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Affordable Sustainable Swimwear: Stylish and Eco-Friendly Options for Every Budget
Updated: 5 days ago
Did you know that most swimwear is made from fabrics that harm the environment and contribute to ocean pollution—the very waters we love to swim in? Choosing sustainable swimwear doesn’t just help protect the planet; it can also support ethical practices and last far longer than fast-fashion alternatives. The best part? You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. Let’s dive into how you can find affordable, eco-friendly bathing suits that are kind to your wallet and the world.
What Makes Swimwear Sustainable?
Not all swimwear is created equal, and when it comes to sustainability, there are several key factors to consider. By understanding what makes swimwear sustainable, you can make more informed choices that align with your values and contribute to a healthier planet. Here's what to look for:
1. Eco-Friendly Materials
Traditional swimwear is often made from virgin synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, which are derived from non-renewable resources and take centuries to decompose. In contrast, sustainable swimwear uses innovative fabrics that minimize environmental harm, such as:
ECONYL®: A regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and other waste that would otherwise pollute the ocean.
REPREVE®: A recycled polyester created from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources.
Organic Fabrics: While less common in swimwear, organic cotton or hemp blends are biodegradable alternatives to synthetics.
These materials not only reduce waste but often perform just as well—if not better—than traditional fabrics.
2. Ethical Production Practices
How swimwear is made is just as important as what it’s made from. Ethical swimwear brands prioritize:
Fair Wages and Safe Working Conditions: Ensuring workers are treated with dignity and respect.
Low-Impact Manufacturing Processes: Reducing water and energy usage, limiting chemical treatments, and minimizing carbon emissions during production.
Fair Trade Certification: A hallmark of ethical craftsmanship, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices at every stage of production.
By supporting brands that uphold these standards, you’re contributing to a fairer, more sustainable global economy.
3. Certifications That Matter
When shopping for sustainable bathing suits, look for certifications that validate a brand’s claims. Some important ones include:
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Ensures fabrics are free from harmful chemicals.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Confirms the use of recycled materials in production.
Fair Trade Certified: Guarantees ethical labor practices and fair compensation.
These certifications act as a trustworthy guide, giving you peace of mind that your swimsuit aligns with your eco-friendly values.
4. Durability and Longevity
The most sustainable swimwear is swimwear that lasts. High-quality materials and craftsmanship mean you’ll replace your swimsuit less often, saving money in the long run and reducing overall waste.
By focusing on these factors—eco-friendly materials, ethical production, trusted certifications, and durability—you can feel confident that your choice of swimwear supports both your budget and the environment. Making sustainable choices doesn’t just benefit the planet; it ensures you’ll have a swimsuit you love for seasons to come.
Affordable Sustainable Swimwear: What to Expect
When shopping for affordable sustainable swimwear, it’s essential to understand what sets it apart from conventional options. While these eco-conscious choices are designed with the planet in mind, they also offer unique benefits that go beyond sustainability.
1. Higher Quality for Longer Wear
Sustainable swimwear is often made with durable, high-performance materials such as ECONYL® (regenerated nylon from ocean waste) or REPREVE® (recycled plastic bottles). These fabrics are not only eco-friendly but also resistant to wear and tear, ensuring your swimsuit lasts for multiple summers. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher than fast-fashion options, you’ll save money in the long run by not needing frequent replacements.
2. Ethical Production Practices
One of the biggest advantages of sustainable swimwear is its commitment to fair labor practices and ethical manufacturing. Unlike cheaply made alternatives, ethical bathing suits are produced in facilities that prioritize workers' rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. When you invest in an ethical swimsuit, you’re supporting businesses that value people as much as the planet.
3. Stylish and Functional Designs
Gone are the days when sustainable swimwear lacked variety. Today, you’ll find everything from sleek one-pieces to vibrant bikinis, all crafted with style and functionality in mind. Brands are now focusing on inclusive sizing, trendy cuts, and even multi-functional pieces that can double as activewear. You can find something for every body type and preference while staying true to your eco-friendly values.
4. Affordable Options Do Exist
Many assume that sustainable swimwear automatically means sky-high prices, but that’s not always the case. Brands are increasingly offering budget-friendly collections without compromising on ethics or quality. By shopping smart—like looking for end-of-season sales or choosing simpler designs—you can snag affordable bathing suits that align with your sustainability goals.
5. A Positive Impact Beyond the Beach
Choosing sustainable swimwear means reducing your contribution to harmful practices like pollution, excessive waste, and exploitative labor. Each purchase is a step toward supporting the shift to a fair trade swimsuit industry and a cleaner planet. Plus, it’s a great way to start conversations about sustainable living with friends and family.
With sustainable swimwear, you can feel good knowing that every time you hit the beach or pool, you’re making a choice that’s better for the environment, the people behind the product, and your wardrobe. Up next, we’ll share tips on where to find the best affordable swimsuit brands and how to shop sustainably without breaking the bank!
20+ Sustainable Swimwear Brands
FaithFull
Material: Econyl
Size Range: XS - XXL
Price from: $50 - $120
Faithfull The Brand's 'Pacific' bikini briefs combine timeless style with a deep commitment to sustainability, making them a must-have for any tropical getaway or spa retreat. Crafted in Bali, these bikini briefs are made from stretch-ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon sourced from waste materials like discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps. By choosing ECONYL®, Faithfull The Brand actively prevents these materials from ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans, giving them a second life in your swimwear.
What sets this product apart is its dedication to reducing waste while supporting local artisans through ethical, locally made production practices. By choosing Faithfull The Brand, you’re not only investing in high-quality swimwear but also supporting a vision that prioritizes environmental protection and community empowerment.
Raffia Swim
Material: Recycled Polyamide
Size Range: S - L
Price from: $80 - $120
Ana Paola, a visionary entrepreneur from Mexico, founded Raffia Swim in 2017 with a mission to redefine swimwear by breaking away from the fast fashion cycle. Drawing on her expertise in textile development and marketing, gained through a degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology, and her experiences living in New York, Ana Paola infused Raffia Swim with a global perspective. The brand was born between the vibrant shores of Cancun and the cosmopolitan energy of Zurich, blending the best of both worlds.
Raffia Swim sets a new standard in sustainable luxury with its eco-luxe swimwear crafted from high-quality, regenerated fabrics sourced from Italy. These materials are not only durable and stylish but also environmentally responsible, meeting the rigorous OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This certification ensures that no harmful chemicals are used during production, offering swimwear that is as safe for your skin as it is for the planet.
When you choose Raffia Swim, you’re not just investing in chic, timeless designs; you’re supporting a brand that prioritizes ethical practices and environmental stewardship. It’s swimwear that allows you to make a statement—both in style and sustainability.
Berlook
Material: Recycled Polyester
Size Range: 16 - 28
Price from: $18 - $90
BERLOOK was born out of a desire to create meaningful change during the pandemic, when its founders saw firsthand the fragility of our environment. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, they set out to design a brand that empowers women while protecting the planet.
At the heart of BERLOOK’s mission is the belief that sustainability and style go hand in hand. Their sustainable swimwear is thoughtfully crafted to help women feel confident, free, and beautiful, all while leaving a positive impact on the environment. Each timeless piece is made from 100% natural or recyclable fabrics, allowing women to embrace eco-friendly fashion without compromise.
Designed with real women in mind, BERLOOK’s high-stretch materials provide exceptional comfort and coverage for all body types. Their versatile styles are rigorously tested on diverse body shapes and sizes, ensuring every piece feels like it was made just for you.
Choosing BERLOOK means choosing swimwear that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your wardrobe. For eco-conscious women seeking timeless, comfortable, and stylish swimwear, BERLOOK offers the perfect blend of sustainability and sophistication.
Olly Lingerie
Material: Recycled polyamide
Size Range: 34 - 46
Price from: $40 - $95
Olly Lingerie is redefining the lingerie industry with its bold commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and uncompromising style. Founded in 2017 by Mathilde and Clementine, the brand was born from a desire to create underwear that respects both people and the planet. Their mission is simple yet transformative: to prove that lingerie can be beautiful, comfortable, and environmentally conscious.
To achieve this vision, Olly Lingerie partners exclusively with European factories, supporting local craftsmanship while reducing their carbon footprint. Their dedication to sustainability extends to the very fibers of their products. Each piece is crafted from natural, organic, and recycled fabrics, combining comfort with eco-conscious innovation. For example, their recycled lace is produced using a groundbreaking process that reclaims production scraps and transforms them into new threads—an approach that saves 90% of water and 80% of electricity compared to traditional methods.
Safety and transparency are at the core of Olly’s ethos. All fabrics are certified free from harmful substances, ensuring you can wear their lingerie with confidence and peace of mind. Olly Lingerie is more than a brand; it’s a movement proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Choosing Olly means choosing a future where fashion is kinder to the planet and better for all.
Dippin’ Daisy’s
Material: Recycled Polyester
Size Range: XS - XXXL
Price from: $15 - $85
Dippin' Daisy’s combines luxury, style, and sustainability in their trendy swimwear, making it a standout choice for eco-conscious shoppers. Their commitment to the environment shines through their use of recycled fabrics, which significantly reduce waste and environmental impact. Beyond their stylish designs, Dippin' Daisy’s embraces a vision of sustainable fashion, offering swimsuits that help you look great while supporting the planet. Whether you’re lounging poolside or catching waves at the beach, you can feel confident knowing your swimsuit is as kind to the environment as it is chic. Choose Dippin' Daisy’s and make a statement—for both your style and the planet.
OceanChild
Material: Econyl
Size Range: XS - XL
Price from: $24 - $125
Oceanchild Swim combines sustainability with style, offering a bold and eco-conscious swimwear collection that doesn’t compromise on elegance or ethics. Crafted from ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made from ocean waste like discarded fishing nets, Oceanchild Swim turns pollution into fashion, actively contributing to cleaner seas. Their fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring it’s free from harmful chemicals, and their production has been relocated to Portugal to minimize carbon emissions and shorten transport routes.
What sets Oceanchild Swim apart is its commitment to durability and quality. Their double-lined, seamless designs are resistant to sun cream, oil, and pilling, keeping you comfortable and confident all summer long. Designed in Germany and ethically produced in Portugal, this brand champions a thoughtful, planet-friendly approach to fashion. If you’re a beach lover who values both sustainability and style, Oceanchild Swim is the perfect choice to make waves in more ways than one.
PacSun Eco
Material: Econyl
Size Range: XXS - XL
Price from: $20 - $75
Sustainability is no longer a choice in fashion—it’s a responsibility. PacSun embraces this ethos with their commitment to creating stylish swimwear that respects the planet. Their growing collection of sustainable swimwear is designed to help you look and feel amazing while making a positive impact. Each piece is crafted from recycled or eco-friendly materials, ensuring your swimsuit not only turns heads but also contributes to reducing environmental waste.
Whether you’re drawn to cheeky bikini bottoms, versatile crop tops, or chic bralettes, PacSun’s collection offers something for every style preference. With a variety of vibrant animal prints, florals, and tropical patterns, you can embrace your unique vibe without compromising on sustainability. As the sunny days dwindle, now is the perfect time to grab a sustainable bikini that lets you soak up the sun guilt-free and take a step toward more conscious shopping.
Narah Soleigh
Material: Econyl
Size Range: $55 - %140
Price from: XS - L
Narah Soleigh, a visionary German brand founded by Katrin & Finn in 2019, is redefining sustainable fashion with a mission to combat the staggering environmental impact of the clothing industry. With over 150 billion garments produced annually, the fashion sector remains one of the world’s largest polluters. That’s why Narah Soleigh’s commitment to ethical and eco-friendly practices stands out.
Every piece of swimwear is crafted in small, socially responsible factories in Portugal, ensuring not only exceptional quality but also fair working conditions. Their production process is powered by sustainability—nearly 100% of the energy used comes from solar panels, reducing their carbon footprint significantly.
The materials they use speak volumes about their dedication to the planet. Narah Soleigh’s bikinis are made with ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon yarn created from discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic waste. Beyond swimwear, much of their apparel features 100% certified organic cotton, combining style, comfort, and eco-consciousness seamlessly.
Choosing Narah Soleigh means supporting a brand that cares deeply about the planet and the people behind every stitch, proving that sustainable fashion can be as ethical as it is stylish. It’s more than swimwear—it’s a statement for a better future.
Snapper Rock
Material: REPREVE
Size Range:
Price from: $50 - $100
Snapper Rock’s journey began in 2003 when a family from New Zealand moved to Annapolis, a hub for sailing in the United States. Recognizing a gap in the market for stylish and protective gear for kids on the water, they launched Snapper Rock to cater to the junior sailing community. Over time, the brand expanded its offerings, introducing sun-protective clothing for children up to 16 years old and, in 2016, timeless silhouettes for women and matching prints for dads—making family coordination effortless.
In 2020, Snapper Rock took a major step forward by launching a sustainable swimwear collection crafted from fully recycled materials, showcasing their dedication to reducing environmental impact. Their commitment to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with their promise of safety: all Snapper Rock swimwear is rated UPF50+, offering superior protection from harmful UV rays without added chemicals.
From baby sunsuits to versatile beachwear, Snapper Rock’s thoughtfully designed pieces ensure your family can enjoy sunny adventures with peace of mind. By choosing Snapper Rock, you’re not only protecting your loved ones but also supporting a brand that values our planet for future generations.
SummerSalt
Material: Recycled Polyamide
Size Range: 2 - 22
Price from: $50 - $120
At Summersalt, we believe that travel is about the journey as much as the destination—and your wardrobe should reflect that. That’s why we create versatile travel essentials that merge comfort, functionality, and style, making packing for your adventures a breeze. Our pieces are thoughtfully designed to help you look and feel your best, proving that comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of elegance.
But our commitment goes beyond just great design. At Summersalt, we’re dedicated to using earth-friendly practices, offering honest pricing, and crafting products that respect both people and the planet. By utilizing data from over 1.5 million body measurements, we’ve created fits that feel custom-made, ensuring every piece works as hard as you do.
With Summersalt, you’re choosing travel essentials that let you explore the world in style, comfort, and with a clear conscience.
Why Affordable Doesn’t Mean Compromising on Sustainability
It’s important to note that affordable doesn’t have to mean fast fashion. By prioritizing brands and practices focused on durability and sustainability, you’re investing in swimwear that won’t just last a single summer but many seasons to come. And with the variety of options available today, there’s no need to sacrifice style or ethics.
Whether you’re searching for the best affordable swimsuit brands or trying to make the leap into more ethical shopping habits, these tips will help you find swimwear that supports your lifestyle and the planet.
Caring for Sustainable Swimwear to Maximize Value
Investing in sustainable swimwear is not only a step toward protecting the planet but also an opportunity to embrace quality pieces that can last for years. However, even the most durable ethical bathing suits need proper care to maintain their shape, color, and integrity. Here’s how to ensure your sustainable swimwear stands the test of time:
1. Rinse After Every Use
Saltwater, chlorine, and sunscreen can break down swimwear fabrics over time. After every wear, rinse your suit thoroughly with cold water to remove these residues. This simple step can prevent fading and deterioration, especially in sustainable bathing suits made from recycled materials like ECONYL® or REPREVE®.
2. Wash Gently
Machine washing might seem convenient, but it’s often too harsh for swimwear. Instead:
Handwash with Mild Detergent: Use a gentle, eco-friendly detergent that won’t harm the delicate fibers of your suit.
Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can weaken elastic fibers and cause shrinkage. Stick to cool or lukewarm water for cleaning.
Taking the time to handwash ensures your affordable bathing suit maintains its quality, saving you money in the long run.
3. Dry Naturally
Avoid tossing your swimwear into the dryer, as high heat can damage the fabric and reduce its elasticity. Instead:
Lay Flat to Dry: Place your swimsuit on a towel in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Hanging it by straps can stretch the fabric over time.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: While it might seem logical to dry your swimsuit in the sun, UV rays can fade colors and weaken fabrics.
By air drying, you’ll extend the life of your fair trade swimsuit and keep it looking vibrant for seasons to come.
4. Rotate Your Swimwear
If you’re a frequent swimmer, consider owning more than one swimsuit. Rotating between multiple pieces gives each suit time to recover its elasticity and reduces wear and tear. This is especially important for maintaining the longevity of ethical swimsuits crafted with eco-friendly materials.
5. Store It Right
Proper storage can make a significant difference in keeping your swimsuit in pristine condition.
Avoid Folding When Wet: Always ensure your swimsuit is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and unpleasant odors.
Use a Fabric Bag: Keep your suit in a breathable cotton or mesh bag to protect it from snagging or tangling with other items.
Why Proper Care Matters
Caring for your swimwear not only saves you money but also aligns with the principles of sustainability. By extending the life of your affordable bikini brands or one-piece suits, you reduce the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on waste and conserving resources. Plus, well-maintained swimwear looks better and feels more comfortable—win-win!
With these care tips, your best affordable swimsuit can accompany you on countless beach days and poolside adventures, all while maintaining its quality and eco-friendly charm.
Conclusion: Make a Splash with Affordable Sustainable Swimwear
Choosing sustainable swimwear is more than a fashion statement—it’s a commitment to protecting our planet and supporting ethical practices. By prioritizing ethical bathing suits made from eco-friendly materials and produced under fair conditions, you’re taking a stand against wasteful, fast-fashion practices that harm the environment. Best of all, sustainable options are no longer out of reach—there are plenty of affordable bathing suits that fit your budget without compromising on quality or style.
Properly caring for your swimwear ensures that your investment lasts, saving you money and reducing waste in the long run. From handwashing to air-drying, these small steps can help your ethical swimsuit retain its shape and vibrancy, proving that sustainability is as practical as it is impactful.
As you prepare for your next beach day or poolside retreat, consider swapping out traditional swimwear for a more eco-conscious alternative. By exploring affordable bikini brands or discovering your best affordable swimsuit, you can enjoy the water knowing you’ve made a choice that aligns with your values.
Your next step? Dive deeper into the world of sustainable bathing suits and discover how effortless—and rewarding—it can be to make ethical fashion choices. The oceans, your wallet, and future generations will thank you.
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