Suns Out Buns Out– Where to Get the Cutest, Sustainable Swimwear this Summer

Soumya Sriram
Apr 28
2 min read

As the weather gets warmer and we’re blocking out days in our calendar for those beachy vacations, we tend to want a refresh of our wardrobes, especially our bathing suit collections. Sometimes, especially for those who don’t live in a warm area year-round, our swimwear collections are neglected, so when necessity strikes, many run to SHEIN or other fast-fashion sites to place a bulk order of bathing suits in a panic.

Though SHEIN is cost-competitive with other swimwear brands, it comes at the expense of poor labor conditions, cheap quality, and mass-produced, inconsistent designs. Instead, this guide will help you secure sustainably made swimwear that will make you look and feel your best this summer.

Thaikila - Designed and manufactured in Bali with local craftsmanship. It was started in Paris by Marie Laure Becquelin and found its home in Bali in 2002. The suits are made in-house from recycled materials like plastic bottles, come in a reusable pouch rather than single-use packaging, and the tags are made from recycled paper.

Shop now: THAIKILA

Bydee - They are a small Australian swimwear brand committed to reducing their carbon footprint. They produce limited collections to meet demand and reduce waste. They prioritize high-quality manufacturing, unique patterns, and creating their fabrics from recycled materials. They also use biodegradable packaging and partner with ethical manufacturers to receive shipments plastic-free.

Shop now: BYDEE SWIM

Londre Boywear- Women-owned and operated, has recycled 1 million plastic bottles from the streets and beaches of Taiwan thus far, and all the water used in their manufacturing is able to be reused. As a small business, they have donated $10,000 to women’s health and environmental initiatives, which demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Shop now: LONDRE BODYWEAR

Depop- Though second-hand shopping for bathing suits can be seen as gross or unhygienic, Depop is a great option to check out, as they have a plethora of lightly-worn and even brand new (with tags) swimwear from major brands. This option is the most budget-friendly, as sustainable swimwear can get pricey to cover the expenses of ethical manufacturing. It takes time and patience, but sifting through Depop for your favorite swimwear brands is certainly an affordable, sustainable option, as you are contributing to keeping fashion circular.

Shop now: https://www.depop.com/