Eco-friendly swimwear is transforming beachwear by using materials that reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize pollution. Here are 7 sustainable swimwear materials making waves:
- ECONYL: Recycled nylon made from ocean and landfill waste, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 80%.
- REPREVE: Fabric from recycled plastic bottles, reducing greenhouse gases by 42%.
- Organic Cotton Blends: Soft and breathable, with 91% less water use than conventional cotton.
- Hemp: Low water use, naturally UV-resistant, and biodegradable.
- Tencel: Made from wood pulp, it uses 20x less water than cotton and is fully biodegradable.
- Ocean Net Recovery Materials: Recycled fishing nets turned into durable swimwear fabrics.
- Break-Down Synthetics: Innovative materials like CiCLO degrade in years, not centuries.
Why It Matters
Traditional swimwear contributes to pollution and CO2 emissions. These materials offer durable, high-performance alternatives while addressing problems like microplastics and waste.
Quick Comparison
| Material | Source | Key Benefit | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECONYL | Ocean & landfill waste | High durability, 80% less CO2 | Relies on synthetic processes |
| REPREVE | Recycled plastic bottles | UV protection, moisture-wicking | Limited recycling facilities |
| Organic Cotton Blends | Organic cotton + elastane | Soft, breathable | Absorbs more water, longer drying |
| Hemp | Hemp plants | Low water use, UV-resistant | Coarser texture |
| Tencel | Wood pulp | Biodegradable, moisture-wicking | Higher cost |
| Ocean Nets | Discarded fishing nets | Reduces marine waste | Limited collection networks |
| Break-Down Synthetics | CiCLO, bio-based TPU | Decomposes in years | Still synthetic-based |
Tip: Look for swimwear made with these materials to reduce your environmental footprint while staying stylish at the beach.
Are your surf boardshorts or bikinis sustainable?
1. ECONYL: Nylon from Recycled Waste
ECONYL turns ocean waste into high-quality nylon. Launched in 2011 by Aquafil, this material tackles ocean pollution and cuts down on crude oil consumption.
Producing 10,000 tons of ECONYL saves 70,000 barrels of crude oil and prevents 61,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to traditional nylon production, it lowers the global warming impact by up to 80%.
The production process involves four key steps:
- Rescue: Collecting discarded fishing nets, carpet flooring, and fabric scraps.
- Regenerate: Purifying the waste to restore nylon to its original quality.
- Remake: Converting the material into new yarn and polymers.
- Reimagine: Using the regenerated yarn to create swimwear and other products.
Several swimwear brands have incorporated ECONYL into their designs. Talia Collins offers luxury swimwear certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, while Salt Gypsy uses it in surfwear built for performance. Reformation also features ECONYL in pieces like the Joy One Piece Swimsuit.
Giulio Bonazzi, CEO of Aquafil, highlights the material's potential:
"When I see a landfill, I see a goldmine."
ECONYL matches the durability, stretch, and quality of traditional nylon. This makes it ideal for swimwear that must endure chlorine, salt water, and UV exposure while remaining comfortable and flexible.
In the U.S., Aquafil processes up to 36 million pounds of waste annually at its Phoenix and Woodland facilities, demonstrating a strong circular economy approach.
The material is made from an equal mix of pre-consumer and post-consumer waste, focusing on items like fishing nets and carpet flooring. With an estimated 640,000 tons of abandoned fishing nets polluting the oceans, ECONYL not only addresses this issue but also delivers the performance swimmers and beachgoers need.
2. REPREVE: Plastic Bottles to Swimwear
After introducing ECONYL, let's look at REPREVE, another material transforming recycled waste into swimwear.
Launched by Unifi in 2007, REPREVE turns used plastic bottles into high-performance fabric. With around 1.2 million plastic bottles consumed every minute - and only 56% being recycled - this process offers a practical solution for reducing waste in fashion.
At REPREVE's specialized Bottle Processing Center and Recycling Center, the transformation process involves several key steps:
- Collection and sorting: Bottles are gathered and categorized.
- Processing: They are cleaned, shredded, and melted.
- Fiber creation: The melted plastic is spun into performance yarn.
- Verification: FiberPrint™ technology ensures traceability.
This efficient system has led to widespread use in the industry. For example, Sandbar Swimwear incorporates 5-8 plastic bottles into a single garment, and so far, Unifi has recycled over 30 billion bottles through the REPREVE program.
REPREVE's features make it ideal for swimwear. It wicks moisture to keep wearers dry, offers UV protection, resists pilling for a polished look, provides excellent stretch recovery, and is water-resistant - perfect for aquatic activities.
Brands are taking notice. Mara Hoffman integrates REPREVE into her luxury swimwear, Loop Swim recycles old suits using it, and Seea includes it in performance-focused bikinis, rash guards, and surf suits.
"REPREVE® is a performance fiber and resin, traceably-made from recycled materials and waste sources." – REPREVE®
Using REPREVE reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 42% and water usage by 67% compared to traditional polyester, all while maintaining durability and comfort. Brands like Bare Beach showcase its versatility in designs like the Double Strap Bikini Top, while Anowi Surf uses it for athletic pieces such as surf skin leggings and rash guards.
3. Pure Organic Cotton Blends
Organic cotton blends provide an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic swimwear fabrics. They avoid synthetic chemicals and GMOs, cut down on pesticide use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and use 91% less blue water compared to conventional cotton. These advantages have inspired many swimwear brands to integrate organic cotton blends into their designs.
Here are a few brands leading the way:
- Luz Swimwear: Their pieces are made with 93% organic cotton and 7% elastane, adhering to GOTS certification and Fair Trade standards.
- Isole & Vulcani: This brand offers plastic-free bikinis and swimwear, including children's options, crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
- Natasha Tonic: Based in Los Angeles, they combine organic cotton with hemp and lycra to improve performance.
While organic cotton blends are eco-friendly and soft, they absorb more water and take longer to dry. To address this, brands often mix organic cotton with performance fibers like elastane or polyester. This approach keeps the fabric soft while improving its practicality.
Thanks to their comfort and breathability, organic cotton blends work well for beach cover-ups and accessories. They also reduce primary energy demand by up to 62% compared to conventional cotton. For example, Ambika Boutique creates custom-made crochet swimwear using a blend of 98% cotton and 2% elastane, striking a balance between comfort and functionality.
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4. Hemp-Based Swim Fabrics
Hemp is a standout material for sustainable swimwear. Why? It requires just 4.23 liters (1.12 gallons) of water per fiber unit, a stark contrast to cotton's 57.1 liters (15.1 gallons). Plus, it produces between 1,200–2,000 kg/ha (1,070–1,780 lbs/acre), far outpacing cotton's yield of 300–1,100 kg/ha (270–980 lbs/acre).
Hemp brings more to the table than just efficiency. It’s tough, offers natural UV protection, and has antibacterial properties - perfect for swimwear. Additionally, growing hemp improves soil health and even absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere.
Here’s a quick comparison of hemp versus traditional materials:
| Feature | Hemp | Traditional Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Water Usage | 4.23 liters (1.12 gallons) | 57.1 liters (15.1 gallons) |
| Pesticide Need | Naturally pest-resistant | Heavy pesticide use |
| Biodegradability | Fully biodegradable | Often non-biodegradable |
| UV Protection | Natural UV resistance | Chemical treatments needed |
| Fiber Yield | 1,200–2,000 kg/ha (1,070–1,780 lbs/acre) | 300–1,100 kg/ha (270–980 lbs/acre) |
Several brands are embracing hemp for swimwear. Hemp Huggers offers tie-dyed pieces made from 54% hemp, 43% organic cotton, and 3% Lycra. Meanwhile, Natasha Tonic blends hemp with other natural fibers to create durable, UV-resistant swimwear. They also give back by planting a coral for every swimsuit sold, supporting ocean conservation efforts.
"Hemp is one of my favourite fibres. It can flourish without chemical intervention, it grows fast and with very little water compared to other fibres ... I doubt a hemp bikini would be suitable for the Olympics." – Philippa Grogan, Sustainability Expert, Eco-Age
Another standout is The YanLove, which focuses on custom-made hemp swimwear dyed with 100% plant-based dyes. Their process combines hemp fabrics with natural dyeing techniques to create unique, eco-friendly designs.
Hemp swimwear isn’t just sustainable - it’s built to last. Its durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious beachgoers. With its low environmental impact and practical features, hemp is carving out a strong niche in the swimwear market.
5. Tencel: Wood Pulp to Beach Wear
Tencel, developed by Lenzing AG from eucalyptus and beech wood pulp, turns raw plant fibers into a soft and durable fabric, making it a great choice for eco-friendly swimwear.
This material stands out for its reduced environmental impact. Its production uses up to 20 times less water and 40% less non-renewable energy compared to traditional cotton, thanks to a closed-loop system that recycles 99% of the solvents used. Beyond its eco-friendly production, Tencel performs exceptionally well, as shown in the table below:
| Feature | Tencel | Traditional Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Absorption | 50% more than cotton | Standard absorption |
| Carbon Emissions | 50% less than generic lyocell | Higher carbon footprint |
| Chemical Recovery | 99% solvent recycling | Limited recycling |
| Biodegradability | Fully biodegradable | Often non-biodegradable |
Tencel's moisture-wicking ability and natural temperature regulation make it perfect for sunny beach days. Manufacturers can also adjust the fiber length to create textures ranging from silky to cotton-like.
"TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers are a high comfort material manufactured by Lenzing. They are made from wood, a natural renewable raw material sourced from responsibly managed forests and plantations and are manufactured using resource efficient production methods."
Birla Excel, another leader in sustainable fabrics, received low-risk certification from the Rainforest Alliance in 2017 and achieves a chemical recovery rate exceeding 90% in its production process.
To maintain Tencel swimwear, wash it gently in cool water using natural detergents and let it air dry to keep it in top condition. With its impressive moisture absorption, low environmental footprint, and biodegradability, Tencel sets a new standard for eco-conscious beachwear.
6. Ocean Net Recovery Materials
Ocean net recovery is turning discarded fishing nets into high-performance swimwear fabrics. This approach not only helps combat marine pollution but also provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials. Every year, about 640,000 tons of fishing gear end up in our oceans, and fishing nets make up half of the debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Companies like Bureo work with fishing communities to collect and recycle these discarded nets. The process involves sorting, cleaning, and shredding the nets into recycled fibers like NetPlus®. Compared to producing new materials, this method has a much lower environmental impact.
This approach is gaining traction with well-known brands. SeaMorgens, for example, uses recycled yarn for its collections and donates part of its profits to Healthy Seas, supporting net recovery efforts. Patagonia highlights the importance of this process:
"Using recycled raw materials from discarded fishing nets utilizes existing waste, reduces the need for virgin plastic and prevents harmful plastic pollution from entering the world's oceans".
Nofir, a large-scale collection organization, has recovered over 30,000 tons of fishing nets across four continents. CEO Øistein Aleksandersen emphasizes the benefits, stating, "Turning nets into raw material is good resource management and a win for the environment, preventing waste from reaching the ocean". These efforts are expanding worldwide.
Patagonia's NetPlus® program alone has recycled 1,700 metric tons of fishing nets since 2014, with plans to add another 300 metric tons by Spring 2025.
Swiss swimwear brand Shark Rebellion puts these recycled materials to the test. According to trials with elite swimmers, the performance of these fabrics matches - or even exceeds - that of traditional synthetic materials.
7. New Break-Down Synthetics
Break-down synthetics are changing the game in swimwear by tackling the issue of textile waste. Traditional materials like polyester can take up to 450 years to decompose. Now, engineers have created materials designed to degrade within just a few years, addressing this long-standing problem.
One standout is CiCLO technology, which speeds up the decomposition process. While conventional synthetics barely break down, CiCLO-treated materials can fully degrade in about 4.5 years.
Andrea Ferris, co-founder of Intrinsic Advanced Materials, highlights the importance of this innovation:
"Polyester is the number-one material for textiles... It's in everything - from our clothes to our bedding to our furniture. Polyester and nylon have characteristics that natural fibers do not have. [CiCLO] is solving for the fact that the world does use polyester - it's not going away anytime soon; and considering the sheer volume of polyester we use, there is no material that could fulfill the need that polyester provides for textiles … [CiCLO] is a sort of sustainability insurance for the fibers that end up as fugitives in the environment."
This issue goes beyond waste - washing synthetic fabrics releases around 2.2 million tons of microplastics every year. Materials that degrade faster can help minimize this impact.
Other advancements include bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU-FC1), which decomposes 97% within 200 days under home composting conditions. Brands are also adopting these materials to create more eco-friendly products. For example:
- Stay Wild has developed a fully recyclable swimsuit by eliminating elastane.
- Decathlon, in partnership with The Lycra Company, is working on a mechanical stretch fiber to replace elastane.
- Arloe, a Swiss brand, uses Evo, a bio-based fabric made from castor seed oil.
These materials maintain the performance standards of swimwear while reducing harm to the planet. Notably, CiCLO technology is OEKO-TEX Eco Passport certified and safe for marine life.
The push for break-down synthetics represents a meaningful step in sustainable swimwear, offering a way to cut down on textile waste without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly swimwear is changing beachwear trends while helping to protect our planet. By using recycled materials, these products cut down on energy use and give new life to waste that could otherwise pollute our oceans.
Today’s sustainable swimwear blends style with purpose. Brands like Summersalt, Patagonia, and Vitamin A show that using eco-friendly materials doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or design. With prices ranging from $45 for separates to $235 for high-end one-pieces, these options are becoming more accessible. To make the most of these choices, keep these tips in mind:
- Look for labels featuring materials like ECONYL, Repreve, or EVO by Fulgar®.
- Opt for durable swimwear made from regenerative fabrics to minimize waste.
- Rinse your swimwear in cold water after use to extend its life.
Taking these small steps can maximize the impact of your environmentally friendly decisions. For example, Eco AGN Swimwear uses rPET fabrics and donates 50% of its profits to ecological causes, proving that you don’t have to choose between style and making a difference.
Choosing sustainable swimwear means upgrading your wardrobe while supporting the planet - showing that fashion can align with eco-conscious values.