14 Ethical and Sustainable Swim Brands for the Eco-Conscious Beach Goer

Summersalt’s catalog is so big that there’s something for everyone. Apart from swimwear, you can also find cozy pajamas, durable travel wear, and so on.

This company uses recycled, post-consumer materials to create its garments. These are highly durable and can retain the shape for a long time. The most commonly used material is 78% polyamide, which is recycled plastics and nylon waste.

Summersalt travel wear is also made of fabric “leftovers” from factories, such as cotton linter.

Reformation is really into protecting the environment. The company claims it’s been carbon neutral since 2015.

It even tries to motivate its customers to reduce their carbon footprint as well by directing them to its partner, NativeEnergy.

Reformation’s management is transparent and honest about the company’s sustainability practices. They know the type of fabric used in creating swimwear impacts other choices of their customers later on.

That’s Reformation makes sure to mostly use Tencel™ Lyocell, Tencel™ x Refibra™, organic cotton, linen, certified viscose, while also gradually reducing the use of non-certified fibers that don’t meet sustainability standards.

Amahlia Stevens, the brand owner, has two main goals with Vitamin A - creating environment-friendly swimwear and empowering women.

The final result of Stevens’ three-year research was a unique, premium-quality fabric made of recycled nylon that soon became very popular among the brand’s customers.

Stevens continued the brand’s sustainability story. Apart from using organic and recycled materials, she also makes sure the packaging doesn’t involve plastics, and the factories where her fabric is made are energy-efficient.

Mara Hoffman feels great responsibility towards our planet, so her swimwear is made accordingly. Her priority is the use of natural, organic, or recycled materials. However, you won’t find fur or feathers in her products, as they’re cruelty-free.

Each one of her swimsuits is made of recycled nylon, such as ECONYL®, or polyester. ECONYL® is pre- and post-consumer waste turned into the fabric – it consists of anything from fishing nets to industrial plastic, which is also used to make Repreve®.

Mara Hoffman uses other sustainable materials, such as hemp, linen, organic cotton, etc. Plastic bags are also banned here – you can use a compostable poly bag instead.

Jessica Ray’s brand makes all kinds of swimwear, both for children and adults, for pregnant and plus-size ladies – everyone can feel comfortable in a swimsuit.

The fabrics are made in Italy, and they’re made of regenerated materials, such as nylon, so wearing a Jessica Ray swimsuit means you’re cleaning the ocean.

The sustainability of Jessica Ray’s swimwear lies on three important pillars: Each item is ethically made in LA factories where workers enjoy humane working conditions; the company only uses recycled and natural biodegradable organic fibers; the garments are durable and made to last for a long time.

Patagonia’s devotion to the cleaner environment doesn’t end with swimwear – its unique re-crafted collection features clothes made from other clothes that have been rescued from landfills, repaired, and turned into new garments.

As for the swimsuits, they’re made from recycled fabrics, such as nylon or polyester and are Fair Trade certified. That means that Patagonia meets all the ethical fashion standards, from sustainable materials to fair and safe manufacturing processes.

Patagonia claims its mission is to save the planet and is constantly taking action and finding new ways to help. One percent of the sales goes to different “green” organizations and their activities.

Believe it or not, Fair Harbor recycles plastic bottles and turns them into fashionable, attractive swimwear that’s resilient and long-lasting.

Witnessing too much plastic waste on ocean beaches inspired the company to do something about it and join other sustainable swim brands in making this important change in the fashion industry.

The company reincarnates post-consumer plastic waste into great, durable swimwear suitable for surfers and other beach lovers. It makes its clothing in factories that meet rigorous ethical and sustainability standards.

Sezane’s About Us page welcomes the visitors with the words, “Welcome to the second French Revolution.” True to its word, Sezane is one of the most prominent sustainable fashion brands from Europe.

Sezane’s clothes, footwear, jewelry, and accessories, including its unique swimsuits, are made to last, and feature natural, responsibly sourced materials. Sezane also paints the majority of its items with plant-based dyes, and mainly uses sustainable packaging.

Sezane also makes clothes in small batches to minimize waste, and is also very active in the recycling department. The company also pays living wages to its employees and actively combats worker exploitation.

No list of sustainable swim brands would be complete without Lacausa. The name of the company means “the cause” in Spanish, and it truly is a brand with a cause. It aims to change the face of the clothing industry and educate consumers on the benefits of sustainable clothes.

Some of Lacausa’s core principles include ethical manufacturing, giving back to the society through various donation programs, fair wages and treatment of the employees, low-waste production and design processes, among others.

Lacausa’s one and two-piece swimsuits feature timeless design, exceptional quality, and sustainable materials. They’re also available in sizes ranging from XS to L, and in various colors.

If you’re looking for a beach outfit that boldly stands out from the crowd, and is sustainable, you should take a look at Madewell’s Swim collection. Ranging from the classic and tastefully designed one and two-piece swimsuits, the Swim collection also offers cover-up pants, mini dresses, and shirtdresses.

Madewell supports safe workplaces, fair wages, and humane working conditions. Female employees receive same wages as their male colleagues. The company also donates a percentage of the profits made from every Fair Trade Certified item. The best thing about it is that the workers have full control over where the money is donated.

Sustainable swim brands can also have modern, edgy designs, as Stella McCartney’s catalog boldly shows. If you want to be the center of attention at this weekend’s pool party, take a look at McCartney’s one and two-piece swimsuits. They’re figure-flattering, flamboyant, and, what’s best, responsibly made.

Stella McCartney uses organic cotton, vegetarian leather, silk, wool, recycled nylon, cashmere, and many other eco-friendly materials. The brand’s catalog is also leather and fur-free.

The brand also has a sustainable supply chain, and is a part of the Ethical Trading Initiative. Factory employees work in safe and hygienic conditions, and excessive overtime work is forbidden.

Who says that ladies have to wear bikinis to the beach? Those among you who want beach pants, should take look at Outerknown’s catalog. They’re sustainable, timeless, and you can easily match them with any shirt or swimsuit top of your choosing. Outerknown also offers a range of men’s beach trunks.

The brand is among the most transparent brands in the sustainable clothing industry. It only works with companies that follow the strict guidelines of the FLA (Fair Labor Association). The list is available on Outerknown’s official site.

Vivida earned its spot on our list of the best sustainable swim brands with modern, superbly designed one- and two-piece swimsuits, as well as excellent performance in the sustainability and ethics categories.

Vivida is a lifestyle brand, focused on people who lead active lives and spend a lot of time outdoors. While not the most affordable among sustainable fashion brands, Vivida offers exceptional quality and superb design.

The company also aims to inspire and empower a global community that will speed up the shift towards sustainable fashion and sustainable, healthy lifestyle.