The swimwear industry has traditionally relied on synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum products, contributing to plastic pollution and carbon emissions. However, a growing wave of innovation is transforming how swimsuits are made. From recycled fishing nets to regenerated ocean plastics, sustainable materials now offer genuine alternatives without sacrificing performance or style.
For environmentally conscious consumers, understanding these materials helps make informed purchasing decisions. This guide explains the main sustainable fabric technologies in swimwear, their environmental benefits and limitations, and what to look for when shopping for eco-friendly swimsuits.
The Problem with Traditional Swimwear
Conventional swimwear fabrics, primarily nylon and polyester blended with elastane, are derived from fossil fuels. Their production is energy-intensive and releases greenhouse gases. Once manufactured, these synthetic fabrics can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, and they shed microplastics with each wash that eventually reach our oceans.
Given that swimwear has a relatively short lifespan, being replaced every season or two by frequent swimmers, the environmental impact accumulates quickly. An estimated 300 million pairs of swimsuits are sold globally each year, representing a significant consumption of virgin plastics.
Every time synthetic swimwear is washed, tiny plastic fibres break off and flow into waterways. A single wash can release thousands of microplastic particles. These particles are too small to be filtered by most wastewater treatment plants and eventually enter marine ecosystems.
Recycled Nylon: ECONYL and Similar Technologies
One of the most significant advances in sustainable swimwear is the development of recycled nylon fabrics. ECONYL, produced by Italian company Aquafil, is perhaps the best-known example, though several manufacturers now offer similar products.
How It's Made
Recycled nylon is created from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, including discarded fishing nets recovered from the ocean, fabric scraps from manufacturing, old carpets, and industrial plastic waste. This material is depolymerised, breaking it down to its original chemical components, then repolymerised into fresh nylon yarn.
The resulting fibre is chemically identical to virgin nylon, meaning it performs just as well in terms of durability, stretch, and chlorine resistance. The process can be repeated indefinitely, making recycled nylon a truly circular material.
Environmental Benefits
- Diverts waste from landfills and oceans
- Reduces demand for petroleum-based virgin materials
- Uses significantly less water and energy than virgin nylon production
- Generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions
Some recycled nylon specifically sources discarded fishing nets from the ocean. These "ghost nets" are a major source of marine pollution, entangling wildlife and damaging ecosystems. Swimwear made from this material actively removes harmful plastic from ocean environments.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester, often made from post-consumer PET bottles, is another common sustainable swimwear material. Like recycled nylon, it offers performance comparable to virgin polyester while reducing environmental impact.
From Bottles to Bikinis
Plastic bottles are collected, cleaned, shredded, and melted into polyester chips. These chips are then spun into yarn that can be woven or knitted into swimwear fabric. Approximately 8-12 plastic bottles might be recycled to create enough fabric for one swimsuit, depending on the design.
Considerations
While recycled polyester addresses the issue of virgin plastic production and diverts bottles from landfills, it doesn't solve the microplastic shedding problem. Each wash still releases synthetic fibres into waterways. Some environmentalists argue that true sustainability requires moving beyond all synthetic materials, though plant-based alternatives for swimwear remain limited.
Natural and Bio-Based Alternatives
A small but growing segment of the market is exploring natural or bio-based materials for swimwear. These options aim to address the end-of-life impact that all synthetic fabrics, recycled or not, share.
Natural Rubber
Some surf and swimwear brands incorporate natural rubber from sustainably managed plantations. Natural rubber biodegrades more readily than synthetic elastane, though finding a fully natural alternative to stretch fabrics remains challenging.
Plant-Based Fibres
Innovations in plant-based fibres are slowly entering the swimwear space. However, most plant fibres absorb water and lose structural integrity when wet, making them unsuitable for high-performance swimwear. Research continues into treatments and blends that could make natural fibres viable for aquatic use.
- Recycled content percentage: higher is generally better
- Certifications like Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or OEKO-TEX
- Transparent supply chain information from the brand
- Quality construction that will last multiple seasons
- Brand commitments to reducing environmental impact
Beyond Fabric: Holistic Sustainability
Truly sustainable swimwear considers more than just the main fabric. Other factors contribute to the overall environmental impact of a garment.
Manufacturing Practices
How and where swimwear is made matters. Factories powered by renewable energy, water recycling systems, fair labour practices, and minimal waste production all contribute to a more sustainable product. Some brands now publish detailed supply chain information, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Dyes and Finishes
Conventional textile dyes can be highly polluting, releasing toxic chemicals into waterways near manufacturing facilities. Sustainable brands often use low-impact or natural dyes and water-based printing methods that reduce environmental harm.
Packaging and Shipping
Recycled and recyclable packaging, carbon-offset shipping, and minimal use of plastic in garment tags and packaging contribute to reducing the overall footprint of a swimwear purchase.
Making Your Swimwear Last
Perhaps the most sustainable choice of all is extending the life of swimwear you already own. Proper care, gentle washing, and appropriate storage can double or triple the lifespan of a swimsuit, reducing the need for new purchases.
- Rinse swimwear immediately after each use
- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Never tumble dry; heat degrades elastic fibres
- Rotate between multiple suits to allow recovery time
- Store flat in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
The Bigger Picture
While sustainable swimwear represents meaningful progress, it's important to maintain perspective. No consumer product is truly "sustainable" in an absolute sense; production always consumes resources and creates some waste. The goal is continuous improvement and choosing better options within available alternatives.
Sustainable swimwear choices work best as part of broader environmental consciousness: buying less but better, caring for what we own, and staying informed about industry developments. The swimwear industry is evolving, and consumer demand for sustainable options drives further innovation.
By understanding the materials and practices behind sustainable swimwear, you can make choices that align with your values while still enjoying beautiful, functional swimsuits. Every purchase that supports sustainable innovation sends a market signal that environmental responsibility matters to consumers.