Ethical + Sustainable Swim Brands to Wear Beyond the Beach

Heading to the beach or pool? These ethical and sustainable swim brands are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

Here are our top picks for ethical swim brands from the USA, Australia + Bali for mindful and conscious shoppers.

Plus, how to style your swimwear to wear it beyond the beach. 

Ready to dive in? 

Best Ethical Swim Brands

Summersalt

• Ships to USA, Canada + Australia 
• Swim, Dresses + Activewear 

“There are two things at the root of everything we do: Our customers, and our planet.” – Summersalt 

Summersalt uses 78% Recycled Polyamide to make its UPF 50+ protection sustainable suits. Every suit is $95 and made from fabrics crafted from recycled plastics, post-consumer materials, and nylon waste—like old fishing nets, so you can feel good about the clothes you wear. They’re designed to retain their shape even after several wears and washes because let’s be real – nobody wants a stretched out bathing suit. 

Not sure what size to order? Returns and exchanges are free. 

Zulu & Zephyr

• Based in Byron Bay
• Bikinis, Dresses + Knitwear

“We engage with our suppliers to develop, maintain and improve socially responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices.”

Byron Bay-based swimwear brand, Zulu & Zephyr, designs ethical swimwear and uses sustainable plastic-free packaging to ship their swimsuits. The labels inside the suits are 100% recycled, and 1% of sales are donated to support environmental nonprofits. From design to production, this brand is committed to limiting its environmental impacts.

Related: Best Beach Bags for Summer

Vitamin A

• Made in California
• Swim, Dresses, Loungewear, Bodysuits, Tops + Tunics  

“We believe style & sustainability are inseparable.” = Vitamin A 

Vitamin A uses recycled and plant-based materials to create their collections, including organic cotton, linen, recycled cotton, and Tencel®. Whether you prefer tie-dye prints or classic colors, they make sustainable tops, bottoms, and one-pieces in California for every body. A portion of sales goes to organizations that protect our oceans.

Reformation 

• From USA
• Swim, Dresses, Jeans + Basics

“At Reformation, we think about all the costs in creating fashion—not just the price tag.” – Reformation

Reformation swimwear is sustainably made in California. From triangle tops to one-pieces, their collections use ECONYL regenerated nylon made from nylon waste rescued from oceans and landfills. Each item sold on the website features its sustainability impact, so you know the carbon dioxide, water, and waste savings. 

Peony Swimwear

• From Australia 
• Swim + Resort Wear

“We work to minimise the negative impacts associated with manufacturing and to ensure that all people involved are treated fairly and respectfully along the way.” – Peony Swimwear

Peony Swimwear uses recycled and sustainable fabrics to create luxe collections and feminine styles. The fabrics are made with ECONYL®, a 100% regenerated nylon constructed from abandoned fishing nets and nylon waste from landfills and oceans around the world. Peony Swimwear invests in compostable and biodegradable mailer bags made using plant-based materials like cornstarch and wheat that easily break down in the compost bin. The head office is located in Burleigh Heads (one of my favorite beaches in QLD.) 

Kivari 

Australian brand, Kivari’s latest collection features swimwear crafted from environmentally sustainable imported Italian fabric. The material is breathable, offers UV protection, and each piece is made from certified recycled and sustainable fabrics. 

Spell & the Gypsy

• From Australia 
• Swimwear, Boho Dresses, Activewear + Bridal 

“We are committed to living our vision to become one of the most inspiring and conscious fashion brands in the world.” – Spell 

Known for their bohemian style and sought after designs, Spell & the Gypsy makes beautiful sustainable chic swimwear. From leopard one-piece suits to classic bikinis in sophisticated prints, Spell uses Recycled Polyamide ECONYL® and Elastane in their swimwear collections as part of their commitment to walk a little lighter on earth.

Wolven 

• LA-based 
• Women’s + Men’s clothing & swim 

“We care about the conditions in which our clothing is made and demand that our partners abide by a strict code of conduct.”

Wolven creates ethical, eco-friendly swimwear that you can feel good about wearing. Their activewear and swimwear collection is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial and can be worn to the beach or for any water activity. The brand is carbon-neutral, investing in programs that offset the emissions created. They use fabric made from recycled bottles, and packages are sent in reusable, 100% recycled poly mailer or biodegradable paper boxes. 

Bromelia Swimwear 

• From Santa Monica, California
• Bikinis, One-Pieces + Coverups 

“We believe that sustainability begins on a human level.” – Bromelia Swimwear.

Bromelia Swimwear is an ethical swim brand to put on your radar. It’s a California brand mixed with Brazilian soul, created and made by an all-female & LGBTQ creative team. From the design to the final product, everyone who touches the swimsuits is treated with dignity and paid a fair wage. “We don’t view the ones who bring our vision to life as workers, we see them as designers.” 

Patagonia

• From USA 
• Swim, Rash Guards, Surf Suits + Outdoor/Adventure Gear  

“We’re In Business To Save Our Home Planet.” – Patagonia 

As pioneers in corporate social responsibility and working to reduce their impact on the environment, Patagonia is on a mission to change people’s relationship with their stuff. Through their Worn Wear program, they repair and repurpose items to extend their life cycle. They also use recycled nylon, spandex jersey, and recycled polyester to make Fair Trade Certified swimwear. 

Faithfull the Brand

• Based in Bali 
• Swim, Dresses + Accessories 

“We want to keep a personal connection with each and every one of our employees to ensure they are well taken care of.” – Faithfull the Brand 

From vintage-inspired one-piece suits to classic triangle top adjustable bikinis, Faithful the Brand is a community-minded ethical fashion + swim brand designing socially responsible garments. Production is based in Bali, and they work closely to support and encourage local artisans. Most of the sewers making the clothing work from home to hand create each design. 

Related: Ethical + Sustainable Swimwear Brands from Australia for Every Body

How to Style Your Swimwear 

Here are a few ideas to inspire you to wear your swimwear beyond the beach or pool. 

• Our favorite – pair it with a cute pair of cutoffs, sandals, and a boho hat for brunch with the girls or a throw on a chic kimono for a day of adventuring.
• Some swimsuits are too beautiful to be worn only to the beach. Style your favorite boho-chic maxi skirt with a denim jacket and wear your swimwear as a bodysuit. 
• Pair a cute bandeau top with your favorite jeans or pants and sneakers. 
• Ditch your bralette, and reach for your favorite bikini top to wear under a strappy dress or jumpsuit. 
• Traveling to a tropical destination? Wear your bikini under a linen matching set, so you’re ready for the beach in a moment’s notice. 

Conclusion: Eco-Friendly, Sustainable + Ethical Swim Brands

To extend the life of your ethical and sustainable swimwear, hand wash it after a day at the beach or a dip in the pool. To dry, lay it out or hang dry in the shade. 

What’s your favorite ethical swim brand? Let us know in the comments. 

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Cover photo: Vitamin A Swim