Sustainable Swimwear - a Small Guide
Image via: Seaquelle @seaquelle
One of the hardest things to find sustainable options for is swimwear. Along with underwear and workout clothes, these are items that you’d rather not source second hand! Unfortunately, swimwear for the last 50 years have been made almost exclusively made out of plastic based materials, with no natural fibres in sight. The launch of streamlined swimwear in the 1950’s saw the rise of nylon based pieces. Fast-drying, fitted and stretchy it was the perfect material for swimming and a far cry from the heavy Victorian cotton bathing gowns.
Today, we are going back to natural materials again; searching for alternatives to petrol based fabrics that are sleek and can retain their shape. Many swimwear brands opt for recycled polyester and plastic waste, whilst others strive to develop biodegradable elastics. The problem from a sustainability point of view is rarely just the material, it’s the fact swimwear needs to be both fast drying and with some sort of elastic to allow it to stretch. The most natural alternative is crochet cotton which might not be the fastest drying but is good for sunbathing and has a 70’s vibe. But if you are looking for something more streamlined, let us introduce some of the brands on the sustainable swimwear scene:
Seaquelle
Launched in 2020 by Swedish sisters Sofi and Frida Fahrman, Seaquelle is a Scandinavian swimwear brand that create long lasting pieces that are kind to the environment. All of their styles are made of Econyl™, a 100% regenerative nylon made from abandoned fish nets and plastic waste floating in our oceans. All pieces are made in flattering, timeless designs - we especially love the Knot swimsuit.
Seaquelle
Seaquelle
Paper
All swimwear from Paper is also made from Econyl, a 100% regenerated Nylon fibre. Returning to her favourite beach in Mexico, creative director Kelly was horrified to see all the littering and waste and decided to do something to make a difference. Paper invest in responsible manufacturing and take time to source high-quality, sustainable fabrics that will look after not only your skin, but also the planet. All the designs are built to outlast the ever-changing trends. You have probably spotted them on social media - the Paper styles are already modern icons.
Paper
Tona
Founded by stylist Tona Stell, Tona’s bespoke organic cotton towelling fabric was specifically developed for the brand. Organic cotton farming doesn’t use toxic chemicals, instead it combines tradition and innovation to benefit the environment and promote a good quality of life for everyone involved in the production. Tona’s other main focus is providing a perfect fit for everyone - the inclusive sizing ranges from UK 8-20.
Tona
Tona
Youswim
Youswim’s entire collection is designed and made in London, and are especially created to adapt to our ever-changing bodies and last for a long time. The pieces are ethically woven, dyed, cut and sewn in England using European-sourced nylon and elastane which reduces material transport emissions. Whilst at the moment they are using virgin nylon, they have been busily working to switch the nylon to a recycled yarn in order to update the swimsuits into high quality recycled swimwear.
Youswim
Gyko
Designed and made in London, Gyko creates mix and match swimwear pieces for all body shapes from luxurious eco fabrics. Our favourite is the bright red Picante swimsuit, perfect to wear on the beach or as a top with high waisted jeans.
Picante swimsuit from Gyko