Are There Eco-Friendly Or Sustainable Swimwear Options?
Looking for sustainable swimwear but don’t know where to start? This article breaks down everything you need to know about eco-friendly swimwear—from regenerated fabrics like Econyl and Repreve, to ethical production practices, and even how to extend the life of your swimwear. We'll also explore why traditional swimwear is problematic, and how brands like HannaBanna are offering stylish, environmentally conscious alternatives. By the end of this piece, you’ll know:
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Why traditional swimwear contributes to microplastics pollution and landfill waste
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The best sustainable materials for swimwear and what they actually mean
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How to spot truly eco-conscious swimwear brands
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The role of slow fashion, textile recycling, and low-impact manufacturing
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What kinds of swimwear styles you can find sustainably—yes, even tankinis
Let’s dive in.
Rethinking Swimwear: The Plastic Problem
For decades, swimwear has been dominated by synthetic materials—mainly nylon, polyester, and elastane. These fabrics are prized for their stretch, quick-drying properties, and durability, but they come at a steep cost: they’re made from fossil fuels, shed microfibres into our oceans, and are nearly impossible to recycle efficiently.
“More than half a million tonnes of microplastics from synthetic textiles enter the ocean every year.”
The issue isn’t just in the fabric—it’s in the mindset. Fast fashion’s throwaway culture means cheap bikinis are worn once and forgotten, adding to the 100 billion garments produced annually, much of which ends up as landfill waste within months.
But the tide is turning.
What Makes Swimwear Sustainable?
1. The Fabric: What’s In Your Swimsuit?
The first place to look when assessing a swimsuit’s eco-friendliness is the material. Not all “green” claims are equal. Below are some of the most respected sustainable fabrics found in swimwear today:
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Econyl: Regenerated nylon made from waste like fishing nets and industrial plastic. It offers the same performance as virgin nylon but dramatically reduces environmental impact.
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Recycled Nylon & Polyester: Post-consumer or industrial waste is transformed into new yarns. Brands using Repreve, for example, fuse recycled polyester with natural textiles.
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Deadstock Fabric: Leftover or overproduced fabric from other companies that would otherwise go to waste.
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Organic Cotton & Hemp Fabric: Less common in swimwear due to absorbency but ideal for swimwear coverups or fashion-forward pieces. Hemp, in particular, is praised for being one of the lowest-impact crops.
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Mechanical Stretch Fibre (Lycra T400): A newer innovation, offering stretch without relying on elastane, which is difficult to recycle.
Browse our full range of bikinis featuring durable, sustainable textiles made to last more than just a season.
2. The Construction: Less Waste, More Circularity
Eco-friendly design doesn’t stop at fabric. Brands focused on circular fashion look at every detail—from stitching to lining—to ensure the piece can be easily disassembled and recycled. This has led to innovations like the mono-constituent garment: a suit made from a single material, which simplifies textile-to-textile recycling.
Some companies are even exploring swimwear take-back programs—a system where you can return worn-out swimwear to be remade into new items. These programs reduce recycling challenges and help close the loop.
Styles That Don’t Sacrifice Sustainability
When people think “sustainable,” they sometimes worry about sacrificing style—but today’s brands are proving otherwise. Whether you prefer minimalism, bold prints, or vintage cuts, there’s an eco-friendly swimsuit for everyone. At HannaBanna, our collections are designed to offer both form and function with sustainability at their core.
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Love versatility? Check out our elegant one-piece swimsuits, ideal for poolside lounging or ocean swims.
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For something with flair, our swim dresses combine modesty with timeless beach style.
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Prefer separates? Mix and match our swim tops and swim bottoms to suit your body and conscience.
Even our tankinis are part of our commitment to ethical production and low-waste manufacturing—perfect for those who value both comfort and the planet.
The Ethics Behind Sustainable Swimwear
When it comes to sustainability, fabric isn’t the whole story. True eco-friendly swimwear also considers the people behind the product—from factory workers to designers. This is where ethical production becomes essential.
Look for brands that manufacture in transparent facilities, ideally those that are B-Corp certified or operate under fair trade principles. Certifications like these ensure workers are paid fairly, labor rights are upheld, and working environments are safe. For example, swimwear made in UK or EU countries often benefits from stricter labor laws and environmental regulations, giving consumers more peace of mind.
“Sustainability is not just about the Earth—it’s about the people on it too.”
At HannaBanna, ethical manufacturing is a core value, from design concept to delivery. We don't just make swimwear—we make it responsibly.
The Rise of Second-Hand and Preloved Swimwear
The fashion industry is increasingly embracing slow fashion, and swimwear is no exception. While some might hesitate at the thought, the second-hand swimwear market is growing rapidly—thanks to platforms like Vinted, Depop, and curated resale shops.
Preloved fashion not only extends the life of garments but also reduces demand for new production, saving water, energy, and emissions in the process. It also makes high-quality pieces accessible to a wider audience.
Tips for buying second-hand swimwear:
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Check for quality: Stick to swimwear with tags or minimal signs of wear.
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Opt for well-reviewed sellers: Especially on resale marketplaces.
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Clean thoroughly: Most pieces can be safely sanitized or machine-washed with gentle detergent.
Sustainable style doesn’t always mean new. In fact, opting for vintage swimwear or upcycled designs can be one of the most impactful decisions you make as a consumer.
Microplastics, Microfibres & The Invisible Problem
One of the hidden dangers of conventional swimwear is microfibre shedding. Every time you wash a synthetic garment, tiny plastic particles are released into the water system—eventually flowing into rivers and oceans. These microplastics are ingested by marine life, enter the food chain, and ultimately affect human health.
While recycled polyester and recycled nylon fabrics like Econyl are better than virgin synthetics, they still shed microfibres when machine-washed. But there are solutions:
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Use a microfibre filter or laundry bag (like a Guppyfriend)
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Hand-wash your swimwear to reduce shedding
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Wash less frequently—swimwear typically doesn’t need intense washing
Brands are also exploring textile innovations like mechanical stretch fibres (such as Lycra T400) that offer stretch without contributing to fibre pollution.
From Poolside to Planet-Conscious
It’s clear that choosing eco-friendly swimwear is about more than just fashion—it’s about embracing a lifestyle rooted in conscious consumption, circular fashion, and environmental responsibility.
To summarize, here’s what to look for when shopping for sustainable swimwear:
Top Sustainability Checklist:
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Made from regenerated textiles (Econyl, Repreve, recycled nylon/polyester)
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Ethically produced with transparent supply chains
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Designed for longevity—not fast fashion
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Incorporates zero-waste design principles
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Offers recycling or swimwear take-back programs
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Manufactured using low-impact materials and dyes
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Comes from a brand committed to carbon-neutral production or offsetting
Before we wrap things up, don't miss out on browsing our swimwear collection, thoughtfully created with these principles in mind.
How to Care for Your Sustainable Swimwear (and Make It Last)
Once you've invested in a well-made, eco-conscious swimsuit, the next most sustainable thing you can do is make it last. With a few simple habits, you can dramatically extend the life of your swimwear and reduce your fashion footprint even further.
Sustainable Swimwear Care Tips
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Rinse after every use
Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen can break down fabric over time. Always rinse your suit in cool, fresh water after each wear. -
Avoid the washing machine
Machine washing can speed up microfibre shedding. Instead, gently hand-wash your swimwear with mild soap or a specialized detergent. -
Air dry in the shade
Heat can warp elasticity and cause colors to fade. Lay your suit flat to dry in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. -
Rotate your swimwear
If you swim regularly, try not to rely on one suit. Letting suits rest between wears helps preserve the fabric’s integrity. -
Store it flat or rolled
Avoid wringing out or folding your swimwear too tightly, which can stretch the fibers.
By following these steps, your eco-friendly swimsuit—like those from our one-piece collection—can last multiple seasons, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
The Future of Sustainable Swimwear: What’s Next?
The swimwear industry is changing—fast. Thanks to a rising tide of consumer demand for green fashion, brands are innovating like never before. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
1. Textile-to-Textile Recycling at Scale
The holy grail of circularity, textile-to-textile recycling, is becoming more achievable with advances in materials science. Technologies are being developed to separate blended fabrics (like nylon and elastane), making it easier to create fully recyclable garments.
2. Swimwear Without Elastane
Innovations like mono-constituent garments—made from a single material—are opening the door to truly circular swimwear. Without the need for elastane, these suits are easier to recycle again and again.
3. Plant-Based and Biodegradable Fabrics
Some brands are experimenting with biodegradable fabrics and bio-based alternatives to synthetics. Imagine swimwear that degrades naturally at end of life, without leaving behind harmful microplastics.
4. Carbon-Neutral and Zero-Waste Operations
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the product. More brands are working toward carbon-neutral production, low water usage, and zero-waste design principles across their entire supply chain.
At HannaBanna, we’re keeping pace with these advancements while staying true to our brand values—style, comfort, and responsibility. You can see this reflected in our timeless pieces like our swim tops, where thoughtful design meets long-term function.
Final Thoughts
So, are there eco-friendly or sustainable swimwear options? Absolutely—and more than ever before. The industry is finally waking up to the environmental impact of fast fashion, and consumers are leading the change.
Whether you're shopping for a bold new bikini, a sleek swim dress, or a modest tankini, you don’t have to choose between sustainability and style.
Every decision you make—from the materials you wear to how you care for them—can be a step toward a more conscious, circular future. And that, in itself, is always in season.
Explore the HannaBanna swimwear collection — designed with heart, made to last, and built for a better world.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sustainable Swimwear
1. Is sustainable swimwear more expensive than regular swimwear?
Yes, sustainable swimwear tends to be priced higher due to the cost of ethical production, certified eco-materials, and often smaller-batch manufacturing. However, the price reflects durability, worker welfare, and a reduced environmental footprint. Many find it more economical in the long term because high-quality swimwear lasts far longer.
2. Can eco-friendly swimwear still be chlorine-resistant?
Absolutely. Many recycled nylon and polyester fabrics, such as Econyl, retain similar performance properties to virgin synthetics, including chlorine resistance. Brands using these materials often test them to ensure they’re suitable for pools, spas, and saltwater.
3. Is all recycled swimwear automatically sustainable?
Not necessarily. “Recycled” doesn't always mean ethically made or produced under low-impact conditions. Look for brands that also offer transparent supply chains, eco certifications, and responsible packaging to ensure the entire process is truly sustainable.
4. Are there vegan options for sustainable swimwear?
Yes. Most modern sustainable swimwear is naturally vegan since it avoids animal-based fabrics like silk or wool. However, if you're committed to cruelty-free choices, look for brands that explicitly state they are vegan swimwear certified and do not use dyes or finishes derived from animals.
5. Do sustainable swimsuits stretch and fit like regular ones?
High-quality sustainable swimwear made with regenerated fibers like Econyl or Repreve performs just like traditional materials—offering comfort, stretch, and shape retention. Some even report a better fit due to thoughtful, slow fashion design that prioritizes body inclusivity.
6. What should I avoid when shopping for eco-friendly swimwear?
Watch out for greenwashing—brands that use buzzwords like “eco” or “sustainable” without backing them up. Avoid:
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Vague claims with no certifications
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Lack of transparency on material sourcing
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Mass production with fast fashion pricing
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Non-recyclable packaging
7. How can I verify a brand’s eco credentials?
Look for:
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Certifications like OEKO-TEX, Global Recycled Standard, or B-Corp
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Transparency reports or sustainability pages
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Details on factory locations, employee conditions, and environmental initiatives
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Use of non-toxic finishes and sustainable dyes
8. Is there eco-friendly swimwear for all body types?
Yes. Many ethical swimwear brands are focused on size inclusivity and body-positive design. You can find sustainable bikinis, tankinis, swim dresses, and one-pieces tailored for all body types and swim preferences. Fit, comfort, and ethics no longer need to be mutually exclusive.
9. Does eco-friendly swimwear come in trendy or bold styles?
Definitely. Sustainable swimwear is no longer limited to minimalist basics. Many brands now offer fashion-forward designs with vibrant prints, cut-outs, and creative silhouettes—all made using low-impact materials and ethical practices.
10. What happens to eco swimwear when it’s worn out?
Some brands offer take-back programs where your old swimwear is upcycled or used for textile-to-textile recycling. If not, suits made from mono-materials or natural fabrics are easier to recycle. If no such option exists, donating or repurposing is better than throwing it away.
