As soon as spring hits, many of us can’t wait to begin our search for affordable sustainable swimwear. With new brands emerging that champion sustainability, it has never been easier to have the perfect beachside look that doesn’t contribute to beach pollution.
Eco friendly swimwear is becoming a hot topic in the fashion industry. A key driver of the projected $6.74 billion growth of the swimwear sector between 2020 and 2024, it seems sustainable swimwear is what everyone will be talking about this summer.
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What is Sustainable Swimwear Made From?
Often made from synthetics derived from petrochemicals and coloured with toxic dyes, most conventional swimwear gets a failing grade for sustainability. Sustainable swimwear, often made from recycled or eco-friendly fibres, and crafted in fair supply chains, offers a low impact version of swimwear.
While there are lots of fabrics that make up the sustainable swimwear market, some common players include:
Econyl: A regenerated nylon made from ocean pollution, including discarded fishing nets, and landfill waste. This innovative fabric offers the same properties as virgin nylon without the environmental footprint.
Repreve: One of the world’s leading recycled fibres, Repreve has so far recycled more than 25 billion plastic bottles into material used for everything from swimwear to car interiors. This fantastic fibre is used by industry leaders such as Fitbit and Land’s End.
See our article for more on recycled polyester.
Affordable Sustainable Swimwear for the UK
This collection includes some of the hottest sustainable swimwear brands for every beachside holiday or relaxing poolside afternoon this summer.
However, it is important to note, sustainable clothes generally cost more to produce as workers are paid fairly and materials are carefully chosen. These sustainable styles are not the rock-bottom prices of fast fashion, but they are styles that won’t cost the earth.
Fast fashion brands that often have cheap swimwear styles have been left out of this list. While fast fashion may have cheap prices, they often don’t operate with the sustainable and ethical practices that reflect an industry that stands for fair supply chains and environmental protection.
However, as well as the brands listed here, we’ve made it really easy for you to be able to access sustainable fashion. See our article with some exclusive discounts for Good Maker Tales readers giving you money off some of our favourite brands.
Our website is reader supported. We sometimes earn a small affiliate commission for purchases made through links in our posts, at no extra cost to you. Read more about our policy.
Price Guide:
£: items for under £40
££: items for £40 – £80
£££: items for £80 – £100
1. ColieCo
Based: Portugal Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Europe
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Sustainable shipping, offsets shipping emissions, uses reclaimed deadstock, renewable energy studio
With classic beachwear styles coming in an array of vivid hues, ColieCo is perfect for brightening up any summer day! All lycra used in the brand’s swimwear is reclaimed deadstock and every item is handmade, reducing the risk of overproduction and waste. They also offer free carbon-neutral shipping worldwide.
Even the studio the swimwear is made in and their offices are now powered by 100% renewable energy!
2. Albaray
Based: UK Ships to: UK (free shipping over £100)
Made in: China, Vietnam, Greece, India
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Sustainable fabrics including GOTS cotton, recycled polyester, deadstock and TENCEL lyocell, factories using standards such as SMETA, GOTS and Oeko-Tex
UK based sustainable fashion brand Albaray offers funky floral, chequerboard and animal print swimming costumes and bikinis in a variety of styles and fits. Made from recycled polyester and with free shipping over £100 and free returns there´s a lot to like.
Their packaging, tags and labels are recycled and recyclable. What´s more they are stocked in M&S, Next and John Lewis!
3. Their Nibs
Based: United Kingdom Ships to: Worldwide (Free UK shipping for orders over £50)
Made in: India
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Supports charitable initiatives, ethical and transparent supply chain, sustainable and eco-friendly materials in some clothing ranges
Adorned with vintage floral prints, Their Nibs swimwear boasts a pretty, sweet, and feminine vibe. The label’s stylish pieces are specially designed to offer a fashionable look without sacrificing on comfort. For the eco-friendly UK shopper, you can even score free shipping. The label has some great styles for women, men and kids on offer.
Their Nibs supports ethical production practices, such as small batch production. The company has a relationship with suppliers to ensure transparency and ethical practices throughout the supply chain. Their factory in Jaipur, India is SEDEX approved and the water they use for printing and dyeing is recycled and reused. The label also supports charitable initiatives, such as the children’s charity Coram.
4. Organic Basics
Based: Denmark Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Portugal, Turkey, Italy, Austria and Scotland
Price: £ – ££
Sustainability creds: PETA approved vegan, emissions offsetting, 1% for the Planet member, certified B-Corporation
A staple of the sustainable market, Organic Basics has classic swimwear styles that are ethically made.
Coming in block colours, these timeless designs are vegan, made from recycled materials and designed to be a summer favourite for years to come.
5. Alohas
Based: Spain. Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Spain & Portugal
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: On demand production model
Contemporary, while still having a timeless vibe, swimwear designs from Alohas are made for days at the beach. With two and one piece styles on offer, the label takes full advantage of a sleek colour palette to create affordable sustainable swimwear that is effortlessly on trend.
Alohas uses an on-demand production model for some of its styles to reduce its waste and improve its overall environmental impact.
6. Ecoer Fashion
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: China
Price: £
Sustainability creds: 1% for the Planet, GRS, use of sustainable materials, low impact dyes
With one-piece styles sporting monochromatic geometric designs, versatile reversible bikinis and cool swim trunks for guys, Ecoer creates eye-catching swimwear. The label uses recycled materials in its pieces to take a more sustainable and less wasteful approach to production, and offers sizing from XS to XXXL.
Ecoer helps support worthwhile initiatives through its involvement with 1% for the Planet. Its versatile designs move away from an overconsumption mindset while its certifications (such as GRS) help to back up its sustainability claims.
7. Frugi
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: India
Price: £
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified, Soil Association Organic certified, recycled materials
The masters of quirky children’s styles, Frugi has an eclectic offering of sustainable swimwear for children in the UK and beyond that is reasonably priced. Adorned with adorable sea creatures or enchanting flower prints, Frugi swimwear is sure to delight. The brand even has some limited maternity styles for expectant mamas.
Frugi swimwear incorporates recycled polyester and is made in responsible supply chains.
8. Adidas
Based: Germany Ships to: Internationally
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Some eco-friendly materials, targets to reduce emissions
While adidas has made efforts on the sustainability front, it should be noted that the brand does still have some way to go. However, it is the home of quality performance swimwear that can be acquired for an affordable price.
Adidas has set targets to reduce its emissions and uses some eco-friendly materials in production.
9. Wuka
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: China
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Use of sustainable and organic materials, B Corp certified, GOTS, PETA approved vegan, Oeko-Tex, BCI, plastic-free packaging, NHS discounts
A B Corp-certified company, Wuka creates high-quality period swimwear and period underwear for adults and teens. The UK label offers a wide variety of colours and styles to cater to different tastes, including one-piece and bikini swimwear options and choices in sizes from XS to 6XL.
Wuka has worked hard to create a sustainable and effective offering. With approval from PETA, the company looks out for people and animals and incorporates a good range of sustainable and recycled materials in its products.
10. Ina Swim
Based: Australia Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Indonesia
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Use of recycled materials, OEKO-TEX, GOTS, sustainable packaging
Making gorgeous swimwear styles for women and kids, Ina Swim takes inspiration from the natural world, using earthy tones and hues in its ranges. Styles are made from sustainable materials and many even come with a UPF 50+ rating to make sure you can enjoy a day in the sun.
Ina Swim uses a range of sustainable materials, including those derived from recycled fibres, to create its elegant swimwear styles. The label has certifications to back up its sustainability claims. Taking an all-around approach to sustainability, it even uses eco-friendly packaging.
Check out our interview with their founder for more information on this great brand!
11. Brava Fabrics
Based: Spain Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Portugal
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Sustainable packaging, recycled and sustainable materials
From Jurassic Park inspired prints to swim shorts featuring Where’s Wally fabric designs, Brava Fabrics creates men’s swimwear that isn’t afraid to have some fun. The label’s range incorporates bright colours and quirky prints to make swimwear that is not only sustainable but embraces a care-free vibe as well.
Brava uses sustainable materials to limit its environmental impact. Many of its swim shorts are made from 100% recycled materials, showing a refreshing change from the conventional swimwear industry.
12. Veo
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Various depending on brand
Price: £-££
Sustainability creds: B-Corporation, UK Living Wage, climate positive, vegan
UK-based vegan and sustainable marketplace Veo houses over 350 independent ethical brands. It’s the perfect place to shop for affordable and sustainable swimwear.
As well as Bikini Season (highlighted below), Veo offers some great affordable women’s swimwear brands such as DNE Beachwear and Olly, and men’s swimtrunks from La Palma Eco Beachwear (pictured). What’s more, they offer free UK delivery over £50.
13. Wolf & Badger
Based: UK, US Ships to: Internationally
Price: £-£££
Sustainability creds: B Corporation, strict brand requirements
You can find sustainable swimwear for both men and women at Certified B Corporation Wolf & Badger. They are a “Global Platform for Independent Brands” and as well as their website have stores in London, New York and Los Angeles.
Wolf & Badger displays brand guarantees for each brand from a selection of 15 including Happy Worker to No Nasties to Organic.
While they house luxury brands, there are always a selection of more affordable brands or brands on sale such as Love Affair pictured here who make their products with REPREVE® recycled yarns.
14. Shop Like You Give A Damn
Based: Netherlands Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Various depending on seller
Price: £-££
Sustainability creds: Vegan, fair, sustainable, inclusive, social
Shop Like You Give a Damn is an ethical and vegan marketplace for fair, sustainable and inclusive brands. You’ll find a great selection of affordable swimwear for both men and women. This includes the likes of Inaska (pictured) which creates a cool range of bikini tops and bottoms in every colour combination imaginable from ECONYL® regenerated polyamide.
Other affordable brands to look out for include Savara Intimates and Vanilla Sand for women and Trendsplant for men.
15. Nobody’s Child
Based: United Kingdom Ships to: Worldwide
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Use of sustainable materials, supports charitable initiatives, tracks and measure environmental impact
With everything from strappy zebra print bikinis to classic one pieces with cute ruched detail, Nobody’s Child is the destination for summer style. The brand’s wide range incorporates a variety of designs and patterns to make any beach day adventure a fashionable one.
It’s great to see Nobody’s Child incorporate some sustainable materials in its range, including Econyl regenerated polyamide. Additionally, the organisation works to track and reduce its environmental impact. Making things even better, Nobody’s Child have just started rolling out their Digital Product Passports making more information available about where each product comes from by scanning a code on the label.
16. Lounge
Based: United Kingdom Ships to: UK
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Supports transparency, tracks impact, uses renewable energy, use of recycled materials
Sustainable swimwear from Lounge celebrates a fun, flirty and stylish vibe. The label has pieces sporting a variety of designs and cuts, including thongs, high-leg designs, ones piece and bikini sets. For those that simply can’t choose between two of this label’s fashionable designs, there are even some reversible bikinis on offer!
Promoting luxury beachwear for every body, Lounge creates quality, well-designed swimwear that is made to last. The label takes responsible production seriously and puts an emphasis on transparency. It works to manage and reduce waste throughout its operations and has made the switch to using renewable energy sources.
17. Immaculate Vegan
Based: United Kingdom Ships to: Internationally
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Promotes vegan labels, sustainable and recycled materials
Perfect for those out there that are looking out for our animal friends, Immaculate Vegan is a sustainable platform where you can find some of the best vegan brands and styles all in one place. From simple styles in earthy hues to bikinis boasting bright colours, Immaculate Vegan has an animal-friendly style to suit any taste.
Immaculate Vegan is the one-stop-shop for cruelty-free fashion. The platform makes a conscious effort to partner with brands that promote ethical supply chains and is working to show the world that you can look good, feel good and do good all at the same time.
18. Lyra Modest
Based: United Kingdom Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: Ethically supply chains, Fair Wear audited factories.
For those that prefer a full-coverage swimsuit design, Lyra is the place to go to find your ultimate summer style. The label’s swim range includes a variety of swim separates, accessories, full swimsuits and swim hijabs sporting classic monochromatic tones to lively patterned designs.
Lyra has worked hard to promote ethical and sustainable supply chains. The label supports fair wages and works with factories audited by the Fair Wear Foundation. Lyra also has a great Sample Sale collection which is a fabulous place to find some affordable swimwear styles.
19. Patagonia
Based: USA Ships to: International – UK stockists
Price range: ££
Sustainability creds: 1% for the Planet member, supports grassroots climate action, supports supply chain transparency, B Corp certified
The home of everything you need for an ocean adventure, Patagonia has sustainable swimwear styles in everything from bikinis and boardshorts to high-performance wetsuits. Made from materials designed with performance in mind, Patagonia swimwear is sure to be perfect companion to an epic surfing, diving and sailing adventures.
One of the original sustainable brands, Patagonia uses fair trade supply chains, and takes an active stance in reducing its environmental impact. While styles can be expensive on the Patagonia website, many of the products frequently go on sale and are sold through other third party retailers such as Alpine Trek that can sometimes offer more affordable prices.
20. Girlfriend Collective
Based: USA Ships to: Internationally
Price: £
Sustainability creds: SA8000 Certified, uses recycled plastic, clothing designed to be recycled
Girlfriend creates attractive and affordable swim, active and underwear for all sizes from XXS to 6XL.
Their clothes are made in SA8000 accredited factories meaning that workers have safe working conditions, no forced or child labour and the right to unionise. All their workers are paid a fair wage and provided a free lunch and free health checkups alongside health insurance.
What’s more, their clothes are made from recycled materials and made to be recycled! They also score a coveted “Good” on Good On You’s brand directory.
21. Bikini Season
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Use of sustainable materials, supports environmental initiatives, sustainable packaging
Inspired by Brazilian and Portuguese swimwear styles, Bikini Season makes sustainable swimwear that is still fun and sexy. The label, as the name may suggest, specialises in bikinis, utilising a colour palette consisting of sleek black and eye-catching reds.
Bikini Season manufactures in London and uses ECONYL, a yarn created from recycled nylon waste, to create its sustainable designs. The label supports tree planting programs. It operates with the belief that swimwear that turns heads by the pool and that leaves a positive impact on the planet is the best kind. Available on vegan platform Veo.
Swimwear that Doesn’t Cost the Earth
Affordable sustainable swimwear in the UK can be hard to find but some fantastic organisations are crafting fashionable styles that don’t cost the earth. Styles made from recycled plastic bottles to swimwear that supports environmental initiatives, there are swimwear brands out there that are affordable, fashionable and perfect for this summer.
For some more amazing affordable and sustainable brands, see our article on ethical affordable brands in the UK, and let us know what you think! And if this article has got you in the mood for summer and you’re looking for some ethical shades or sandals we have you covered!
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