12 Sustainable Swim Brands to Know for Summer 2020

Unlike various unexpected trends that have emerged during the pandemic (namely, roller skates, Nintendo Switch, and elevated picnics), the rise of sustainable swimwear isn't a surprise. The future of our planet is top of mind, with shoppers becoming increasingly eco-conscious—and swim brands are taking note.

Despite your best manifestation efforts for a return to “normalcy,” the pandemic isn't over, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the water this summer. Inflatable pools are another unlikely hot commodity right now, and per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds." As such, you can rest assured that buying a new swimsuit isn't a waste, especially with all of the eco-friendly swimwear available for summer 2020. 

As well-known brands and up-and-coming designers utilize environmentally friendly fabrics and repurpose ocean waste for function, there's a vast array of options to choose from, and none of them sacrifice style. Ahead, 12 sustainable swimwear brands to have on your radar for this season and beyond.

Jade Swim

Founded by former fashion editor and stylist, Brittany Kozerski Freeney, Jade Swim is a Black-owned business to watch. Built on a chic minimalist aesthetic, the L.A. brand uses luxe Italian fabrics and shape retention technology for ethical swimwear you can feel good about buying and look great wearing. Run by women (from factory owner to warehouse team), Jade Swim has stepped up during the current national crisis, donating to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, the NAACP, and No Kid Hungry.

Londre Bodywear

With sustainability at the forefront, the Canadian swimwear label makes one-pieces and separates with double-lined compression material made from recycled plastic bottles from the streets and beaches of Taiwan, and has recycled 90,000 bottles and counting. Offering backless one-pieces, jewel-toned bikinis, and much more, Londre will bring stylish functionality to your low-key backyard hangs.

Ayla Swim

Ayla Swim dropped its Coral collection in May, inspired by the wonders of the ocean. Each piece is a tribute to endangered coral reefs around the world, with 1% of each suit sold being donated to Coral Guardian, which supports regeneration work to protect and restore reefs. With beach-to-street convenience in mind, the eye-catching designs are prime for your 2020 beach debut (we're counting down the days).

Summersalt

With sustainability at its core, Summersalt creates its swimwear using compressive, luxurious fabric crafted from 78% recycled polyamide. Made from recycled plastics, postconsumer materials, and nylon waste (like old fishing nets), the exhaustive product line (countless suit cuts in gingham, color-blocking, animal-print, florals, and more) is crafted based on 1.5 million body measurements from 10,000 women to inform the perfect fit. 

Mara Hoffman

Mara Hoffman was ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability, shifting its approach in 2015 to focus on manufacturing clothes with greater care, reduced impact, and heightened awareness. The brand prioritizes natural, recycled, and organic fibers and responsible production techniques across the board, and 100% of its swimwear is produced using recycled nylon and polyester. Its eclectic, globally inspired swimwear offerings don't sacrifice style for sustainability, and look as though they were plucked straight off the runway. Read more about the brand's various sustainability commitments here.

Matteau

Founded by sisters Ilona Hamer and Peta Heinsen, Matteau offers quality swimwear with a celebrity stamp of approval. Geometric cutouts, earthy prints, and unique tie-detailing characterize the Australian brand's beach-ready collection, which utilizes recycled nylon yarn made from waste (fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic), reducing landfill disposal and creating a circular system. 

Frankies Bikinis

The Instagram-famous swimwear brand known for trend-forward basics launched its first sustainable collection on June 26. Take your pick of eight bikini separates made of biodegradable nylon, available in one-shoulder, classic triangle, cheeky, and high-waist styles.

Figleaves

Looking for size-inclusive sustainable swimwear that doesn't skimp on style? Enter Figleaves's Mindful collection. The brand is bringing a range of energetic designs from fruits to jungle print and florals, crafted with every body in mind. Whether you're searching for a wireless one-piece or a bikini for big or small busts, check out the new collection made with a paper-printing method that produces 82% fewer CO₂ emissions.

Isa Boulder

Formed by two Indonesian women aiming to spotlight local craftsmanship with intricately designed swimwear, Isa Boulder is for anyone looking to swim but make it fashion. Based in Bali, the brand prides itself on quality production from its in-house seamstresses, which allows them to maintain control over waste, upcycling it as packaging and other garments. From knitted one-pieces to metallic bustiers, Isa Boulder's product range is ideal for the bold and eco-friendly beachgoer.

LemLem

Model Liya Kebede launched LemLem after a trip to her native Ethiopia, where she met a group of traditional weavers who no longer had a market for craft. Committed to elevating artisanship and expanding jobs across Africa, the brand utilizes natural, handwoven cotton for its core clothing collection and steadily expands partnerships with artisan groups across Africa. Each suit is stitched in a woman-owned factory in Morocco, and the breezy designs are prime for your next global excursion, whenever that may be.

Faithfull the Brand

Faithfull the Brand took Instagram by storm with its breezy, travel-friendly clothing that's designed, sourced, and produced in Bali, Indonesia. The idyllic aesthetic inspired by global vintage markets and wanderlust has summer written all over it, and the designs are hand-dyed and hand-printed in family-run factories. Feast your eyes on the brand's unique swimwear offerings on Net-a-Porter's Net Sustain platform, designed to support consciously crafted luxury fashion (psst, it's majorly discounted right now).

Marysia

Marysia launched its Swimclean collection after a year of research, development, and product testing—and now offers Classic styles in sustainable and ethically produced materials with the same quality texture and fit. Made from polyamide yarns using the brand's original yarning process, the scalloped swimsuits in muted pink, black, and white come in a range of cuts, from romantic cap-shoulder one-pieces to retro high-waist styles—all utilizing a dying process free of harmful chemicals.