When you do, you’ll be able to show off your eco-friendly style while still enjoying all of the comfort you want and need from your swimwear.
More Eco-Friendly Living Tips
Now that you know more about the best sustainable swimwear, are you interested in even more great tips to help you live an eco-friendly life? Then be sure to check out some of these other popular posts:
- Best Natural Deodorant
- Easy Ways to Reduce Waste
- How to Make DIY Shaving Gel
- Must-Pack Essentials for Zero Waste Travel
