12 sustainable swimwear brands
Feel the sun with MyMarini.
By BEL JACOBS
Most swimwear is made of virgin nylon and polyester. We don’t need #PlasticFreeJuly to know that means tons of synthetic, petroleum-derived fibres that won’t biodegrade. Instead, pick from this list of drop- dead gorgeous ethical and sustainable swimwear. Most use recycled plastic from discarded fishing nets – which, according to a study in Scientific Reports, makes up 46 per cent of plastics found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – but some use revolutionary fibres such as hemp and, yes, velvet. (We recommend using the Guppyfriend Washing Bagto reduce release of microfibres into the water systems)
MYMARINI founder Mareen Burk was frustrated by swimsuits that fell apart after a few weeks surfing so she made her own. Double lining creates durable, seamless swimwear that wears beautifully. Everything, including the Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, is made in Europe. www.mamoq.com
TUKHANA produces in a small, ethically-run factory in Brazil – where they source their fabrics maintains a small and transparent supply chain. With tiny shapes and eye-catching details, such as string loop fronts, sustainability goes drop-dead sexy. www.mamoq.com
UND SWIMWEAR creates sustainable swimsuits made from up-cycled fishing nets. Minimalist designs embody a slow fashion philosophy, while attention to detail, flattering shapes and mesh accents add unique character. Everything is handmade in Italy. www.mamoq.com
Forget pretty pretty suits, designed for sipping pina coladas by the pool. DAVY J is swimwear made for leaping off cliffs and head rushing into waves. Crafted from 100% regenerated nylon yarn from spent and ghost fishing nets, double lined, high elastane compositions as well as hidden rubber edging and cross backs provide super strength, durability and shape. www.davyj.org
Velvet swimwear? You heard. Peckham-based brand STIDSTON specialises in the unusual combo of felt and water to maximum effect, whilst committing to minimising any negative impact. Every piece is custom-made to order and created by hand. www.stidstonswimwear.com
Inspired by 1970s icons, Biarritz-based BOWER SWIMWEAR works as ethically and sustainably as possible, using a mix of fabrics made from recycled polyamide and fishing net, and keeping waste to a minimum.www.matchesfashion.com
Working to an ethos it describes as #100%NetProfit, RUBYMOON starts with materials to #SaveOurOceans, working with healthyseas.org to reclaim waste in the form of rising nets and plastic waste – then use all the profit for business loans to empower women entrepreneurs around the world. Plus the mix and match Gym To Swim ® collection is the very embodiment of slow fashion. What’s not to adore? https://rubymoon.org.uk
NATASHA TONIC SWIMWEAR is dreamed up, sewn and dyed in Los Angeles. Its revolutionary hemp fibre allows the swimsuits to perform double duty as lingerie, bodysuits or activewear. It’s seasonless, reducing unnecessary waste. We love. https://reve-en-vert.com
Inspired by hardy British surfers, FINISTERRE builds the best, most sustainable product it can. This summer, the brand launches an Econyl collection to both bring awareness to the problem of micro-plastics and give back – through connections with fellow activists. https://finisterre.com
Beautiful swimwear made using ECONYL® regenerated yarn, recycled from discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste: AURIA’s conscious innovation and playful style ticks every box. Out now: a super exciting collaboration with knitwear designer Katie Jones. www.auria-london.com
Luxury label MARA HOFFMAN can be found at net-a-porter.com and matchesfashion.com but that doesn’t mean its vibrant tribal-inspired prints, graphic patterns and bold color clashes don’t hit all the sustainability buttons as well. Eco never looked so lovely. www.net-a-porter.com
500,000 women in England have given up swimming in the last decade because of body image concerns. DEAKIN AND BLUE is on a mission to change that, working with ethical suppliers, using ecycled and regenerated consumer waste materials. www.deakinandblue.com
