Swimsuit season is upon us. This can be a time of year where fast fashion impulses can get the better of us, panic buying for that last minute holiday or glimmer of British sun. Swimsuits can sometimes feel like seasonal pieces if you’re not a routine swimmer, just something to wear this summer, maybe next if they’ve lasted that long. This year, why not consider a swimsuit as an investment?
A timeless piece of your wardrobe to take care of as much as your other everyday items. A piece of your wardrobe that in return is saving that very beach you’re relaxing on or that ocean you’re exploring.
These brands are creating swimsuits made of recycled post-consumer plastics as well as participating in active clean up of oceans, helping the water’s wildlife and ethical manufacture. So go on, consider one of these for your beachy escape or, as I’m doing whilst writing this, catching those rare British rays of sun.
The Hollywood Glam
Lilliput & Felix have been designing sustainable swimsuits from their London base since 2014, and the Aphrodite is a glamourous standout from their collection. Also made from recycled plastic bottles and old fishnets, the fabric is breathable and chlorine resistant. The v neck top has multi tie shoulder straps. The bust area has removable foam padding cups, so you can wear the swimsuit how you want it. Lilliput & Felix make their swimsuits in small quantities from their Portugal factory and either repurpose or donate what otherwise would be waste fabric scraps. The company has also been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, meaning Lilliput & Felix are committed to ethical manufacture of their swimsuits, philanthropy, forestry, being an eco-friendly company and working towards the UN Global Goals. You can order their lovely Aphrodite swimsuit in black, blue, orange, a gingham print or lemon blossom print and in sizes 1-5. (£200).(Image and information from lilliputandfelix.com)
The Romantic
If you’re looking for a romantic swimsuit fit for the Mediterranean, maybe consider the Gianna suit from In Capri. The London based brand values quality and relaxed beauty of the Med. This suit comes in a vivid, unforgettable red, with gold hoop zamak accents, which are 100% recyclable. The front is simple, with a square neck and bra shelf for added support. The back is where the party’s at. The adjustable straps mean you can control the support of the suit and the look of the open back. The design is seamless and stretchy to comfortable move with your body. In Capri have been making swimsuits in the UK since 2020, sourcing their ECONYL® from Italian factories that have given knew life to fishing nets, plastic consumer waste and fabric scraps. Labels are made from recycled cotton or satin and soy based in ink used for In Capri’s tags and packaging. Most inventive are the hygiene liners which are biodegradable and compostable since they’re made of tree pulp! As a finalist for the Sustainable Business of the Year, this a company to look out for. You can get the Gianna suit in sizes S-L. (£145).
(Image and information from thepositive.co)
The Scandi Classic
If you’re searching for a simple, timeless swimsuit that will always hit the mark, take a look at The Ohoy Emma by Made of Water. Made of Water is based in Cornwall, and their ethos centres around sisterhood and the protection of the Cornish waters. The Ohoy collection was conceived in 2016 by two Scandinavians and 1% of Ohoy sales is donated to the non-profit group Healthy Seas, who are collecting old fishing nets from the ocean. Ah, fishing nets, the very thing this swimsuit is made of! Fishing nets and recycled plastic. The Ohoy Emma is made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon and is resistant to chlorine, sunscreen and oil. The design is simple, seamless and comfortable with a U-shaped neckline and square back. The packaging also does good as it’s supplied by Noissue, which is part of the Eco-Packaging Alliance and so plant one tree for every package needed by Made of Water to send out their swimsuits. You can get the Ohoy Emma in a deep green colour or light lilac, in sizes S-XL. (£95).
(Image and information from madeofwater.co.uk)
The Fun Print
Another company based in Cornwall is supplying sustainable swimsuits fit for your summer bag. The Tropic Rave swimsuit by Tide & Seek is a standout for it’s fun, multicoloured print. The pattern in created digitally, meaning no wasted ink and less water needed than a standard fabric dye. It’s estimated that 1 swimsuit is made of 5 plastic bottles! Tide & Seek is another company that uses ECONYL®, with swimsuits made in a factory in Bali that was personally vetted by the company founder. Tide & Seek cares for the ethical treatment of the people that make the swimsuits such as Tropic Rave, which you can read in further detail on their website. The great thing about Tide & seek is that they offer two styles of their swimsuits, a classic cut or a cheeky cut, so you can decide how much skin you want to show! The swimsuits come in sizes XS-XL. (£75)
(Image and information from tideandseek.com)
The Animal Print
It’s time for an eco-upgrade from the classic leopard print swimsuit. Introducing the Seal by BATOKO, a company that began in 2017 with a beach clean-up group. They make vibrantly patterned swimsuits using digital printing and recycled post-consumer plastic waste. The printed seals on this suit are adorable and vividly coloured, so the silhouette of the suit is a simple scoop back with good bust support and coverage. Their swimsuits are vegan and designed from a green energy workplace. The best part? Proceeds from Seal swimsuit purchases go towards the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, so you’ll be helping the rescue and rehabilitation of seal pups! BATOKO frequently use their swimsuits as a collaboration with environmental and wildlife groups, caring for our natural waters and the life in them. The Seal suit comes in sizes XS-3XL. (£60).
(Image and information from batoko.com)