Some people love summer. Some definitely don’t. But even then, there’s a consensus that cooling down in the water is the best part of the season.
That’s why we’ve selected brands we trust that offer swimwear. Most make their swimwear from ECONYL® and rPET, while others use deadstock synthetic fabrics. Some are certified PFAS-free, which is a significant advantage, as these chemicals have been linked to cancer, kidney disease, and hormonal disruption. All of the brands are transparent about their material composition and production facilities.
We hear you: open-loop recycling is not ideal, as it removes the original material from a closed recycling stream, which can otherwise be repeated almost indefinitely. However, there is no shortage of plastic waste. Our oceans are littered with discarded fishing nets that entangle and kill marine life, and there are more than enough PET bottles for everyone to recycle. In reality, only around 30% of PET bottles are recycled1, while globally just 6% to 10% are recycled in a closed-loop bottle-to-bottle system2. Around 85% of recycled PET (rPET) is instead processed in an open-loop system3 .
Wherever possible, let’s support brands that are actively championing transparency, reducing their environmental impact, and contributing to social and environmental wellbeing.
Ruby Moon‘s crowdfunding campaign for the world’s first recyclable swimsuit is still underway. Take a moment to watch Jo-Anne Godden’s message. If you believe in the project, support the campaign and help spread the word.
Black Simple Swimsuit by Miss Janna (Sweden)
Material(s): ECONYL® (78% recycled Polyamide, 22% Elastane)
About the brand: Founded by Janna Drakeed in Gothenburg, the brand was born out of a desire to create swimwear that makes people feel good, confident, and comfortable at the beach. The designs are flattering without being overly revealing, with many featuring a vintage-inspired aesthetic. All pieces are made from ECONYL®.
Regular price: 1 399 kr
Tangerine Bralette + High Waist Bottom By TOGETHERLAND (USA)
Material(s): custom fabric made of 84%Recycled PET and 16% Spandex
About the brand: 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 collaborations with artists, brands, and musicians who share its vision of a healthier fashion industry and planet. Through its Wasteless Manufacturing Platform, it supports numerous partnerships, collaborations, and private-label projects.
Regular price: top $55.00 + bottom $65.00
Racerback Swimsuit by WUKA (UK) 🩸
Material(s): Outer (61% Polyamide, 39% Elastane), Middle (88% Polyester, 12% Elastane) and 78% Recycled Nylon, 22% Elastane, TPU), Inner (50% Bamboo Charcoal, 50% Polyester)
About the brand: Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Ruby Raut, an environmental scientist, and Dave Slocombe, WUKA (“Wake Up, Kick Ass”) is a British brand specialising in sustainable menstrual underwear, swimwear, and lingerie. Its mission is to empower women and support their confidence during menstruation. All WUKA products are independently tested. The brand works with Highstreet Textile Testing Services Ltd (HTTS) and SGS, both of which have confirmed that its products contain no PFAS. As part of its mission to end period poverty, WUKA donates period pants, time, and funding to charities and organisations including Surfers Against Sewage, Days for Girls, The Hygiene Bank, and City to Sea.
Regular price: £49.99
Menstrual Bikini Briefs by COCORO (Spain) 🩸
Material(s): recycled polyamide
About the brand: Founded in 2016 in Barcelona by Eva Polío, Laida Memba, Clara Guasch, and Cristina Torres, Cocoro produces underwear and swimwear free from toxins and endocrine disruptors. Its products are completely free from PFOS, PFOA, lead, dioxins, heavy metals, BPA, and phthalates. This swimwear incorporates a 4D technical layer with super-absorbent fibres and a waterproof polyurethane membrane capable of absorbing up to ten times its weight in under two seconds, helping to keep you comfortable and dry. A second Eco-PUL layer limits water penetration while preventing menstrual blood from passing through the fabric. An antibacterial treatment also helps prevent unpleasant odours and maintains long-lasting freshness.
Regular price: €42.80
Its Bitsy Bikini Bralette + High Waist Panty by Daniela Paradeis (Austria)
Material(s): main fabric: 85% PA, 15% EA; lining: 87% PA, 13% EA
About the brand: Founded in 2015, Daniela Paradeis is a Vienna-based lingerie and swimwear label run entirely by its founder, who designs, patterns, sews, and finishes every piece herself. The brand focuses on made-to-order production to minimise waste and eliminate overproduction. Collections are crafted primarily from European deadstock and surplus materials, ensuring every piece is vegan and sweatshop-free. Daniela Paradeis combines vintage-inspired design with modern functionality while offering custom sizing and personalisation. One tree is planted for every order placed.
Regular price: top €95.00 + panty €80.00
Multiway Bikini Top CHILL Nature by INASKA (Germany)
Material(s): Inner: 83% ECONYL® regenerated polyamide, 17% elastane; outer:78% ECONYL® regenerated polyamide, 22% elastane
About the brand: Founded by three women determined to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, Inaska has removed more than 8.6 tonnes of waste since 2016. The brand’s swimwear and activewear are made from 78% ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon produced from discarded fishing nets and carpet waste. For its linings, Inaska uses Q-NOVA®, a regenerated nylon made from yarn offcuts. Q-NOVA® is certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), the EU Ecolabel, and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Remarkably, it all started with the simple desire to create stylish swimwear.
Regular price: €70.00
Explore more vegan activewear, swimwear, and accessories in our Directory.
Footnotes:
- https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/frequent-questions-regarding-epas-facts-and ↩︎
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949823624000722 ↩︎
- https://www.spglobal.com/platts/plattscontent/_assets/_files/en/productsservices/sample/recycled-plastics-infographic-petrochemical-1907-digital.pdf ↩︎
Further reading:
Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Seitkhan Azat b, Zahed Ahmadi c, Omid Moini Jazani d, Amin Esmaeili e, Ehsan Kianfar, Józef Haponiuk a, Sabu Thomas g, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling: A review, available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666016424000677
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