Sustainable Swimwear is Making Waves

Our favE planet friendly swimsuits this summer

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. Check out our top picks for best sustainable swimwear.

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.

Patagonia

Patagonia has long been one of our favorite eco-friendly fashion pioneers. This summer, their lineup includes boardshorts, one- and two- piece swimsuits, and nanogrip swimsuits. What’s nanogrip? It’s the first thing you’ll throw into your beach bag. But seriously, the brand works tirelessly to develop revolutionary new materials, and when their nanogrip fabric hits the waves, the suits’ surface areas increase to conform securely to your body. These swimsuits are perfect for higher intensity water sports, PLUS they’re made from post consumer recycled fishing nets and certified Fair Trade ™ production. As if sustainable materials and circular fashion practices aren’t enough, Patagonia also pledges 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.

Women Sizes: XS- XL
Mens Sizes: 28-44
Instagram: @patagonia


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.”

Size Range: 2-12 
Instagram: @summersalt


Nani

Calling all active beach-going babes out there!  Nani Swimwear designs with you in mind. Their swim tops have soft pads, high coverage, and luxurious lining to support you during the most exciting beach days. And with versatile designs, their swim bottoms mix and match with the top you love. Even more fabulous, “starting summer of 2021, all Nani suits are made from recycled plastic water bottles.” -Nani

Something we really like about Nani is their inclusivity. To them “every body is a swimsuit body.” That’s why they reject excess photoshop. Check out their site and you’ll see what we mean!

Size Range: XXS-XXL
Instagram: @naniswimwear


Wolven

​​“Since plastics are indestructible, it’s vital that we find ways to reuse them — so we’re giving that plastic bottle a second life,” says Wolven. For each sale, the brand removes one pound of waste from our oceans to use for their designs. They also offset their carbon emissions which you can learn about on their amazing Sustainability page. Float on over there and check it out! You’ll love shopping their swimsuit collection by pattern while you’re there. Choose from mesmerizing mandalas that mimic the sunrise or shop their eucalyptus, lavender, and turmeric colors reminiscent of that perfect summer sunset.

Size Range: XS-XL
Instagram: @Wolven


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.”

Size Range: XS-XXL
Instagram: @albionfit


Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective believes where your swimsuit ends up is just as important as where it comes from. “We gladly recycle most old Girlfriend Collective pieces and turn them into future clothes,” says the brand. They make top quality suits designed with ECONYL® regenerated nylon– a fiber made from nylon waste otherwise polluting the earth, like fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic. Their primary color motifs – opting for sea blues, banana yellows and marina reds – lend a classic chicness to this sporty, sustainable swimwear line.

Womens Sizes XXS-6XL
Instagram: @girlfriendcollective


prAna

​​Look no further than prAna on your search for eco-friendly swimsuits and consciously designed cover-ups. Most prAna spring styles are made with recycled materials such as ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon that lessens carbon emissions compared to virgin nylon.

“At prAna, we aren’t perfect, but that’s never once stopped us from striving to do what’s right”-prAna

And guys, if you’re here, 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).

Women Size Range: XS-XL
& for the Men: 28-40
Instagram: @pranaswim

-By Destiny Washington


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