Sustainable Swimwear: A Guide for the Conscious Consumer
As consumers become more aware of sustainability, fashion and ethical clothing choices are also becoming increasingly important.
One area of sustainable fashion that is often overlooked is swimwear. In this guide, we'll explore the importance of sustainable swimwear, what it is, why it matters, and how you can find and choose eco-friendly options for your next beach holiday or poolside getaway.
What is sustainable swimwear?
Sustainable swimwear refers to swimsuits, bikinis, and men's swim shorts made from environmentally friendly materials and produced through ethical practices.
The purpose is to design swimwear that minimises impact on the environment while still providing the comfort, style, and functionality that you expect from your swimwear.
Materials used in sustainable swimwear
Common materials that are used to create sustainable swimwear fabric include organic cotton, bamboo, recycled polyester, and ECONYL®.
1. Recycled materials like polyester
Recycled polyester, often sourced from discarded fishing nets or plastic bottles, is one of the most common materials used in sustainable swimwear. . Another is recycled nylon.
ECONYL® is one form of regenerated nylon developed by Aquafil, the Italian sustainable textile company, and used by brands such as Stella McCartney. Made from waste such as old carpets and ghost nets, it can be recycled again and again. By using recycled materials, swimwear companies can reduce waste and pollution while also giving new life to post-consumer products.
2. Organic and natural fibres like organic cotton or bamboo
Sustainable swimwear can also be made from organic or natural fibres like hemp, organic cotton, bamboo or even seaweed-based fabrics. These materials are grown without harmful chemicals and have a lower impact on the environment compared to conventional synthetic materials.
3. Eco-friendly dyes and processes
In addition to using eco-friendly materials, sustainable swimwear brands often use environmentally friendly dyes and production processes to reduce their impact on the environment further.
Ethical production and fair labour practices
While materials play an essential role in sustainable swimwear, the production process and labour practices are equally important factors to consider. Ethical production methods ensure that workers involved in the manufacturing of swimsuits receive fair wages and work under safe, healthy conditions.
This means that manufacturers should pay attention to the working environment, including providing appropriate safety equipment, proper ventilation systems for chemical processing areas, and clean water supply for dyeing processes or other wet areas on site.
Fair labour practices also entail reasonable working hours, overtime compensation policies and access to benefits such as medical insurance or paid sick days.
Consumers have a responsibility not only towards protecting our planet but also towards creating better livelihoods for those who make these products possible through their hard work every day.
Choosing sustainable swimwear does require personal research into brands and companies to ensure they are adhering to ethical production methods and treating their staff fairly.
Why does sustainable swimwear matter?
Traditional swimwear is often made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, which are derived from non-renewable resources and can take a long time to decompose. The production of these materials also contributes to pollution and waste, including harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Discarded fishing nets, also known as ghost nets, are a significant source of ocean pollution and pose a threat to marine life. Many sustainable swimwear brands use recycled materials sourced from these ghost nets, helping to clean up our oceans and protect marine ecosystems.
Benefits of choosing sustainable swimwear
When it comes to sustainable swimwear, there are numerous benefits that come with choosing eco-friendly options. The first and most apparent benefit is that these products have a smaller environmental footprint.
Another advantage of purchasing sustainable swimwear is the support for ethical businesses and practices. When consumers choose to invest in brands that share their values, they send a message to the fashion industry that ethical practices matter. This encourages more companies to adopt similar policies and helps promote transparency and accountability within the industry.
In addition to promoting sustainability and ethical business practices, opting for sustainable swimwear often means investing in higher-quality materials designed for durability and longevity so you will benefit financially. Cheaper alternatives are made from synthetic fabrics which are prone to fading or falling apart after just a few wears.
Overall, by choosing eco-friendly options when it comes to swimwear, conscious consumers can make a positive impact on both the environment and society while enjoying beautiful bikinis or swimsuits built to last beyond one summer season.
How to find and choose sustainable swimwear
The first step to investing in sustainable swimwear is by researching brands that focus on sustainability and ethical production. Look for information on their websites about the materials they use, their production processes, and any certifications or partnerships they have with environmental organizations. The OEKO-TEX® labels on products are also a good guide, certifying whether products have been tested for harmful, toxic substances and made under sustainable and socially responsible conditions.
These are our top three tips for finding sustainable swimwear brands you love.
1. Material and production processes
Look for swimsuits made from recycled or organic materials, and pay attention to the dyes and production methods used by the brand.
2. Company values and practices
Choose brands that prioritize ethical production, fair labour practices, and environmental responsibility.
3. Price and affordability
While sustainable swimwear can sometimes be more expensive than traditional options, investing in a high-quality, eco-friendly swimsuit can save you money in the long run due to its durability and longevity.
Examples of sustainable swimwear brands and products
Maison SL stocks a growing range of sustainable swimwear and our suppliers are increasingly turning to recycled materials and working to reduce their environmental footprints.
Some examples of sustainable swimwear brands include:
- Aubade Beach Escape and Savannah range - both are made from eco-friendly recycled polyamide.
- Maison Lejaby Abysse and other collections - materials are OEKO-TEX® certified and made from Amni Eco Soul fibre which is biodegradable.
- Watercult Dopamine, Nautical Call and Urban Black - more than 80% recycled polyamide
- Maryan Mehlhorn Heroines and Bionics collections - made from sustainable, recycled polyamide.
Future of sustainable swimwear
The future of sustainable swimwear is looking bright as advancements in technology pave the way for even more innovative and eco-friendly materials to be used. As new materials are developed and existing ones are improved upon, we can expect to see an even wider range of sustainable options for swimwear.
Some examples include recycled nylon made from fishing nets or other waste products found in the ocean, plant-based fibres like bamboo or hemp that require less water and pesticides than traditional cotton, or innovative fabrics created using cutting-edge technologies such as biodegradable polymers or algae-based materials.
In addition to material innovations, sustainable swimwear brands are also exploring new ways to reduce waste throughout the production process by incorporating circular models such as closed-loop systems where garments are designed with end-of-life considerations from the beginning.
This approach not only reduces waste but also creates opportunities for increased circularity within the supply chain by taking into account factors such as reusable packaging solutions.
By embracing these changes and supporting companies committed to producing environmentally conscious swimwear collections, consumers have an opportunity to make a difference in protecting our oceans and marine life while still enjoying stylish beach attire.
As awareness grows around these issues so too does consumer engagement which ultimately drives
Final Words
As conscious consumers, it's essential that we make thoughtful choices about the products we purchase and the impact they have on the environment.
By choosing sustainable swimwear, we're taking a step towards protecting our oceans and supporting ethical, eco-friendly businesses.
Share your newfound knowledge of sustainable swimwear with friends and family, and encourage them to embrace sustainable fashion as well.