Last month I bought myself this new bikini top. It took a while to find – while there are plenty of sustainable swimwear materials around, there aren’t as many affordable brands selling in the UK!
But with a summer holiday coming up, and a recent hotel and spa stay with much swimming just past, I thought it was about time to update my swimwear collection. And so began my endeavour into finding this simple, black bikini top, which I intend to pair with my previously gifted Davy J’s briefs (pictured).
A note on sustainable fashion: it’s only sustainable if you buy pieces you’ll wear over and over again. These briefs fit really well, and suit almost any top because of their simple black design, so they were the perfect piece to keep (rather than replace altogether)
So if you’re looking to update your swimwear, here’s what you need to know about materials and the best ethical options out there.
The 3 Best Fabrics To Look For In Sustainable Swimwear
Most swimwear is made from fabrics that are not environmentally-friendly. You may think that this is unavoidable, but I’m pleased to say there are more eco-friendly options on the rise. While my guide to sustainable fabrics goes into things a little bit, I thought it would be worth breaking out the main materials found in swimwear here, and noting three great sustainable alternatives.
Here’s a list of the best eco-friendly textiles to look for when making your next swimwear purchase:
Recycled Nylon
Most modern swimsuits are made from nylon. Nylon is a good material for swimming costumes and bikinis as it’s strong and lightweight, but it doesn’t hold dyes well. For this reason, it is usually mixed with polyester to create patterned and colourful styles that are also chlorine resistant. You may also see lycra or spandex used for body-hugging elasticity.
Sustainable fashion’s answer to swimwear has come in the form of recycled nylon. You may also see this called ‘Econyl‘, a brand name for recycled nylon. This regenerated material helps reduce the demand for new nylon, and by extension, oil drilling.
Recycled nylon isn’t perfect: it still generates microfibres which are polluting our bodies and environment. However, it does provide the same performance as nylon, without the primary environmental impact.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester and recycled polyamide are similarly regenerated materials being used in swimwear. You may also see this called ‘Repreve‘, a branded version of recycled polyester fused with natural textiles. I rate these slightly lower than nylon, as polyester doesn’t have the same strength that nylon does, but it holds dye better and therefore is used in many colourful and patterned swimsuits.
Recycled polyester swimwear is on the more affordable side, so you may see savings passed on to you when buying these. Personally, I’d recommend recycled nylon over recycled polyester or polyamide, but both make for good quality and less impact on the environment.
Linen
If you’re looking for a swimsuit that doesn’t use any synthetic textiles, regenerated or otherwise, look to Natasha Tonić‘s range of hemp swimwear. Not only are these swimsuits and bikinis made with natural and biodegradable fibres, they’re also beautifully designed. As these swimsuits are made from absorbent materials, they will feel different if you plan on wearing them in the sea, but make for a great alternative for sunbathing and beach-side styling.
My Sustainable Swimwear Collection
Econyl One Piece
This year I was kindly gifted the Elle One Piece from Revivre Swim to try. This swimsuit is made from Econyl (recycled nylon), which is my preferred material for sustainable swimwear.
So far, I have worn it at two spas and on holiday in the South of France, and it’s quickly become my go-to swimming costume.
The one piece feels really well made, with the reversible side acting as a luxurious lining when not on show. I prefer to wear the swimsuit with the ribbed navy side on show, but it’s also great to reverse it and mix things up with the rose pink shade when on holiday. It even comes with two matching belts, making it four outfits in one!
I alternate between this swimsuit and my black crew-neck swimsuit from Berlook, which is a bit flimsier, but good for the price point.
Second-Hand Bikini
Next up, my not-so-glamorous second-hand bikini. This is a mix of two brands; the bottoms are from Davy J, while the top is second-hand from Vinted. I like to go swimming at my local pool and needed a bikini that doesn’t move while swimming, so this is more form over function.
(Note: I’m personally not opposed to wearing second-hand swimwear, so long as it is in good condition, but I understand if this isn’t for you!)
Read my guide to the best second-hand fashion sites →
Recycled Wetsuit
Finally, I had to shine a spotlight on my wetsuit from Vivida Lifestyle! Wetsuits pose an even greater conundrum when it comes to making them sustainably, and Vivida’s answer has been to use an innovative textile made from recycled tires. The wetsuit performs exactly the same as your standard ones, and comes with a cute reversible print too.
Read my full review of Vivida Lifestyle →
20 of the Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands in UK
So, onto the list of UK-based eco swimwear brands! I’ve compiled this list from a good few hours of research, and highlighted where garments are made (when the information was available) as well as fabrics and styles. Happy swimming!
Berlook: Affordable recycled polyester swimwear with inclusive sizing. Get 20% off: BESMA20
Casa Raki: High-end swimwear and resortwear, with swimsuits and bikinis made from Econyl.
Davy J: British-made leisure and performance water wear in bold colours and shapes using 100% recycled nylon.
Eno: Eco-friendly bikinis and swimwear for people with one breast who do not wear a prosthesis.
Finisterre: Performance swimwear and wetsuits made from recycled materials.
Harti: Luxury swimwear and beachwear in bright pop-art prints.
Hunza G*: Iconic crinkle-fabric swimwear created with a sustainable seersucker fabric.
Kōraru: Timeless bikinis and one-pieces, voted Most Sustainable Swim Brand 2024 by Marie Claire.
Marlies Dekkers: B-Corp certified swimwear brand with a vintage aesthetic.
Natasha Tonić: Hemp swimsuits and bikinis made in a range of modern styles and colours.
Noma Swimwear: Sustainable swimwear for babies and children made from recycled fishing nets.
Organic Basics*: Good quality swimwear from my favourite basics brand. Read my full review →
Patagonia: Pretty performance swimwear designed for surfing and watersports.
Revivre Swim: Chic swimwear in classic styles with reversible options. I have the Elle One Piece!
Ruby Moon: Brighton-based recycled gym-to-swim brand wear supporting women’s groups.
Turana Atash: Luxury, modest swimwear in beautiful designs and colour-ways.
Vivida Lifestyle: Sustainable performance swimwear, wetsuits, towel ponchos and more.
Disclaimer: This post contains gifted items (denoted with ‘gifted’) and affiliate links (denoted with ‘*’)