By Shai Alise Davis and Kasi Martin
Shopping for swimwear can be tricky. There’s a lot to consider: style, coverage, comfort, and eco credibility. That last one’s often overlooked, but it matters more than ever. Now, more than ever, is the time to dive into sustainable swimwear.
The Sustainability Issues with Swimwear
Why? Your itsy-bitsy bikini might be cute—but it’s causing ripple effects you don’t see. Most conventional swimwear is made of nylon, elastane (also known as Spandex and Lycra), and/or polyester—all synthetic fibers. Nylon and elastane are elastic, while polyester is chlorine resistant. These materials provide the comfort and durability you would want in a swimsuit, however, they have negative environmental consequences.
Made from fossil fuels, synthetic fibers are a major driver of fashion’s carbon footprint. The production of synthetic fibers accounts for approximately 1.5% of global carbon emissions, according to data from the Textile Exchange. When washed, synthetic fibers shed microplastic particles into the water. According to the UN, more than 51 trillion microplastic particles pollute our seas. These fibers are also non-biodegradable, taking hundreds of years to decompose.
We should also note that surf and wetsuit gear are part of this conversation too. Neoprene, the synthetic rubber commonly used in these suits, is a high-impact material with several environmental concerns. Traditionally made from petroleum-based chloroprene (a chemical the EPA considers likely carcinogenic), it’s energy-intensive to produce and releases harmful pollutants that have raised serious concerns for the communities living near manufacturing plants.
Even “greener” versions, like limestone-based neoprene, aren’t as sustainable as they sound—they still rely on heavy resource extraction and global transport, and the final product is neither biodegradable nor easily recyclable. While some brands offer take-back or downcycling programs, most old wetsuits still end up in landfills.
What to Look for in Sustainable Swimwear and Wetsuits
- ECONYL® – This material is a sustainable alternative to nylon, created by Aquafil, a sustainable textile manufacturing company. The company uses waste, such as fishing nets and fabric scraps, to produce regenerated nylon. With Econyl providing the same durability and stretch as nylon, it’s no surprise that sustainable swimwear brands favor the material.
- OEKO-TEX® – The OEKO-TEX Association tests and certifies that a product is free from harmful substances in all stages of production. The certification system is well-trusted, ensuring that a brand with an OEKO-TEX certification is on the sustainability track.
- Certified B Corp – B Lab is a nonprofit that measures the environmental and social impacts of brands globally. This label certifies that a company achieves at least a score of 80 out of 200 across key areas, such as environmental impact and workers’ rights.
- Recycled Polyester: Recycled polyester (rPET) isn’t a foolproof solution, but there are benefits. Recycled polyester emits 72% less CO2 than virgin polyester. Another note, when buying clothes made from recycled materials, aim for brands that are transparent about how much of the composition is recycled.
Materials: What It’s Made of Matters
ECONYL®: Ocean Waste, Reborn
Made from discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps, ECONYL® is a regenerated nylon with the same stretch and support as the synthetic stuff—but without the virgin plastic baggage. Bonus: It helps clean up marine debris while lowering emissions.
Yulex®: A Better Wetsuit
We mentioned the nasty side of neoprene. Yulex® is a plant-based alternative to neoprene, made from FSC-certified natural rubber tapped from Hevea trees. It delivers the same warmth and performance without the petroleum, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.
Recycled Polyester: Not Perfect, But Better
Yes, it still sheds microfibers and keeps us reliant on fossil fuels. But we co-sign rPET for now because it emits up to 72% less CO₂ than its virgin counterpart. Look for brands that tell you how much of their fabric is recycled—not just drop the word and run.
sustainable swimwear Certifications: Green flags to Avoid Greenwashing
OEKO-TEX®: Safe on Skin and Planet
This label ensures your suit is free from certain toxic chemicals across the entire production chain. This includes harmful azo dyes that can break down into carcinogens, allergenic disperse dyes that can trigger skin irritation, PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”) used in water-repellent finishes, as well as heavy metals like lead and cadmium, and formaldehyde, a common culprit in fabric treatments that can cause respiratory and skin reactions. This is especially important for garments that hug your skin (and absorb sunshine + saltwater all day long).
Certified B Corp: The Big-Picture Badge
This one speaks to the whole business, not just the bikini. B Corp brands are vetted for ethics, transparency, and impact across five key areas—including how they treat their workers. That means fair wages, safe working conditions, community investment, and inclusive hiring practices are all part of the deal..
GRS (Global Recycled Standard): Receipts, Please
GRS certifies that a product contains verified recycled materials and tracks them through the supply chain. It also includes requirements for chemical management, water and energy use, and compliance with labor protections at production sites. This helps ensure that “recycled” actually means recycled—and that it’s done under responsible conditions.
Design details: What Keeps it Out of Landfills
Mono-Material = More Recyclable
The more blended the fibers, the harder it is to recycle, at least with today’s tech. Aim for suits made from one core material (like 100% ECONYL®) to up their odds of getting a second life.
Low-Shed Construction
Some newer suits are built to shed fewer microfibers, helping you reduce invisible pollution every time you swim or wash. Still niche, but worth noting. Look for tight-knit or warp-knit constructions that physically reduce microfiber shedding. Brands like Organic Basics and Girlfriend Collective invest in this tech for activewear—and it’s being explored for swimwear too.
Durability Is the New Chic
Look for UV-resistant fabrics, strong stitching, and brands that offer repairs or take-back programs. The most sustainable suit? The one that lasts more than one season.
Sustainable Swimwear Brands We Co-Sign
Here are sustainable swimwear brands guaranteed to help you make waves this summer. If you need something to cover them up, check out our sustainable resort wear too.
Best Functional Swimwear
Made for movement—these sport-ready suits deliver comfort, support, and coverage that actually keeps up, whether you’re swimming laps or catching waves.
Carve Designs
Designed by surfers for surfers, Carve offers functional, vibrant suits made for catching waves or kicking back on the beach.
Sustainability Standouts:
- 100% of swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
- Ethical production in BSCI-certified factories
- Sustainable packaging using recyclable LDPE bags
- Uses innovative blends like coconut husks + recycled fibers in some apparel
Abysse
Abysse proves their tagline “Born of Water” true with their devotion to protecting our oceans. This sustainable swimwear brand will help you bring relaxed and fresh vibes to the beach.
Sustainability Standouts:
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
- Uses ecoprene, an eco-friendly substitute for neoprene that replaces petroleum with limestone
- Uses 100% recycled material
- Certified by GRS and Control Union
- Partners with CleanHub, stopping 12,000 pounds of plastic waste from ending up in oceans and landfills.
- Uses compostable and recycled packaging
- UPF 50+ rated fabrics for sun protection
Awwa
Not only is Awwa sustainable, but their swimwear is period-proof and affordable.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Recycled nylon material
- Certified B Corp
- Climate Positive certified for business operations
- Fully traceable supply chain
- Donates 2% of revenue to end period poverty
- Has kept over 53 million single-use menstruation products out of landfills and waterways
Sei Sorelle
Finding beautiful, full-coverage, or modest swimwear can sometimes be challenging. Sei Sorelle strives to combine modesty with sustainability by creating timeless and functional burkinis.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Uses ECONYL® regenerated nylon made from ocean and landfill waste
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics ensuring safety from harmful substances
- Ultra-chlorine and sun cream resistant, quick-drying materials
- Ethical production in a family-run factory with fair labor practices
- Recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials
- UPF 50+ sun protection for skin safety
- First collection removed over 624kg of ocean waste, including 156kg of fishing nets
Best Chic Swimwear
Minimalist doesn’t mean forgettable. These brands do more with less—think clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and just the right amount of attitude.
Anemos
This Los Angeles-based brand is great if you’re wanting something timeless and sophisticated. Additionally, the company works with and monitors local, family-run factories.
Sustainability Standouts:
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
Utilizes Amni Soul Eco® biodegradable yarn, decomposing in approximately three years - Manufactured in local, family-run factories in Los Angeles
- Carbon-neutral shipping through Shopify Planet
- Ships in 100% compostable packaging with reusable mesh wash bags
- Printed materials made from sugarcane paper with recyclable foil, printed by a certified LA Green Business
Londre
Londre is direct about each piece’s bust support and cheek coverage, making it easier to shop based on your style preference. All pieces are made with thick compression material, adding another level of comfort.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Each swimsuit is crafted from a minimum of six recycled plastic bottles, contributing to over 1 million bottles repurposed to date.
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics ensure textiles are free from harmful substances.
- Ethical manufacturing in Vancouver, BC, with all employees compensated above living wage standards.
- Closed-loop water system in production, allowing all water to be reused and free from harmful chemicals.
- Repair program offering compensation for suit repairs within the first year of purchase.
- Recycling initiative enabling customers to return old suits for transformation into new materials.
- Minimalist, compostable packaging made from corn-based materials.
- Active participation in environmental efforts, including the removal of 4,500 pounds of garbage from British Columbia’s coast and the planting of 450 baby corals.
Faithfull the Brand
Faithfull the Brand brings a clean, minimal take on vintage-inspired swimwear, offering simple silhouettes in earthy tones and soft textures. The pieces feel timeless—designed for quiet luxury and conscious living.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon from ocean and landfill waste
- Produced in small, ethical factories in Bali with artisan partnerships
- Fabrics are OEKO-TEX®-certified and free from harmful substances
- Ships in plastic-free, recyclable packaging
- Focus on small-batch production and durable design to reduce waste
Organic Basics
Minimalist and functional, Organic Basics offers swimwear for both women and men—designed with clean lines, recycled fabrics, and a focus on longevity over trends.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Uses ECONYL® regenerated nylon made from ocean and landfill waste
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics, free from harmful chemicals
- Ethical production in certified factories with fair labor standards
- Climate-conscious shipping and packaging
- Transparent impact reporting through their yearly sustainability report
Best Size-Inclusive Sustainable Swimwear
Designed for every body—these brands offer extended sizing without compromising on style, fit, or sustainability.
Kitty and Vibe
Kitty and Vibe combine sustainability and inclusive sizing to create colorful and playful pieces. The sizes range from XS to 6X, and the company promises to “Upgrade bikinis, one cute booty at a time.” Take their fit quiz.
Sustainability Standouts:
- 82% recycled fabrics in most swimwear (usually recycled polyester or nylon)
- Carbon-neutral shipping via offsets through their fulfillment partners
- 100% biodegradable shipping bags
- Ethical production: Manufactured in Bogotá, Colombia, where workers are paid above living wage standards and receive benefits (a rare level of transparency for a DTC brand).
- While they don’t carry third-party certifications like GRS or OEKO-TEX® yet, they’re transparent about sourcing and factory conditions—something many playful swim brands skip.
Nomads Swimwear
Nomads Swimwear is a Black woman-owned brand offering size-inclusive, sustainable swimwear and resort wear, available in sizes XS to 5X. Their designs are crafted from biodegradable and compostable fabrics, emphasizing both style and environmental responsibility.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Utilizes Amni Soul Eco® biodegradable nylon for swimwear
- Employs LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose for resort wear, a compostable fabric made from renewable wood sources
- Ethically produced in small batches in a woman-run factory in Bogotá, Colombia
- Committed to reducing textile waste through the use of fabric remnants and strike-offs
- Ships products in compostable packaging to minimize environmental impac
TomboyX
If you’re looking for swimwear that breaks the binary, TomboyX is a solid bet. This gender-inclusive brand designs for all identities and body types, offering styles that range from swim briefs to rash guards, all in sizes XS to 6X.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Certified B Corp, meaning they meet high social and environmental impact standards across their entire business
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics, ensuring their textiles are free from harmful chemicals
- Recycled materials used in swimwear—often made from recycled water bottles (rPET)
- Ethical production partners: Most manufacturing is done in certified facilities in the U.S. and Mexico with safe working conditions and fair wages
- Low-waste packaging and ongoing efforts to reduce plastic in shipping
- While they don’t list GRS or use ECONYL®, TomboyX focuses on chemical safety, social impact, and representation—all core pillars of holistic sustainability.
Best Trendy Swimwear
Bold colors, high cuts, and higher-fashion silhouettes—these eco swim brands prove bold design can be intentional.
OOKIOH
OOKIOH brings a dose of ’90s nostalgia and modern edge to swimwear, with bold colors, high cuts, and playful silhouettes that feel fresh, not fast fashion.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon
- OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
- Recycled materials sourced from ocean and landfill waste
- Plastic-free, recyclable packaging
- Ethical production in women-owned factories
- 1% of profits donated to ocean conservation and women’s empowerment programs
Peony Swimwear
Peony brings romantic, feminine design to life with consciously made swimwear. Known for delicate florals and elevated silhouettes, the brand merges timeless style with rigorous sustainability standards.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Fabrics made from ECONYL® and recycled PET, including lining
- OEKO-TEX®-certified for chemical safety
- Packaging made from compostable and recycled materials
- Carbon neutral shipping on all orders
- Designs made to last, with a focus on durability and timelessness over trend turnove
Wolf & Badger
Unlike Amazon, Wolf & Badger is an online marketplace that puts the earth and people first. The company hosts over 2000 independent brands, guaranteeing that you will likely find something to your taste. Even better, Wolf & Badger publishes annual impact reports providing transparency and accountability.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Certified B Corp
- Vets all brands to ensure they are environmentally conscious
PAPER London
PAPER London delivers bold, directional swimwear with punchy colors, sculptural cuts, and serious eco cred. Designed to turn heads and tread lightly on the planet.
Sustainability Standouts:
- Made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon
OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics free from toxic chemicals - Produced in limited quantities to avoid overproduction
- Carbon-neutral shipping and eco packaging
- Focus on slow fashion principles: timeless shapes, high-quality construction, and extended wearability
What to Do With Old, Sustainable Swimwear
Due to hygiene concerns, many secondhand retailers and charitable organizations don’t accept used bathing suits, leading to swimwear contributing to textile waste.
Brands like Reformation accept pre-loved and clean swimwear to give it a second life. Online consignment stores such as thredUp and Poshmark accept secondhand swimwear, and it’s worth checking to see if your local thrift store does as well. And if you’re crafty, look for upcycling projects.
One Last Lap
Like all clothes, taking proper care of your swimwear can prolong its life—and reduce its environmental impact. Rinse it after each swim, hand wash with cool water and gentle soap, and always air dry flat in the shade (sun and dryers can degrade elasticity fast). To minimize microplastic shedding, avoid machine washing when possible, or use a Guppyfriend bag or microfiber filter (if you’re an owner) if you do.
A little extra care keeps your suit (and the ocean) looking better, longer.
Know a great sustainable swim brand we missed? Drop it in the comments—we’re always looking to expand the lineup.
Shai Davis is a Texas-based freelance journalist. With a focus on the environment, she explores how fashion, sustainability, and culture intersect.
All images from brands’ websites.
