As Australians, we have a unique relationship with the ocean. Our beaches are central to our lifestyle, culture, and identity. Yet the very waters we love are increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, with millions of tonnes entering our oceans every year. For those of us who spend time in and around the water, the question of sustainable swimwear has become increasingly important.
The fashion industry—including swimwear—is one of the world's major polluters. Traditional swimwear relies heavily on synthetic materials derived from petroleum, and the industry's fast-fashion model encourages frequent replacement. But a growing movement of conscious consumers and innovative brands is changing this narrative, proving that beautiful, functional swimwear can also be environmentally responsible.
Sustainable swimwear isn't just about the fabric—it's about the entire lifecycle: how materials are sourced, where and how pieces are made, how long they last, and what happens when you're done with them.
The Problem with Traditional Swimwear
Understanding why sustainable alternatives matter requires understanding the environmental impact of conventional swimwear production and disposal.
Synthetic Fabric Issues
Most swimwear is made from nylon and polyester blended with elastane. These materials are derived from petroleum—a non-renewable resource—and their production releases greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals. The dyeing process adds further environmental burden through water pollution and chemical waste.
Microplastic Shedding
Perhaps more concerning is what happens when we wear and wash synthetic swimwear. Each wash releases microscopic plastic fibres that pass through water treatment systems and end up in waterways and oceans. These microplastics enter the marine food chain, harming wildlife and ultimately returning to our own bodies through the food we eat.
Fast Fashion Cycle
The swimwear industry follows fashion trends, encouraging consumers to buy new pieces each season. This results in perfectly functional swimwear being discarded—adding to landfill where synthetic materials take hundreds of years to break down, if they ever do.
A Sobering Statistic
The fashion industry produces approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide. Swimwear, with its heavy reliance on synthetics, contributes significantly to these figures.
Sustainable Swimwear Materials
Innovation in sustainable textiles has given rise to several eco-friendly alternatives for swimwear production. Here's what to look for:
ECONYL Regenerated Nylon
ECONYL is perhaps the most widely used sustainable swimwear fabric. It's made from regenerated nylon sourced from:
- Discarded fishing nets recovered from oceans
- Fabric scraps from textile manufacturing
- Industrial plastic waste
- Old carpets destined for landfill
The resulting fabric performs identically to virgin nylon—same stretch, durability, and quick-dry properties—while diverting waste from oceans and landfills. ECONYL can be recycled infinitely without quality degradation.
Recycled Polyester (rPET)
Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles. While not as commonly used in swimwear as ECONYL, some brands incorporate rPET into their designs. Benefits include diverting plastic from waste streams and reducing petroleum dependence.
REPREVE
Another recycled plastic fibre, REPREVE transforms plastic bottles into performance fabric. It's traceable through a unique certification system, ensuring genuine recycled content.
Organic Cotton
Some casual swimwear and cover-ups use organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. While not ideal for performance swimwear (it doesn't have the stretch or quick-dry properties of synthetics), it's a natural alternative for beachwear.
Look for certifications when shopping for sustainable swimwear. Labels like OEKO-TEX, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and B-Corp certification indicate verified environmental and ethical practices.
Beyond Materials: What Makes Swimwear Truly Sustainable?
Sustainable fabric is important, but truly eco-friendly swimwear considers the entire production and lifecycle process.
Ethical Manufacturing
Where and how swimwear is made matters. Look for brands that:
- Manufacture in countries with strong labour laws
- Pay fair wages to workers
- Provide safe, healthy working conditions
- Are transparent about their supply chain
Reduced Packaging
Sustainable brands minimise packaging, use recycled and recyclable materials, and avoid plastic where possible. Some offer plastic-free shipping or packaging that can be composted.
Local Production
Swimwear made locally (in Australia, for Australian consumers) has a smaller carbon footprint from transportation. It also supports local economies and makes supply chain monitoring easier.
Durability and Longevity
Perhaps the most sustainable swimwear is that which lasts many seasons. High-quality construction means fewer replacements over time, reducing overall environmental impact. Look for:
- Strong, reinforced seams
- Quality elastic and hardware
- Chlorine-resistant fabrics if you swim in pools
- Timeless designs that won't date quickly
Caring for Sustainable Swimwear
Extend the life of your eco-friendly swimwear with proper care:
- Rinse immediately: Fresh water after every use removes salt and chlorine
- Hand wash gently: Machine washing accelerates wear and increases microfibre shedding
- Avoid tumble dryers: Heat damages elastic fibres
- Dry in shade: UV light fades colours and weakens fabric
- Rotate between pieces: Gives fabric time to recover between wears
For more detailed care advice, see our complete swimwear care guide.
The Microplastic Challenge
Even sustainable swimwear made from recycled synthetics still sheds microplastics when washed. This is an imperfect solution, but there are ways to minimise the impact:
- Wash less frequently: Rinsing after use often eliminates the need for full washes
- Use a microfibre-catching laundry bag: Products like Guppyfriend capture fibres before they enter waterways
- Install a washing machine filter: External filters can capture microplastics from all laundry
- Hand wash when possible: Gentler agitation releases fewer fibres
Greenwashing Alert
Be wary of vague environmental claims. Terms like "eco-friendly," "green," or "natural" mean nothing without specifics. Look for concrete information about materials, manufacturing, and certifications.
Making the Switch
Transitioning to sustainable swimwear doesn't mean discarding what you already own—that would defeat the purpose. Instead:
- Wear your current swimwear until it's genuinely worn out
- When it's time to replace, choose sustainable options
- Invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces rather than multiple cheap items
- Consider second-hand options for variety
- Donate or recycle old swimwear responsibly
The Bigger Picture
Choosing sustainable swimwear is one piece of a larger puzzle. As ocean lovers, we can also:
- Participate in beach clean-ups
- Reduce overall plastic consumption
- Support organisations protecting marine environments
- Use reef-safe sunscreens
- Advocate for better environmental policies
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By choosing swimwear made with environmental responsibility in mind, we support innovation and encourage more brands to adopt sustainable practices. Together, these individual choices create meaningful change.
The ocean gives us so much—beauty, recreation, peace, and connection to nature. By making thoughtful choices about the swimwear we wear in it, we can help ensure it remains healthy for generations of Australian beachgoers to come.