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My mom and I tested each of these sustainable swimwear brands together. We ranked them based on how ethical, eco-friendly, size-inclusive, and functional they are. 👙

Shopping for swimwear can feel daunting and, frankly, a bit uncomfortable. From terrible dressing room lighting to trying to find a style we feel confident in…the process leaves a lot to be desired. But ordering online can somehow seem even worse — trying to figure out each brand’s size guide and just how what appears to be a thong has been described as “mid-coverage” is a translation exercise that none of us is ready for.

Still, when a swimsuit is required, there’s not much more we can do than bite the bullet, add to cart, and hope that something fits (and that we’ll remember to actually return whatever doesn’t).

A clothing rack displays various swimsuits and hats, with two baskets full of accessories and items on the floor beneath it in a sunlit room.
Two smiling women stand together in front of a mirror, one taking a selfie with a phone. They are in a sunlit room with plants and framed art visible in the background.
Two women in swimsuits stand indoors, smiling and holding drinks, posing for a mirror selfie with a dog at their feet and plants visible in the background.
A straw tote bag sits on the floor next to a pile of assorted swimsuits and clothing, with various colors and patterns visible.
My mom and I tried on dozens of suits and rated them according to sustainability, fit, affordability, and style.

Why consider sustainable swimwear?

It’s no surprise that the majority of the stretchy, shiny fabrics that so much swimwear is made of is, well, not exactly the sort of fibers we might find in nature. Made for performance, these are garments that are typically designed to hold up against the elements, retaining their shape and color against sand, pool chemicals, sun exposure, and a million washes. Which makes a safe bet to assume that a spent suit is unlikely to biodegrade anytime soon.

Thankfully, there are sustainable swimwear brands out there creating cute and comfortable swimsuits for all shapes and sizes of bodies. Eco-friendly materials derived from recycled fabrics not only create comfy, stretchy swimwear but also divert waste from oceans and landfills, promoting a circular fashion loop that’s much better for the planet. Some eco-friendly materials you might find in your swimsuit include plant-based polyamides and recycled poly. Sustainable swimwear brands also prioritize ethical and fair production practices, ensuring their supply chain is as sustainable as possible and that workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions. 

What should you look for when shopping for sustainable bathing suits?

When shopping for sustainable bathing suits, look for fabrics made from recycled materials like ECONYL® (regenerated nylon from ocean waste and fishing nets) or Repreve® (recycled polyester from plastic bottles) — both of which reduce waste while maintaining the durability and stretch swimwear needs. While organic cotton is a great eco-friendly fabric, it’s not ideal for swimsuits because it absorbs water, takes longer to dry, and lacks the elasticity needed for a secure, long-lasting fit. That’s why most sustainable swimwear still includes polyester or elastane for stretch, quick drying, and shape retention.

To ensure ethical production, check for certifications like OEKO-TEX (ensuring fabrics are free from harmful chemicals), GRS (Global Recycled Standard), GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade labels, which indicate responsible labor practices. Also, consider brands that use low-impact dyes, water-efficient production methods, and recyclable packaging to further minimize environmental impact.

These brands prioritize sustainability and ethical manufacturing, and they make shopping online easy and, dare we say, fun. Many of the below brands also include unedited photos, real customer reviews, and wonderful support teams to help you find the perfect style and fit. From mix-and-match bikinis to one-pieces and bodysuits, you’re sure to find something for your next pool day. 🏖️

Our criteria & methodology:

My mom and I chose from over a dozen brands to find suits in styles that we would actually wear in our real lives — whether we’re on vacation with family, taking my daughter to a water park, going on a river rafting tour, or wandering from our villa to dinner on the Amalfi coast (hey, let the gals dream!) — we found suits at multiple price points that met our standards for fit, function, comfort, and looks.