To everyone who took a little extra time deciding where to soak up the sun and dive in—we’ve curated a selection of brands aligning swimwear with vegan and sustainability values. Think animal-free materials, plastic recycling, reduced overproduction, and women-empowering policies and initiatives.
Given that swimwear typically relies on synthetics for performance, these brands have gone the extra mile by sourcing recycled fibres—primarily ECONYL® and REPREVE®.
With only around 9%1 of plastic waste currently recycled worldwide, and an estimated 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic produced since the 1950s2 —and still counting, as global plastic production has doubled in the past two decades3—still lingering in our environment, it’s never been more urgent to support those who repurpose what already exists—even if it’s just one bottle or discarded fishing net at a time.
You’re all welcome.
Inaska (Germany)
Inaska, founded by three women determined to rid the world’s seas of plastic, has already removed over 8.6 tonnes of waste since 2016. The brand’s swimwear and activewear are 78% ECONYL®—a regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets and carpet remnants. For lining fabric, they use Q-Nova®, a regenerated nylon made from yarn remnants. Q-Nova® is GRS (Global Recycling Standard), EU Ecolabel, and High Index certified. Remarkably, it all started with the simple desire for stylish swimwear. And to think about it, it all began with a desire for some nice swimwear.
VFR’s pick: Classic Cut Badeanzug PURE Dunkelgrün Moosgrün
Regular price: €139,00
Oraki (Canada)
This Montreal-based brand uses only recycled materials or natural plant fibres and has repurposed over 16,475,000 plastic bottles since its launch in 2016. Oraki works with REPREVE® to recycle post-consumer water bottles and create the polyester the brand uses in its collections. To combat one of the fashion industry’s biggest issues—overproduction—it releases only limited collections to minimise waste.
VFR’s pick: Aura Scoop Neck Tankini Top + Monarch High Waist Bikini Bottom
Regular price: $95,00 CAD + $77,00 CAD
Pantys (Brazil)
Based in Brazil, Pantys is a brand that creates all kinds of underwear for all kinds of women’s special days and needs—from menstruation to maternity and incontinence—using patented five-layer absorption technology. Their products are hypoallergenic, clinically tested, and developed in alignment with animal and planetary welfare. The brand also offers guidance on managing personal finances.
VFR’s pick: pantys + Rip Curl geometric curtain set – super light flow
Regular price: R$ 329.00
Ruby Moon (UK)
Founded by Jo-Anne Godden, a lingerie and swimwear specialist with over 25 years of experience, Ruby Moon is a brand for women who love clean beaches as much as they love the planet. Since 2010, the team has been removing plastic from the oceans and transforming it into swimwear and activewear. Each piece is designed according to the Gym To Swim® ethos of versatility. Impressively, 100% of the brand’s profits go towards micro-loans for women entrepreneurs around the world.
VFR’s pick: Rash Vest Yasmeen – Gym To Swim® surftop
Regular price: £105.00
Sandra Meynier Kang (Korea)
Founded by Sandra Meynier Kang after relocating to Seoul, S M K began as a creative outlet combining her passion for sewing, ballet, and rhythmic gymnastics. In 2017, the brand was reimagined to reflect her personal values, offering ethical, eco-friendly, and animal-friendly pieces for dance and gymnastics. All items are ethically made in Seoul, South Korea, and the brand donates 1,000 KRW per garment sold to the Korean animal protection association KARA. S M K also upcycles production scraps to create unique, plastic-free handmade packaging and other small items—and even upcycles returned clothing.
VFR’s pick: ECONYL® BIKINI PANTY
Regular price: ₩11,800
Togetherland (USA)
Founded in 2013, Togetherland is a B Corp-certified brand known for its distinctive hyper-real prints inspired by nature. Based in California, the brand operates on a rapid-response, made-to-order model that prevents overproduction and waste. Togetherland also fosters creative alliances with artists, brands, and musicians who share its ethos of a healthier fashion industry and planet. Through its Wasteless Manufacturing Platform, it supports numerous partnerships, collaborations, and private-label projects.
VFR’s pick: Bamboo Camo Playsuit
Regular price: $118.00
Explore more vegan and sustainable activewear in our Directory.
- https://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2022/02/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-management-and-recycling-fall-short.html ↩︎
- https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/83-billion-metric-tons-plastic-and-counting#:~:text=More%20than%208.3%20billion%20metric,or%20in%20the%20natural%20environment. ↩︎
- https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution ↩︎