It’s all about the materials
Summer heat – some love it, some really don’t. What everyone can agree on though, is that there are few things better than cooling off from it. Whether it’s your local pool, lake, or beach, there’s nothing like jumping in the water on a hot day. The only thing that makes the experience even more invigorating? Doing it in style.
Swimsuits have long been a summer staple, but, like everything else we come into contact with every day, it’s important to think about where your suit comes from – and where it’s going to go when you’re done with it.
Enter Econyl. A material created from recycled fishing nets and other waste materials, Econyl has the potential to transform the way we produce and consume fashion.
This groundbreaking material boasts impressive characteristics, including durability, versatility, and a soft feel that rivals traditional materials. But what really sets Econyl apart is its environmental impact. By repurposing discarded materials, Econyl kills two birds with one stone. It stops plastic waste from polluting our oceans and landfills while reducing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint.
Top fashion companies are embracing Econyl as a sustainable solution to polymer-based products, especially swimwear. Econyl-based swimwear comes in all colors and shapes without the guilt of putting virgin plastics on your body and then the ocean. Scroll down to learn about and shop the season’s most stylish eco-friendly swimsuits. And remember the most sustainable suit is the one you keep the longest.
All products featured on No Kill Mag are independently selected by our writers or editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Mara Hoffman
Is there a sustainable fashion list without Mara Hoffman? The brand has been leading the way in sustainable fashion, and their use of Econyl fabric in their swimwear is a testament to their commitment to sustainability. With the brand’s signature bold color palette and understated chic silhouettes, these swimsuits are totally worth the investment.
Araks
New York City-based Araks is known for their feminine designs and clean aesthetics. That aesthetic is reflected not only in the final product, but in every step of the production, from the choice of evergreen, reworkable core fabrics, to their colorful “jar library” of scrap fabrics. And they sure did not miss out on the chance to incorporate Econyl in their swimwear pieces. With Araks’ commitment to ethical production practices and stunning design aesthetic, their Econyl swimwear is a must-have for any conscious fashion lover.
LemLem
Founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, lemlem is the first international brand made in Africa, with a core mission is to inspire economic growth in the region and preserve the local art of weaving. From chic one-pieces to stylish bikinis, Lemlem’s swimwear is available at major retailers like Net-a-Porter and Shopbop and on their own website.
Peony
Discover peony, the swimwear and resort-wear brand born from a lifelong love affair with the ocean and named after the flower that signals the arrival of summer. Peony is a sustainable swimwear brand that’s all about understated elegance and ethical production. Founded by Rebecca Morton, the Australian label uses recycled and organic materials to create timeless pieces that are both stylish and environmentally conscious.
Fisch
Fisch is a Sweden-based sustainable swimwear brand that’s all about ethical production and creating high-quality, timeless pieces for the conscious consumer. Founded by Agnes Fischer, the brand is committed to using Econyl in all their swimwear designs. With their stunning colors and flattering cuts, Fisch proves that sustainability and style can go hand in hand, making them a must-have for beach-ready closet.
Faithfull the Brand
B Corp-Certified Faithfull the Brand is the epitome of sustainable style that is anything but boring. With their brand story rooted in Bali’s artistry and craftsmanship, Faithfull creates clothes for sun-seekers and travel enthusiasts, and the brand’s specialty is beachwear with playful prints.
Matteau
This Australian brand is the ultimate embodiment of minimalism and understated elegance. It was founded by sisters Ilona Hamer and Peta Heinsen, who sought to create timeless swimwear that was both stylish and sustainable. With a focus on quality over quantity all of Matteau’s pieces are made from eco-friendly materials, such as Repreve recycled nylon yarn and Q-Nova, which is produced from post-industrial nylon waste generated in the yarn production cycle.
Do Good Swimwear
The name suggests it all. A small, minority women-owned swimwear brand, Do Good Swimwear is the place where you can find affordable swimsuits that can make you look good and feel good, too. Each swimsuit is made to last for seasons to come. Everything is made in small batches to discourage waste. Even the fabric scraps are used to make other accessories, such as hair ties, earrings, etc., that will be donated to women in need.
Summersalt
Summersalt’s flirty one-pieces and bikinis are just waiting to flatter your body by the poolside. The brand is all about inclusivity – they took over 1.5 million body measurements from 10,000 women, making swimsuit fit perfection accessible for everyone. Beyond empowering women, they believe in taking care of the world, so their signature swimsuits are made from 78% recycled polyamide and 22% elastane. “These fabrics are crafted from post-consumer materials and nylon waste—like old fishing nets—that are literally pulled from our oceans.”
Albion Fit
Albion Fit’s swimsuits are unlike any you’ve ever seen. From caped maternity one pieces to tankinis and trunks for kids, the family-owned brand covers all your fashion forward poolside needs. Their elegant swimwear is truly homegrown, with fabrics both produced and sewn here in the USA. The San Diego based shop is on a mission to diminish fashion’s carbon footprint, by “striving to make our manufacturing facility greener each day by recycling plant waste and by using earth friendly materials in our products.”
prAna
Look no further than prAna on your search for eco-friendly swimsuits and consciously designed cover-ups.
“At prAna, we aren’t perfect, but that’s never once stopped us from striving to do what’s right”-prAna
And for the guys prAna’s got a line of Zion cinch technology boardshorts for your high-intensity water adventures. While you’re there, have a look at their Renewed Apparel Program if you want to learn about garments and circularity. (They’ve already diverted over fifty-six thousand pounds of garment waste from the landfill between 2016-2021).
-By Jacqueline Pham
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