Sustainable swimwear is becoming ever more popular as consumers and manufacturers search for ways to make choices that are better for the environment without sacrificing style or quality. However, most manufacturers do not prioritise sustainability, significantly affecting the planet. For example, polyester, a common fabric in swimwear, is highly energy-intensive. For every kilogram of polyester produced, approximately 9.52 kilograms of CO2 are emitted. Traditional swimwear is not biodegradable either, meaning it can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. The fashion industry, including swimwear, contributes to over 97 million tons of waste annually, exacerbating the global waste crisis.
At The Revivas, we're passionate about eco-friendly fashion, and we've put together this guide to explain what sustainable swimwear is, why it matters, and how it benefits both you and the planet.
What Exactly is Sustainable Swimwear?
Sustainable swimwear refers to swimsuits made from eco-friendly materials and produced through environmentally and socially conscious processes. This includes using recycled or biodegradable fabrics, ethical manufacturing practices, and ensuring durability to reduce the need for frequent replacements. Sustainable swimwear is designed to be both stylish and long-lasting, minimising its environmental footprint.
Common Sustainable Swimwear Materials
Traditional swimwear often uses virgin synthetic fabrics like polyamide, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polyamide which are harmful to the environment. Thankfully there are a variety of sustainable alternatives that exist. In some cases, the same material from recycled fishnets is used to further promote eco-consciousness and sustainability.
Some of the most common sustainable swimwear materials include:
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Econyl®
Econyl® fibres aid in the removal of oceanic waste, including plastics, nylon remnants, and ghost fishing nets, transforming them into regenerated materials. These fibres are used to create the luxurious, durable, and soft fabrics predominantly featured in our swimwear collections.
ECONYL® yarn is a fully regenerated nylon fibre made from waste materials such as discarded fishing nets, fabric remnants, carpets, and industrial plastics from across the globe. Through an innovative regeneration process, these materials are purified and restored to their original quality. ECONYL® regenerated nylon matches the properties of traditional nylon derived from fossil fuels and can be endlessly recycled without any degradation in quality.
Our ECONYL® yarn, sourced from Italy, undergoes rigorous evaluation to ensure it meets the standards for high-quality, durable, and sustainable techno-fibres, which is ideal for performance swimwear. With a UPF 50+ rating, it offers excellent UV protection. In addition to addressing waste, ECONYL® regenerated nylon also has a significantly lower environmental impact, reducing the global warming potential of nylon by up to 90% compared to its oil-based counterpart. On top of this, for every 10,000 tons of Econyl® produced, approximately 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved.
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Pyratex®
Pyratex® active 1 is a polyamide certified by OEKO-TEX for its enhanced biodegradability. Pyratex® is certified by GOTS, GRS, and OCS, ensuring that their fabrics meet strict environmental and social standards throughout the production chain. In landfill conditions, this fabric breaks down within just five years, thanks to bacteria in anaerobic environments that digest it. The elastane in this yarn is identical to that used in conventional spandex but includes a special technology derived from fruit polymers that accelerates degradation. The material is also exceptionally soft, quickly absorbs moisture, and dries rapidly.
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Recycled Polyamide
Depending on the design requirements, sustainable swimwear brand use either Econyl® to line the product or, where suitable, a lighter-weight material made from recycled polyamide. This approach significantly reduces carbon emissions during production compared to using virgin polyamide. The production of recycled polyamide requires up to 90% less water and 50% less energy compared to virgin nylon production. It also plays a critical role in diverting waste from landfills and protecting marine environments.
How Can Sustainable Swimwear Save You Money?
- Versatility: Well-made sustainable swimwear can often be used for various activities, from lounging on the beach to participating in water sports, reducing the need to buy multiple pieces for different purposes.
- Durability: High-quality, durable pieces last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Instead of buying numerous cheap swimsuits each season, investing in a few well-made pieces ensures longevity and consistent style.
- Style: Sustainable swimwear often focuses on classic cuts and timeless designs that don’t go out of style quickly. This means you won’t feel the need to constantly update your swimwear collection to keep up with trends.
How Sustainable Swimwear Helps the Planet & Your Lifestyle
- Minimising Waste: Traditional swimwear materials require significant energy and resources to produce and release thousands of plastics into the ocean that, unfortunately, wind up not only in the water, but also in nearly everything we drink and eat, like seafood, chicken, and bottled and tap water. However, recycled materials prevent waste from ending up in landfills. By reusing materials like discarded fishing nets, the production process helps to clean up our oceans and reduce pollution.
- Promoting Ethical Labour: This ensures fair working conditions and wages. Many sustainable brands prioritise ethical manufacturing practices, providing safe working environments and fair compensation for workers.
- Improved Social Responsibility: Purchasing sustainable swimwear is also beneficial because it helps ensure you’re doing what you can to make responsible, sustainable choices. Sustainable swimwear brands accommodate a range of body types, sizes, and styles, encouraging self-acceptance and confidence, and many brands also provide customisable or made-to-order options, minimising waste, and excess stock.
- Healthier Options: Swimwear made from natural fibres or plant-based materials offers synthetic-free alternatives, lowering the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Brands focused on health and wellness frequently use breathable, quick-drying fabrics to enhance comfort and hygiene.
What Should I Do with Old Swimwear?
Disposing of old swimwear can be challenging due to non-biodegradable materials. However, there are some eco-friendly options that will limit the environmental impact of disposing of old swimwear. For example, if it’s still in good condition, there are many organisations out there that will accept donations, such as second-hand stores and charities to help those in need. There are also brand programs, and some brands will take back old swimwear to recycle the materials into new products.
Shop and contact us today for sustainable swimwear, dresses, tops, & more!
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t simply extend to swimwear. All of the pieces at The Revivas are made with one thing in mind: providing pieces that both look great and cause minimal harm to the environment. People, the planet, and animals are at the core of what we do, whether it comes to our sustainable swimwear, beachwear, trousers, tops, dresses, or other collections.
We recognise that all materials affect the environment, so we carefully assess the manufacturing processes and fibres used in our products. We prioritise brands that utilise low-impact materials, particularly those that minimise waste through the use of recycled fibres. Brands that produce 80% or more of their collection from certified organic materials fall under our Organic value. Eligible natural materials include cotton, hemp, linen, silk, and wool, with certifications from accrediting bodies like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
If you want to create a greener future, The Revivas will plant one mangrove tree in Madagascar for every piece of clothing purchased. Join us in creating a better planet today by shopping online now!