Summer is right around the corner, and that means you may be searching for the perfect swimsuit for your next beach day. However, while we shop, it’s important to be aware of what kind of businesses we are supporting. The cheap prices on sites like Shein or Romwe may be enticing, but such brands contribute to fast fashion and are not environmentally-conscious or ethically-made. Here are five smaller and more sustainable brands you should consider.
- Do Good Swimwear
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Do Good Swimwear is a swimsuits-only boutique started by female surfers and dedicated to giving back to the ocean. Their products are made from recycled ocean waste including fish nets and bottles, and their profits benefit a wide range of charities ranging from planting trees and ocean conservation to women’s empowerment, education, and mental health organizations.
- Vitamin A
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Vitamin A prioritizes sustainability in all stages of their swimsuit production and distribution. The suits are made from recycled nylon and the packaging is both biodegradable and recyclable. They also take care to make their factories and distribution process as eco-friendly as possible, including local production and low energy usage. Finally, a portion of their proceeds are donated to environmental organizations aimed at ocean protection.
- Kitty and Vibe
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This sustainable small business prioritizes ethics and body acceptance for swimsuits that you can be proud and confident wearing. The production takes place in a family-owned factory in small batches to reduce waste and is packaged in recyclable cardboard rather than plastic bags.
- Nativ
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There’s a reason for Nativ’s simple and classic suit designs: to slow the fast-fashion movement by being versatile and timeless pieces that won’t be thrown away after one season. They are durable, made from regenerated nylon, and created in an ethical factory in small batches and a carbon neutral process.
- Aerie: Real Good Swim Line
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Aerie and American Eagle as a whole are in the middle when it comes to sustainability, but the Real Good Swim Line is a better option, made from post-consumer waste and plastic bottles. However, being part of a bigger brand allows the prices to be lower than those of most other environmentally-conscious options. The line is carried both online and in Aerie stores, so it is the easiest to obtain from this list.
Sustainable clothing tends to be more expensive, and there’s absolutely no shame if it isn’t in your price range. However, if you can, please consider these or other thoughtful boutiques for your upcoming swimsuit purchases to help ditch fast fashion.