In a world where climate change headlines flood our newsfeeds and the ocean’s plastic count rivals the stars, it’s hard to ignore the fashion industry’s role in the environmental crisis. And while fast fashion may dominate the conversation, one of its lesser-discussed offshoots—swimwear—has quietly contributed to the problem. Most swimsuits are made from petroleum-based synthetics like nylon and polyester, which shed microplastics, resist decomposition, and often come from exploitative labor chains. But there’s a new wave forming—one that blends style with sustainability, innovation with ethics. It’s the rise of sustainable swimwear brands, and they’re redefining what it means to look good, feel good, and do good all at once.
Swimwear, by its very nature, should be synonymous with nature. It’s the outfit of choice for ocean swims, sunbathing under open skies, lounging by pristine pools, and adventuring through crystal-clear lagoons. So why should the very clothing we associate with water be part of what’s polluting it? That contradiction sparked a movement. Small designers, ethical entrepreneurs, and major fashion houses alike began asking tough questions about their impact. What emerged was a new generation of swimwear brands committed to sustainability—not as a buzzword, but as a core identity.
To understand why sustainable swimwear matters, we need to examine the traditional process. Conventional swimwear relies heavily on virgin synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, and nylon, all derived from oil. These materials aren’t biodegradable, meaning your favorite triangle bikini from 2012 might still be intact in a landfill long after you’ve retired it. Worse yet, every time you wash it, tiny microfibers are released into the water system. These microplastics eventually make their way to the ocean, harming marine life and infiltrating our food chain. It’s not just about aesthetics anymore—it’s about health, ethics, and responsibility.
That’s where sustainable swimwear brands come in. Many of them now use regenerated materials, like ECONYL®, which is made from waste such as fishing nets, industrial plastic, and fabric scraps rescued from landfills and oceans. ECONYL® is not only high-quality and durable, but it can be recycled infinitely without losing its integrity. Another favorite is REPREVE®, which transforms plastic bottles into yarn. These fabrics help close the loop on waste while reducing the need for new petroleum extraction. But material innovation is just the start. Sustainability also extends to ethical labor practices, eco-conscious packaging, slow fashion principles, and carbon offsetting.
Let’s spotlight some standout sustainable swimwear brands that are making meaningful waves in the industry. Each of these labels doesn’t just sell swimsuits—they embody a lifestyle that celebrates the planet while empowering the people who wear them.
1. Vitamin A
California-based and eternally chic, Vitamin A was one of the early pioneers of sustainable swimwear. The brand developed EcoLux™, a signature fabric made from recycled nylon fibers. Their pieces radiate effortless cool—sleek silhouettes, rich earth tones, and buttery-soft textures. But their impact goes deeper than style. Vitamin A is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating a portion of sales to environmental organizations. Their commitment to female empowerment and ethical manufacturing practices makes them a standout for conscious consumers who want to look stunning without compromising their values.
2. Summersalt
Born from a desire to revolutionize fit and function, Summersalt has become a go-to for eco-conscious shoppers. Their suits are made from recycled polyamide and come in a wide range of sizes, with fits based on data from over 10,000 body scans. But their appeal is more than technical—bold color blocking, asymmetrical designs, and confidence-boosting cuts make these suits stand out on any beach. Summersalt also prioritizes ethical production and transparent supply chains, proving that inclusivity and sustainability can go hand in hand.
3. Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman began her brand with bright prints and bohemian vibes, but in 2015, she pivoted hard toward sustainability. Her swimwear is crafted from recycled polyester, REPREVE®, and ECONYL®, often in sculptural cuts that exude modern sophistication. But Mara doesn’t stop at eco-materials. She embraces full lifecycle thinking—from design to disposal—and uses her platform to advocate for systemic change in the fashion industry. Her transparency and honesty are refreshing in a space that’s often plagued by greenwashing.
4. TomboyX
If you’re tired of hyper-feminine swimwear norms and want pieces that affirm a range of gender expressions, TomboyX delivers. Their gender-neutral swimsuits are crafted from OEKO-TEX® certified recycled materials and designed to fit real bodies comfortably. TomboyX is a B Corp that supports LGBTQ+ rights, sustainability, and radical inclusivity. Whether it’s swim trunks, longline tops, or unisuits, their line is designed with a fierce commitment to both people and the planet.
5. Outerknown
Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown fuses surf culture with sustainable fashion. While the brand initially focused on menswear, its swimwear collection has since gained popularity for its relaxed aesthetic and impressive eco-credentials. Outerknown’s suits are made from 100% recycled materials and manufactured in Fair Trade Certified™ factories. With ocean conservation woven into its DNA, the brand regularly participates in beach clean-ups and environmental activism. When you wear Outerknown, you’re supporting a surfer’s vision of a cleaner, kinder future.
6. Alyned Together
This lesser-known gem is built around circularity and community. Alyned Together offers classic cuts in sophisticated colors, all made from ECONYL® and sewn in small batches in ethical facilities. They even have a recycling program that allows customers to return old swimwear for store credit, ensuring less waste ends up in landfills. It’s a brand for people who want their wardrobe to reflect their values quietly but powerfully.
Beyond these six, dozens of brands worldwide are making strides in sustainable swimwear—from Copenhagen’s Underprotection to Australia’s Baiia, Brazil’s Nagnata to Canada’s Londre. The movement is global, diverse, and rapidly expanding. And it’s not just about women’s fashion. Men’s sustainable swimwear is also having a moment, with brands like Riz Boardshorts and Fair Harbor creating stylish options from recycled ocean plastics. Kids’ swimwear, too, is getting the eco-upgrade, allowing entire families to enjoy the water with a clearer conscience.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—sustainable swimwear can be pricey. A high-quality, ethically made bikini often costs significantly more than fast fashion alternatives. It’s a reflection of fair wages, responsible sourcing, and smaller production runs. The flip side is that these suits last. They’re built to withstand salt, sun, chlorine, and time. Investing in fewer, better pieces not only reduces environmental impact but often ends up being more economical in the long run. The key is shifting our mindset from disposable fashion to thoughtful consumption.
That said, affordability in sustainability matters. Some brands offer lower-cost options or periodic sales, and secondhand marketplaces like Poshmark or Depop now feature pre-loved sustainable swimwear. Renting swimwear is even emerging as an option for special occasions. And DIY hacks, like upcycling old suits or repairing damaged ones, empower consumers to be part of the solution.
Of course, sustainability is never perfect. Even the best recycled fibers release some microplastics. Not all brands can afford complete transparency. And shipping swimsuits across oceans still has a carbon cost. But progress, not perfection, is the goal. Every time you support a brand that’s trying to do better, you vote for a different future. You tell the fashion industry that you value ethics over excess, nature over novelty.
Let’s humanize this idea a bit more. Imagine standing in the fitting room, holding a vibrant red bikini made from ocean-recycled nylon. You read the tag—it tells the story of a ghost fishing net turned fabric turned swimsuit. You smile. Not just because it fits, but because it feels like more than just a swimsuit. It feels like a statement. You’re not just preparing for vacation—you’re participating in a movement.
Or maybe you’re scrolling online, comparing brands. You read reviews, learn about small-batch manufacturing in Bali, fair wages in Portugal, women-run factories in Peru. You realize your purchase isn’t just a transaction—it’s a connection. Between your lifestyle and someone else’s livelihood. Between your beach day and the coral reefs it affects. Between style and substance.
Sustainable swimwear isn’t a niche anymore—it’s the future. It’s fashion’s reckoning with its past and its embrace of a better path forward. It’s not always easy or convenient, but it’s worthwhile. And it’s deeply personal. It’s about how you want to show up in the world, both on the beach and off.
When we choose to buy better, we help reshape an industry. We fund innovation. We tell designers that ethics matter. We show our children what responsibility looks like. And we make the world just a little more beautiful—not with more stuff, but with more intention.
The next time you dip your toes into the ocean, think about what you’re wearing. Let your swimwear reflect the same love and respect you feel for the water itself. Support brands that are doing the hard work. Be proud of your choices. And remember: looking good never has to come at the planet’s expense.