With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches in our backyard and an almost perfect climate all year round, it only makes sense that Australia is home to some seriously good sustainable swimwear labels, not mention innovative ones. Bikinis made from recycled plastic bottles anyone?
I firmly believe that all you need to get a beach body this summer is a sustainably made swimsuit, so I’ve rounded up the best ethical and sustainable swimwear brands which have garnered a cult following for ethics, style, and wearability.
Image left via Salt Gypsy – Cover image Baaby Swim
Kowtow
Ethical fashion favourite Kowtow just released its first swimwear collection made from ECONYL in their classic minimal style. Inspired by organic shapes and vibrant colours Kowto’s new sustainable swimwear range plays with minimalist design and subdued femininity.
Baiia Label
Meaning “one who has the capacity to change the world for the better” Baiia is all about is empowering women to feel confident in their swimsuits. This sustainable swimwear label creates super flattering, size-inclusive one-pieces which can be worn multiple ways, and mixed with other colours from the collection.
Oceanzen
Designed for conscious women, passionate about our ocean life, OceanZen was one of the first Australian swimwear brands to use the revolutionary Econyl fabric. Founder Steph is an environmental scientist and ocean conservationist, the very premise of OceanZen is about sustainability and helping reduce the human footprint on our oceans. Each piece is made in a small family-run manufacturing studio in Bali who Steph works closely with.
Salt Gypsy
Based in Byron Bay, this awesome brand lives and breathes the female surf lifestyle. Developed by Australian ex-Billabong employee Danielle Clayton, the company aims to use regenerated fabric from ocean waste and offsets energy costs to support renewable energy projects in NSW (R-certified). The products are to be surfed in with internal elastic for anti-pull-down (massive bonus) and tailored fits to still look good.
Elle Evans
Elle Evans creates sustainable swimwear made for women (and kids!) who love fun, bright prints. Every piece is handmade by Tanya Evans in her Melbourne studio and her swimwear is modeled on gorgeous women with different shapes so you can see how they really look at sit on your body.
Isla in Bloom
New on the sustainable swimwear scene is Australian made Isla in Bloom who’s pieces are designed to be some of the comfiest and most flattering bikinis you’ll ever wear. Each piece is handmade from regenerated Econyl®, a 100% regenerative nylon made from fishing nets, plastic waste, and unwanted fabric scraps.
Marvell Lane
Ladies with big boobs pay attention. Slow fashion label Marvell Lane specialise in making beautiful, supportive swimwear specifically with busty ladies in mind offering sizes 8DD – 16H. They are luxurious, fun, sexy, sustainable and supportive, making pieces you’ll be wearing this summer and beyond.
Baaby
Luxury Melbourne swim label Baaby is all about retro styles made for right now with that divine coexistence between fashion and comfort. Baaby’s super flattering pieces are made using recycled plastic Econyl fabric, designed for style and comfort and made to last.
Camp Cove
The Australian designed and made swimwear label combines retro and unique designs with comfort. The swimsuits are manufactured ethically on the South Coast of New South Wales and printed in Sydney. All the pieces have recycled fabrics in the lining and each piece has been carefully constructed to last.
Shapes in The Sand
Inspired by the beauty of the Aussie bush, Shapes in the Sand is an Australian swimwear brand using fiber derived from discarded nylon ghost nets found at the bottom of the ocean and other waste from landfills. Currently, in its fourth season, Shapes in the Sand has grown into a leading name in the sustainable fashion industry. Using only eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes this ethical fashion brand ensures the well being of people and the planet every step of the way.
Le Buns
The Le- Buns swim collection has been designed as multi-purpose wardrobe staples. Their versatile bikini tops & can be styled over 10 ways and they’re fully adjustable to suit A-E cups.
Spell & The Gypsy
The Byron Bay boho designers which have garnered a global cult following for their fashion and they also do seriously good swimwear. Another lover of ECONYL Spell’s designs come in their signature prints in luxe designs that will take you from beach to bar, just add one of their organic cotton sarongs.
Bondi Joe
Bondi Joe are for guys that want super comfortable shorts they can wear all weekend – from sunrise to sunset, from beach to the bar, in and out of the water. Their swimwear is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, the packaging is biodegradable, and they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits to offset the impact on the environment.
Outerknown
Kelly Slater brands Outerknown is a coastal-minded men’s clothing and surf brand that connects style, sustainability, and function. They make the ultimate beach to boardroom style board shorts all designed and tested by Kelly Slater himself.
