'Tis the season to stock up on stylish sundresses, a wear–everywhere pair of denim shorts, beach–ready sandals, and—of course—bathing suits. There is nothing more relaxing than lying on the beach in a swimsuit that makes you feel confident and cool—both literally and figuratively.
But finding the right swimwear for you can sometimes be a frustrating and complicated process—particularly if you're looking to buy from an eco–conscious retailer. Luckily, there are plenty of online stores that sell ethical and economical options, whether you're searching for new bikinis, swimming trunks, or more conservative pieces.
While some of the brands featured on this list might be more expensive than other fast–fashion sites, it is important to note that many of the elements that hike up the costs also increase the sustainability of the swimwear. Some of the brands included use more environmentally friendly yet pricier materials known as ECONYL, a regenerated nylon from landfill and ocean waste, or REPREVE, recycled fibers that are made from numerous reused resources, including plastic bottles.
If you're interested in looking fly during your next pool day while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint, give the following sustainable swimwear brands a chance (and be sure to browse their sale sections).
Aerie's Real Good Line
Aerie, the women’s clothing brand, has always been praised for championing body positivity, being inclusive to many sizes, and generally being more affordable. Aerie’s new Real Good line relies on REPREVE. This line was created using more than 1.2 million plastic water bottles and includes 35 different colors and ten different styles of bathing suits.
Size Range: XXS – XXL
Woman's Cup Size: 30A to 38DD
Price: $ – $$
TomboyX
Founded as an underwear brand, TomboyX sells clothing for customers that exist anywhere on the size or gender spectrum. With a swimwear slogan of “From unisuits to board shorts, we’ve got you covered," sustainability is a top priority for the online retailer. Their swimwear’s anti–microbial coating is made from chitosan, a natural coating on crab shells left by the industrial fishing industry. Their cardboard packaging is recyclable, and their bag packaging is biodegradable.
Size Range: XS – 6X
Price: $ - $$
SEEA
SEEA is a sporty and leisure swimwear brand that provides surf suits, one pieces, wetsuits, rash guards, and bikinis all made in the United States within a 70–mile radius of their California headquarters. They use both REPREVE and ECONYL as swimwear fabrics. For their 2021 collection, they even include textured fabrics that use similarly recycled fibers instead of virgin fibers.
Size Range: XS – XL
Price: $ – $$
Summersalt
Summersalt took over 1.5 million measurements from women's bodies to ensure that their clothing is size–inclusive. Featuring burkinis and maternity–friendly options in their swimwear lineup, Summersalt uses a fabric that is 78% recycled polyamide made from nylon and post–consumer waste. They use a fiber, TENCEL, that is produced from sustainably sourced wood. Their shipping packaging and post cards are made from recycled materials.
Size Range: 0 – 24
Price: $$
Outerknown
Outerknown is a stylish swimwear company targeted to both men and women that prides itself on “relentless sustainability.” They also provide swim sportswear like rash guards. 90% of the fibers Outerknown uses are either organic, recycled, or regenerated, and all of their trunks are made with these fibers. They provide an ongoing blog focused on their sustainability progress and a detailed 2030 plan geared towards helping our environment.
Size Range: XS – L
Men's Waist: 28’’ to 38’’
Price: $$ – $$$
Whether it’s at the pool, on a beach, or in your own backyard, we all deserve to relax and have fun in a cute bathing suit this summer. Hopefully the above list helps you find the piece you've been looking for, while helping our planet at the same time.
