The word sustainable gets thrown around a lot, especially in fashion. But when it comes to swimwear, the term carries even more weight. Traditional swimwear is often made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels, shed microplastics, and contribute to pollution both during production and after use.
So what makes sustainable swimwear different? And how do you know if the product you’re buying is actually doing better or just saying so?
Let’s break it down.
Sustainable Swimwear Starts With Better Materials
At the foundation of any sustainable swim short is the fabric. Unlike conventional options made from virgin polyester or nylon, sustainable swimwear uses recycled or responsibly sourced materials that reduce waste and environmental impact.
Common sustainable fabric choices include:
- Recycled polyester (rPET): Made from recycled plastic bottles or industrial waste, rPET is widely used in sustainable clothing due to its durability and scalability.
- Recycled nylon: Sourced from discarded textiles, production scraps, or fishing nets, this option reduces reliance on petroleum-based virgin nylon.
-
Organic cotton or hemp: While not typically used for the swimwear itself, these are great for complementary products like towels or lightweight beachwear.
Some brands and innovators are taking it a step further, experimenting with next-gen sustainable fabrics that either make use of unique waste streams or bio-based sources. Here are a few listed, but there are many more.
- SEAQUAL® YARN: Created from marine litter collected through ocean cleanup efforts, this material gives plastic waste a second life — and a powerful story.
- Bananatex®: A biodegradable fabric made from banana plant fibers, showing that plastic-free swimwear innovation is on the horizon.
- TENCEL™ and Modal: Derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, these are breathable, biodegradable fabrics used in beachwear and soft layers.
It’s Also About How It’s Made
Materials are just the beginning and truly sustainable swimwear also considers ethical production, manufacturing and unique business models that are aligned with its mission. Think of safe working conditions, fair wages, and labor transparency as well as water conservation, energy-efficient processes, and minimal chemical use
Brands committed to sustainability don’t just talk about the fabric. They talk about the full journey from raw material to finished product.
Longevity Is Key
Fast fashion is designed to be worn a few times and forgotten. Sustainable swimwear is the opposite. It’s made to last, season after season, trip after trip.
Durable stitching, high-quality stretch, and fade-resistant colors all help extend the life of your swimwear, reducing the need to buy (and waste) more.
The End of the Line Matters, Too
What happens to your swim shorts when you’re done with them?
A truly circular system considers end-of-life solutions, like take-back programs, recyclable components, or biodegradable packaging. While we’re still a long way from fully compostable swimwear, sustainable brands are increasingly thinking about how their products exit the world — not just how they enter it.
And Finally… Purpose Beyond the Product
Many sustainable swimwear brands are tied to larger environmental missions. This can be ocean conservation, plastic reduction, or regenerative programs like seaweed planting or coral restoration.
Supporting these brands means supporting ecosystems, local communities, and real impact beyond your wardrobe.
What Makes Blauw Swimwear Sustainable?
At Blauw, we define sustainability as action, not aesthetics. Our recycled swim shorts are made from ocean plastic collected directly from marine ecosystems, not from a landfill before it ever is in the ocean. Every pair sold helps plant seaweed, one of the most effective natural tools for capturing carbon and restoring ocean health.
We produce in small batches, ship with 100% recycled packaging, and work with transparent supply chains focused on ethical manufacturing and low-impact logistics.
To us, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s a responsibility. One that begins with the ocean, and flows through every decision we make.
Allowing you to look good above the surface, and do good below it.