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When it comes to shopping for sustainable swimwear, there are plenty of brands to choose from offering stylish and eco-friendly alternatives. We asked Lucy Kebbell of conscious style website The Vendeur to round up 10 of the best brands to turn to this summer.
1. Reformation
San Francisco-based label Reformation has lent its signature easy elegance to a brand new swimwear range. The collection is made using Econyl, a regenerated nylon created using ocean waste and post-industrial plastic that would otherwise end up in a landfill. The prints are what make this range really special, from tie dye and leopard to pretty wallpaper florals.
2. Bower
Perfect for pool posers, Bower is created specifically for the traveller that enjoys luxury. The fabrics are all created from Econyl, printed by local suppliers and finished in Italy. For an added taste of '70s-inspired luxury, the hardware is made using 24-karat gold-plated metal. The brand deliberately produces the collections in small quantities in order to minimise waste.
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3. Stay Wild Swim
Co-founders Natalie Glaze and Zanna van Dijk grew up diving and snorkelling extensively which led to a deep connection with the ocean. Because of this, their brand creates practical but stylish pieces that you can really move in.
Everything is designed and made in London using Econyl. However the pair are mindful of the effect washing Econyl has on our oceans (it releases micro plastics), so they also stock Guppy friend bags to encourage their customers to wash their pieces responsibly.
4. Fisch
If you want to make a statement by the pool, Fisch’s beautiful range of brightly coloured and printed '80s-inspired styles are a must. Everything is made from Econyl and woven in a mill in Italy just two hours from their factory. This allows Fisch to minimise its carbon footprint. They are also proud partners with Healthy Seas – a team of highly skilled divers that perform the tricky task of removing ghost nets from oceans, which go on to make Fisch’s fabric.
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5. Davy J
If you prefer a swimsuit that really performs, Davy J’s range of one-pieces and bikinis are practical as well as elegant. They are designed to really last and each style is timeless meaning you won’t be replacing it each season. Created from double-faced regenerated nylon, your suit won’t wear out easily. Each style has hidden rubber strips inside to make sure that it stays where it should, whatever you’re doing.
6. Talia Collins
Former stylist Talia Collins’ range is not only designed to look good, it also does good. She mixes her Econyl fabric with Xtra Life Lycra to support and sculpt your body. She has also partnered with Healthy Seas and has a recycling programme. Simply return your worn swimwear to them and Talia Collins will recycle it to create new swimwear. Plus you’ll receive 20 per cent off your next piece.
7. Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman is well-known for her amazing sustainable fashion line, and her swimwear is just as incredible. Everything is made from Econyl or Repreve, a polyester created from recycled plastic bottles. Her signature bright-coloured printed suits and high-waisted bikini briefs are instantly recognisable.
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8. Ohoy Swim
For a touch of Scandi cool, Ohoy Swim is a great go to. Their effortlessly simple pieces are all created from Econyl and manufactured in a small, family-run factory in Sri Lanka. The team regularly spends time there to ensure that working conditions are as they should be. You won’t find trendy prints here, just carefully made, timeless styles to last you for years. They also donate a percentage of their sales to Healthy Seas.
9. Casa Raki
Recently launched Casa Raki is inspired by founder Josefina’s childhood, which was spent on the Uruguayan coast. The collection features flattering cuts and tropical colours, all created from Econyl. Everything is designed in London, then made at a women-owned and operated factory in Portugal, which is also a member of the Ethical Fashion Forum.
10. Natasha Tonic
Designed and made in Los Angeles, Natasha Tonic uses a natural hemp fabric which is UV resistant and anti microbial. Being natural, its production has a more minimal impact on the environment than using nylons or polyesters. Each piece is hand painted so no two are the same. The brand is also partnered with 5 Gyres – a non-profit organisation based in California fighting to eliminate plastic waste from the ocean. Five per cent of every suit sold goes to the organisation.
This post originally appeared on Harper's Bazaar UK.