Best Sustainable Swimwear
Ready to hit the beach with sustainable swimwear this summer? I’ve rounded up the best sustainable swimsuit and bikini brands based in the UK. Thankfully, there are now plenty of eco-friendly and ethical swimwear brands available in the UK meaning a great selection of bikinis and swimsuits for every body.
In this sustainable swimwear guide, you’ll find highlights of the best sustainable swimsuit and bikini brands, as well as affordable and ethically made swimwear options that are easy on both your conscience and your bank account (iykyk).
Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands in the UK
Batoko – Batoko is a UK-based sustainable swimwear brand that creates bold, ethical swimsuits made from recycled plastic rubbish. Their swimwear designs are colourful and punchy for the more fun, out-there swimmer. Their swimsuits are manufactured in a socially responsible way, and they use environmentally-friendly packaging.
Davy J – Davy J is a UK-based sustainable swimwear brand that creates stylish, minimalist swimwear using recycled fabrics. Their Zero Trace swimsuit is made using the first fully biodegradable nylon yarn and they also work with UpCycle Labs in Nottingham to recycle swimwear and regenerate old Davy J swimsuits. I personally love their long sleeve swimsuit option – perfect for cold water swimmers.
Finisterre – Finisterre is a sustainable outdoor clothing and swimwear brand originating from St. Agnes in Cornwall. Their swimwear is made from recycled polyester and is designed to be durable and long-lasting. They make their swimwear and wetsuits in Devon. Finisterre prioritises ethical manufacturing practices and offers repairs, pre-loved and trade-in options. They’re also a certified B Corp.
Ruby Moon – Ruby Moon is a sustainable sportswear and swimwear brand. Their designs are mostly in black with bright and bold accent colours. Their sustainable swimwear is made from recycled nylon. The female-founded team at Ruby Moon focuses on empowering women through their designs. The brand is based in Brighton and Hove, and they’re the world’s only completely circular, not-for-profit swim and activewear brand.
Soso Swim – Soso Swim is a sustainable swimwear brand that produces flattering, minimalist swimsuits and bikinis. Their swimwear is made from regenerated nylon and recycled plastic bottles, and is ethically made in the UK. Soso Swim also supports environmental charities through their sales. Soso Swim also sells their own pre-loved swimsuits for those looking for affordable sustainable swimwear.
Stay Wild – Stay Wild is a sustainable swimwear brand that creates stylish and versatile swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles. They use a closed-loop system to recycle water and reduce their water usage during production. Stay Wild Swim is also committed to transparency and ethical manufacturing practices and is a certified B Corp.
Affordable Sustainable Swimwear Brands in the UK
True Blue Designs – True Blue Designs is a small batch, sustainable bikini brand that creates unique and colourful bikinis made from recycled polyamide. Their recycled bikinis are designed and made by Ella in her Lancashire based studio. The brand avoids mass production by hand making each garment. As one of the smaller brands on the list, they are also one of the most affordable. And, honestly, their bikinis are pretty sexy.
Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands in Europe
It’s preferable to buy from local brands to save carbon emissions on shipping longer distances. However, there are some brilliant sustainable swimwear brands in Europe that I couldn’t miss off this list.
05 Studio – My favourite for ethically made swimwear at affordable prices is 05 Studio. Based in Bulgaria, all of their swimwear is designed and made in Bulgaria with local seamstresses and small independent ateliers using deadstock fabric. They also have a fab lingerie collection.
Essentials for Zula – Sustainable bikini and swimsuit brand, Essentials for Zula, is based between Austria and Thailand. Run by a father-daughter duo, this family-run business is transparent about their factories ethics and includes plenty of info on their sustainability page about this.
Mymarini – Mymarini is a German sustainable swimwear brand. Their swimwear is made from regenerated nylon and 90% of their collections are certified as groundwater-neutral. They publish an annual sustainability report and contribute their profits to charities.
How To Know If Swimwear is Really Sustainable
When it comes to checking if sustainable swimwear brands are truly sustainable, there are a few things you can look for. Here are some tips on how to verify the sustainability claims of brands who state they’re ethical, sustainable or eco-friendly.
- Check the materials: Look for swimwear brands that use recycled or regenerated materials like nylon or polyester. Regenerated nylon, in particular, is a great sustainable material because it’s made from waste like fishing nets and industrial plastics. Make sure the brand provides transparent information about their materials. This is usually listed on their product pages.
- Look for certifications: Many sustainable fashion brands are certified by third-party organisations that verify their eco-friendly and ethical practices. Check if the brand has certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Bluesign or B Corp.
- Check the brand’s policies: Look for information on the brand’s website about their environmental and ethical policies, and their anti-corruption and anti-slavery policies. Some things to look for include information on fair labor practices, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and the use of sustainable packaging materials. Truly ethical brands don’t try to hide this sort of info.
- Check the Good on You Directory. This directory reviews and rates how ethical brands truly are by rooting through information and credentials of the business. If the brand you’re looking for isn’t yet rated, submit them for review or contact the brand directly to encourage them to get reviewed.
These sustainable swimwear brands offer stylish and affordable options for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. By choosing ethical and recycled bikinis and swimsuits, you can make a positive difference for the planet without sacrificing style or comfort.
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