As summer begins there are many things to get excited about, the warm weather, possibly a vacation near the beach, lounging by the pool or even boating on a lake. One thing all of these events have in common is the necessity of a swimsuit.
For many, buying new swimsuits for the season is the true mark of summer, but purchasing countless swimsuits every year can be expensive. In recent years, swimwear has become a major player in the fast fashion game, with new swimwear trends surfacing every year. According to Earthday.org, these fast fashion swimsuits are often constructed using synthetic materials including spandex, nylon and polyester, all materials made of plastic.
Luckily, there are countless sustainable swimwear options on the market. In many cases, sustainable swimsuits will last longer, as well as be much healthier for the Earth.
According to The Good Trade, sustainable suits are often made with eco-friendly materials, often constructed from recycled materials, including recycled polyester, plant-based polyamides, or ECONYL. Recycled polyester, a common material for recycled swimwear, is made with recycled water bottles or even plastic bags, a material that holds up against sunblock and chlorine, making them a long-lasting investment.
According to The Good Trade, Sustainable companies often prioritize equitable production practices such as fair wages and healthy working conditions. Sustainable brands also, according to the same article from The Good Trade, do a much better job at sizing inclusivity, creating swimwear that looks beautiful on everybody looking for their fix of Vitamin D.
Choosing sustainable swimwear can make a drastic impact on our Earth. According to Earthday.org, fast fashion is a cause for an enormous amount of waste that typically ends up in landfills rather than re-worn. Swimwear is a large contributor to landfills, as it’s created with non-biodegradable fossil fuels. According to Brazil Coast Beach Wear, when swimsuits are washed they shed microfibers in washing machines. These fibers then end up in our oceans, creating an unsuitable environment for marine animals that can swallow these microfibers. When switching to sustainable swimwear options, it is a choice to reduce carbon footprints and in turn, protect the environment and our oceans.
Luckily, many sustainable brands on the market avoid materials like spandex and polyester entirely, instead focusing on the use of recycled materials including plastic water bottles, fishing nets and hemp.
Jolyn is a sustainable swimwear brand known for contributing many swimsuits to those in competitive water sports. Jolyn not only uses recyclable materials in their swimwear, but they also believe in making timeless swimsuits that will last for years to come.
According to Jolyn’s website, the brand constructs their swimsuits with high-quality fabrics that come from recycled nylon fishing nets and other disposable nylon found in our oceans. Their goal, according to their website, for the end of 2024 is to make swimwear that is also made from recycled water bottles.
Their suits come in a variety of patterns and colors, with prices ranging from $34 to $78. Their sizing also ranges from XS to XL, to align with women with varying body types.
Do Good Swimwear, a women-owned brand, is another great option when it comes to sustainable swimwear. While the brand’s main focus is on sustainability, they also create swimwear that is both colorful and comfortable.
Many of the brand’s swimsuit options are also affordable, ranging anywhere from $48 to $68 for a swimsuit and, according to their website, all of their swimsuits are made with ECONYL, which is a regenerated nylon material made from fishing nets. According to their website, the brand also produces its products out of a local manufacturer in small batches, to cover minimum waste and transparency in their products.
ColieCo, a European brand known for its lingerie, has a small variety of swimwear options. According to their website, all of the brand’s swimwear, which is made to order, is made from deadstock fabrics supplied by fast fashion brands that are otherwise destined for the landfill. They use this excess material to construct long-lasting and elastic swimwear for a wide variety of customers. Their packages, according to their website, are shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging that is 100% plastic-free.
According to their website, similarly to Do Good Swimwear, ColieCo also functions out of a small manufacturing studio that is powered by completely renewable energy. Because their products are made to order, they offer a much wider variety in terms of size selection, which ranges from 2XS-3XL. But they are also affordable, with bikini set prices at $59 or individual tops costing $39 and bottoms at $26. Although their collection of swimwear is small, they make sure that everybody will have access to a sustainable swimwear option.
As our society continues to develop unethical ways to produce, ship and market products that they are selling throughout the world, it’s important to keep in mind the detriments that come from fast fashion. Fast fashion practices heavily contribute to climate change, as plastic pollution often ends up in our oceans. While contributing to sustainable clothing companies, customers are also able to slow consumption and participate in ethical clothing usage. Investing in timeless swimwear that can be worn for years can greatly benefit the lessening of carbon footprints. Small individual steps lead to widespread environmental change and protect the earth, one person at a time.
