What Is Sustainable Swimwear?

Sustainable swimwear is simply a better alternative to regular swimsuits made from plastic-based fabrics like nylon and polyester. These materials don’t break down easily and often end up in oceans, contributing to pollution.

This isn’t a small issue either. The fashion industry alone is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions, which shows how much impact our clothing choices actually have.

When I talk about sustainable swimwear, I mean pieces made from recycled materials, produced with lower impact, and designed to last longer. But not everything labeled “sustainable” actually is, so understanding what goes behind it really matters.

In this article, I’ll break down what actually makes swimwear sustainable, the materials used, how it’s made, how to spot greenwashing, and how to choose the right option based on performance, durability, and value.

What Is Sustainable Swimwear?

Sustainable swimwear is a type of swimwear made using recycled or lower-impact materials to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.

Most traditional swimsuits are made from plastic-based fabrics like nylon and polyester. Sustainable alternatives replace these with recycled materials like ECONYL (from fishing nets) or recycled polyester, helping reduce waste while still offering the same stretch, fit, and durability.

What Makes Swimwear Sustainable?

Sustainable swimwear comes down to a few key factors that directly impact how eco-friendly a swimsuit actually is:

1. Recycled or Low-Impact Materials

Most sustainable swimwear is made using recycled fabrics like ECONYL (from fishing nets) or recycled polyester instead of virgin plastics. This helps reduce waste and lowers the demand for new raw materials.

2. Responsible Production Process

It’s not just about the fabric. Sustainable brands focus on reducing water usage, energy consumption, and chemical impact during manufacturing.

3. Durability and Longevity

A swimsuit that lasts multiple seasons is more sustainable than one that loses shape or fades quickly. Longer lifespan = less waste over time.

4. Low Microplastic Shedding

Some better-quality fabrics are designed to shed fewer microplastics when washed, which helps reduce ocean pollution.

5. Ethical and Transparent Practices

Genuine sustainable brands are clear about their sourcing, recycled content percentages, and manufacturing practices, instead of using vague “eco-friendly” claims.

Materials Used in Sustainable Swimwear

Sustainable swimwear mainly relies on a few key materials that balance performance with lower environmental impact:

Recycled Nylon (ECONYL)

One of the most commonly used materials. It’s made from waste like discarded fishing nets, carpets, and industrial plastic. It offers the same stretch, durability, and feel as regular nylon but with significantly less environmental impact.

Recycled Polyester

Often made from plastic bottles and post-consumer waste. It’s strong, lightweight, and holds color well. While it still comes from plastic, recycling existing materials reduces the need for new production.

Yulex (Natural Rubber Alternative)

A plant-based material made from rubber trees. It’s one of the few biodegradable alternatives available, offering flexibility and comfort similar to synthetic fabrics, though it’s not widely used yet.

Regenerated Blends (With Elastane/Spandex)

Most swimwear still includes a small percentage of elastane for stretch. Even in sustainable pieces, blends are used to maintain fit and performance, since fully natural alternatives don’t yet match the same elasticity.

Recycled Nylon vs Recycled Polyester in Swimwear

Here’s a quick comparison of the two most common materials used in sustainable swimwear:

Is Sustainable Swimwear Really Eco-Friendly?

Sustainable swimwear is more eco-friendly than traditional swimwear, but it’s not completely impact-free.

Most sustainable options still rely on synthetic materials, even if they’re recycled. That means they can still release microplastics and aren’t fully biodegradable. However, using recycled fabrics like ECONYL or recycled polyester helps reduce waste and lowers the need for new plastic production.

The real difference comes down to impact reduction, not elimination. Sustainable swimwear uses fewer resources, repurposes existing waste, and is often made to last longer, which reduces overall consumption.

So yes, it’s a better choice, but only when it’s genuinely made with high recycled content and responsible practices, not just labeled as “eco-friendly.” Sustainable swimwear isn’t completely eco-friendly, but it’s a significantly better alternative to traditional swimwear.

How Sustainable Swimwear Is Made?

Sustainable swimwear is made by converting waste materials into performance fabrics, but the real difference lies in how efficiently and responsibly each step is handled.

1. Waste Collection (Where It Starts Matters)

The process begins by sourcing waste like discarded fishing nets, ocean plastics, and post-consumer bottles. The quality and type of waste directly affect the final fabric performance.

2. Regeneration Into Raw Material

Materials like nylon are chemically regenerated into fibers such as ECONYL. Unlike basic recycling, this process restores the material to near-virgin quality, allowing it to be reused multiple times without degradation.

3. Yarn and Fabric Engineering

The regenerated material is spun into yarn and engineered into fabric with properties like stretch, chlorine resistance, and UV protection. This step is critical—poor-quality processing leads to faster wear and reduced lifespan.

4. Blending for Performance

Most sustainable swimwear still includes a small percentage of elastane (spandex) to maintain fit and flexibility. Fully recycled or biodegradable options are still limited when it comes to performance.

5. Low-Impact Manufacturing

Better brands focus on reducing water usage, energy consumption, and chemical treatments during production. This is where real sustainability often differs between brands, even if they use similar materials.

How to Identify Truly Sustainable Swimwear?

Most swimwear brands claim to be sustainable, but only a few actually meet the mark. I don’t rely on labels, I look at specific proof points.

1. Check the Exact Material Percentage (Not Just the Claim)

“Made with recycled materials” means nothing unless the percentage is clear. A swimsuit with 70–80% recycled nylon is very different from one with just 10–20%. If the brand doesn’t disclose this, I treat it as a red flag.

2. Understand the Type of Material Used

Not all recycled fabrics are equal. Recycled nylon (like ECONYL) is generally more premium and can be regenerated multiple times, while recycled polyester is more common but has limited recyclability. This directly affects both sustainability and performance.

3. Look at Construction Quality, Not Just Fabric

Even sustainable materials don’t matter if the product doesn’t last. I check stitching, fabric thickness, and stretch recovery. A low-quality swimsuit that wears out in one season creates more waste than a durable one.

4. Evaluate Transparency, Not Marketing

Genuine brands clearly explain where materials come from, how they’re processed, and what percentage is recycled. If the page is filled with vague terms like “eco-conscious” without details, it’s likely greenwashing.

5. Check for Verified Certifications (As Supporting Proof, Not the Only Factor)

Certifications like GRS or OEKO-TEX add credibility, but I don’t rely on them alone. They should support what the brand is already transparent about, not replace it.

6. Watch for Hidden Trade-Offs

Even sustainable swimwear often includes elastane (spandex), which isn’t recyclable. I consider whether the brand acknowledges these limitations instead of pretending the product is fully eco-friendly.

Common Greenwashing in Swimwear Brands

Greenwashing is everywhere in swimwear, and most of it comes down to brands saying just enough to sound sustainable without actually being transparent.

• “Made With Recycled Materials” (Without Percentages)

This is the most common one. A brand might highlight recycled fabric, but it could be as low as 10–20%. Without a clear percentage breakdown, the claim doesn’t mean much.

• Using Vague Terms Like “Eco-Friendly” or “Conscious”

These terms aren’t regulated, so brands use them freely. If there’s no explanation behind the claim, materials, sourcing, or process, it’s just marketing.

• Highlighting One Sustainable Element Only

Some brands promote a single “green” feature, like recycled fabric, while ignoring everything else, production impact, packaging, or durability. This creates a misleading overall impression.

• No Transparency Around Sourcing or Manufacturing

If a brand doesn’t clearly explain where materials come from or how products are made, it’s hard to trust the sustainability claim. Real sustainable brands tend to share details, not hide them.

• Overstating Sustainability (“100% Sustainable”)

No swimwear is fully sustainable today, especially with the use of elastane. Claims like “fully eco-friendly” or “100% sustainable” are usually exaggerated.

Benefits of Sustainable Swimwear

Sustainable swimwear goes beyond just being “better for the planet.” The real benefits show up when you look at performance, longevity, and overall value.

Lower Lifecycle Impact (Not Just Material Swap)

It’s not only about using recycled fabrics. Sustainable swimwear reduces overall impact by reusing existing waste and requiring fewer resources across production cycles. The difference compounds over time, especially with repeated use.

Higher Material Quality in Many Cases

Fabrics like ECONYL are engineered to match or exceed virgin nylon in performance. In many premium brands, this results in better stretch retention and a more consistent fit over time.

Less Frequent Replacement

One overlooked benefit is reduced churn. A well-made sustainable swimsuit can last multiple seasons without losing shape or fading, which directly cuts down how often you need to buy new ones.

Better Alignment Between Cost and Use

While the upfront price is often higher, the cost per wear tends to be lower because the product lasts longer. You’re essentially paying for durability instead of replacing cheaper options repeatedly.

Drives Better Industry Standards

Choosing sustainable swimwear indirectly pushes brands toward transparency, better sourcing, and improved production practices. Demand shifts how products are made.

Limitations of Sustainable Swimwear

Sustainable swimwear is a better alternative, but it still comes with a few limitations that are often overlooked.

Not Fully Sustainable Yet- Most swimwear still relies on synthetic blends, especially elastane (spandex), which isn’t recyclable or biodegradable. So even sustainable options aren’t completely impact-free.

Microplastic Shedding Still Exists- Even recycled fabrics like ECONYL or polyester can release microplastics when washed. This means the environmental impact doesn’t stop after production.

Limited Material Innovation (For Now)- Fully biodegradable or plant-based alternatives exist, but they’re not widely used yet due to performance limitations like reduced stretch, water retention, or durability.

Higher Cost Without Clear Differentiation- Some brands charge a premium for “sustainable” labels without offering significantly better quality or transparency. This makes it harder to judge real value.

Inconsistent Standards Across Brands- There’s no universal benchmark for what qualifies as sustainable swimwear. Two brands can make the same claim while having very different levels of impact.

How to Choose Sustainable Swimwear

Choosing sustainable swimwear isn’t about picking the “greenest” label—it’s about finding the right balance between material, quality, and actual usage.

Start With Material Composition (Go Beyond the Label)

I always check the percentage of recycled material first. Ideally, it should be 70% or more. Anything lower usually means sustainability is more of a marketing angle than a real effort.

Prioritize Fit and Comfort Over Everything Else

If the fit isn’t right, you won’t wear it often. And a swimsuit that sits unused isn’t sustainable. Look for proper stretch, support, and a fit you’ll actually use regularly.

Choose Based on Usage (Not Just Aesthetics)

Different use cases matter. For swimming or water activities, I prefer more durable, performance-focused fabrics. For occasional beachwear, comfort and style can take priority.

Check Fabric Performance, Not Just Sustainability Claims

I look for chlorine resistance, color retention, and stretch recovery. A sustainable swimsuit that loses shape quickly defeats the purpose.

Evaluate Cost Per Wear, Not Just Price

Instead of focusing on upfront cost, I think about how many times I’ll realistically use it. A slightly expensive piece that lasts longer often makes more sense.

Look for Transparency, Not Perfection

No swimwear is 100% sustainable today. I trust brands that clearly explain what they’re doing and where they still fall short.

How to Care for Sustainable Swimwear

Taking care of sustainable swimwear isn’t just about maintenance, it directly affects how long it lasts and how much environmental impact it actually has over time.

Rinse Immediately to Prevent Fiber Breakdown

Saltwater, chlorine, and sunscreen slowly degrade elastic fibers. I rinse my swimsuit in cold water right after use to prevent long-term damage.

Limit Washing Frequency (This Matters More Than You Think)

Overwashing is one of the biggest reasons swimwear wears out faster. If it’s not heavily soiled, I just rinse instead of fully washing every time.

Hand Wash to Reduce Microplastic Release

Machine washing increases friction, which not only damages the fabric but also releases more microplastics. Hand washing helps reduce both.

Avoid Heat at All Costs

Heat is the fastest way to ruin elasticity. I never use dryers and always air dry in shade—direct sunlight can also weaken fibers over time.

Let the Fabric Recover Between Uses

Swimwear needs time to regain its shape. Wearing the same piece back-to-back can stretch it out faster, so rotating between two helps maintain fit.

Be Careful With Surfaces and Chemicals

Rough pool edges, sand, and even certain sunscreens can wear down fabric faster. These small things have a bigger impact than people realize.

Is Sustainable Swimwear Worth It?

Sustainable swimwear is worth it, but only if you’re choosing the right product for how you actually use it.

Higher Upfront Cost, Lower Cost Over Time- Sustainable swimwear is usually more expensive, but it’s built to last longer. Instead of replacing cheap swimwear every season, you end up buying less overall, which lowers cost per wear.

Better Durability and Performance- Many sustainable fabrics like recycled nylon are designed to maintain stretch, fit, and color over time. In many cases, they perform just as well, or better, than traditional materials.

Reduced Environmental Impact (But Not Zero)- It helps reduce waste by using recycled materials and lowering the need for new plastic production. But it’s still not completely eco-friendly due to synthetic blends and microplastics.

More Value If You Wear It Often-If you swim regularly or travel often, it makes sense to invest in a durable piece. If you rarely use swimwear, the value drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sustainable swimwear actually eco-friendly?

It’s more eco-friendly than traditional swimwear because it uses recycled materials and reduces waste. But it’s not completely impact-free due to synthetic blends and microplastic shedding.

What materials are used in sustainable swimwear?

Most sustainable swimwear uses recycled nylon (like ECONYL) or recycled polyester. Some brands also experiment with plant-based alternatives, but they’re not widely used yet.

Is recycled nylon better than recycled polyester?

Recycled nylon is generally considered more premium, with better stretch and the ability to be regenerated multiple times. Recycled polyester is more affordable but less circular.

Does sustainable swimwear last longer?

Yes, in many cases. Higher-quality fabrics and construction help maintain shape, elasticity, and color over time, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Is sustainable swimwear more expensive?

It usually has a higher upfront cost, but it often offers better long-term value due to durability and fewer replacements.

How do I know if a swimwear brand is truly sustainable?

Check for clear material percentages, transparency in sourcing, and certifications. Avoid brands that rely only on vague terms like “eco-friendly.”