4 Eco-Friendly Swimwear Fabrics to Know
In recent years, the fashion industry has experienced a significant shift towards sustainability, and swimwear is no exception. With a growing awareness of environmental issues, consumers are seeking stylish and sustainable options to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand guilt-free. Traditional swimwear fabrics often use harmful chemicals and contribute to plastic pollution. However, there's a wave of change as innovative and eco-friendly swimwear fabrics are making a splash in the market. In this blog post, we'll explore four sustainable swimwear fabrics that are revolutionizing the industry: Hemp, ECONYL®, REPREVE®, and Recycled Polyester.
Photo by Ethan Bodnar
Hemp: The Eco-Champion
Hemp is a true eco-champion in the world of sustainable fabrics. Derived from the fast-growing hemp plant, this fabric requires minimal water and no pesticides, making it a highly renewable resource. Unlike conventional cotton, hemp's cultivation does not deplete the soil, and it even helps to improve soil health. Its fibers are naturally strong and durable, ensuring your swimwear lasts season after season.
Hemp swimwear provides excellent UV protection and boasts natural anti-bacterial properties, keeping you fresh even during extended beach days. Additionally, hemp fabrics are biodegradable, meaning that at the end of their lifecycle, they will return to the earth without causing harm to the environment.
ECONYL®: A Regenerated Marvel
ECONYL® is a cutting-edge sustainable fiber made from regenerated nylon waste, including fishing nets, discarded carpets, and industrial plastic. By repurposing these materials, ECONYL® helps reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and landfills, making it an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious beachgoers. This is also our fabric of choice for our sustainable surf swimwear collection.
Producing ECONYL® has a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional nylon, making it an energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternative. Despite being recycled, ECONYL® maintains the same durability and elasticity as virgin nylon, ensuring your swimwear stands up to sun, saltwater, and sand.
Photo by Brian Yurasits
REPREVE® : Turning Plastic Bottles into Swimwear
As plastic pollution continues to threaten marine life, REPREVE® offers a fantastic solution to the problem. REPREVE® is a recycled fiber made from post-consumer plastic bottles, diverting them from ending up in our oceans and transforming them into soft and comfortable swimwear fabrics.
The manufacturing process of REPREVE® conserves water and energy, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers. Furthermore, choosing REPREVE® swimwear supports a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable resources, reducing our reliance on virgin materials.
Recycled Polyester: Closing the Loop
Recycled polyester is another fantastic sustainable swimwear option that helps reduce plastic waste. By using post-consumer PET bottles and other plastic waste, recycled polyester cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and the demand for new raw materials.
This eco-friendly fabric retains the qualities of traditional polyester, including quick-drying properties and resistance to chlorine and saltwater. Choosing recycled polyester swimwear is a step towards closing the loop and creating a more sustainable fashion industry.
As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues, sustainable fashion is taking center stage. Swimwear, in particular, has seen a surge in eco-friendly options, with fabrics like hemp, ECONYL®, REPREVE®, and recycled polyester leading the way. By opting for swimwear made from these innovative materials, you can enjoy your beach adventures with a clear conscience, knowing you're contributing to a cleaner and greener planet.
Remember, as consumers, we hold the power to influence change. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices, we can help drive the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future, one swimwear piece at a time.