We asked experts what makes a swimsuit brand sustainable. Here are 12 they recommend

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s finally time to pull out your swimsuit again, and we’ve picked out the best sustainable swimwear brands you need to try. You might not know that the stretchy, elastic suits you buy are filled with plastic, and every time you wash one or toss it out, it’s contributing to our oceans’ plastic problem. That’s why these days, the elusive “itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny yellow-polka-dot bikini” is being reimagined and restructured in big ways for a modern world in the face of climate change. You can commit yourself to sustainable living and still be fashionable.

Diana Tsui, creative consultant and stylist, underlines the trouble of this small garment typically made with polyester and nylon. “Swimsuits are super tricky since they require some sort of stretchy fabric and that entails plastic — including the release of microplastics into the water supply.” Microplastics are everywhere in the ocean and the tiny bits of pollution are ingested by all sorts of marine life, like our ever-critical coral reefs.

“That being said,” Tsui adds, “brands are starting to recycle plastics into their fabrics, whether it’s from bottles or fishing nets.” Fabrics like Repreve repurpose plastic bottles and convert them into “high-performance yarn.” And Repreve Our Ocean, a separate collection under the same umbrella, specifically works to prevent plastic from entering our ocean waters by sourcing plastic within 50 kilometers of the shore before it contaminates the water. Similarly, Econyl, another sustainable fabric, transforms nylon waste into regenerated nylon and is used to make garments, swimwear, sunglasses, and even sustainable shoes.

Tsui empathizes with consumers, saying it can get complicated to sort these details out from companies and offers a solution that will be easier to search for. “Certified B Corporation is a safe way to go if you don’t have the time to do in-depth research,” Tsui says. “They adhere to a strict set of regulations to ensure both their fabrics and supply chain are sustainable and ethical.” Another certification to look out for is WRAP, which ensures workers are fairly compensated, not discriminated against and working in a safe environment, amongst other factors.

While recycled materials and fair labor practices are important, the most sustainable thing you can do is reduce the number of swimsuits you buy, even if fashion trends dictate that the more bikinis you own the better. That’s why it’s critical to invest in pieces that you’ll actually wear. Tsui recommends making sure the piece you buy fits well and is a style that you think will look good time and time again.

For a piece that will be worn for years to come, comfort and cut are important. “Shop for a bathing suit with the same mindset you would when buying any new piece of clothing. And that means starting with a sustainable brand,” says Katrina Caspelich, vice president of marketing and communications at Remake World. Sustainable, long-lasting clothing tends to be made with higher-quality materials and craftsmanship. It’s also designed to withstand wear and tear more than fast fashion, which is made to fall apart. Versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and worn for various occasions tend to offer better value for your money, if that’s something you’d like to take into consideration as well, since sustainable fashion does tend to be pricier than fast-fashion pieces.

Here are 12 sustainable brands to swim and sun in, varying in shapes, materials and sizes so you can find your perfect, timeless fit.

Summersalt

“Summersalt is a great option,” says Tsui. “I especially like the Summersalt wrap one-piece and their mix-and-match bikinis as they’re classic silhouettes.” Its swim fabrics are made with 78% recycled polyamide and use recycled materials, including nylon waste, to make pieces that offer 50 UPF protection.

Reformation

“Aside from offering an array of stylish pieces that are both classic and versatile, Reformation swimwear also caters to a variety of body types,” says Caspelich. “I love how transparent the company is when it comes to their supply chain and production processes. Additionally, Reformation is constantly evolving its design with eco-friendly materials. For example, its new line of swimsuits are made from EVO, a bio-based polyamide made from renewable plants (meaning plastic-free) and nylon regenerated from waste, which provides wearers with a soft, cotton-like feel and a super-stretchy fit.”

Youswim

With only two sizes — “Stretch 1” and “Stretch 2,” the former stretching from size 2 to 14, and the latter stretching from size 14 to 24 — Youswim has worked to craft a swimsuit that is not only size-inclusive but is aimed to reduce consumption by allowing the suit to adapt to your body’s changes, not the body adapting to the suit. Certified as a plastic-negative product, where twice as much plastic is removed from the planet than is produced for the garment, Youswim partners with women-owned nonprofit Project Anant Pranay, which focuses on preventing plastic from reaching nature.

Jade Swim

Using Oeko-Tex-certified and Azo-tested Econyl fabrics for its swimsuits, Jade ensures non-toxic swim apparel that’s produced in California. The brand focuses on timeless pieces that eschew the fleeting trends of fast fashion by producing small batches available only through pre-order. Tsui recommends the brand, and adds, “Jade has a ton of fun colors for that Eres-vibe.”

Mara Hoffman

“For super-fun and colorful swimwear, I always opt for Mara Hoffman. Aside from her unique prints, this female founded brand is the perfect combination of sustainability and design,” says Caspelich. “Prioritizing natural, recycled, and organic fibers, Mara Hoffman aims to reduce environmental impact. Plus a large portion of the brand’s Ready to Wear swimwear line is made in Los Angeles, breaking down their manufacturing process in terms of ethical labor standards on their website.” On top that, the brand’s swimsuits are size-inclusive, up to 3XL.

Cuup

Cuup’s two-piece suits use Econyl fabric, which is regenerated nylon made from fishing nets, upcycled fabric and recycled nylon for “swim made for the ocean, from the ocean,” its site reads. Cuup’s suits are akin to the brand’s famous bra and underwear shapes and styles, assuring a comfortable, stylish and familiar fit. Buy each piece individually, or snag the two-piece for a 10% discount.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a leader in sustainable fashion for several reasons. For instance, the down that goes in its jackets is traceable back to specific farms, its water-resistant products use chemical-free repellents and the majority of garments in its product line are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
The brand’s new swimwear follows the same tradition. About 83% of the material used in its swimsuits is recycled.

Matteau

The Australian brand Matteau prioritizes sourcing from “regenerative, organic, renewable and recycled sources, and are committed to fostering biodiversity through our material choices.”

It’s recommended by Tsui, who says, “Matteau has a better size range and their swimsuits are minimalist and chic — definitely my go-to for future beach vacations.”

Everlane

“If you’re in the market for swimsuit basics, Everlane is the perfect go-to. While most of their offerings look fairly straightforward to the eye due to the brand’s minimalist design aesthetic, the thought process that goes into producing them is so much more complex,” says Caspelich. “Aside from the brand’s transparent approach to pricing, materials and fair labor practices, Everlane creates pieces that are less trend-driven and more long-lasting. The brand encourages its customer to buy fewer items and to prioritize quality over quantity, which contributes to a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption.”

Berlook

Made from 85% recycled polyester and spandex, Berlook’s swimwear is produced with recycled materials verified by the Global Recycled Standard, and the brand has a focus on ethical production. Berlook works with factories that have BSCI or WRAP verification to ensure a healthy work environment.

Hunza G

Hunza G initially blossomed to stardom for a cutout mini dress Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman. Now, under the hands of a different creative director, Georgiana Huddart, this sustainable clothing brand makes garments and swimwear with its signature furrowed seersucker fabric from deadstock or waste. It’s recommended by Tsui, who says, “Hunza G’s seersucker fabric is incredibly flattering, although they have limited sizing.” The brand offers one size of its “original crinkle” as an effort to be inclusive and reduce “over-purchased sizing on a commercial level,” and, on the back end, works to provide a safe and healthy work environment from factory to head office.

Zonarch

Commitment to sustainability is at the core of Zonarch’s mission. Partnered with nonprofit organizations that protect nature and human rights, its sleek swimsuits are made in the US and mainly in Los Angeles. Zonarch uses recycled materials like regenerated nylon, certified by Global Recycled Standard, and it’s an editor favorite.