SWIM UP TO THE BUMPER
No, it's not too late to bag that new swimwear for next week's holidays. And if you've waited this late in the day, you're on to a winner as swimwear has already started appearing in the sales. If you are in the market for a new cossie, why not look at sustainable versions. We're swimming in the oceans, so why not consider these same oceans when we're choosing our swimwear. Here's a little last minute blog post I've put together to help you out.
Sustainable swimwear is usually made out of two materials - Econyl which is a form of nylon made entirely from waste products including abandoned fishing nets, carpets and rigid textiles which is taken from the sea, sorted (with the aim to recover nylon) and then regenerated to create fabric to produce swimwear and Repreve which is a polyester fibre fabric made of 100% recycled plastic mostly made up of post-consumer plastic bottles.
Why do we need new swimwear each year? It's very rare we are going to see the same people every August on that beach in Puglia, Croatia, St Ives or Megavissey (delete as appropriate). You'd have to have some photographic memory to remember what that woman you may recognise from last year in Mykonos had on this time last year. So isn't it better to buy something that fits, flatters and doesn't add to the mass of wastage entering the system daily.
Thought then I'd have a search on the internet to see what's out there. The more well known brands are doing well - namely Monki, Weekday and Arket and there are lots of lesser known brands to be discovered whose sole focus is sustainability.
There are other brands - All Sisters, Finisterre, Mara Hoffman, Peony Swim, Vitamin A - to name but a few. See below for my choices (couldn't fit everything on to one post).
ARKET
£55
£55
MONKI
Monki has an aim to use only recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030 and they're well on their way with their current thinking. Their range of Monki Care swimwear is made form 80% recycled polyamide. One step closer to their goal!!
Loving this cute co ord with retro style high waisted briefs that suit most body shapes.
Check out the other prints available!!
Just love the tank top cut of this swimsuit
Another fabulous print
WEEKDAY
Again Weekday's swimwear range is made from recycled polyamide (doesn't give a percentage) at a great price point. 68% of products are already made from sustainable materials.
£10 (was £18)
BATOKO
One of my favourites due to the quirky prints (Lobster is my number one)!!. Their strapline is 'We're Rubbish. Literally' which I love. Digitally printed swimwear (to save on water and energy) this fairtrade micro business based in North West England intentionally keeps its production small and their swimwear is produced from 100% recycled plastic.
TIDE & SEEK
All of their swimwear is made with 100% Repreve fabric which is also chlorine resistant and has a UV protection of Factor 50. So helping the planet and protecting your skin at the same time. Mix and match their fun prints.
DAVY J - 'Choose Your Suit to Suit'
Davy J swimwear is so lovely and looks built to last with a 'double lined high elastane composition' and 'hidden rubber edging'. Made in Britain and made for every activity whether you're swimming in the beach club or doing a spot of cliff jumping. Slick and sustainable made with 100% regenerated nylon yarn. Yes a little more expensive than the brands above but I would hope once you buy their mix and match items or one pieces, you won't have to go swimwear shopping ever again!! Although if you do find yourself deciding to buy something new, Davy J encourage you to send your old product back for recycling with an aim to achieving 60% close loop recycling by 2020.
This bikini top is triple layered so no risk of becoming see through - comes in blue, red and black
Available in olive and black
OHOY SWIM
Products made with 100% Econyl this brand was founded by two Scandinavians in 2016. 1% of OHOY sales goes to support the recovery of nets by volunteer divers. Made in one small family run factory in Sri Lanka with fair and friendly working conditions.
Beirut Bottom €45
OYSHO (JOIN LIFE COLLECTION)
A brand that's a little behind the big sustainable hitters but Oysho are on the right track with products in this collection being made up of 25% recyled polyamide.
AYLA SWIM
Ethically made products, Ayla uses two local factories in Bali to manufacture their goods. All their swimwear is made using Econyl and other products in their beachwear range are made with Cupro - "sustainable fabric made from a by-product of the cotton process that would usually be thrown away. Produced in a closed loop process to minimise waste, it looks, feels and behaves just like silk" and Tencel - "is made by turning ethically sourced wood pulp into fibre in a process that uses far less energy and water than cotton. Although chemical solvents are required to make this happen, the solvents are continually recycled in a closed loop process to minimise harmful waste. The fabric itself is biodegradable and can be recycled." Mix and match their cute separates to clash or match in a variety of shapes or buy their gorgeous frilled one piece!!
REPAINTED BEACHWEAR
All products are handmade in Italy using Econyl.
VOLCOM
Volcom are strongly committed to their future goals towards sustainability. They implemented their New Future program in 2013 and aim to reach their sustainability targets by 2020 in:
Fibre Sourcing - whereby they aim to increase the amount of recycled material in their polyester and nylon, and increase usage of organic/recyled or Better Cotton in their products
Eductation & Training - aim is to have 90% of their employees complete Volcom's certification on New Future sustainability that they will be implementing.
Closing The Loop - a program much like their Give Jeans a Chance whereby Volcom products are collected, processed or kept for closed loop manufacturing.
This one piece consists of 78% recycled nylon
This set consists of 91% recycled nylon
REFORMATION
Good ol' Reformation doesn't disappoint with its sustainability in the swimwear department. Their swimwear is made from 78% Econyl and most styles come in a variety of pretty, delicate prints.
Hope you've enjoyed this blog post. I'd love to hear your feedback!! Wherever you're holidaying this summer I hope it's a great one..........
Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It includes a very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for sharing. I enjoy this post. Classic Crochet Bikini
ReplyDeleteHello, an amazing Information dude. Thanks for sharing this nice information with us. Chlorine resistant swimwear for girls
ReplyDelete