Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, choosing more durable, reusable, and repairable products.
Swimwear presents a unique challenge for sustainability due to its need for stretchiness and water resistance — qualities typically achieved with synthetic fibres. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure your next swimsuit purchase is eco-friendly.
By researching a brand’s eco credentials, carefully considering style and fit, and reading care labels, you can make informed decisions that will benefit you and the environment.
Here are our top tips for sourcing sustainable swimwear and making a splash with a clear conscience.
What is sustainable swimwear?
Sustainable swimwear is designed and produced to minimise its environmental impact compared to standard swimwear. This involves using recycled materials or innovative fabrics with a smaller ecological footprint.
Eco-conscious production typically focuses on decreasing water and energy consumption and ensuring resources are used efficiently. It also avoids harmful chemical treatments, like those used to make quick-drying swimwear.
Integrating these practices allows sustainable swimwear brands to offer an eco-friendly alternative that meets the growing demand for environmentally responsible fashion.
How to source sustainable swimwear in the UK
There are numerous sustainable swimwear options available in the UK that cater to all eco-conscious swimsuit and bikini wearers.
Finding them can require some effort. Let’s explore how to identify planet-friendly options.
Research brands and materials
When selecting swimwear, look beyond the product and investigate the brand’s sustainability practices.
Many popular brands offer a few items labelled as sustainable, but their overall production methods may not be eco-friendly. This is known as greenwashing, where false eco claims are made to sell products. Instead, focus on brands dedicated to sustainable practices.
Pay close attention to the materials used in your swimwear. Innovative fabrics like ECONYL, hemp, and bamboo are becoming popular sustainable options.
Look for ecologically sound fabric dyes and materials with third-party sustainability certifications like OEKO-TEX. Higher-quality fabrics will last longer and release fewer microplastics into the environment during use and washing.
Before purchasing, read the garment care labels. Some swimwear might advise avoiding chlorine, which means it will deteriorate with pool use and can only be worn in freshwater and salt water. If a label mentions that a piece is quick-drying, it’s likely treated with PFAs. These ‘forever chemicals’ harm human health and the environment, so they should be avoided to reduce their destructive impact.
You should also consider the packaging. Truly sustainable swimwear brands avoid plastic packaging, opting for recyclable or compostable materials.
Embrace style, not fashion
Following fashion trends is tempting, but seeking swimwear in a cut and colour that will remain stylish every season is crucial. Choose classic fits in timeless colours like black, navy, or red, which never go out of style.
Equally essential is ensuring your swimwear fits comfortably. An ill-fitting swimsuit will result in you not using it and sourcing a replacement quickly.
Care for your swimwear
To extend the lifespan of your swimwear, rinse it thoroughly after each use to remove salt and chlorine. Then, wash it in cold water and dry it in the shade. Avoid tumble dryer use, as the heat will deteriorate the fabric.
Use a microfibre-catcher like the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag in your laundry to boost your eco-efforts, preventing microplastics from entering the waterways.
Taking these steps will help maintain your swimwear and reduce its environmental impact.
Old or damaged swimwear can be repurposed or donated to Tide and Seek for recycling.
The best British sustainable swimwear brands
Many popular clothing brands like Mango, H&M, and Zara offer sustainable swimwear lines. However, we’ve chosen to focus on brands solely dedicated to sustainable swimwear, so you know you’re getting the best.
These brands focus on eco-friendly practices and materials, ensuring sustainability is at the core of their production processes.
Made of Water
Made of Water offers a diverse range of sustainable swimwear and apparel for women who love wild swimming.
In addition to its own brand range, it features collections from SEPTEMBER, OHOY Swim, and Winki. The product lineup includes one-piece swimsuits, bikini tops and bottoms, swim shorties, and long-sleeve swim tops.
This brand’s products are crafted in a solar-powered facility using ECONYL and other recycled fabrics designed for durability. Its eco-friendly inks are OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring they’re safe for people and the planet.
Tide and Seek
Discover slow-fashion swimwear pieces at Tide and Seek. They have various fun, vibrant designs printed on a sustainably sourced fabric called REPREVE, made from post-consumer plastic bottles.
Manufacturing REPREVE emits fewer greenhouse gases than virgin fibres and contributes to conservation efforts by reducing water and energy use. The company also uses digital printing techniques, which consume less water and create less waste than traditional printing methods.
Tide and Seek presents various swimwear options, including one-piece bathing suits, bikini tops and bottoms, and swim leggings. The leggings are perfect for year-round use, providing warmth for winter swims and UPF 50+ sun protection for summer adventures.
Hunza G
Hunza G’s swimwear pieces are crafted from the brand’s signature Original Crinkle fabric, designed to fit anyone from a UK size 6 to 16. This unique material boasts unmatched stretchiness, ensuring a comfortable and flattering fit for diverse body shapes.
The collection comprises bikini tops, bottoms, and swimsuits, available in various fits and cuts, catering to different preferences. There are styles tailored for smaller and larger busts, varying levels of coverage, and maternity wear.
Emphasising sustainability, the brand focuses on creating pieces meant to withstand the test of time, with the intention that they can be passed down through generations.
In alignment with its commitment to environmental responsibility, Hunza G operates a dyeing facility where all wastewater is purified to drinking water quality, mitigating harm to wildlife and ecosystems.
Additionally, 86% of the electricity used in its fabric manufacturing facility is sourced from renewable energy, while the facility itself holds certifications for quality, environmental, and energy management.
RubyMoon
If you’re seeking UPF 50+ sun protection activewear designed to transition seamlessly from a workout to the pool, check out RubyMoon. Its versatile Gym To Swim collection features a range of swimwear and activewear essentials, including swimsuits, crop tops, rash vests, sports bras, bikini bottoms, leggings, and shorts.
Embracing the ethos of ‘do more with less,’ RubyMoon’s multifunctional pieces promote versatility and reduce excessive consumption.
As the world’s only fully circular, not-for-profit swim and activewear brand, RubyMoon prioritises sustainability in its operations. Its products are crafted from ECONYL, a fabric made from discarded fishing nets and other waste materials, contributing to ocean cleanup efforts.
Production of these innovative products results in 42% fewer carbon emissions than similar items, further solidifying RubyMoon’s commitment to conservation.
