Sustainable Swimwear Doesn't Have To Be Boring

Much of our current environmental crisis can be credited to the fashion industry, the second-most polluting industry in the world. But, while there is still a ton of work to be done, the past couple years have seen a new prominence within the realm of sustainable fashion, which has kicked its once earthy-crunchy reputation to the curb and proven that eco-friendly clothing and accessories don't need to sacrifice style. This shift is even apparent in the swimwear industry, one of the toughest subcategories of fashion to make sustainable, due to the nature (and the needs) of its garments.

While sustainable swimwear brands were once few and far between, with only a handful creating pieces that actually appealed to trend-minded beachgoers, this is no longer the case. Sustainable swim brands are on the rise, and they're bolder and brighter than ever. Whether boasting textiles made from recycled fishing nets or plastic bottles, or from upcycled or deadstock material, today's sustainable swim is innovative, its reducing its carbon footprint, and it certainly doesn't skimp on style.

While, yes, a lot more goes into making the swimwear industry less harsh on our planet (for example, how you care for your swim makes a huge difference, and will affect both the life of your suit and how much microplastic waste ends up in our waterways), but beginning by shopping the brands that care and are working to make a difference is a crucial, and necessary, start.

Below, check out the wildly vivid and bold world of today's leaders in sustainable swimwear. The future is, most definitely, looking bright.

Katy is wearing a Sébastien one-piece, Araks bikini bottoms, Dinosaur Designs jewelry, and stylist's own gloves. Kalysse is wearing a Sébastien one-piece, an Araks bikini top, Dinosaur Designs earrings, and stylist's own gloves.

Sharahya is wearing a Fisch bikini, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, Odette NY jewelry, and Blue Planet sunglasses. Hannah is wearing a Summersalt one-piece, Brother Vellies shoes, Odette NY earrings, a Londre scrunchie, and Johnny Fly Co. sunglasses. Kalysse is wearing a We Are HAH rash guard and bikini, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, Odette NY jewelry, and Blue Planet sunglasses. Tia is wearing a Fisch one-piece, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, Odette NY jewelry, and Blue Planet sunglasses. Katy is wearing a Fisch bikini, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, a Tuza necklace, and Johnny Fly Co. sunglasses.

Tia is wearing a Fisch one-piece and Odette NY jewelry. Kalysse is wearing a Fly by Night blouse, a Beth Richards one-piece, and a Tuza necklace.

Sharahya is wearing a VDM the Label bikini top, Ganni shorts, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, Dinosaur Designs jewelry, and stylist's own hair clips. Katy is wearing a Fisch one-piece, Brother Vellies shoes, Tuza earrings, and a Clyde hat. Kalysse is wearing a Fly by Night blouse, a Beth Richards one-piece, Brother Vellies shoes, a Tuza necklace, and Odette NY earrings. Frankie is wearing a VDM the Label bikini top, Ganni shorts, Brother Vellies shoes, and Dinosaur Designs jewelry.

Katy is wearing a Fisch one-piece, Brother Vellies shoes, Tuza earrings, a Clyde hat, and Johnny Fly Co. sunglasses. Kalysse is wearing a Fly by Night blouse, a Beth Richards one-piece, Brother Vellies shoes, a Tuza necklace, and Odette NY earrings. Frankie is wearing a VDM the Label bikini top, Ganni shorts, Brother Vellies shoes, Dinosaur Designs jewelry, and Blue Planet sunglasses.

Hannah is wearing a Rendl one-piece, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, Tuza jewelry, and stylist's own towel.

Hannah is wearing an OOKIOH bikini, her own shoes, a Tuza belly chain, and a Londre scrunchie. Frankie is wearing a Fisch one-piece, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, Dinosaur Designs jewelry, and a Tuza belly chain. Katy is wearing an OOKIOH bikini, Ancient Greek Sandals shoes, and a Tuza belly chain. Sharahya is wearing an OOKIOH bikini, stylist's own shoes, and Tuza jewelry. Kalysse is wearing a Fisch one-piece, stylist's own shoes, Tuza earrings and belly chain, and a Dinosaur Designs cuff and ring. Tia is wearing an OOKIOH bikini, stylist's own shoes, Dinosaur Designs earrings, and a Tuza belly chain.

Sharahya is wearing a Fly by Night top, an OOKIOH bikini, Brother Vellies boots, and a Clyde hat. Frankie is wearing a Fly by Night top, an Osklen bikini, Brother Vellies shoes, a Clyde hat, and Dinosaur Designs bracelets. Tia is wearing a Fly by Night top, aNatasha Tonić bikini, Brother Vellies boots, a Clyde hat, and Odette NY earrings.

Tia is wearing a Fly by Night top, aNatasha Tonić bikini, a Clyde hat, and Odette NY earrings. Sharahya is wearing a Fly by Night top, an OOKIOH bikini, Brother Vellies boots, and a Clyde hat.

Hannah is wearing a VDM the Label bikini, a We Are HAH robe, Brother Vellies shoes, Article22 earrings, a Londre scrunchie, and Blue Planet sunglasses. Tia is wearing a Sébastien one-piece, Brother Vellies shoes, Article22 earrings, and stylist's own sunglasses and robe.

Team Credits

Photographer: Andrew T. White

Stylist: Sam Bates

Makeup: Clara Rae

Hair: Mirna Jose

Photo Assistant: Owen Benfield

Models: Kalysse Anthony, Katy Ching, Sharahya Carter, Frankie Cavalcanti, Hannah Joyner, and Tia Mobley

Beauty Credits

Kalysse is wearing Supergoop! Shimmershade SPF eyeshadow and SPF glow stick. Katy is wearing Drunk Elephant tinted SPF, W3LL People concealer, Supergoop! Shimmershade SPF eyeshadow. Sharahya is wearing Supergoop! glow stick and RMS highlighter quad. Frankie is wearing Drunk Elephant tinted SPF, 100% Pure bronzer, and Supergoop! Shimmershade SPF eyeshadow. Hannah is wearing Drunk Elephant tinted SPF, W3LL People concealer, PYT blush, and RMS highlighter quad. Tia is wearing Supergoop! glow stick and RMS highlighter quad.

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