Whether you’re taking a holiday to a tropical destination, booking a weekend beach getaway or attending a pool party, we know that finding the perfect-fitting swimwear to make you look fabulous from all angles seems a daunting task. Add to the priority list that the swimwear be ethically-made and as eco-friendly as possibly and it might seem downright impossible to find what you’re after.
Thankfully with the rising eco-consciousness, there are more swimwear brands taking on this challenge, creating functional bikinis and bathing suits that make women feel beautiful and confident, while causing minimal harm to communities and to our natural environment.
In no particular order, here are the sustainable swimwear brands we think you’ll love.
1. Aurai swimwear
New Zealand based brand Aurai creates collections reflecting a carefree, fun and healthy lifestyle. The name “Aurai” coming from the term in Greek mythology in which the Aurai are the winged nymphs of the breezes that travelled the world through the sea carrying messages for the gods. The brand believes they too are carrying an important message like the Greek Aurai – one of sustainability. Each piece is made with high quality materials and exclusive prints into surf safe designs for all body types. Although Aurai is based in New Zealand, the manufacturing occurs in Natalia’s hometown in southern Brazil where the pieces are handmade with locally sourced materials. To browse the beautiful swimwear range, visit the website here.
2. Jets swimwear
Jets swimwear is a long term signatory to the Ethical Clothing Australia accredation process. The brand is also committed to improving conditions in the textile, clothing and footwear industries. Their Australian-based supply chains are kept transparent and compliant with the relevant Australian laws. All Jets pieces is created based on the concept of timeless, sophisticated, elegant, smooth and sleek swimwear. Browse the extensive range of Jets swimwear here.
3. Koru swimwear
Koru is the New Zealand Maori word for “spiral”, symbolic for new life, hope, spiritual growth, purity, and peace. Inspired by the love of the environment and relaxed attitude of the Kiwi lifestyle, Koru swimwear was designed to incorporate this into their earth-friendly apparel and swimwear. Fabric is sourced from Italian company Carvico who also shares a green vision. All fabric used is derived from 100% regenerated polyamide made by Econyl, who works in partnership with HealthySeas.org to use discarded fishing nets pulled from the ocean to make the regenerated yarn in the fabrics used. Koru Swimwear offers environmentally conscious women a combination of fashion and function. Check out their current collection here.
4. Mime Swim
Australian owned and manufactured, the Mime Swim range is created from material re-birthed from harmful ghost fishing nets. Regenerated fibers that were once polluting the ocean are turned into luxury sustainable swimwear. In doing this, a balance is offered to the destructive and lazy technologies that threaten the ocean. If you love classic colours and flattering cuts, you’ll love this label. Check out their range here.
5. Vitamin A
Since launching in 2000, Vitamin A has been making figure flattering, chic swimwear inspired by travel and modern art. Vitamin A wants to beautify the beach in more ways than one, so they are conscious of lightening their environmental footprint. Wherever possible, their prints are created with waterless digital technology at factories specially chosen for their approaches to conserving electricity and water. Shop Vitamin A here.
6. Abysse Official
Abysse offers women who believe the ocean is a magic place a collection of wetsuits and bikinis. The brand has an aim to give back to the ocean and its habitants. Everything Abysse does is determined by the love and respect they have for the environment. Designed and handmade in California, Abysse is most commonly known for their high-end wetsuits which are exclusively made from Japanese Limestone Based Neoprene. To check out the stunning ethical swimwear and wetsuit range, visit the website here.
7. Shapes in the Sand
Shapes in the Sand is designed for authentic women of who embrace the natural world. An eco-conscious swimwear label that draws inspiration from different environments and the diversification of them, reminding anyone who looks at their pieces how precious their surroundings are. Each collection is designed and produced in the most environmentally friendly way possible using soft, regenerated fabrics and energetic prints. Handmade in Australia, Shapes in the Sand promises high quality and a long life garment. Browse the collection now.
8. Liar the Label
Based in Byron Bay Australia, Liar the Label is an eco-friendly brand that began in 2014. Pieces are manufactured in Australia as the brand feels it is important in making sure no local skill is lost and the carbon footprint is reduced wherever it can. The swim and active collections are made from recycled polyester, the yarn used being made from used recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. The label donates 10% of profits made from the ‘Exoskeleton’ collection, the startup collection of Liar the Label, to marine conservation. They believe in giving back to the community and as well as keeping products affordable for customers, they also partner with local and global environmental organizations. To shop the brand, head over to their website.
9. Araks
Araks is inspired by the vibrant beauty of New York City and the same aesthetic and attention to colour and fit that defines the lingerie collection. Bold colour and streamlined silhouettes reflect the mirror the concept of effortless beauty as all their garments do. All swimwear pieces are designed and made in New York City. If you have a soft spot for ethical luxury swimwear, Araks is the label for you. The new collection is available here.
10. Vege Threads
This affordable sustainable fashion brand has just launched its own swimwear line. Vege Threads’ new range of swimwear features five styles in different colours to suit your style. All garments are eco-friendly, made with sustainable fabrics such as recycled nylon. Vege Threads is designed and made in Australia. To support purchase eco swimwear from this beloved Aussie brand, visit the website here.
11. Elle Evans swimwear
This swimwear range’s production is done entirely by the designer and one other seamstress using fabric made from the plastic waste that finds its way into the ocean. With sustainability always in mind, when pieces can be made reversible to increase longevity, they are. The active wear range can also be worn in the water. Elle Evans swimwear aims to come into the foreground of the Australian fashion scene. To find out more, click here.
12. Greenlee Swim
Designed and manufactured in California, Greenlee Swim is all about minimalistic well designed swimwear that has a positive impact on the environment. The brand’s mix and match pieces are created from 82-83% recycled fibers. It is the conscious efforts such as this that carry on through Greenlee from day to night. Greenlee recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and partners with both local and global charitable organizations. To support this brand, visit their website here.
13. Amara Tulum
Amara Tulum (Amara meaning eternal love of the sea) offers fashionable yet functional pieces for the fearless and feminine beach chic women. The fabric used is made from plastic recovered from the oceans through the Healthy Seas Project. Amara swimwear is designed and made in Tulum in Mexico by local artisans. The swimwear is reversible, convertible and mix and match styles for effortless wearability and the epitome of #30wears sustainability. To check out this gorgeous swimwear label, visit https://www.amaratulum.co/.
Have you purchased any of these swimwear labels? If so, we’d love to know how it looks, feels and lasts, so make sure to share your story in the comment section below and help other conscious shoppers make their decisions.
