Summer is fast approaching and it won’t be long before it’s time to don your swimwear. If you’re trying to lead a more ethical and eco-conscious lifestyle, then buying swimwear can be difficult. Whilst there’s a multitude of sweat-shop produced swimwear out there, ethically produced bikinis seem few and far between. I’ve put together my favorite ethical and sustainable swimwear brands so that you can look and feel your best this summer. Let’s go!

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A aims to deliver swimwear that’s both sexy and sustainable – who doesn’t love that?

This brand creates their stylish swimwear from recycled and plant-based materials, all of which meet the global Oeko-Tex standard for safe fabrics. Most of Vitamin A’s products are locally produced in California in order to reduce transportation and shipping materials. They also implement green environmental measures at their factories to keep emissions to a minimum. 

For the products which Vitamin A can’t make locally, Vitamin A instead partners with fair trade workers to ensure that all staff earn fair wages and work in a safe and hygienic environment. They also visit their factories regularly to ensure that they continue to meet the company’s strict standards.

On top of this, Vitamin A also partners with a number of charitable organizations to empower local communities and keep the oceans clean. 

Best of all, their swimwear is modern, stylish and super comfortable, whether you’re lounging by the pool or splashing around at the beach. They have a range of beautiful bikinis and one pieces to suit all body shapes and sizes, which is something I love to see from swimwear brands.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Vitamin A: 

Boden 

Boden is a UK-based swimwear brand that creates quality swimwear pieces from recycled ocean materials, including fishing nets. Each item also comes with a 365-day warranty, so you can be sure that your strap won’t break halfway through your vacation. 

Boden are very transparent about their supply chain and you can find out about each of their worldwide factories on their website. They also give back by supporting multiple charities, including the HERProject that empowers women all around the world. Their planet-friendly swimsuits are elegant, figure-flattering and size-inclusive. It’s also one of the most affordable swimwear brands on this list.

Jade Swim 

Jade Swim’s minimalist swimsuits can actually double as a bodysuit, so you get two for the price of one! If you want to look effortlessly stylish on the beach, this brand is perfect for you. 

Jade Swim consciously produce their suits in LA. They are a proud “slow fashion” brand and makes products that last. They work hard to reduce their carbon emissions and use 100% biodegradable packaging.

Jade Swim also supports a range of environmental charities, including 1% for the Planet, Climate Neutral and The Eden Projects. 

Check out my favorite pieces below:

prAna

Fans of bold, brightly colored swimwear (such as myself) will love prAna’s sustainably produced pieces. This swimwear brand makes fun and functional garments that you can really feel good about – all summer long! 

prAna use organic cotton and hemp, as well as recycled wool and plastic bottles gathered straight from the beach to make their eye-catching swimsuits and bikinis. Currently, 22% of their styles use bluesign certified fabrics and materials and they aim for this figure to reach 100% by 2024. Their Fair Trade certified program has also contributed over $400,000 to over 33,000 works globally, so this really is a brand that gives back. 

Dippin Daisies 

You’ve heard of clean beauty (link), so now get ready for clean swimwear. What I love about Dippin Daisies is that they use organic, natural rubber to make the elastic in their swimsuit and lead-free, nontoxic metal for their clasps and strap sliders. 

95% of this brand’s swimsuits are made from recycled nylon and shipped in biodegradable packaging. In order to keep waste to a minimum, Dippin Daisies produce small batches and repurpose their old stock so that overstock doesn’t end up in landfill. 

For more on ethical, environmentally friendly living, check out the best cruelty free beauty brands or these easy ways to be a more eco-friendly traveler.