If you’re trying to be more environmentally-conscious in your shopping habits – this should extend to our holiday wardrobe. But when it comes to swimsuits and bikinis, in particular, it can be easy to stick with bad habits.
Our famous British summers give us so few opportunities to strip down to a one (or two) piece, people often end up buying their swimwear in a rush, then binning it as soon as it starts to sag.
We’re here to change that – by rounding up a handful of sustainable and stylist swimwear brands, alongside some of your high street and online faves that have released eco-conscious collections.
All to help you choose a bikini or bathing suit that won’t harm the planet.
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BATOKO
Lobster Swimsuit, £50
From orcas to sharks, Batoko’s fantastic prints are a not-so-subtle nod to nature, reminding us of the animals we share this planet with (or in the case of its dinos, those already extinct).
The brand – which uses 100% recycled plastic – also digitally prints all of its swimwear, which saves water in the production process, and posts your new cossie to you in compostable paper bags or recycled plastic mail bags. It supports the Marine Conservation Society and does kids’ sizes, too, for some mini-me matching on the beach.
This lobster print swimsuit is going straight in our basket.
OYSHO
Asymmetric Trikini, £35.99
OYSHO has nailed the fashionable yet functional trend with its Join Life swimwear, which is made from 25% recycled polyamide and uses sustainable raw materials such as cotton. Think floral and animal prints galore, as well as some gorgeous minimal lines – like this one – thrown in for good measure.
Tide & Seek
Tide & Seek swimwear is made from a pioneering fabric called Repreve, which is made from recycled plastic – mainly plastic bottles – that have the same components in the polyester known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and can therefore be turned into fabric. This reduces the use of new petroleum, which means fewer greenhouse gases and less use of water and energy.
They’re not just good for the planet, but pretty – think vibrant prints and playful patterns. It’s an extensive range but our favourite has to be this mermaid-inspired swimsuit.
BOWER
Kit Bikini Top in Forest, £85, and Kit Bikini Bottoms in Forest, £75
Luxury swimwear brand Bower has designed delicate pieces that are both ethical and sustainable, donating 5% of all orders to the Health Seas Initiative, a campaign created to rid our seas of fishing nets and marine litter.
Every piece is made from Econyl, which is regenerated nylon yarn derived from discarded fishing nets. Did we mention it’s vegan too?
We love that you can mix and match bikini styles and sizes and that the prints are often repeated across swimwear and beachwear – so you can get a sundress to match your swimsuit, if that’s your vibe.
Stay Wild
The Nomad Bikini Top, £70, and Nomad Bikini Bottom, £70
You may know Natalie Glaze and Zanna van Dijk, the founders of Stay Wild, from Instagram, but now they’ve launched their own swimwear brand, taking inspiration from their childhoods spent snorkeling and scuba diving.
All the pieces you’ll find at Stay Wild are handmade using Econyl, which the brand promises will withstand sun, salt and sea water. We love this sports luxe bikini top, which has thick straps and a double layer for extra support, particularly if you have a bigger bust.
Selkie Swim Co
Sports Bikini Top, £39, and Bikini Pant, £29
Selkie & Co was born out a lack of good quality, sustainable pieces available on the market specifically for open water swimmers. Since its launch in 2004, the brand has since gone on design accessories, t-shirts and outerwear too so you can be kitted out head to toe.
Selkie’s swimwear is, again, made from Econyl. The materials, according to Selkie, are hyper-resistant, soft and breathable while being twice as resistance to the effects of chlorine, suncream and oils. If you’re an outdoor swimmer, this blue and black patterned set combines style and functionality for your early morning swims. The brand also uses recycled cardboard for its packaging and tags.
MONKI
Shirred Cut-Out Swimsuit, Monki, £30
Monki’s first sustainable swimwear collection offers an array of fashion-forward styles, from cut-out swimsuits to striped mix-and-match bikini sets. Expect to find colourful swimsuits and separates, with added accessories like tortoiseshell detailing, zip fronts and bow ties.
All the piece in its ‘Monki Cares’ collection are made from 69% polyester recycled from plastic bottles and production waste fibres. It’s pretty affordable, too, so hats off to Monki.
ASOS DESIGN
ASOS DESIGN Recycled Strappy Back Crop Bikini Top, £14 & V Front High Leg Hipster Bikini Bottom In Leopard Print, £10
ASOS has created a range of sustainable swimwear as part of its own-brand designs, from one pieces to colourful bikini sets. All the fabrics are made from recycled yarn (from recovered fishing nets and other waste material). We’re loving this leopard print set.
Bikini Top, Arket, £19 & Bikini Brief Bottoms, £19
Since Arket launched in 2017, it’s made a name for itself and its Scandi, minimalist designs that are a favourite of the fashion crowd. Its pledge to sourcing sustainable and durable materials applies across the entire range, from clothing to homeware.
Arket’s swimwear range is also made from Econyl. With soft boning in the bikini top (and some of its swimsuits) as well as removable inserts and styles in an assortment of summer shades, it’s your pool and poolside look sorted.
Sweaty Betty
Surf Recycled Bikini Top, £50, and Surf Recycled Bikini Bottoms, £45
Making its first foray into sustainable swimwear, Sweaty Betty currently offers one bikini made from recycled materials (again, with fishing nets and rescued plastic).
It’s the perfect mix of fashion and function, whether you’re looking to lounge by the pool in style or work up a sweat in a sports-luxe look.
We all work hard to earn our money – so it shouldn’t feel like hard work to spend it well. At HuffPost Finds we’ll help you find the best stuff that deserves your cash, from the ultimate lipstick to a durable iron to replace the one that broke (RIP). All our choices are completely independent but we may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.