Conscious Swimwear Brands To Know
Image: GYKO
We’re always on the lookout for chic, ethical swimwear brands and this season we have some really great ones for you. So whether you’re looking for stylish but practical surfwear or simply something to pose by the pool in, these are the conscious swimwear brands to know.
Baiia
Swimwear can often feel like it was designed specifically for impossibly toned models. Baiia is different. Created in Australia by Amber Boyer, the brand creates beautifully cut suits that are designed to flatter curves. They only use regenerated nylon that has been certified Standard 100 by Oeko Tex. Baiia is proud to be made in China. Their factory have high ethical corporate social responsibility standards that made them too expensive for fast fashion brands. It is vitally important that this way of working is supported and so Amber was more than happy to have all her production based here.
Em & May
Made by strong women for strong women. Founded by Emilie Pittman, the Montreal based brand is all about less waste, but big impact. Each piece is hand made to order by a small team in Montreal. Not only that but they are keen to innovate away from waste. We love the adorable scrunchies that they make from fabric offcuts. The most recent collection is a delicious array of ice cream shades. Mix and match the various styles to find the perfect fit for you.
GYKO
Not everyone is lucky enough to be a perfect size 10. Many of us have bodies that don’t fit into regular bikinis, making buying a set a nightmare. GYKO produce modular swimwear, designed to be mixed and matched. Depending on your body shape you can choose from different top and brief styles, all made of ECONYL fibre. The result is timeless swimwear that fits you beautifully. Each piece is lovingly created by a London based, not for profit social enterprise that provides full time fashion design training.
Stay Wild Swim
For sporty and functional pieces that are ocean conscious, Stay Wild Swim is our go to swim brand. Their colourful and seasonless swimsuits and bikinis are designed to suit all shapes and sizes. They are also big fans of that wonder fibre ECONYL. Not only that but everything is made in a small factory in London with high ethical standards. The founders Zanna and Natalie work closely with their manufacturer to ensure that high standards are met. This includes carbon neutral shipping and biodegradable packaging.
Akoia Swim
Akoia is on a mission to be as sustainable and eco friendly as possible. Their newest collection, Humba is named after the original name of the East Indonesian Island Sumba. All of the pieces are made from 100% organic cotton, saving up to 80% of water usually used to create cotton. Each style is dyed naturally and crocheted by hand in Bali, preserving the artisan skill in the area. In honor of the Island that inspired the collection, Akoia have partnered with the Sumba Foundation. They will donate 10% of proceeds from purchases to the organisation.
Image: Ohoy Anna Maria Nielsen
Ohoy Swim
Ohoy Swim was created with active women in mind. Scandinavian founders Henna and Anna grew up both in the sea and on the land,so it was important to them that their range worked for both situations. All of the swimwear is created from Econyl yarn and is designed to be worn and moved in. Their latest collection Mothers & Daughters is intended to be worn by women of all ages, they even have matching mini me styles. The elegant muted colours in this seasons collection are inspired by the Northern Beaches in Scandinavia.
Talia Collins
Ex Paris Vogue Stylist Talia Collins knows a thing or two about effortless style. Having grown up spending her summers in Brittany, France, she wanted to bring a little Riviera flair to a sustainable brand of swimwear. Her styles are all created from Econyl yarn with a little Xtra Life Lyrca to sculpt your body. It also means that the pieces have longevity, with twice the durability than regular swimsuit fabrics. Each year Talia Collins donates 10% of profits to Healthy Seas . The organisation aids in the specialist retrieval of the ocean waste that makes the Econyl yarn she uses.
Salt Gypsy
Salt Gypsy began life as a blog in 2012, but today it offers an excellent range of womens sustainable surf wear. Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, the line is made from 100% regenerated nylon yarn. Designed to be practical, each piece provides UPF50+. We love the range of colours and prints available. Even better, it’s women owned and operated with most of the pieces manufactured in house at Judy’s factory by the lady herself and her colleague Lindy.
Galamaar
Smart swimwear buyers purchase with longevity in mind. Whilst we love a printed suit, these are often the first to be discarded as ‘out of season’. Enter Galamaar, their elegantly simply styles are engineered to be long lasting. The regenerated nylon used in the collection also has fit retention which means they won’t go saggy after a few wears. While it’s not the cheapest brand around, we think that the timeless styles and great fabric quality make this a good investment.
Florita
It’s often said that the Brazilians know great swimwear. British brand Florita is influenced by and has it manufacturing base in Rio de Janeiro. It’s also the place where they source the recycled PET bottles that make their canga sarongs. Production takes place under strict Fair Trade working conditions. The collections themselves feel distinctly latin. Bright colours with sweet embroidered details and beading make these styles perfect for those that want to stand out on the beach. Plus the pieces are reversible meaning you get two swimsuits in one.
Disclaimer: The people and models in the images featured are not associated with The Vendeur and do not endorse it or the products shown. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices correct at time of publishing.
