Over the past few months, I've pretty much completely stopped shopping at fast fashion retailers and only bought a few things (basics, shoes, and a few specialty pieces) from traditional retailers. I honestly don't even find myself that interested in shopping fast fashion anymore, and I only do online browsing if I truly love the brand (which basically means I'm on Reformation's website everyday, SUE ME ok).
But I have trips to Florida and California coming up and I want to buy a new bathing suit, and I'm not the kind of person who wants to spend over $60 on what essentially are strips of fabric covering my boobs and butt. Here's my problem though: you really can't find anything for those affordable prices that isn't sold at a fast fashion retailer or online at sites like Zaful, Shein, & RomWe (which we all know are worse than fast fashion retailers and shop at anyway).
Swimsuits, in and of themselves, are not sustainable pieces of clothing. Most swimwear is made from synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex because they wick moisture and stretch across the body, reducing friction in the water. AND they're also cheap. Fun fact: an estimated 65 million tons of plastic-based materials are generated every year. GREAT. Gets better though: plastic is not biodegradable, so it never decomposes. Instead, it sits in landfills or oceans forever. FOREVER. So all those clothes with plastic in them will live longer than you. In normal clothing, brands are starting to use more natural, biodegradable fabrics, like organic cotton and viscose. But there isn’t currently a biodegradable material that has all the performance qualities necessary for a swimsuit (aka stretchy and is moisture wicking). As a result, eco-friendly brands are using more recycled plastic fibers. Fast Company did more of an in-depth look into this if you want to read it here.
So in a quest to shop more sustainably, I did a deep dive in the internet to see what I could find for sustainable swimwear brands. The good news: they are popping up all over the place. Like I mean, I didn't even know 1/4 of the brands that I found that make sustainable swimwear. The bad news: they can be quite expensive. Or rather, most are more expensive than traditional swimsuits. But, because I'm good at what I do (read scouring the internet for good deals and doing research in general), I did find some won't-completely-break-your-wallet options, and included some options if you are ok with spending a little more and some options for dudes too #sustainableclothingforeveryone!
SUSTAINABLE SWIM OPTIONS UNDER $100
Good for: Retro-inspired pieces
Sustainability factor: Eco-friendly fabrics, sustainable supply chain, body positive, give back
Prices: $30-$35 or separates, $59 for
one-pieces
Good for: sporty styles in bright colors and with contrasting piping
Sustainability factor: Made from 100% regenerated materials
Prices: $49 for separates, $98 for
one-pieces
Good for: Fun prints in retro styles
Sustainability factor: Made using regenerated Lycra; ethical manufacturing in the supply chain; provides UV protection
Prices: $69 AUD-$79 AUD for separates, $145 AUD-$179 AUD for one-pieces
Good for: Fun, vibrant colorblocked pieces
Sustainability factor: Suits and packaging are made using recycled materials, veteran-owned, body-inclusive
Prices: $45-$50 for separates, $95 for one-pieces
Good for: Simple, colorful suits
Sustainability factor: Made using recycled plastic bottles and up-cycled coconuts; produced at ethically certified factories
Prices: $48 for separates, $98 for one-pieces
Good for: Sporty styles
Sustainability factor: Recycled materials, thoughtful production
Prices: $45-$65, $100 for one-pieces
Good for: Bold & sexy pieces
Sustainability factor: Biodegradable properties, size-inclusive
Prices: $32.50-$90, $75 for one-pieces
Good for: Boho beach babe pieces
Sustainability factor: Uses water-free printing; made from recycled nylon
Prices: $75 AUD-$95 AUD for separates, $160 AUD-$165 AUD for one-pieces
Other brands to note: Jessica Rey Swimwear, VYB Swimwear, Shapes in the Sand
IF YOU HAVE A LITTLE MORE ROOM IN YOUR BUDGET
Good for: Feminine & It girl style pieces
Sustainability factor: Uses a combination of deadstock, textiles made from renewable plant materials, and recycled or regenerated fabrics like ECONYL®; eco-friendly manufacturing practices; economic empowerment
Prices: $58-$78 for separates, $98-$128 for one-pieces
Good for: Sexy but classic pieces
Sustainability factor: Made locally in Vancouver out of recycled materials
Prices: $52-$65 for separates, $98-$140 for one-pieces
Good for: Elegant solid-colored staples
Sustainability factor: Made in USA, uses sustainable, recycled materials
Prices: $123-$159 for separates, $255-$276 for one-pieces
Good for: Elegant & strappy basics
Sustainability factor: Responsibly produced using recycled fabrics and components that are Oekotex® 100 Standard certified, which means that they are free of harmful and toxic chemicals
Prices: 90€-140€ for bikini, 90€-170€ for one-pieces
Good for: Fun & flirty styles in bold colors & prints
Sustainability factor: Made in USA, recycled nylon, prints made with waterless digital technology, portion of proceeds go toward environmental organizations to help protect the oceans
Prices: $70-$160 for separates, $140-$230 for one-pieces
Other brands to note: Hackwith Design House, Bikini Empire, Wolven Threads, Manaki,
FOR THE GUYS, TOO
Good for: Basic & printed trunks
Sustainability factor: Made with recycled polyester in a Fair Trade Certified facility
Prices: Trunks from $68 (basic) to $145 (collection in partnership with Kelly Slater)
Good for: Preppy printed and solid trunks with cool drawstring
Sustainability factor: Made using recycled plastic; produced at ethically certified factories
Prices: $68 for trunks
Good for: Fun printed trunks
Sustainability factor: Made primarily out of recycled and natural materials; each purchase removes one pound of trash from water sources
Prices: $68 for trunks
Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo
Lex