The long-awaited days of summer are finally here – after hiding away under coats and jackets, it’s finally time to bare all in gorgeous swimwear. From bare-it-all cuts to demure one-pieces and timeless shapes, the following swimwear brands offer a variety of suits to appeal to just about anyone hitting the beach this summer. What sets them apart from mainstream swim brands, however, is that all of these brands are committed to ethical and sustainable production.
So, sun your buns (or keep them covered) in styles from these ethical and sustainable swimwear brands.
From sea to beach, brand co-founders Barbara and Andrea craft their swimwear from recycled fishing nets, which would have otherwise been left to languish as waste in the ocean. Committed to a transparent supply chain and sustainability all materials used in production, from packaging to hang tags, are made from recycled or eco certified materials. The result is a collection that couples whimsical prints (I’m loving the coco print from summer) with classic, feminine silhouettes.
Born and designed on the dreamy beaches of Tulum and ethically manufactured in a green energy facility NYC, Amara swimwear is crafted from fabric made from up to 78% recycled material. The collection lends itself to longevity and versatility with a range of mix-and-match and reversible pieces that are made to last and intended to be worn again and again. Custom prints, interesting strapping details, and peek-a-boo cutouts make this line perfect for the woman who wants a little more style in her swimwear.
Inspired by vintage 90’s style, this Australian based and crafted brand uses organic and recycled materials throughout their collection. Committed to caring for our planet, Liar donates 10% of their sales to the Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary in Sri Lanka and uses their brand as a platform to raise awareness about marine protection and conservation. Their collection offers a nice mix between functional swimwear for an active day surfing or playing volleyball on the beach, and stylish suits that would look great lounging at a resort poolside.
Produced and manufactured in Los Angeles, the uber-feminine swimwear brand Amaio truly brings glamour to the beach. Architectural designs, vintage-influenced shapes, and details like corseting, collars, and mother-of-pearl snaps bring unexpected elegance to the range. Concerned with humanitarian issues, Amaio is currently partnered with the Thirst Project, and donates a percentage of profits to the projects’ efforts in providing communities access to clean drinking water.
African luxury fashion and lifestyle brand Lalesso offers a small yet impactful collection of swimwear where dramatic prints and patterns take centre stage. Inspired by the colourful printed khanga cloth, co-founders Alice Heusser and Olivia Kennaway infuse the collection with print-rich details to play up classic silhouettes. Committed to an ethical and eco-friendly supply chain, Lalesso also provides skills training to provide more work opportunities to people in the surrounding communities.
Header photo by David Straight via Unsplash