Thanks to a greater focus on eco-conscious fashion, sustainable swimwear has seen significant growth in recent years, and expert fabric technology, coupled with forward-thinking design means that looking great this summer doesn't have to cost the earth.
The best sustainable swimwear feels like a particularly important area to invest in, given the high level of power and water needed to produce swimsuits. Packed full of fabric technology, swimwear needs to have a performance element to it, which can mean that many producers rely on nonrenewable fabrics, or synthetic fibers that release microplastics. These microplastics can then up in the ocean and affect coral, causing long-term damage. By shopping the best sustainable swimwear, made from greener fibers and recycled materials, we are directly impacting landfill and the planet making this a worthwhile endeavor.
As we all become more conscious about how our shopping habits affect the environment, more specialist brands are developing sustainable swimwear lines that deliver on fabrication and the latest swimwear trends. So, if you’re thinking of investing in the best swimsuits this summer, consider these sustainable swimwear options for a more ethical buy.
10 sustainable swimwear brands to shop in 2023 for style, quality and fit
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Sauipe Swimwear was created almost by sisters Marcia and Anna. In 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition published six swimsuits from Sauipe’s initial collection which resulted in the brand enjoying a meteoric rise to fame.
Sauipe provides luxurious, modern swimwear for the contemporary woman who wants to shop whilst considering the planet. With a slow fashion model, the brand's high-quality fabrics are made in Brazil, where produces exercise strict controls in how much water is used in the process.
Marcia Hacker, owner and designer of Sauipe Swim believes "the term 'sustainable swimwear’ covers more than just the fabric it is made of. Focusing on ‘made from plastic bottles’ is not necessarily good. One must consider how are the original materials recycled in order to create the fabric. Are the factories conscious about the resources they use (water, electricity, gas, etc)? Are they conscious of their employees and vendors? We can - and should - have a holistic approach to sustainable swimwear in order to have a significant positive impact on the environment."
RRP: $226 (US only) | A black swimsuit is a wardrobe essential and this timeless look ticks all the style boxes. With a bust-flattering square neckline, the back features a contemporary multi-strap design. This swimsuit also comes in cream and pink.
RRP: $105 (US only) | High-waisted bikini briefs are a flattering choice for most body types. For those looking for extra support across a midriff, the high cut works similarly to the best high waisted jeans, sculpting your silhouette for a tummy smoothing finish.
RRP: $220 (US only) | This fun cactus print proves sustainable doesn't equal boring. The halter neck provides support for larger busts while the multi-strap back adds interest. Wear with a denim skirt or shorts over the top for a beach-to-bar ensemble.
Vitamin A has sustainability at its core. It wants to create a product that you feel good wearing, knowing you're doing some good for the environment. The company has collaborated with 1% For The Planet and in doing so, they give back a percentage of every sale to organizations that protect our oceans.
With six different eco-friendly fabrics to choose from, each one has a unique sustainable element. The eco-metallic fabric is the world's first metallic swim fabric made from recycled nylon fiber, and with metallic a major trend this season, this is a great time to buy, just add any of the latest sunglasses trends for a fully directional look.
Every element of Vitamin A from the design, production, workers, offices, and environment has been considered and evaluated to make sure it is using the best possible sustainable practices.
RRP: $170 / £137 | A twist on a halterneck swimsuit, this sustainable design features a scooped back, but good cheek coverage. Crafted from EcoRib which is made from unused nylon it saves .63 liters of oil and 33 liters of water per meter of fabric.
RRP: $135 / £109 | This underwired bikini top offers good support, going up to a DD cup size. Made from 83% recycled polyester - mainly plastic bottles, and 17% lycra spandex, the digital waterless printing process provides an extra level of sustainability.
RRP: $115 / £92 | Offering all the coverage, these high-waisted bikini bottoms are a great option for someone looking for swimwear that comes up and over a midriff for a contoured finish. Available in 4 colors, you're sure to find a shade to suit.
With 95% of its product line made from recycled, upcycled and sustainable fabrics, Carve Design puts sustainability at the heart of its brand. Developed by two friends on a surf trip to Mexico, the pair wanted a line of active clothing and swimwear that could keep up with their adventurous lifestyle. That was in 2003, and fast forward 20 years and the brand is going from strength to strength.
With an aim to design a product that fits well and looks good but is also good for the planet, Carve Designs want to protect that by producing swimwear that is less harmful. Starting out with eco-cotton and as the brand developed, so have its use of sustainable materials.
Also worth checking out are the brand's excellent beach cover-ups for a full 360 oceanside look.
RRP: $64 (US only) | With the look of a one-piece, but with ability to choose a different top and brief size, the tankini is ideal for those looking for extra coverage. Made from recycled bottles, this cute, striped design is available in eight colorways.
RRP: $84 (US only) | This one piece is a great option for those who are looking for a fashion-forward style that still works for more sporty activities. With UPF 50+ protection and an integrated shelf bra with removable pads, this is one clever design.
RRP: $60 (US only) | It's no surprise that this style is a bestseller. Made from recycled fabric, it comes in eight different designs and the fabric is quick drying so you don't need to wait around in a soggy suit. The long sleeve offers great protection too.
Jessica's journey to becoming a sustainable swimwear designer could never be described as average, with a path that took her first to accountancy and then on to being Power Range - yes, really. Eventually deciding to open her own swimwear brand, Jessica wanted youthful and stylish swim pieces that weren't crafted at the expense of the planet, and Rey Swimwear was born.
Offering a pretty, feminine, and vintage aesthetic, think high-waisted bikini briefs, low-cut swimsuits, and swim dresses that reference the '50s, Rey swimwear draws inspiration from the likes of Audrey Hepburn and this curve-flattering fit makes them great for all ages, including swimsuits for over 50s.
Ideal for vacation glamour, slip on your best sandals, grab that beach bag and relax in style. Committed to ethical sourcing and production, the brand only works with manufacturers with the same values.
RRP: $124 (US only) | Made from 78% regenerated polyamide and 22% Lycra Xtra Life, this ruffled-fronted swimsuit will give your beachwear an instant glow-up. The ruffles and wrap style are flattering across a midsection, with the detailing lengthening your silhouette, while the ruching skims a middle.
RRP: $52 (US only) | In a pretty floral print, these micro bloom briefs are ideal for those looking for extra midriff support. Sitting flat, just under your belly button, and with a low-cut leg, these briefs will help to contour your silhouette this summer. Made from 100% regenerated materials such as rescued fish nets.
RRP: $84 | We love this timeless tankini, the pretty, floral print adds interest to the timeless navy shade which makes a nice change from black. The adjustable drawstring sides give you the option to adjust the shape of the tankini top, creating more or less ruching on any given day to help you make this look your own.
A unique concept in the sustainable swimwear world. You Swim only has two sizes of swimwear, but thanks to its super stretchy fabric, these should cover right up to a US size 24. Aiming to keep you wearing your swimsuit for longer, the adaptable stretch means that even if your body changes season to season, your trusty You Swim suit should still fit.
While its suits have no in-built support, the brand suggests that the larger of its two sizes fit up to a G cup, with the specially ribbed and stretchy fabric contouring to frames in a way other swimsuits do not. A refreshing approach, to size and longevity, while the brand is still using nylon fabric, as opposed to recycled nylon (work is underway to get there), it does instead operate as plastic negative, for every ounce of plastic used in its swimsuits, it collects twice as much in the form of nature-bound plastic wasted.
RRP: $139 / £126 | Offering some of the best plus size swimwear this design offers a classic silhouette with a low-cut leg. Similar to a body, it comes in a whopping 14 colors, with this hot pink design tapping into Barbiecore style and the latest fashion color trends.
RRP: $139 / £126 | Inject some dopamine dressing with this bold yellow hue, while the luxe ribbed texture adds a premium feel. Designed to suit seven sizes in one, the ribbed fabric will complement your natural curves. Each style is woven, dyed, cut and sewn with ethical production in mind for a sustainable wear.
RRP: $139 / £126 | Use the slimmer straps to maximize the support on this squared-neck swimsuit. With Digital Lavender announced as the WGSN Color of the Year 2023, this trend-worthy style is ideal for rocking on the beach this summer and beyond. Add a long skirt, or a pair of shorts to turn this into daywear.
Keeping a handle on production to avoid wastage, the majority of items at Hackwith Designs are not made until ordered. Focusing on high-quality, durable fabrics and small handmade production, the brand wants shoppers to buy less and buy better.
Introducing a Limited Edition line, these items are produced a maximum of 25 times, making for quite the collectible styles. Handmade by the team in the brand's Minnesota studio, you can pretty much guarantee you won't see anyone else in your poolside ensemble.
RRP: $88 / £70 | Made from 74% recycled polyester and 26% spandex, this bikini has great stretch. The knot detail top is ideal for those looking to add curves, while the high-waisted briefs deliver a retro look. There are nine colorways to choose from too.
RRP: $152 / £122 | Another great design for those who usually opt for the best bras for smaller busts, this keyhole style uses ruching to create a curvier silhouette on top. The sweetheart neckline, coupled with the low-cut leg and high back offer a retro feel.
RRP: $158 / £127 | With multiple ways to tie, this one-piece adds versatility to your swimwear wardrobe. Available in nine colorways, it's ideal for what to pack for a beach vacation to help you keep your poolside looks fresh throughout your stay.
Ideal for those who have curated a minimalist capsule wardrobe and want their swimwear to follow suit, Cuup's aesthetic revolves around innovative fabric and design, coupled with a pared-back sense of style for the ultimate mix-and-match swimsuit selection.
High performance, up to a brief size 7X and H cup size, this inclusive brand is looking to enhance your natural shape with mono-color pieces that will never go out of style. With a contemporary color palette that encompasses hues of forest green, burnt orange, and bright coral, alongside classic neutral. Its fabric mission states that its swimwear is "made for the ocean, from the ocean". Collaborating with ECONYL® in using recycled fishing nets and recycled nylon and Cuup manufactures in a conscious ways to use less water.
RRP: $98 / £78 | Cuup swimwear is great for those who usually invest in the best bras for large busts, as the supportive underwiring and adjustable straps allow for a customized fit. This style goes up to a bandwidth of 44 and a cup size H making it super size inclusive without compromising on style.
RRP: $78 / £62 | These high-waisted bikini bottoms come in three gorgeous shades and go up to a size XXXL, delivering a vintage-inspired aesthetic to boot. Crafted from chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen and fade-resistant fabric to help improve their longevity for a more sustainable fashion buy.
RRP: $98 / £78 | This scoop neck bikini top is designed to accentuate your natural shape creating a cleavage-enhancing silhouette. Crafted from regenerated nylon from fishing nets, the fabric has a luxurious and premium feel for comfortable all day wear. Available up to an H cup it is ideal for fuller busts.
Summersalt is known for its color-block styles that immediately evoke sunnier climes, making its swimsuits and clothing ideal for what to wear in the heat. But it's not just its penchant for bright color clothing that puts Summersalt on the list. This sustainable swimwear and clothing brand is dedicated to getting the perfect fit too, having researched over 1.5 million body measurements, from 10,000 women, Summersalt has used all this research to craft the most accurate sizing they can.
Manufactured with recycled textiles that have five times the strength and four times the compression of other swimwear, Summersalt swimwear (including maternity and long torso options) are fashion-forward, highly sustainable, and durable. And available up to a US size 24, its a size-inclusive brand too.
RRP: $95 / £76 | Ideal for creating an hourglass silhouette, this color block design gives the illusion of a nipped-in waist, that is only accentuated by the shoulder-widening frilled sleeves. The deep plunging V-neck is ideal for flattering a bust. Crafted from 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane it also comes in a long torso fit.
RRP: $65 / £52 | Part of a collaboration collection between Summersalt and Rifle Paper Co. This bikini top features built-in soft cups and adorable adjustable bowed straps, for a better fit overall. Available in two pretty, strawberry-inspired prints, for a summer-ready feel, it is made from 78% recycled polyamide.
RRP: $45 / £36 | Black bikini bottoms are a must-have piece in any swim capsule closet, as they'll work effortlessly with a range of colorful bikini tops. The nautical lace-up detailing draws the eye in, creating a more sculpted waistline, while the high-waisted cut will offer added contour and support to a midriff.
With an impressive list of core values: 'Inclusivity, Sustainability, Quality, and Passion', you can feel how Nomads deliver this message with every swimsuit. Offering a size range from 00-32, you'd be hard-pushed to find plus size sustainable swimwear that is as inclusive or as stylish. With directional, trend-worthy designs that straddle everything from graphic one-shoulder cuts, knot fronts, and regencycore square necklines, this truly is a one-stop shop. With a small edit of resort wear, it's worth checking out its plus size fashion pieces too.
Fabrics include recycled polyester, and biodegradable spandex, providing a high-end premium product that combines fashionability and sustainability effortlessly.
RRP: $185 / £148 | A signature style from Nomads, this luxe-looking one piece will have you turning heads in the pool. Made from Amni Soul Eco®, which is the world's first biodegradable polyamide yarn which takes approximately three years to be eliminated from the planet, reducing the environmental impact.
RRP: $110 / £88 | These bikini bottoms are size inclusive ranging from an XS to 5X. The fresh lime color makes for a sharp citrus pop this summer and looks great paired with a tan. We love the mid-rise brief that offers more coverage than low-rise '90s fashion trends, but a little less than high rise styles.
RRP: $115 / £92 | This swimsuit is crafted with the finest biodegradable and recycled fabrics. The stretchy material provides support without the need for traditionally cut cups. Nomads' mission is to eliminate all plastics from its products which includes providing biodegradable packaging - winning.
Putting the fun back into swimwear shopping, Kitty & Vibe are a sustainable swimwear brand that caters for fuller figures too. With bikini briefs available in two options per size, offering more or less booty coverage, the brand understands what we all want to know when shopping online for swimwear. Packed full of color and print, the brand, which goes up to a 44H cup and a 5XL2 (the 2 is for more booty coverage), Kitty & Vibe use its shoppers to model for campaigns to keep items as relatable as possible. From a sustainable angle, the brand uses eco-processed fabrics which consume minimal water resources and are more environmentally efficient.
RRP: $110 / £88.50 | If you usually shop for the best jeans for tall women, then Kitty and Vibe are a good one to check out. They have regular and long torso lengths for its one pieces. Made from 82% recycled polyester, all fabric has SPF 50+ sun protection and are eco-processed using minimal water resources.
RRP: $52 / £41.80 | These are Kitty and Vibe's best-selling bikini bottoms, crafted from 84% polyamide-nylon, the fabric offers good coverage and a flattering fit, all whilst being kinder to the planet. With the choice of three prints and a vast range of sizes, including plus sizes, these high-waisted briefs are not to be missed.
RRP: $58 / £46 | If you like a structured bikini top, this is the design to try. Made with a crisscross back for maximum comfort and support, this bikini top offers soft and supportive cups for bigger busts. The style goes up to a H cup and comes in three different prints, so you can be holiday-ready in no time at all.
