Who else is ready for #shotgirlsummer? This week we’re heading to the beach for a week of fun in the sun. Growing up on the water in Florida, getting a new swimsuit wasn’t even limited to summertime and I had way more than I needed. I would always hit up the Target swimwear section and have definitely made the mistake of buying bikinis from SheIn before (0/10 recommend). Since being on my journey to becoming a more conscious consumer, I’ve shifted to looking for brands that offer transparency in material, supply chain, and labor practices.
As awareness about the harms of fast fashion has increased, options for sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly clothing have increased as well. Which is wonderful! Unfortunately, some brands and influencers have exploited this market growth by engaging in greenwashing. In this post, I’m rounding up my favorite sustainable swimwear brands that I’ve vetted with a range of styles, sizes, and price points.
greenwash: to make people believe that your company is doing more to protect the environment than it really is
Cambridge Dictionary
1. Everlane
Based In | San Francisco, CA
Ethics | Factory visits, highly transparent supply chain, recycled materials, recycled/recyclable packaging
Products | Bikinis, one-pieces, accessories
Price Range | Separates start at $30, one-pieces start at $65
Size Range | XXS-XXL
Everlane is a go-to brand for me for ethical clothing and in 2021 they launched a new swimwear line at a reasonable price point. Everything in their swim collection is comprised of 82% ECONYL® regenerated nylon derived from recycled plastic. Another thing I love, their V-Neck One Piece for instance, was fit-tested on 112 different women to ensure that it feels comfortable, looks flattering, and stays put on a range of bodies.
2. Stay Wild
Based In | London, UK
Ethics | ECONYL® regenerated nylon, carbon-neutral shipping, made in UK, small production batches, eco-friendly packaging
Products | Bikinis, one-pieces, beach accessories
Price Range | Separates start at $50, one-pieces start at $110
Size Range | UK 6-UK 24
Stay Wild is designed and produced at a single factory in London with a focus on quality over quantity. Their newest initiative is called the Circularity Project. They will accept worn down and broken swimwear from any brand (yes any!) which you would have otherwise thrown out and make sure it gets recycled instead.
3. Vitamin A
Based In | Laguna Beach, CA
Ethics | Made in USA, recycled nylon, plant-based fabrics, water conservation efforts, recyclable/biodegradable packaging, factory visits
Products | Bikinis, one-pieces, beachwear, accessories
Price Range | Separates start at $84, one-pieces start at $185
Size Range | 4 (XS)–14 (XXL)
Designed and produced primarily in California, Vitamin A is all about feeling good, looking good, and doing good. They offer suits in a variety of fabrics made from recycled fibers. I have a Vitamin A bikini in their stretch-ribbed EcoRib®, I love the sexy and super flattering California high-leg bottoms. Part of the “doing good” mission involves a partnership with 1% For The Planet, through which they give back a portion from every sale to organizations that protect our oceans. Use this link to get $25 off your first order of $100+.
4. BOLD Swim
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Biodegradable material, Black woman owned, carbon-neutral shipping, gives back, recycled/compostable packaging, size-inclusive
Products | Bikinis, one-pieces
Price Range | Sets start at $155, one-pieces start at $130
Size Range | XS–XXXL
BOLD Swim was founded by Tiffany Asamoah because she didn’t see herself represented in the models or sizes featured in other swimwear lines she saw online. Now her company has been featured in Vanity Faire, Glamour, EcoCult, and elsewhere. The company offers a really interesting concept for their swimwear material. They use a material called Amni Soul Eco® biodegrades in around 5 years when disposed of in landfills, compared to more than 50 years for synthetics in general.
5. Girlfriend Collective
Based In | Seattle, WA
Ethics | Recycled materials, recycled and recyclable packaging, circular initiatives, size-inclusive, ethically made in Vietnam, woman owned, water conservation efforts
Products | Bikinis, one-pieces, hats, scrunchies
Price Range | Separates start at $38, one-pieces are all $78
Size Range | XXS–6XL
I am a long-time stan of Girlfriend Collective for their buttery legging sets made of recycled water bottles. This year they announced the launch of their new swimwear collection, made from recycled fishing nets and post-industrial waste recovered from the ocean — plus, it gives back 1% to Healthy Seas. The line includes tops, bottoms, and one-pieces and continues their practice of inclusive sizing, vibrant colors, and affordable prices. Use this link to get $10 off your first purchase of $95 or more.
6. Londre
Based In | Vancouver, Canada
Ethics | Sustainable textiles, small production batches, made in Canada, fair wages, biodegradable & reusable packaging, size-inclusive, giving back
Products | Bikinis, one-pieces
Price Range | Separates start at $49, one-pieces start at $98
Size Range | XS–5XXL
I was introduced to Londre via Instagram ad, which can sometimes be terrible but in this case was fantastic. I was eyeing their sexy Minimalist suit for ages and finally ordered in the gorgeous Clay (pictured). I was pleasantly surprised by the thick double-layer and flattering compression. Available in classic solids and the occasional pattern, their products are made from recycled materials, sourced from an OEKO-Tex certified factory, and and are offered in an inclusive range of sizes.
7. Jade Swim
Based In | New York, NY (design) // Los Angeles, CA (production)
Ethics | Made in USA, recycled materials, small production batches, biodegradable packaging, Black woman owned
Products | Bikinis, one-pieces
Price Range | Separates start at $80, one-pieces start at $198
Size Range | XS–XL
Jade Swim was founded by former fashion editor Brittany Kozerski and is described as “classic with an edge.” The designs are all cut and sewn in Los Angeles. I was interested to learn that they only offer solid colored fabrics to avoid the excessive water usage needed for the process of traditional pattern printing. Only downside is that they are not as inclusive with sizes or models as the other brands I highlighted.