My Favorite Sustainable Swimwear

Normally as New England winter settles in we’d be getting ready to pack our bags and head somewhere warm. This year of course, our plans are a little different. We’re still planning to try and head somewhere sunny in late spring, so in the meantime I’ll be fantasizing about bathing suits, beach days and margaritas. There are so many sustainable brands popping up in the swim and resort categories, I wanted to share some of my favorite eco-friendly swimwear brands. If you’re headed somewhere warm soon, think of me.

Jess Ann Kirby wears a one shoulder swimsuit, Levi's cut off shorts and a straw panama hat in Tulum, Mexico
summersalt sidestroke one piece (wearing size 2) | levi’s 501 cut-offs (went up one size) | brixton straw hat |

Sustainable Swimwear Brands

Summersalt

It just so happens I was one of the first to ever try Summersalt bathing suits because Craig and I shot the first campaign for their launch a few years ago. I was of course so excited about the brand because at the time there weren’t a lot of options for sustainable swimwear (to be honest I didn’t know any). Summersalt uses recycled materials, their suits are UPF 50+ protection, and they’re an affordable price. The suits are also great quality. I’ve had mine for several summers and they look brand new. The sidestroke is my favorite and I love the polka dot triangle bikini top and bottoms.

Mara hoffman

Mara Hoffman’s entire collection is produced using eco-friendly materials and sustainable production methods. Her swimwear has everything from vibrant prints to colorblocking and retro fits. My favorite is the Sia top and Lydia High Waisted bottoms (pictured below in white) in a thick textured fabric. It also comes in a fun print.

Jess Ann Kirby uses silk bandanas in her hair and on her neck as an easy, versatile summer accessory.
mara hoffman sia top and lydia high waist bottom in yellow -white is past season

vitamin a

I got the Vitamin A Neutra Maillot years ago not knowing it was made from sustainable materials. It’s still one of my favorite swimsuits and despite being white, the material is thick so it’s not see through. It also has a full coverage bottom and comes in black too.

Youswim

I purchased a one piece over the summer and OMG it took over as my most worn swimsuit. So comfortable, sizes 2-14, and ethically made in England.

madewell

Madewell’s Second Wave swimwear line is made from recycled plastic and has tons of cute styles. It’s also a great price point. I have my eye on this textured one piece swimsuit and the bikini version.

PEONY

Australian brand Peony uses eco-friendly, sustainable and recycled materials (like fishing nets) in all of their swimwear. There’s everything from cute retro styles and prints to classic white bikinis and one pieces.

vitamin a neutra maillot

Sustainable Resort Wear Brands

Mirth

Mirth is an ethical, slow fashion brand focused on supporting local artisans in small communities. Their dress and tunics are handmade with eco friendly fabrics and beautiful details. This top would look great at the beach or out to dinner.

9Seed

9seed is a collection of flowy dresses, tunics, and cover-ups made with eco-friendly materials and dyes. Their tulum cover-up is a bestseller. I love their St. Tropez ruffled mini dress too.

coolchange

Collections handmade in family owned factories with organically sourced dyes and a focus on ethical manufacturing are at the core of Coolchange. I have a few of their tunics and the quality is impeccable. Their pieces are lightweight, super soft and timeless.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Swimwear


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8 Comments

  1. Michelle Samuels wrote:

    It’s sad to see that none of those brands seem to have bra-sizes or at least tops that fit bigger busts/smaller ribcages (such a D/DD variants of their styles for more bust support). I know Athleta started making all of their swimwear in their new H2:ECO recycled material, and they have gotten a lot better at carrying a wider range of fits for “non-standard” sizes like me. Definitely my favorite swimwear brand at this point, especially if you can catch one of their 20% off sales or earn rewards thru a Gap-branded credit card.

    1.19.20 | Reply
  2. Rach wrote:

    I had no idea Mara Hoffman’s swimsuits are sustainable! That is amazing!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    1.19.20 | Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Right?! The best!

      1.20.20 | Reply
  3. Ali Pettit wrote:

    Love this! I also love the sandals you have on in the very top picture…they might be old or sold out or unavailable now, but I would love to know where they are from if you don’t mind sharing. Thank you so much!

    1.20.20 | Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Thank you! They are quite old from Cocobelle, I tried to find them but I don’t think they make the style anymore.

      1.20.20 | Reply
  4. Melanie wrote:

    It’s 4 degrees in MN right now and i’m currently 4 1/2 months pregnant. The thought of swimwear and warm weather and margaritas seems like a fantasy right now. One that i’m more than happy to dive into. Thanks again for sharing sustainable finds.

    1.20.20 | Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Hahah girlll I hear you. Our winters aren’t nearly as brutal as MN but we have a looooong way to go before it’s sunny and warm here. Stay cozy and hope you’re feeling well!

      1.21.20 | Reply
  5. Lynn wrote:

    I just always loved the red Bandana with the white suit so much. It’s such a great look! ❤️

    1.20.20 | Reply