Samantha Lewis
It’s that time of year again – while we’re keen on replenishing our swimwear options, it’s vital we opt for sustainable options due to the environmental impact of our clothing choices.
Do you know what swimwear is made of? Well, many are made up of synthetic fibre which isn’t biodegradable, meaning they never decompose.
While micro-plastics are still an issue, brands are finding new ways to create long-lasting pieces, without virgin synthetics; from plastic water to fishing nets. Our waste is being recycled and reused to create items that are kinder to the environment.
What should you look for when shopping for sustainable swimwear?
ECONYL® is the most popular sustainable material found in swimwear. It’s made up of 100% recycled and recyclable fibre, which is constructed from post-consumer waste such as fishing nets and ocean waste, as well as pre-consumer waste, such as fabric scraps.
ECONYL® is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified which guarantees that the material does not contain any harmful products.
That said, there are many aspects to consider when establishing how sustainable a brand is, other than the materials used and its environmental impact.
Good On You is a fantastic resource if you’re keen to know how sustainable a brand really is. Their rating is based on an average of their scores in key areas – people, the planet, and animals. Brands are rated from “great” to “we avoid”, Brands need a score of “good” or “great” on the system to be recognised as “Good On You”.
There are other resources to tap into brands’ transparency, though Good On You is recognised worldwide.
Recommended Brands
Elle Evans
With sustainability at the foundation of the brand, there is a lot going on for Elle Evans. Based in Australia, the brand ensures that every garment they produce is made to order. They believe that it’s the best way of production as it means that every item goes to a happy home, rather than a landfill.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a chic one-piece or a cute bikini, subtle or bright pieces, block colour or holiday vibe patterns, Elle Evans has a wide range for you to choose from – you’ll never be lost for choices. They offer inclusive sizes from XXS to XXXL and prices range from £41 to £135 – rest assured that they will last longer than any cheap, disposable swimwear garment previously bought.
Elle Evans’ products are made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, which comes from plastic waste that has been dredged from the sea. Additionally, their digital printing methods use non-toxic water-based inks.
Elle Evans promotes the ECONYL ® Regeneration System and encourages its customers to re-wear garments time and time again until they have reached their full potential. They strive to close the loop rather than leave a footprint on the ecosystem by practising zero waste, and ethical production methods.
All the way through the production process, to packaging and shipping, Elle Evans does what it can to minimise its impact on the ecosystem – including the use of compostable HEROPACK© mailers, to “take the road less travelled and leave it as clean as [they] found it”.
allSisters
This sustainable swimwear brand has a deep ethos, to say the least. allSisters was born out of deep admiration for the ocean and water sports. Following their values, you’ll be sure to fulfil your active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for full coverage or not so much so, allSisters have got you and the environment covered. Starting from £24, their swimwear range is lightweight and soft yet durable and available in a range of colours to spice up those poolside and beach trips.
The Barcelona-based brand makes a warming anecdote relating to all women and mother earth. They use this story to explain that because we are all interconnected, we should work together to protect the planet, emphasising that fashion goes hand in hand with sustainability.
allSisters use up-cycled items made of stock material from Italy that carries the ‘Made in Green Oeko-Tex’ certificate. They make the garments by hand and are also Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified. Essentially, this guarantees that garments are tested for harmful substances and are made in environmentally and socially friendly workplaces.
Collie Co
Collie Co has a small yet colourful range of swimwear, as well as bodysuits and underwear. Their simplistic swimwear is made from luxury Italian knit lycra and is available in five colours, leaving wearers feeling sleek and stylish.
All of the lycra used is reclaimed deadstock, and all beachwear is handmade and made to order to reduce the possibility of waste and overproduction.
Collie Co works with local suppliers and manufacturers to limit their footprint and hold the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for sustainable textile production. This lingerie, underwear, and swimwear brand has the utmost respect for people, the planet, and quality, offering free carbon-neutral shipping worldwide.
Samudra Swimwear
Injecting fun into your poolside look with vibrant colours and lively patterns, Samudra Swimwear offers both one-piece and two-piece swimwear items made from Econyl fabric.
Founded in 2020, Samudra Swimwear’s purpose is to “make sustainable fashion fun, colourful and empowering”, whilst offering fair prices with items between £43 and £51.
The brand reuses materials instead of disposing of them in landfill, to minimise the need for new resources; leftover fabrics are used to make scrunchies or are donated to schools of fashion, Non-Governmental Organisations, and other social and educational centres in Spain.
As for packaging and shipping, Samudra Swimwear uses recycled and 100% recyclable boxes, while their suppliers plant one tree with every order. The brand is transparent in its previous and upcoming goals as well as certificates.
So, it’s time to break away from fast fashion this summer. Your carbon footprint begins at your online checkout. Before you jump to the likes of Shein and Zaful for cheap, low-quality swimwear garments, consider how you can make your suitcase more ethical and sustainable with brands like those listed above.
Featured image courtesy of Ron Lach via Pexels. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Sam Lewis
Samantha Lewis is a journalism graduate with a first class honours. She is currently a freelance journalist based in Leeds