Ethical Swimwear: The Designers Making Waves

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Consumers everywhere are growing more conscientious about what they buy—a trend that benefits workers, the environment, and these best-selling swimwear brands.
Trendy cuts and affordable prices are no longer all it takes to take off as a swimwear brand. In fact, in a 2020 McKinsey survey , 60% of respondents said they’d pay more for a product with sustainable packaging. In another Nielsen survey , 78% of respondents said a sustainable lifestyle is important to them.
These trends are only expected to grow as we move through 2025 and beyond.
Fortunately, the tenets of ethical swimwear—which include environmental impact, transparency in the supply chain, recycled materials, size inclusivity, and fair labor practices—are coming into vogue, with sustainable swimwear so stylish, you won’t have to compromise.
The Top Five Ethical Swimwear Designers to Know
Check out these must-know designers making waves in the sustainable swimwear world, plus designs that’ll have you feeling confident and (environmentally) conscious.
Summersalt Sidestroke One-Piece
Image Credit:@abspofford
Image Credit:@dallas.darling
This best-selling compression one-piece has received accolades including “the unicorn of swimsuits” from The Today Show and #1 Most Wildly Flattering One-Shoulder Style from Elle Magazine. It offers full support without cups or padding and full butt coverage. Plus, it’s made from post-consumer materials and nylon waste.
Why else do we love it? The one-shoulder style adds intrigue and asymmetry to an otherwise timeless silhouette.
Why This Brand Stands Out to Us: Size Inclusivity at the Forefront
Image Credit:Summersalt
This women-owned brand puts female empowerment at the top of their priority list. Case in point: Summersalt has collected 1.5 million measurements from over 10,000 real women to make swimsuits that promise a perfect fit.
The brand also uses eco-friendly fabrics and has donated over $1.4 million to causes around the world since their founding in 2017.Vitamin A Luxe Link Bralette Top and Cheeky Bottom
Image Credit:@vitaminaswim
Image Credit:Vitamin A
This triangle-cut bralette bikini features adjustable straps, removable cups, and matte hardware detailing. The bottoms have a high leg cut and cheeky coverage for the ultimate flattering fit. But the best part? The entire piece is 100% post-consumer recycled nylon.
Why This Brand Stands Out to Us: Significant Sustainability Endeavors
Image Credit:Vitamin A
In 2020, Vitamin A partnered with a “green team” to audit their materials and supply chain, and they have some pretty impressive stats to show for it:
1,226,182 gallons of water saved
88,160 pounds of waste diverted
912,290 pounds of emissions avoided
1,301,024 kilowatt-hours of energy saved
The brand also designed their own fabric, EcoLux—the first premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon fibers. Vitamin A also produces its swimwear locally, cutting down emissions for transporting raw materials, and guarantees high workplace standards for their manufacturing teams.
Billabong Happy Dance Mila Bralette Bikini Top and Bells Pant Bikini Bottom
Image Credit:Billabong
Image Credit:Billabong
This timeless but unique bralette top features shirred bust shaping and back embroidery, along with removable cups and, of course, recycled fabric. The curve-hugging bottoms have shirred detailing as well, with string ties and cheeky coverage.
The result is a dreamy, beachy look that’s both fashionable and functional for beach lovers looking to catch some rays.
Why This Brand Stands Out to Us: Brand Ethos of Sustainability
Image Credit:Billabong
Billabong has been outfitting surfers, swimmers, and beachgoers for decades, so it only makes sense that the brand prioritizes the preservation of our outdoor spaces . From using recycled materials for their products to eliminating plastic bottles from our oceans, the company has been leading the way in ethical consumption for years, and it continues to set ambitious sustainability goals for 2025 and beyond.
Patagonia Yulex Regulator Lite Spring Juanita Wetsuit
Image Credit:Patagonia
Image Credit:Patagonia
Form-fitting, flattering, and functional, this neoprene-free spring suit is made in a Fair Trade factory from 85% natural rubber sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified materials. It features a racerback design and high-stretch fabric to keep you comfortable and supported for the duration of your surf sesh .
Why This Brand Stands Out to Us: Leading the Charge on Climate Justice
Image Credit:Patagonia
In addition to iconic pullovers and durable activewear, Patagonia is perhaps best known for its commitment to protecting our planet and championing environmental justice.
In fact, the brand’s environmental responsibility initiatives have led to impressive results :
99% of styles are made with some preferred materials
100% of down is responsibly sourced
100% of virgin cotton is grown organically
The company is working toward 100% renewable energy for their stores, offices, and distribution centers and is making significant progress in decarbonizing their transportation emissions. By 2040, Patagonia has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Londre Tied Up Top and High-Leg Scrunch Bottom
Image Credit:Londre Bodywear
Image Credit:Londre Bodywear
This versatile tie top from brand Londre gives you the chance to play designer. Tie it around the neck as a halter for a more supportive fit, or use the thinner straps to turn it into a classic string bikini. You can even tie it in the front and voilá—a bandeau top.
The bottoms feature a high-cut leg, a flattering scrunch butt, and a seamless fit. Plus, both the top and bottom are made from Londre’s recycled Signature Comfort Compression Fabric to sculpt your silhouette.
With so many options in one piece, you’ll be packing light for your next beach trip.
Why This Brand Stands Out to Us: Luxurious and Low-Impact
Image Credit:Londre Bodywear
Londre is a brand truly walking the walk when it comes to loving and protecting our planet’s oceans. The company has taken over 1 million plastic bottles from beaches , and each swimsuit is made from at least six recycled plastic bottles.
The packaging your suit will arrive in is equally impressive—both compostable (made from corn) and recyclable.
The company also champions environmental and women’s health causes and has donated tens of thousands to initiatives including Amazon Watch and The Ocean Clean Up Project.
Modern Consumers Are Demanding Ethical Swimwear—and These Brands Listened
It’s hard to enjoy the beauty of the ocean if you know your swimwear is contributing to its pollution. Beachgoers, surfers, adventurers, and loungers alike have all taken note of fast fashion’s consequences and have been asking for something different: stylish and functional swimwear they can trust is produced ethically.
Ethical consumption encompasses a variety of initiatives, but at its core, it focuses on making purchases based on values like environmental impact, human rights, and animal welfare.
The fashion world has responded in kind with a host of brands delivering stylish swimwear you can feel good about—and flaunt for many seasons to come.