Shopping sustainably continues to trend upwards, and for good reason. We know we have a problem with overconsumption and unsustainable use of resources, so it’s never been more important than now to shop for longevity. But as I continued to delve into sustainable fashion, I feared sustainable swimwear seemed like an oxymoron. After all, how can something made typically out of synthetic materials be sustainable? To my surprise, there are so many ways swimwear can be more sustainable.
On a personal level, we can always use what we have, mend our items, thrift, or support brands with forward-thinking ethics. For new purchases, it’s always best to set your standards higher. Ethical brands can create sustainable swimwear by using recycled materials, repurposing deadstock, supporting sustainability initiatives, and spearheading social responsibility. So, here are 5 US-based sustainable swimwear brands committed to doing better so you can feel good about where your money is going.
- Partnered with 1% For The Planet
- All materials are certified with Oeko-Tex
- Packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable
- Use a large amount of recycled materials like Tencel®, recycled cotton, and ecolinen along with their EcoLux™ swim fabric
- Garments come in a bag that is 100% recyclable and backyard compostable
Vitamin A offers a wide variety of more trendy swimwear. Their focus is on water conservation and waste management. As such, they use a large amount of recycled and less resource-intensive materials. Vitamin A has their own fabric, EcoLux™, which is the first premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon. All of the swimwear is made in the US, with a lot of it even being crafted locally in California. Without relying on international supply chains, they’re able to keep high ethical standards for workers and the environment.
- Swim materials are 100% derived from regenerated ocean waste
- Transparent about where they source their fabrics
- Work with one family-owned cut-and-sew production facility in New York City
- Packaging is recyclable and plastic-free
- Garment bags and swimwear liners are 100% biodegradable and compostable sugarcane-based materials
Nu Swim is an inclusive brand with timeless pieces made of recycled and regenerated fabric, with all of their swim being made from regenerated ocean waste like fishing nets. Pieces are manufactured in New York City and all custom colors are dyed with low-impact fiber-reactive dyes. They have a hands-on approach to manufacturing ethics and visit their manufacturers often. Nu Swim has one of the largest selections of one-piece styles I’ve come across thus far but offers a decent range of bikinis too.
- Woman-owned
- Independent and self-funded
- Small production over mass production – focus on quality over quantity
- Signature fabric is recycled and made from 78% ECONYL® regenerated nylon and 22% elastane
- Garment bags are reusable organic cotton bags packaged in 100% compostable shipping bags
September focuses on conscientious design, specifically durability and functionality for their swimwear. Perfect for those who want to be active in the water because of how attentive this brand is to performance. Strong believers that creating lasting pieces reduces consumption and leads to sustainability. They provide a decent selection of swimwear including rash guards, sarongs, and even unisex boardshorts. September also prides itself in broadening representation, making sustainable surf swimwear for all.
- Global Recycled Standard certified
- Bluesign certified
- Women-owned
- 80% of their current collection uses recycled materials
- Local production in California
Seea is a woman-first brand creating feminine, comfortable, and fun swimwear. Despite their fun colors and prints, this brand doesn’t skimp on creating functional pieces that will last. Their swim is retro meets modern, with a variety of options including wet suits and rash guards. Seea promotes inclusive and sustainable stories and products on their blog, allowing for more ways to get involved than just buying their products. Seea also highlights the historical discrimination and racism surrounding surfing, standing by the fact that nature is for everyone. This brand also focuses on small and intentional batches and inspect factories often.
- Woman-owned
- Uses regenerated or less-resource-intensive materials like Yulex and Econyl®
- Produce collection in New York and Los Angeles
- Only produces small batches of garments
- FSC-certified plant-based materials
Ansea creates chic, feminine, and functional swimwear for women who love the water. Focused on using less-resource-intensive materials and domestic production, their “less is everything” motto stands true. Ansea offers a lot of reversible swim options providing multifunctional design so you get more out of your pieces. They have a decent selection of different swimwear but can be more limited with colors. Although, Ansea has great wet suit and rash guard options.