In a world full of fast-fashion, clothes are mass produced, chemically dyed and thrown away after one season. As a result, it can be hard to be eco-friendly while shopping for swimwear. Worry not, these are 30 companies that pride themselves in making quality swimwear that’s also sustainable.
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MEDINA
Lou Medina is the founder and creative director of MEDINA. Lou is on a clear mission to create luxurious modern swimwear for the conscious shopper.
The suits are made of high-performance fabrics manufactured in Italy using ECONYL®, an innovative nylon yarn that is made from recovered fishnets and other nylon waste.
True to the concept of repurposing, the bold silhouettes and fine detailing allow the suits to seamlessly transition into chic daywear pieces. A major style statement with a diminished carbon footprint, MEDINA empowers your body, your spirit and the earth.
Our brand is driven by a mission to engage in ethical and sustainable practices. Every business decision we make is considered and evaluated from an environmental perspective.
MEDINA also gives back a portion of proceeds directly to environmental organizations who help protect our oceans.
Their product range includes bikinis, one piece swimsuits and bucket hats.
Based in: Portugal
Price: Bottoms start at EUR €120, tops start at EUR €120
Visit Website: medinaswimwear.com
Read review: https://surfd.com/2022/09/medina-swimwear-review/
Vitamin A
This company’s swimwear is also made from EcoLux, recycled nylon fibers. This swimwear uses less water and energy to produce and emits fewer greenhouse gasses during production. Vitamin A swimwear utilizes various sustainable technologies for their suits, like reusing nylon scraps that would otherwise be in landfills or using plant-based fabrics sourced from castor beans. These swimsuits aren’t just sustainable, they’re innovative.
Based in: Los Angeles, California
Price: Bottoms start at $79 USD, tops start at $99 USD.
Visit Website: www.vitaminaswim.com
Read Review: https://surfd.com/2019/05/vitamin-a-sustainable-swimwear/
AURAI SWIM
Headquartered in New Zealand, and handmade in Brazil, Aurai’s swimsuits are not only sustainable, but they are also made with love by a family owned manufacturer. All printed styles are made with Econyl (100% regenerated nylon) and all plain styles are made with biodegradable polyamide Amni Eco Soul, so you can feel good about purchasing any of their swimsuits.
Based in: Auckland, New Zealand
Price: Bottoms start at $49 NZD, tops start at $59 NZD
Visit Website: www.auraiswimwear.com
Main Design
Main Design takes ocean conservation just as seriously as they take their swimsuits. Their custom made nylon fibers are sourced from fishing nets and ocean plastic pollution that’s recovered from the ocean, recycled into fabric, and woven into their swimsuits and athletic wear. This brand is designed for women with active lifestyles, designing suits are both stylish and high performance for surf and yoga.
Based in: Switzerland and Bali, Indonesia
Price: Bottoms start at CHF44, tops start at CHF44
Visit Website: www.maindesign.ch
UND
If you want sustainable swimwear, but don’t want to sacrifice style, this Italian swimwear company is the best of both worlds. They source their material sustainably, use recycled fibers, and create designs that will last season after season, so you don’t have to keep buying new suits. Their swimsuits are also made 100% in Italy so if you are looking for authentic, eco-friendly, Italian swimwear, look no further.
Based in: Bologna, Italy
Price: Bottoms start at EUR €62, tops start at EUR €84.
Visit Website: undswim.com
HAH
HAH, short for Hot As Hell, uses digital printing techniques, which uses 95% less water than standard screen printing, for all of their designs. Also, they use extended life fabric (EFL), Sorona (or polytrimethylene terephthalate, a material sourced from cane sugar), and Lycra fabrics to create quality swimwear with a minimal footprint. In addition, HAH has totally eliminated plastic in their shipping process, instead opting for reusable, biodegradable packaging so as not to generate more waste.
Based in: Los Angeles, California
Price: Bottoms start at $98 USD, tops start at $98 USD.
Visit website: www.wearehah.com
Eco Mono
Eco Mono isn’t just eco-friendly, and they don’t just sell swimwear. Boasting entire lines of clothing that are not only sustainable, but also fair trade, locally made, up-cycled, vegan, and minimalist. Whether you are looking for eco-friendly swimwear, clothing, or any kind of accessory, Eco Mono will have what you seek.
Based in: Australia
Price: Bottoms start at $69 AUD, tops start at $79 AUD.
Visit Website: ecomono.com.au
Peony
Peony is a small, family-owned company that is constantly striving to create high-quality, eco-friendly swimwear. Peony uses Econyl, made 100% from ocean-sourced plastic waste, to create their classic designs. Also, Peony is focused on always improving their brand. As a result, each season they announce a new environmentally friendly technology that they are implementing in their swimwear.
Based in: Australia
Price: Bottoms start at $49 AUD, tops start at $69 AUD.
Visit Website: www.peonyswimwear.com
All Sisters
All Sisters is an eco-friendly swimwear company achieves sustainability by using high quality recycled material from Italy that is certified “Made in Green”, by OEX-TEX. This eco-friendly swimwear company is designed for the active, water-sporting, bikini lover. The swimsuits are multi-functional and have simplistic designs that are intended to last season after season.
Based in: Barcelona, Spain
Price: Bottoms start at EUR €40, tops start at EUR €45.
Visit Website: shop.allsisters.com
Elle Evans
In an attempt to reverse the trend of fast-fashion, Elle Evans swimsuits are only manufactured after someone has made a purchase. Techniques like these ensure that each swimsuit goes to a person, instead of sitting a storeroom. In addition to using Econyl, their eco-friendly swimwear is then hand-designed by the co-founder herself in order to reduce fabric waste. Elle Evans even has an innovative option that allows you to send back your swimwear to be recycled when old, or worn.
Based in: Australia, Melbourne
Price: Bottoms start at $70 AUD, tops start at $80 AUD.
Visit Website: www.elleevansswimwear.com.au
The Reformation
The Reformation takes conservation seriously. Firstly, they use 100% renewable energy to power their eco-friendly swimwear production. Secondly, they have also developed their own “RefScale” to calculate exactly how much waste, water, greenhouse gasses, and emissions are released by their swimwear production. The Reformation then reinvests in offsetting technology, partnering with the Brazilian Redwood Project and other water conservation projects to help replace the resources they’ve used.
Based in: Los Angeles
Price: Bottoms start at $58 USD, tops start at $78 USD.
Visit website: www.thereformation.com
Abysse
Abysse eco-friendly swimwear combines style with sporty, in their high performance, water-sport oriented, neoprene, wetsuit inspired swimsuit design. Manufactured locally, made with recycled materials and minimal greenhouse emissions, Abysse focuses on giving back to the environment. They are currently partner with the charity “Sirens of the Sea,” and “Moorea Coral Gardeners”.
Based in: California, LA
Price: Bottoms start at $95 USD, tops start at $95 USD.
Visit website: abysseofficial.com
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman’s simplistic swimwear is just as eco-friendly as it is feminine. This company uses a wide array of sustainably sourced materials, including Econyl, Repreve (which is also made mostly from post-consumer products), and Tencel (a fabric made from cellulose fibers). They also use hemp, cotton, linen, and even alpaca. They even have made their packaging compostable, and have eliminated plastic from their stores and tagging processes.
Based in: NYC
Price: Bottoms start at $110 USD, tops start at $115 USD.
Visit website: www.marahoffman.com
BAIIA
This swimwear isn’t only eco-friendly, it’s reversible! Their collections inspired by the natural beauty of Australia, and are elegant and versatile. With suits made from recycled Italian nylon, Baiia uses a combination of virgin synthetic fibers with recycled synthetic fibers in order to achieve the highest quality with the lowest carbon footprint.
Based in: Australia
Price: Bottoms start at $79 AUD, tops start at $79 AUD.
Visit Website: www.baiia.com.au
Now_Then
Now_Then, inspired by the ocean, makes eco-friendly swimwear designed to help you enjoy the sea, whether surfing, diving, or adventuring.
Using Econyl and petroleum-free neoprene to ensure sustainable production, Now_Then makes a wide variety of swimwear, from delicate bikinis to sturdy surfing swimsuits. No matter what kind of sustainable swimsuit you are looking for, Now_Then has it.
Based in: Spain
Price: Start at EUR €105.
Visit Website: nowthenlabel.com
Davy J
Davy J is the eco-friendly swimwear for the active, water-sport enthusiast with suits designed to tackle any adventure. Their swimsuits are made from recycled fibers from fishing nets and ocean plastic, to be sustainable. Additionally, Davy J is striving to create a closed-loop system, where the old, overly-worn suits can be returned to the company and then recycled again. If you take sports as seriously as you take sustainability, this brand is for you.
Based in: UK
Price: Bottoms start at £55, tops start at £95.
Visit Website: www.davyj.org
Spell & The Gypsy
Spell & The Gypsy are focused on measuring their environmental impact on all fronts. From their supply chain to the materials they source, to changing the linear fast fashion model for a circular one, all the way to giving back. In addition, Spell & The Gypsy doesn’t only eco-friendly swimwear, but they also make eco-friendly clothing of all sorts.
Based in: Byron Bay, Australia
Price: Bottoms start at $69 AUD, tops start at $79 AUD
Visit Website: shop.spelldesigns.com.au
Woodlike Ocean
This company is inspired by active women, and strives to bring women classic, versatile and reversible swimwear. With their swimsuit line made out of 100% Italian, sustainable fabric, plastic-free packaging, and 1% of their profits going to the The Planet conservation organization, their swimwear is eco-friendly, and just downright cute.
Based in: Germany
Price: Bottoms start at EUR €70, tops start at EUR €88
Visit Website: woodlikeocean.com
Natasha Tonić
This minimalistic company, designed for women who like to “pack light”. Natasha Tonic boasts lines of entirely hemp-based swimwear which allows their swimsuits to be used as swimwear, lingerie, or even as activewear. Because of this, their suits are versatile and so much more than just swimsuits. Their suits are made, sewn, and dyed locally, and 5% of their profits are dedicated to the “5 Gyres” organization to fight against ocean plastic.
Based in: Los Angeles, California
Price: Bottoms start at $50 USD, tops start at $75 USD.
Visit Website: www.natashatonic.com
Jets
This Australian company focuses on sophistication, style, and fit. Shaping each design around the bodies of real women, they seek to empower women through perfectly fitting, eco-friendly swimwear. They use Renew Plus fabrics (made from Econyl) and work with local mills and manufacturers to create their classic, poolside designs.
Based in: Australia
Price: Bottoms start at $79.95 AUD, tops start at $89.95 AUD.
Visit Website: www.jets.com.au
Shapes in the Sand
A small, independent Australian brand is committed to sustainablity. They also use Econyl technology to create their high quality, eco-friendly swimwear. Shapes in the Sand uses printing techniques that are require no water or harsh dyes, and take a ‘zero-waste’ approach within the company. They even have guidelines on how to wash your swimsuit to reduce micro-plastic runoff into the ocean.
Based in: Australia
Price: Bottoms start at $89 AUD, tops start at $109 AUD.
Visit Website: www.shapesinthesand.com.au
Mime
Mime swimwear sports a range of eco-friendly swimwear that is locally manufactured in Australia. Made from Italian lycra, sourced from recycled fishing nets, their swimwear can be worn during any water activity.
Based in: Australia
Price: Start at AUD $79.
Visit Website: mimeswim.com
Araks
This company seeks to bring sustainability into every aspect of their brand, and have a long list of certifications to prove it. Their values include mindfulness, social sustainability, product design, and visible responsibility. Araks brings the care that they have for the environment into their designs.
Based in: New York
Price: Bottoms start at $115 USD, tops start at $175 USD.
Visit Website: www.araks.com
Amara Tulum
A minimalistic company that values maximizing your bikinis, they are reversible, mix & match-able, and sometimes even convertible. Made from Econyl and Italian Lycra, this swimwear is eco-friendly, multi-functional, and supports the community of Tulum – where it is locally manufactured.
Based in: Tulum, Mexico
Price: Bottoms start at $95 USD, tops start at $95 USD.
Visit Website: www.amaratulum.co
Bare Beach
Using 100% Econyl made from recycled plastic, Bare Beach offers four collections of vibrant, eco-friendly swimwear. Made in North America and shipped in EcoEnclose, 100% recycled packaging, this company tries to remind us of ways that we can all be as sustainable as possible.
Based in: Canada
Price: Bottoms start at $75 CAD, tops start at $75 CAD.
Visit Website: www.barebeach.ca
Manakai
Mana, meaning spirit, influencer, power, and Kai, meaning ocean; this brand draws its inspiration and power from the sea. Manakai is a low-impact, socially responsible brand that is looking to change the fashion industry, and spread awareness about sustianability. They offer beautiful, bohemian style eco-friendly swimwear inspired.
Based in: Hawaii
Price: Bottoms start at $96 USD, tops start at $75 USD.
Visit Website: manakaiswimwear.com
Greenlee
Greenlee has the vision to make high-end swimwear, for all body types, all while making a minimal environmental impact. Greenlee actively gives back to organizations like The Rainforest Partnership, to support conservation projects Their beautiful, tropical styled swimsuits all compliment each other, so no matter which piece you buy, they all match.
Based in: Los Angeles, California
Price: Bottoms start at $59 USD, tops start at $59 USD.
Visit Website: greenleeswim.com
Beach Access
Beach Access is an independent, environmentally and socially conscious fashion label. They are passionate about protecting our oceans, planet and supporting strong communities.
Their Product Range includes women’s bikinis, one-pieces, straw hats, woven bags and linen beach towels.
Ethics:
- Support independent local artisans in Bali, Indonesia by employing them to cut and sew swimwear and hand-craft natural hats, bags, towel. These talented people are most often families who work together as small teams of three or four. They operate independently of factories so they can set their own fees, wages and working conditions. All payments go directly into the hands of tailors because there is no factory manager, supervisor or middle-man involved to take a cut.
- Use luxury Italian swimwear fabric made from recycled materials. Discarded fishing nets or recycled plastic bottles are transformed into our timeless swimwear styles. Reusing these waste materials keeps them out of the ocean and landfills. The result is a premium quality, comfortable and durable fabric.
- Single-use plastic-free company. Packaging, mailers, hygienic liners, tags (and everything else) are made from plant-based materials that will biodegrade.
Based in: California, USA
Price: Separates start from $71 USD, One-Pieces start from $129 USD, accessories start from $14 USD
Visit Website: www.shopbeachaccess.com
HAKUNA Wear
Hakuna Wear was started out of the need for a functional and sexy swimsuit for both men and women so that you can be free to be you. That means a place to stash your essentials, no nip slips, no cheek leak, and no worries when you wear a Hakuna suit.
Based in: California, USA
Price: Separates start from $69 USD, One-Pieces start from $99 USD
Visit Website: www.hakunawear.com
OceanZen
OceanZen is another company that tries to put the ocean first by creating eco-friendly swimwear. They use recycled fabric from ocean plastic to make their classic, ocean-inspired swimsuits. OceanZen cares so much about the environment that they even offer annual retreats to meet humpback whales in Tonga.
Based in: Australia
Price: Bottoms start at $80 AUD, tops start at $80 AUD
Visit Website: oceanzenbikini.com