Budapest Post

Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate
Budapest, Europe and world news

The chicest sustainable swimwear: Recycled, renewable and ocean-friendly

The chicest sustainable swimwear: Recycled, renewable and ocean-friendly

Recycled, renewable and ocean-friendly. Chloe Street on the eco-cossies to buy this summer

The villas are booked and the margs-on-the-beach fantasies have begun, which means the last-minute holiday purchasing is about to commence. And while we should all be looking to rent more of our holiday wardrobes or even shop second-hand, swimwear is an item that most of us would rather wear new.

But new no longer needs to mean bikinis made from planet-polluting polyester and nylon the swimwear industry has traditionally used. Given eight million tonnes of plastic enters our oceans each year, several brands have launched with a mission to ensure your cossie is not contributing to the problem.

Among the most popular is a durable recycled nylon fabric called Econyl, that’s crafted from a cocktail of plastic pollutants such as abandoned fishing nets and textiles. It looks and behaves like virgin nylon while providing a means of repurposing plastic waste and cleaning up our waterways.

London labels Ayla Swim and Paper London make Econyl pieces that satisfy cravings of those that like their cossies candy-coloured, while minimalists should look to Medina, which imbues its recycled nylon with SPF, or Parisian label Vanessa Sposi, whose block-coloured Econyl bikinis have signature linings filled with natural antioxidants, vitamin E and aloe vera to soothe sun-drenched skin. Anyone in the market for poolside peacocking should check out Oceanus, an OTT eveningwear-inspired swim line made from recycled nylon embellished with Swarovski crystals.

Masarà


For bigger busts, try Aussie label Form & Fold, which makes Nineties-inspired minimal pieces from recycled nylon; and for bigger bodies Tona the Label does retro-inflected swimwear (think op art checkerboard prints and James Bond girl high-waisted white bikinis) in UK sizes 8-20 and cup sizes 32DD to 38G. “I don’t believe brands have any excuse not to behave in a sustainable and ethical manner anymore,” says Josefina Alazraki, who worked at Matches and Net-a-Porter before launching luxury swim label Casa Raki in 2018. “There is too much information and too many amazing materials available now for brands to have an excuse.”

Second Summer

While Econyl is infinitely better than its virgin nylon forebears, it is not biodegradable and can release microplastics into water when washed. Technically its recyclable but given swimsuits are rarely upcycled, even Econyl products tend to end up sitting in landfill. Some brands are therefore looking to all natural fabrics for even ocean-friendlier solutions.

Casa Raki makes some of its cossies from Econyl and others from an entirely natural fabric derived from castor beans called Evo. Lightweight, breathable and renewable, it’s a fabric also favoured by surf-centric label Slo Active for its sporty monochrome swimwear. The brand also uses a plant-based neoprene alternative called Yulex, sourced from the hevea tree. “Choosing Yulex was a no-brainer because it is derived from a renewable source, rather than a product of mining,” says chief executive Janaya Wilkins, whose brand also has a recycling scheme so you can send back your bikini when you’re done with it.

The real trick of course is to buy a bikini that you really love and look after it by hand-washing and avoiding drying it in the sunlight, which can cause fading. The best beachwear should long outlive your tan lines.

These are the brands to know:

Medina

Founded in 2019 by former Celine pattern-maker Lou Medina, luxury swimwear label Medina makes elegant belted swimsuits and contouring bikinis from econyl, with a percentage of all sales is donated to ocean conservation. It also produces its own Terry fabric made from organic cotton and Seacell, a silky fabric made from seaweed and eycalyptus fibre. Even the signature metal buckles on the swimsuits are produced in a 100 per cent solar-powered factory.

Vanessa Sposi

Established in 2020, Vanessa Sposi is a minimal eco swimwear brand designed in Paris, woven in Italy, and made in Portugal. Each piece is made with Econyl regenerated nylon and the linings are impregnated with natural Antioxidants, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, to soothe and nourish sun-drenched skin – a signature of all Vanessa Sposi collections.

Second Summer

Founded in 2020, Second Summer makes elegant swimwear from a biodegradable nylon yarn OEKO Tex. Designed in the UK and crafted in Brazil with a PETA Vegan-approved factory, the brand offers understated, versatile mix and match pieces with a timeless feel.

Monte & Lou

Founded by two friends each with 30+ years experience in the swimwear industry, Aussie brand Monte & Lou, which launched in Australia in 2018 and hit UK shores last year, makes cute cossies from Econyl. All the pieces come with a quick dry technology (you’ll be touch-dry in 15 minutes) and the brand has just launched a range of fully biodegradable swimwear made from a custom blend of Amni Soul Eco® (the only biodegradable polyamide yarn in the world) and ROICA® bio stretch (an eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable spandex).

Away That Day

Launched in 2018, Away that Day set out on a mission to prove sustainability can be sexy, and their high-leg, plunging neckline swimsuits and bikinis certainly achieve the mission. Crafted from Econyl in an eco factory in the UK, this is well-crafted swimwear that delivers sculpting and sass in equal measure.

Ayla Swim


Ayla is a London-based swim and resort wear brand founded by Kirsty Ames and Heidi Sommerau in 2018. The smocking and frill heavy swimwear, which majors in ditsy prints and joyous colours, is made from Repreve Nylon, created from 100 per cent recycled materials.

Form & Fold

Melbourne-born swimwear label Form & Fold specialise in D+ swimwear that is flattering and functional, prioritising fit and using lingerie techniques to ensure pieces support whilst remaining design led. Everything’s made from recycled nylon and bikini tops go from 30-38 band and up to a G cup.

Tona

Launched in 2021, Tona is a sustainable size inclusive swimwear brand founded by style editor Tona Stell. Championing all bodies, Tona makes cool summery designs to suit every shape, while ensuring that all products and practices are both ethically and sustainably responsible. All of the towelling pieces are made from a specially developed organic cotton and all printed fabrics are Econyl, and it all comes in UK sizes 8-20 and cup sizes 32DD to 38G.

Casa Raki

Raised in South America, Casa Raki founder Josefina Alazraki worked at Net a Porter and Matches before founding her sustainable resortwear label Casa Raki in 2018. The chic, understated swimwear pieces are designed in London and made from either Econyl or Evo (a fabric made from castor beans) in Portugal.

Paper London

If you’re into pastel hues, frills and geometric prints, Paper London could be worth a gander. The brand launched swimwear made from Econyl and a recycled polyester called Repreve in 2018 and has, it estimates, since then recycled the equivalent of 112,500 plastic bottles. The brand also plants a Mangrove trees for every piece of swimwear sold.

Oceanus

Who said sustainable had to mean minimal? Eveningwear-inspired London label launched in 2018 and disrupted the swimwear scene with outlandishly OTT bikinis and swimsuits that look equally appropriate for a Studio 54 dancefloor as a chilled beach bar. The pieces are all made from Econyl and embellished with biodegradable beads, and the brand makes facemasks and smaller accessories from left over cossie cut-offs.

Slo Active

Surf-centric ‘oceanwear’ label Slo Active makes sporty monochrome swimwear from an entirely natural fabric derived from castor beans called Evo. The brand also makes surf suits and rash vests from a plant-based neoprene alternative called Yulex, sourced from the hevea tree. Its inclusive sizing (small- 5XL) and simple, easy-to-wear silhouettes make it a brand for everyone.

Masarà

Milanese label Masarà, named after the Milanese slang for ‘soaking wet,’ makes simple silhouette swimsuits, bikinis and sarongs from Econly in bold jewel tones. Designed in Milan and made nearby in Lombardy, each piece comes with a tag made from a paper that’s crafted from algae found in the Venice lagoon.

AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
France Opens Criminal Investigation into X Over Algorithm Manipulation Allegations
Trump Steamrolls EU in Landmark Trade Win: US–EU Trade Deal Imposes 15% Tariff on European Imports
ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman says people share personal info with ChatGPT but don’t know chats can be used as court evidence in legal cases.
Intel Reports Revenue Beats but Sees 81% Rise in Losses
Politics is a good business: Barack Obama’s Reported Net Worth Growth, 1990–2025
UN's Top Court Declares Environmental Protection a Legal Obligation Under International Law
"Crazy Thing": OpenAI's Sam Altman Warns Of AI Voice Fraud Crisis In Banking
The Podcaster Who Accidentally Revealed He Earns Over $10 Million a Year
UK Government Considers Dropping Demand for Apple Encryption Backdoor
Japanese Man Discovers Family Connection Through DNA Testing After Decades of Separation
Russia Signals Openness to Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Escalating Drone Warfare
Switzerland Implements Ban on Mammography Screening
Pogacar Extends Dominance with Stage Fifteen Triumph at Tour de France
President Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency After Leg Swelling
CEO Resigns Amid Controversy Over Relationship with HR Executive
NVIDIA Achieves $4 Trillion Valuation Amid AI Demand
Tulsi Gabbard Unveils Evidence Alleging Political Manipulation of Intelligence During Trump Administration
Centrist Criticism of von der Leyen Resurfaces as she Survives EU Confidence Vote
Trump Announces Coca-Cola to Shift to Cane Sugar in U.S. Production
FIFA Pressured to Rethink World Cup Calendar Due to Climate Change
Zelensky Reshuffles Cabinet to Win Support at Home and in Washington
"Can You Hit Moscow?" Trump Asked Zelensky To Make Putin "Feel The Pain"
Church of England Removes 1991 Sexuality Guidelines from Clergy Selection
Superman Franchise Achieves Success with Latest Release
Hungary's Viktor Orban Rejects Agreements on Illegal Migration
Air India Pilot’s Mental Health Records Under Scrutiny
Jamie Dimon Warns Europe Is Losing Global Competitiveness and Flags Market Complacency
Moonshot AI Unveils Kimi K2: A New Open-Source AI Model
Martha Wells Says Humanity Still Far from True Artificial Intelligence
Nvidia Becomes World’s First Four‑Trillion‑Dollar Company Amid AI Boom
EU Delays Retaliatory Tariffs Amid New U.S. Threats on Imports
Trump Proposes Supplying Arms to Ukraine Through NATO Allies
US Opens First Rare Earth Mine in Over 70 Years in Wyoming
Bitcoin Reaches New Milestone of $116,000
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
Western Europe Records Hottest June on Record
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
France Requests Airlines to Cut Flights at Paris Airports Amid Planned Air Traffic Controller Strike
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
×