Sustainable Swimwear: Brands and Materials — A Practical Guide

Choosing more sustainable swimwear means thinking beyond color and cut: it involves materials, manufacturing, longevity, and end-of-life options. This guide walks you through the most common eco-conscious fabrics, certifications that matter, brands to explore, and practical tips for buying and caring for swimwear that lasts.

Materials to Look For

Most sustainable swimwear today is made from recycled synthetics rather than natural fibers. The leading materials include:

• Recycled nylon (e.g., ECONYL): Regenerated from fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial waste. It offers the same stretch and durability as virgin nylon with a lower environmental impact when responsibly produced.
• Recycled polyester (rPET): Made from post-consumer plastic bottles, rPET reduces reliance on new petroleum-based feedstocks. It is commonly blended with elastane for stretch.
• Recycled elastane/Spandex blends: Elastane provides the stretch required for swimwear. Recycled elastane options are emerging, though sourcing and transparency can vary.
• Reused or deadstock fabrics: Some brands repurpose leftover or surplus fabric from other productions to reduce waste.

Certifications and Labels

Certifications indicate independent verification. Look for:

• Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Verifies recycled content and responsible social, environmental practices in production.
• OEKO-TEX: Tests for harmful substances. Useful for lining and trims.
• Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): Tracks recycled material through the supply chain.

Note: Fashion certifications are evolving; absence of a label doesn’t always mean poor practice, but documented claims make it easier to trust a brand.

Brands to Explore

Many brands now prioritize sustainable swim options. A few worth researching are:

• Patagonia: Known for rigorous environmental commitments and use of recycled nylon in some swim pieces.
• Outerknown: Focuses on traceable materials and fair labor, with swim styles in regenerated fabrics.
• Mara Hoffman: Emphasizes recycled fabrics and transparent sourcing across collections.
• Summersalt: Offers swimwear with recycled fibers and a focus on fit and durability.
• Girlfriend Collective: Produces swim and activewear from recycled bottles and highlights inclusive sizing.
• Sea2See / brands using recovered nets: Some companies source nylon recovered from ghost fishing nets as a circular solution for ocean plastic.

Each brand approaches sustainability differently: some emphasize materials, others labor practices or take-back programs. Read product pages and transparency reports when possible.

What to Check Before You Buy

• Material breakdown: Look at percentages — higher recycled content is better, but also consider how the garment is finished.
• Durability claims: Chlorine resistance and reinforced seams extend lifespan, reducing the need to replace suits often.
• Transparency: Does the brand list where the suit was made and who their suppliers are?
• Care & repair: Check whether the brand offers repairs or a take-back/recycling program.
• Sizing inclusivity: A well-fitting suit is kept longer — choose brands that offer a range of sizes.

Care Tips to Extend Life

Longer life means fewer purchases. Simple habits make a big difference:

• Rinse suits in cold fresh water immediately after use to remove salt, chlorine, and oils.
• Hand wash with mild soap; avoid harsh detergents and bleach.
• Dry flat in shade — avoid direct sun and tumble drying, which break down fibers faster.
• Rotate multiple suits if you swim often to reduce wear.
• Use a Guppyfriend wash bag or similar to catch microfibers if washing in a machine.

Alternatives and End-of-Life

Consider secondhand swimwear when fit allows, or brands offering recycling programs. While fully biodegradable swim fabrics are not mainstream yet, closed-loop recycling systems for regenerated nylon are improving. When a suit is worn out, check for brand take-back schemes or local textile recycling options.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable swimwear is a balance of materials, manufacturing practices, and product longevity. Prioritize suits made from recycled materials with transparent sourcing and durable construction, care for them properly, and choose brands that offer repair or recycling options when available. Small choices add up — selecting one long-lasting, responsibly made suit is better than buying several low-quality ones season after season.