The word “recycled” gets thrown around so much it’s starting to lose its meaning, so let’s refresh our memories. Textile manufacturers all over the world are converting waste and existing materials into reusable ones so that no new waste is generated in fabric production. The future is here, and it’s more fashionable than ever.
Ladies, it’s time to say goodbye and good riddance to your synthetic swimwear, because these local labels are constantly looking for ways to protect our planet, and they’re doing it in style.
Two Sparrow
Born and bred along the Surf Coast of Victoria, Two Sparrow acknowledges that “the best purchase is no purchase at all,” but if you’re going to unleash your retail therapy anywhere, here’s a pretty good place to start. From monochromatic tones to wild animal prints, these swimsuits explore the wild side in more ways than one. Their revolutionary techno-fabric ECONYL® is made of recycled plastics and fishing nets, stopping our waste from reaching the mouths of our salty sea friends. Once you’re done with your pieces, Two Sparrow sends you an eco-mailer bag to return your swimwear in free of charge, closing the loop of the recycling process. Now that’s a circle of life we can get around.
Shapes in the Sand
The conscious label’s name embodies their philosophy; just like sculptures in the sand, we all come in unique shapes and sizes, and all are works of art. Alongside this message of body positivity, they’ve been using ECONYL® to manufacture their fabrics since 2014, and even repurpose their offcuts into gorgeous matching headbands. Supporting different wildlife and environmental organisations each season, ten dollars from every order purchased from their latest The Birds & The Bees collection will go to BirdLife Australia. With intricate designs and prints to resemble the theme of each collection, what was once an awkward conversation has taken on a whole new meaning.
Yindi & Salt
With a colour palette made for mixing and matching between styles, this label stands for more than its namesake (the sunshine and the ocean). Sourcing luxury ECONYL® fabric from Italy, the swimwear label designs in Australia and ethically manufactures in Bali. Better yet, their plant-based and compostable packaging comes with a recycled card wrapped in natural fibre twine. For the first time in history, women are excited to find a dirt bag on their doorstep.
Baiia
Sustainable swimwear with a twist… or 15. Baiia’s iconic “wrapsuit” comes in two pieces and styles in 15 different ways. With water-based dyes and ticks of sustainability approval from the world’s leading testers and regulators of harmful fabrics, the label saves 7 barrels of crude oil and 5.7 tonnes of CO2 eq. emissions per tonne of recycled fabric created. Whether you’re on the hunt for cool earthy tones or the perfect pastel pink, these versatile swimsuits are the solids, stripes and florals of your dreams.
Allerton Swimwear
This Sydney-based swimwear brand uses recycled techno-fabric made of 100% regenerated nylon fiber from the ocean’s recycled waste. The brand’s transparency is unparalleled; from their recycled fabric composition to their local printing and manufacturing processes, they disclose the true costs of each stage of their ethically sourced, Australian-made and eco-friendly bikinis. With contrast trims and tasteful cutouts, Allerton Swimwear is a one-way ticket to Saint-Tropez.
MOTU Swim
Acknowledging that sustainability is a journey rather than a destination, MOTU Swim is always looking at ways to improve their practices. Their recycled swimwear fabric is more UV, chlorine and lotion-resistant than your average synthetic swimwear, and is seriously soft to the touch. Along with eco-friendly packaging and carbon neutral delivery, 5% of every online sale goes toward one of three climate, ocean or marine conservation charities, and you get to pick! If you’re feeling stripes on Saturday and solids on Sunday, one reversible bikini has you covered, but not too much… just enough for a subtle tan line.
Bondi Born
Last but not least, Bondi Born uses three different sustainable fabrics – Singuleur®, Embodee™, and Sculpteur™, which has a carbon footprint ten times lower than fabrics made from recycled plastics. Whether you’re hitting the surf in their sleeved rashguard or beach-walking in their one-shoulder bikini, there’s a style and fabric for you. Sustainable and durable paired with all our favourite neutrals, it’s a match made in heaven.
Monte and Lou
Founded by best friends Kay Howitt and Lynne Tramonte, who hail from the Northern Beach of Sydne, launched their latest collection, Off the Grid. Monte and Lou transitioned to being 100 per cent sustainable (in COVID-19 lockdown, no less) where the duo scrapped their entire range of fabrics and replaced it with Global Recycled Standard certified nylon. Plus, you’ll also get your shopping in a compostable mailer. This collection is not to be missed.
UNE PIECE
Created by Carly Brown—who pioneers sun safety with her original rashie and UP50+ fabric—has ensured UNE PIECE is committed to minimising their environmental footprint, ensuring its high-quality fabric comprises regenerated nylon derived from recycled materials such as clothing cut-offs, fishing nets and other post-consumer materials. For the first time, they are launching their ‘Never Say Never’ Bikini and have more coming this season.
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