Your Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Swimwear: Looking Good While Doing Good
For decades, buying a new swimsuit was a simple, if sometimes frustrating, ritual. It was about color, cut, and that elusive perfect fit.
The hidden costs, the environmental toll of virgin synthetic fabrics, the questionable ethics of far-flung factories, the disposable nature of fast-fashion swimwear, were out of sight and out of mind.
But the tide is turning. Today, more than ever, we're asking questions. Where does this come from? Who made it? What is it doing to our planet?
This awakening is particularly crucial for swimwear. By its very nature, swimwear is almost always made from plastic-derived materials like nylon and polyester.
The traditional production of these fabrics is resource-intensive, relying on petroleum and contributing to the ever-growing specter of microplastic pollution in our oceans.
It’s a painful irony: the garment we wear to enjoy the water has, historically, been a significant source of its degradation.
But here’s the good news: a revolution is underway. A new wave of innovative, passionate, and deeply responsible brands is proving that we don’t have to choose between looking good and doing good.
They are turning waste into wonder, fishing nets into fashion, and plastic bottles into beautiful, durable swimsuits.
They are prioritizing the people in their supply chains and designing suits to last for seasons, not just a single holiday.
This guide is your deep dive into the world of sustainable swimwear. I’ll share with you what truly makes a swimsuit eco-friendly, introduce you to the leading brands that are setting the standard, and help you find the perfect suit that aligns not only with your body but with your values.
This isn't about perfection; it's about progress. It's about making a choice that feels a little better for the world, one swim at a time.
In a Nutshell
- Eco-friendly swimwear is defined by its materials (like recycled nylon from fishing nets or plastic bottles), ethical production practices, and a brand's commitment to circularity, such as repair and recycling programs.
- Patagonia stands out as the top choice for durability and ethical assurance, thanks to its B Corp certification, Fair Trade practices, and performance-driven designs built to last for years.
- Summersalt is the winner for inclusive fit and trend-forward style, using data from millions of body scans to create flattering suits from recycled materials in a wide range of sizes.
- The most sustainable suit is the one you already own. Proper care rinsing in cold water, avoiding machines, and air-drying away from sun dramatically extends the life of any swimwear.
What Makes Swimwear Truly Eco-Friendly?
Before we look at the brands, it’s important to understand the criteria. Sustainable can be a murky term, but when it comes to swimwear, we can break it down into three core pillars.
1. Materials: This is the biggest factor. Since natural fibers like cotton aren’t suitable for swimwear, the focus is on innovative synthetics.
Recycled Fabrics: The gold standard. This includes ECONYL® (regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and other nylon waste) and REPREVE® (recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles).
These fabrics divert waste from landfills and oceans and require significantly fewer resources to produce than virgin synthetics.
Low-Impact Dyes: The dyeing process is notoriously polluting. Brands committed to sustainability use dyes that require less water and energy and avoid toxic chemicals that can leach into waterways.
2. Production & Ethics: A beautiful suit made from recycled materials loses its luster if the people making it aren’t treated fairly.
Ethical Manufacturing: Look for brands that are transparent about their factories. Certifications like SA8000 or affiliation with the Fair Labor Association are strong indicators of safe working conditions and fair wages.
Local or Small-Batch Production: Some brands manufacture closer to home (like in the USA or Europe) to reduce their carbon footprint and maintain better oversight. Others produce in small, limited runs to prevent overstock and waste.
3. Circularity & Longevity: The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of "take-make-waste."
Durability: A well-made suit that lasts five summers is infinitely more sustainable than five cheap suits that last one each. Quality construction and resilient fabrics are key.
End-of-Life Programs: The most forward-thinking brands offer repair services or take back old swimwear (sometimes any brand) to be recycled into new material, closing the loop.
Trueecoliving Tip: When shopping, don’t just look for a "sustainable" collection. Dig into the brand’s "About" page. Their commitment to these principles should be woven into their entire company story, not just a single product line.
The 7 Best Eco-Friendly Swimwear Brands of 2025
Based on a thorough analysis of material innovation, ethical production, design, and consumer trust, these seven brands are leading the charge.
1. Patagonia
A titan in the outdoor industry, Patagonia’s commitment to the planet is the very core of its identity. Their swimwear is designed for surfers and swimmers who need performance and durability.
Sustainability Credentials: Uses 100% recycled nylon and polyester. A certified B Corporation and a pioneer in Fair Trade certification, ensuring fair wages and conditions. Their Worn Wear program promotes repair and reuse.
Style & Fit: Performance-driven designs like rash guards and athletic one-pieces. Focuses on function, with a fit that’s practical for active use. Sizes typically range from XS to 3X.
Price Point: $50 – $120
Ideal For: The eco-conscious adventurer who needs a suit that can withstand surfing, swimming, and years of wear.
Trueecoliving Tip: Invest in a Patagonia suit if you live in the water. Its longevity makes it a cost-per-wear champion, justifying the initial investment.
2. Reformation
This LA-based brand mastered the art of being effortlessly cool and socially responsible. Their swimwear line is an extension of their chic, vintage-inspired clothing.
Sustainability Credentials: Swimsuit fabrics are 100% recycled, primarily ECONYL®. They prioritize small-batch production to minimize waste and use low-impact dyes.
Style & Fit: Trendy, sexy, and flattering designs, think high-cut bikinis and chic one-pieces. A great blend of fashion and conscience. Sizes run from XXS to XL.
Price Point: $100 – $200
Ideal For: The fashion-forward individual who wants a stylish, Instagram-worthy suit without the environmental guilt.
Trueecoliving Tip: Reformation’s suits are perfect for a holiday where you plan to go from the beach directly to a lounge or restaurant, they are designed to be seen.
3. Vitamin A
A true pioneer, Vitamin A has been at the forefront of sustainable swimwear for over two decades, blending California cool with serious innovation.
Sustainability Credentials: One of the first to use ECONYL®. Also uses fabrics like Ecolux (recycled nylon) and even biodegradable options. They utilize digital printing to reduce water waste.
Style & Fit: Minimalist, sophisticated, and timeless designs with a focus on quality and support. Often praised for its flawless construction. Sizes from XS to XL.
Price Point: $80 – $180
Ideal For: Anyone seeking a high-quality, timelessly stylish suit that will remain a wardrobe staple for years.
Trueecoliving Tip: Choose Vitamin A for a classic, elegant look. Their suits are less about fleeting trends and more about investing in a permanent piece of your summer wardrobe.
4. Summersalt
Summersalt exploded onto the scene with a data-driven approach to fit and a joyful, colorful aesthetic that appeals to a massive audience.
Sustainability Credentials: Fabrics are made from recycled post-consumer materials (like plastic bottles). Factories are SA8000 certified for social accountability.
Style & Fit: Their secret weapon is the data from over 1.5 million body scans. The result is incredibly flattering, supportive suits with clever details like tummy control and built-in cups. Offers a huge range of sizes (0-24) and styles, including long-torso options.
Price Point: $60 – $100
Ideal For: Those who prioritize a confident, comfortable fit above all else and love a wide variety of colorful, trendy designs.
Trueecoliving Tip: If you’ve always struggled to find a one-piece that fits your torso perfectly, Summersalt’s long-torso-specific options are a game-changer.
5. Boden
A beloved UK brand, Boden brings its signature cheerful prints and family-friendly sensibility to its sustainable swim line.
Sustainability Credentials: Committed to using 100% recycled polyester by 2025, with much of their line already there. They have strong ethical trading policies and use recyclable packaging.
Style & Fit: Fun, classic, and modest prints. Great for tankinis, boy-shorts, and family-matching looks. Sizes are generous and inclusive (US 4-20).
Price Point: $40 – $100
Ideal For: Families and anyone looking for durable, cheerful, and affordable sustainable swimwear.
Trueecoliving Tip: Boden is your go-to for kids' swimwear that’s both sustainable and able to survive the rigors of sandcastles and ice cream spills.
6. Galamaar
For those who appreciate minimalist luxury and clean lines, Galamaar offers timeless pieces crafted with intention.
Sustainability Credentials: Made in Los Angeles from ECONYL®, significantly reducing its carbon footprint from shipping. Uses eco-conscious packaging.
Style & Fit: Focuses on timeless silhouettes in solid, often bright, colors. The cuts are sophisticated, with an emphasis on quality and comfort for all-day wear.
Price Point: $100 – $150
Ideal For: The minimalist who values high-quality basics and supports local manufacturing.
Trueecoliving Tip: A Galamaar suit is a wardrobe workhorse. Its simple elegance means it will never go out of style.
7. Do Good Swimwear
As the name implies, this brand is built on a foundation of positive impact, focusing on small-batch production and zero-waste initiatives.
Sustainability Credentials: California-crafted from ECONYL® and recycled blends. They upcycle their fabric scraps into accessories like scrunchies, pursuing a zero-waste model.
Style & Fit: Sporty, cute, and functional. Designs are supportive, quick-drying, and perfect for actual swimming and beach sports.
Price Point: $70 – $130
Ideal For: The actively minded beachgoer who wants to support a small brand dedicated to a zero-waste philosophy.
Trueecoliving Tip: Follow them on social media to see their small-batch "drops", this is slow fashion at its best, preventing overproduction.
Top 2 Recommendations: Where to Start
With so many great options, it can be hard to choose. If you’re looking for a starting point, these two brands represent the pinnacle of sustainability in their respective categories.
For Unmatched Durability & Ethics: Patagonia
If your primary goal is to make the most responsible purchase possible, Patagonia is the undeniable choice.
They are not a swimwear company that does sustainability; they are a sustainability company that makes swimwear.
Their commitment is woven into every fiber of their operation, from the Fair Labor Association accreditation to their self-imposed "Earth tax," donating 1% of sales to environmental causes.
You’re not just buying a suit; you’re buying a piece of gear. It’s engineered for surfers, which means it can handle anything you throw at it, salt, sun, chlorine, and waves. The fit is practical and secure, designed for movement.
While the styles are more functional than fashionable, they possess a timeless, rugged quality. This is the definition of a "buy it for life" (or at least for a very long time) swimsuit.
The durability alone makes it the ultimate sustainable choice, as it negates the need for repeated purchases.
The Verdict: Choose Patagonia when your top priorities are ethical assurance, incredible longevity, and performance. It’s for the person who sees their swimsuit as a piece of equipment for enjoying nature respectfully.
For Inclusive Fit & Trend-Forward Style: Summersalt
Summersalt wins by making sustainability feel incredibly fun, fashionable, and accessible to every body.
Their data-driven approach to design is not just a marketing gimmick; it results in suits that fit in a way that others simply don’t.
The compression fabric is flattering, the support is real, and the range of sizes and styles is truly impressive.
While they use recycled materials and ethical factories, their standout feature is making eco-consciousness feel glamorous and joyful.
You don’t choose Summersalt in spite of its sustainability; you choose it because it’s a fantastic swimsuit that happens to be sustainable.
It’s the suit you pack for a vacation where you want to look and feel your best, knowing that your choice also did some good for the planet.
The Verdict: Choose Summersalt when you want a fashionable, vacation-ready suit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style, fit, or fun for sustainability.
Concluding Thought
Choosing eco-friendly swimwear is a powerful, tangible step toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
It’s a vote for cleaner oceans, fairer wages, and a shift away from the disposable culture that dominates fashion.
It demonstrates that we can still enjoy life’s pleasures, like a day at the beach, with intention and respect for the world that provides them.
I truly believe that the future of fashion lies in this direction: beautiful, well-made goods that tell a positive story.
By supporting the brands that are innovating and taking responsibility, you become part of that story.
So next time you’re looking for a new suit, take a moment to look beneath the surface. You might just find that the suit that looks good on you, also does good for the world. And that’s a feeling that never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is recycled swimwear as durable as regular swimwear?
Yes, and often it’s more durable. High-quality recycled fabrics like ECONYL® are engineered to be identical to, and sometimes even more resilient than, their virgin counterparts.
Brands like Patagonia build their suits for high-performance activities, ensuring they stand up to sun, salt, and chlorine exceptionally well.
2. Why is sustainable swimwear more expensive?
The higher cost reflects the true price of doing business responsibly.
It accounts for fair wages for workers, the more complex process of sourcing and regenerating recycled materials, smaller production runs to prevent waste, and investments in certifications and eco-friendly technologies.
You’re paying for quality and ethics, not just a product.
3. How can I tell if a brand is truly sustainable or just greenwashing?
Look for transparency and specifics. Vague claims like "eco-friendly" are red flags. Genuine brands will:
- Name their specific fabric sources (e.g., “82% ECONYL®”).
- Provide information about their factories and labor certifications.
- Have clear, ambitious goals for reducing their impact on their website.
- Talk about the entire product lifecycle, including end-of-use programs.
4. How should I care for my swimwear to make it last longer?
Proper care is the simplest way to boost sustainability. Always rinse your suit in cold, fresh water immediately after use to remove salt, chlorine, and sand.
Gently hand-wash it with a mild detergent; never wring it out. Lay it flat to dry in the shade, as direct sunlight and machine dryers will break down the elastic fibers quickly.