Sustainable Swimwear Has Come a Long Way Baby … Get Yours!

Who knew? Our grandmothers were the forerunners of circular swimwear, when they donned swimsuits made of regenerative fibers like cotton and wool. Today, circularity in the swimwear category is difficult to achieve. We expect swimwear to be quick-drying and non-shrinking, while also providing stretch and compression. If eco friendly swimwear is on your summer wish list, here’s how to find the perfect suit.

Photo Source: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division

Now, we don’t want to go back to the days of our grannies’ saggy-bottomed swimsuits, held up by sloppy ties, buttons and not-so-circular buckles. No one wants to give up the modern-day properties of swimsuits we’ve come to know and love. Fortunately, more swimwear brands are offering fashionable, comfortable and sustainable options than ever before. 

What’s more, whether you’re seeking a sustainable bikini or an eco-friendly swim shirt, the sustainable swimwear category is booming! In fact, Allied Market Research projects that the global sustainable swimwear market, which was valued at $7.8 billion in 2022, will reach $16.2 billion by 2032.

Manymoons’ Top Four Sustainable Swimwear Shopping Tips

Manymoons Founder and CEO Carolyn Butler has her finger on the pulse of circular fashion and sustainable swimwear trends. As a chemical engineer, and someone who is keenly aware of the damage chemicals can do to humans and the environment, she closely monitors the fabric content and construction of fashion brands. We asked Carolyn to share her tips for consumers who are looking for sustainable bathing suit options. 

Tip No. 1: Look for eco swimwear brands that use recycled materials.

Many swimwear brands that are committed to eco-friendly practices are now using recycled materials. When shopping for swimwear, check the labels. You should be able to find the type of recycled materials used clearly listed in the content description. Using recycled plastics and fabrics is just one way swimwear brands are reducing their impact on the environment.

According to Carolyn, “Swim designers are definitely looking for fabrics that have the modern-day properties we have come to expect from swimwear, like elasticity, support and quick dry, but with a recycled twist. For example, brands are making swimwear from recycled plastic bottles, including garments made of REPREVE™, like these options from KidWild, and swimwear made from regenerated nylon products, like these options from 1 People.”

Tip No. 2: Look for brands that integrate SPF protection with sustainability in mind. 

There’s more to eco-friendly swimwear than the fabric alone. Savvy designers are pushing the envelope when it comes to producing swimsuits and other swim garments that are less harmful to the environment. This includes designing garments that minimize the need for sunscreen.

“Swimwear construction is really changing. Building SPF protection into garments and designing them to cover up the skin (like rash guards or swimsuits with long sleeves) also creates a better environmental experience. This reduces the need for sunscreen, which mostly washes off in the water anyway. Carve Designs has a great collection of rash guards and suits for adults made from recycled plastic bottles and containing SPF,” Carolyn says.

Tip No. 3: Look for high-quality sustainable swimwear brands, built to last.

The days of fast fashion really need to go the way of granny’s saggy swimsuits and be relegated to the past. The fact is, if we purchase fewer swimsuits, then fewer swimsuits will end up in landfills.

As Carolyn explains, “I encourage consumers to consider spending a little more to buy a well-made suit that will last through more than one season of sun and water exposure. The most sustainable approach is to buy swimwear that will hold up over many years and through repeated exposure to sun, surf and sand, thus minimizing the need for throw-away production.”

Tip No. 4: Look for fashion retailers and resellers that offer new, sustainable swimwear from previous seasons.

Did you know that when brands manufacture more garments than they are able to sell, many of those garments end up in landfills? It’s true. 

Fortunately, online fashion retailers like Manymoons make “rescues”—unworn, sustainable swimwear from seasons past—available for purchase. Even better, you will always find Manymoons Rescue Swimwear on sale, with significant discounts off of the original retail price.

Manymoons is your one-stop shop for sustainable swimwear for all ages!

Whether you’re looking for swimwear for babies, older kids or a sustainable bathing suit for yourself—we’ve got you covered. You can shop Manymoons Sustainable Swim Shop here.