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.
2. 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!
3. 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
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.
5. 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


