The 15 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands That Are Good for Your Bod and the Earth

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·13 min read

Sustainable swimwear has proven to be more than just a trend in the past few years as more and more brands are making efforts to incorporate eco-friendly fabrics and manufacturing methods into their designs. But how can you know that you’re truly buying something that’s good for the earth, and not fall prey to greenwashing? Well the first place to start is with eco certifications. Companies like B Corp or Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) do deep dives into the materials and manufacturing processes of tons of brands to see if they live up to a set of rigorous standards. Keeping an eye out for certain certifications can help you determine exactly what a swimwear brand is doing to give back or prevent further environmental damage.

Another great signifier is a brand’s “About Us” page. If a company is making efforts to be more sustainable, they’re going to want to brag about it. Lots of places have in depth information about all the ways in which they are lessening their environmental impact right on their websites. And if they don’t, or you want more information or clarification, you can reach out to customer service. A brand that’s truly invested in being green, not just appearing to be green, will be all too willing to provide the details you’re looking for.

Now, onto the fun stuff: shopping. We did the research and found 15 sustainable swimwear brands that are sure to inspire a beachy vacation or pool visit. Presenting, the best of the best to shop before your next vacay.

The Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands at a Glance

RELATED: 13 Sustainable Fabrics to Shop for the Most Eco-Friendly Wardrobe

1. Vitamin A

Best Range of Styles

  • Sustainability highlights: Made with OEKO-TEX certified recycled nylon and plant-based fabrics; water conservation efforts; shipped in recyclable packaging; ethically made in the USA; a portion of every purchase goes to 1% For The Planet

  • Size range: XS to XXL

This California-based brand is a member of 1% for the Planet, and gives back a portion of proceeds to environmental organizations who work to protect our oceans. Vitamin A also offers a wide range of styles to fit all different tastes, whether you prefer to avoid tan lines with a triangle string top and an itty-bitty bottom, or crave more coverage with a sleek one-piece. There are also a number of different textures to choose from, like a thicker fibbed fabric or the usual smooth materials, and there are also tons of fun colors and prints (digitally printed to avoid chemical run off from dyes) to mix and match. Prices range from $86 for bikini separates to about $250 for more structured one-pieces (and a small handful over that price as well).

Shop Vitamin A

2. Athleta

Best for Sporty Chic Swim

  • Sustainability highlights: B Corp certified; uses two eco-friendly fabrics, AquaRib (made of Econyl fabric, which is 100 percent regenerated nylon fiber from fishing nets) and H2Eco Swim Fabric (made from recycled nylon)

  • Size range: XXS to XL and 32B to 40DD, also Tall

We already know and love Athleta for its cool workout clothes and chic travel gear, but did you know that 85 percent of its swim collection is sustainable? Athleta’s swimwear is best for those who want a bikini or one-piece they can be active in, but that doesn’t look like a true sport suit. The brand strikes a perfect balance between style and support with prints, colors and cuts that feel fun without veering all the way into trendy. One-pieces cost between $100 and $119, while two pieces range from $98 for full-coverage tankinis to under $50 for bikini bottom and top separates.

Shop Athleta

3. Mara Hoffman

Best Designer Label

  • Sustainability highlights: Made from eco-conscious materials (like Tencel, organic cotton and recycled fabrics)

  • Size range: XS to 3X and 0 to 20

Mara Hoffman wasn’t always a sustainable brand, but in 2015 it committed to changing its ways and investing in eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, and has been improving on those ever since. The brand is perhaps best known for it’s fun use of color and texture, and offers a multitude of different styles to fit every beachgoer. It even recently announced that every single suit, not just a select few, will now be offered in the full size range. Our favorite pieces are the surprisingly sexy one-pieces (starting at $250) and the vibrant patterned pieces. (Bikini tops start at $130 and bottoms at $140.)

Shop Mara Hoffman

4. Patagonia

Most Eco-Friendly

  • Sustainability highlights: Certified B Corp; uses on Fair Trade Certified factories; made from recycled materials; gives back to the community through a multitude of programs and charities; ships in recycled/recyclable packaging

  • Size range: XXS to XXL

It should come as no surprise to see Patagonia on this list (unless you didn’t know it made swimwear). The brand has been dedicated to sustainability since it was founded almost 50 years ago, and that extends to its adorable-yet-practical bikinis, swimsuits and water-friendly apparel. Patagonia keeps thing simple with a limited selection of patterns, colors and styles (though many are reversible for two-suits-in-one), but every option is a wonderful balance between cute and classic and you can bet they’re made to last. That said, if you find your suit has come to end of its usefulness, you can send it back to Patagonia to be properly recycled as an extra eco-friendly boost.

Shop Patagonia

5. Summersalt

Best for Plus Sizes

  • Sustainability highlights: Swimwear and packaging is made from recycled materials; WRAP and BSCI certified ethical production in Asia

  • Size range: XS to 2X, also Long Torso

Summersalt has developed a cult following for it’s incredibly flattering one-pieces, specifically the one-shoulder Sidestroke, and the fact that it comes in such a wide size range, and even has swimsuits for long torsos. Add to that a continuing dedication to developing eco-friendly materials and implementing more sustainable manufacturing and shipping practices, and you’ve got yourself a green swim brand worth the splurge. Even better, each suit comes in under $145 and most under $100, so you won’t break the bank picking out some new vacation staples.

Shop Summersalt

6. Galamaar

Most Splurge-Worthy

  • Sustainability highlights: Materials used are all waste-to-wear (meaning they are made from recycled fabrics like nylon fishing nets that are removed from global waterways), including pad inserts made locally in L.A.; recycled hang tags; regenerated mixed metal hardware; eco-packaging materials

  • Size range: XS to XL

Galamaar is best known for its classically chic and timeless silhouettes in fresh, fun color combinations. The California-based, women-run brand is focused on creating a circular product cycle, meaning it uses recycled fabrics that can then, in turn, be recycled again at the end of your swimsuit’s lifetime. Galamaar’s designs are on the pricier end—ranging from about $120 for separates and $240 for one-pieces—but the materials seriously hold up even after heavy pool/beach use and feel incredibly luxe. We highly recommend checking out the ‘60s-inspired Sweet Jane print or, for a more classic vibe, try the Chemise one-piece with a cute adjustable bow at the top and a super-flattering ruched neckline.

Shop Galamaar

7. Girlfriend Collective

Best for Colorful Classics

  • Sustainability highlights: Made using OEKO-TEX certified Econyl regenerated nylon; shipped in recycled packaging; circular initiatives; produced in Vietnam with SA8000 certification

  • Size range: XXS to 6XL

Another fantastic option for plus sizes, Girlfriend Collective eschews prints for rich solid hues and timeless silhouettes that will remain in style and continue to flatter your figure year after year after year. And the eco-friendly materials are super soft, even while wet, and are supportive without feeling constricting. GC is also decently affordable, with bikini tops and bottoms starting at $38 and one-pieces at $88. The collection is, admittedly, very minimal at the moment, but the brand will be coming out with new must-have colors as the summer continues.

Shop Girlfriend Collective

8. TomboyX

Best Gender-Neutral Brand

  • Sustainability highlights: Certified B Corp; made with OEKO-TEX certified sustainable and recycled materials; WRAP and FLA certified ethical production; shipped using biodegradable packaging

  • Size range: XS to 6X

TomboyX is a gender-neutral brand that makes swimsuits for everyone and anyone in vibrant colors and funky prints that are bound to stand out among a sea of black one-pieces. The vast majority of the pieces are full coverage but without feeling dowdy, and have a sporty vibe we love. But really it’s the bright prints, like this tropical floral and this rainbow stripe, that made us fall in love. (P.S. If you like the swimwear, TomboyX also makes underwear and casual ready-to-wear pieces too.)

Shop TomboyX

9. Boden

Most Flattering Designs

  • Sustainability highlights: Made from recycled polyester and polyamide; SMETA and ILO certified ethical production; packaging is made from recycled materials

  • Size range: XS to XL and 2 to 22, also 32A to 38DD

This British brand makes adorable clothing for the entire family, including eco-friendly swimsuits. The real stand-out options are the retro-looking color-blocked one-pieces and the pretty patterned bikinis (like the one above), but all the pieces are incredibly flattering for a range of body types. In fact, one PureWow editor loves the brand’s swim so much, she owns multiples of the exact same suit. We love that Boden has pledged to use only recycled materials to make its swimwear by 2025, and the prices are pretty great considering how well these pieces last without risk of pilling or fading—bikini separates start at $42 and one-pieces at $98.

Shop Boden

10. Londre

Best Fashion-Forward Designs

  • Sustainability highlights: Made from recycled plastic bottles; OEKO-TEX certified production; biodegradable packaging

  • Size range: XS to 5XL

If you’re looking for trendy or fashion-forward eco-friendly swim, Londre is here for you. Some of the tops and one-pieces are even chic enough to wear out on the town for dinner or drinks after a day spent by the pool. And most styles come in a fabulous range of colors so you can mix and match at your heart’s desire. One-pieces cap at $156 (or $185 for a sporty rashguard) and bikini separates range from $61 to $112. And while the brand does offer plus sizes, the selection is more limited, so fingers crossed it extends those size offerings to the entire collection soon.

Shop Londre

11. PrAna

Best for Active Beach Goers

  • Sustainability highlights: Made using sustainable materials like Econyl; all factories are Fair Trade Certified

  • Size range: XS to XL

PrAna is more than just a great place to pick up cute outdoorsy clothing for women that’s not just pink menswear, and its awesome swim selection is proof. The brand’s swimwear is both trendy and practical for an active day in the water, and there are options for both the gal who wants some extra coverage and the gal who wants minimal tan lines. There are also multiple top and bottom options all in the same prints/colors, so you can mix and match, or even pick up multiples to swap out depending on your activity level for the day.

Shop PrAna

12. Seea

Best for Surfers

  • Sustainability highlights: Made from eco-friendly fabrics (like Repreve, Yulex and Econyl) as well as deadstock materials

  • Size range: XS to XL

Seea originally began as company geared specifically toward surfers, but has since expanded to include a number of adorable beach and poolside styles as well as coverups and other apparel. In terms of production, everything happens within a 70-mile radius from the brand’s HQ in San Clemente, CA, and the materials aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re also incredibly comfortable (not to mention durable). And while the wetsuits and surf specific designs are an absolute must-have for anyone undertaking more athletic beachside activities, don’t sleep on the more fashion-forward designs that will make you feel just as secure, if a bit more posh.

Shop Seea

13. Wolven

Most Fun Prints

  • Sustainability highlights: Climate Neutral Certified; WCA-certified ethical production; carbon neutral; made using OEKO-TEX certified recycled water bottles (rPET); shipped in eco-friendly packaging; gives back to 1% For The Planet

  • Size range: XS to XL

Wolven’s strong suit (no pun intended) is in boho prints that look unlike anything else out there, and take inspiration from founder Kiran Jade’s South Asian roots. Think lots of mandalas and henna-inspired designs. Ever cooler, however, is the brand’s selection of four-way reversible suits, i.e., swimwear you can wear four different ways, so you can pack just one suit for a week-long vacay and still feel like you have options when you want to shake things up. Prices range from $58 for bikini separates to just under $150 for one-pieces.

Shop Wolven

14. Ookioh

Best for Nostalgic Silhouettes

  • Sustainability highlights: Made entirely from recycled/regenerated materials; working toward eliminating all plastics from the production cycle

  • Size range: XS to XXL

Ookioh blends the nostalgia of your favorite swim styles from growing up with the polish of more grown-up flair. The result is a collection of timeless swimsuits that are also incredibly fun. Think contrasting trims on brightly colored one-pieces, bandana prints and ‘60s florals. And the supportive silhouettes work well for just about any water activity be that boogie boarding or devouring a good beach read. Most bikini separates cost $50 (some go up to $79), while one-pieces range from $100 up to $158.

Shop Ookioh

15. Hülya

Best for Mixing and Matching

  • Sustainability highlights: Made from sustainably produced and recycled materials; partner with 1% For the Ocean

  • Size range: S to XL

Hülya’s designs are fairly basic but come in a wide range of colors, so you can have fun mixing and matching separates to build your ultimate colorful bikini. There are also both full-coverage styles and cheekier designs for you to choose from. And according to reviews, the materials are wonderfully soft with that Goldilocks balance between supportive and comfy. Most separates come in at $60 a piece, while one-pieces cost $129.

Shop Hülya

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