Is it me or is February onwards when I start thinking of new swimwear to add to my wardrobe? January was a trial month so it’s now game on for getting fit and healthy – but the fun part that comes with that is choosing a whole new bikini attire. This year I’m trying to be super sustainable; realistically all my old bikinis and swimsuits will do just fine. But I am a girl who is into fashion and, if I’m honest, I do want a new bikini for holiday. My way of doing this slightly more ethically? Buying from sustainable brands and sellers. I’m not talking buying second-hand (although there is nothing wrong with this AT ALL) but through upcycled swimwear. How are these recycled pieces made? ECONYL is a high-quality, eco-friendly material created from recycled nylon found in discarded fishing nets and marine waste. There are so many brands designing sustainable swimwear nowadays that we’re definitely all spoiled for choice.
Tucca Swim
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Sibling duo and all round girl bosses Helaina and Chloe Thomas founded Tucca Swim, aiming to bring unique designs that were sustainable to the swimwear market. The bright prints and clashing colours are made more wearable by the multiway designs of the swimwear, making it easier to make your pieces last.
After realising how much plastic and polyester particles are released into the water, the sisters wanted to fix this and came up with their designs. With their collection being made from eco-friendly fabrics (78 per cent recycled polyamide and 22 per cent elastane), the recycled nylon lasts on average three months longer than normal swimwear fabrics. It also is better protected from sun cream and chlorine – how cool is that? Even the brand’s packaging is biodegradable and plastic-free!
Tide + Seek
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All Tide + Seek swimwear is sustainable; made from Repreve which is a polyester fibre completely made out of recycled plastic. The ocean racks up so many discarded bottles and with each piece of swimwear meaning there are five less plastic bottles in landfill – that’s a huge success by our books. Tide + Seek also cuts out the use of new petroleum in the process of swimwear-making so there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions too. The pieces are handmade in Bali and come in pretty, mermaid-esque shades and patterns. The all-in-ones are our favourites!
Finisterre
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More so known for its outdoor gear, British brand Finisterre has pledged to only using ECONYL in its swimwear (and jackets). You won’t find any single-use plastic in the packaging either. Finisterre uses Neoseed (a durable water repellent) instead of fluorine, which breaks down naturally without affecting the environment. Sustainability is at the heard of this brand; turning plastic problems caused by discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste into high-performance fabrics.
Perhaps a less ‘instagrammable’ brand, this one is where fashion meets function – and is perfect for those of you who are more into surfing, sailing and serious swimming (as opposed to the ten minutes we tend to spend in the sea).
Pursuit The Label
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You might recognise this standout ‘sports luxe’ style from last season’s Love Island but these swimsuits are here to stay – even outside the villa. Pursuit the Label promises a solution to the problem swimwear production causes the environment; the London-born brand uses the highest quality recycled fabrics to create every piece in the collection. Not only is the entire range designed and manufactured in London, but it is all created from ECONYL (that recycled nylon fabric that we’ve been banging on about throughout this article!)
Not only are the actual swimwear garments sustainable but the production side of things is ethical too. All packaging is made from 100 per cent recycled cardboard and is fully recyclable and production is done in small batches, to limit any clothing going to waste. The founders, Annabel and Hannah, are even involved in the entire production process, meaning that they’re there to observe and ensure ethical the work force.
Marble Swimwear
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Ethically-made swimwear could not get cuter. Marble Swimwear offer their customers these adorable printed, candy coloured pieces – most of which are reversible, meaning it is also incredibly useful come a week-long holiday. Both flattering and supportive for both the sun loungers and the more active ones among ourselves, the brand uses 78 per cent ECONYL so you can have your conscience clear, knowing you’re supporting the recycling of ocean plastic. What makes us at ease a little more is knowing that the brand has individually chosen and vetted every single element of their production to ensure that it’s environmentally conscious – we’re impressed.
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