Sustainable Summer Swimwear!
Been taken by surprise by the sudden onset of summer sunshine? Want to hit the beach in some of the coolest and kindest sustainable swimmers around? Want no more, because we’ve rounded up a bunch o’ the very best togs to take you right through the hottest season. Race you to the shore!
Kowtow
The big hitters of the ethical clothing league, Kowtow have released a range of art-inspired swimwear (think Hockney and Matisse) that’ll have you dashing to the surf every chance you get. Made of Econyl – an Italian-made nylon crafted from pre-and-post-consumer waste including carpets, plastic scraps and recycled fishing nets – the range includes simple bikinis, one pieces, tees and sarongs, and is perfect for long days at the beach.
Youswim
Something of a swimwear sensation, Youswim do one thing and do it well – making a super comfy, super stretchy one-size swimsuit that grows and shrinks with the wearer. Designed to last and last, the Youswim suit is ethically woven, dyed, cut and sewn in England using European-sourced nylon and elastane, and comes in five classic colours. Colour us intrigued!
Camp Cove
Love retro prints? Then you’ll lurrrve Camp Cove, whose new range (above and main image) offers prints inspired by Australian native flowers and the Australian landscape. All of Camp Coves’ dreamily patterned numbers are handmade using recycled fabrics in their linings, and are offered in a variety of high waisted bottoms, tops and one-pieces. Swoon!
Vege Threads
If you like your clothes simple and sustainable, chances are there’s a Vege Threads piece or two in your wardrobe. The brand’s new swimwear offering is a minimalist mermaid’s dream, with Econyl once again used across a bijou range of simple wrap one-pieces and separates.
Abby Rose
Another one made from 100% regenerated pre and post-consumer waste, Noosa-based Abby Rose is a sustainable label ‘inspired by all things wild and free-spirited’ – think leopard print and tropical patterns a-go-go across a range of bikinis that arrive to you in home compostable packaging.
Baaby
Designed and made in Australia, Baaby’s pieces are crafted from Econyl (hello, popular kid on the eco-block) and include both skimpy and sturdier bikinis and one-pieces in block colours and spots.
Zazi
Zazi’s feminine swimwear is yet another Econyl dream come true, using the fabric across a range of delicate bikinis and one-pieces with a definite 90s vibe – tiny sunnies, Discman and Spice Girls fandom, optional.
Burrows and Co
Intentionally designed to be the comfiest things you’ll ever wear, Burrows and Co’s range uses recycled fabric Vita Lycra to deliver a range of super stretchy, super comfy bikinis that don’t sacrifice style for comfort.
Cosmo Crew Kids
If your kids need new togs, hit up Cosmo Crew Kids – their selection of ethically made rashies and bathers uses recycled and organic fabrics, and they’re all super cute to boot – ideal for some serious sandcastle-building!
The Coral Empire
Menfolk, don’t feel left out – you too can hit the beach bedecked in Econyl goodness, courtesy of The Coral Empire’s high quality boardies. Surf’s up, dudes!
Baiia
Not only does Baiia hop on the Econyl train to produce its glam range of swimsuits and bikinis – they also donate 10% of all profits to environmental and women’s charities. Love!
Red Dolly Swimwear
For those beach bombshells out there, look no further than Red Dolly’s US-based, handmade-to-order swimwear. Featuring 50s and 60s style bathers in delightfully bold retro prints, these pieces will have you standing out of the beach-bound crowd in no time.
Shapes in the Sand
As well as using our friend Econyl, Shapes in the Sand has applied sustainability to every single area of their swimwear business – from their wood-pulp dissolvable hygiene liners to their recycled and regenerated packaging, swing tags and care labels.
Re-Swim Club
Giving new life to discarded fabrics by using offcuts, remnants and designer surplus – along with a new print collab with local Adelaide designer Chiranjika Grasby printed on yep, Econyl of all things – Re-Swim Club’s range is ethically handmade in Adelaide. Dive in!
