Swimwear is one of the hardest things to make sustainably. There are a few reasons for this: it has to keep its shape when submerged in water, dry quickly afterwards and be able to withstand exposure to salt, sunshine and chlorine, which can all be corrosive. That’s why it’s almost always made from polyester or nylon. These materials are hydrophobic (they don’t absorb moisture) while natural materials are super absorbent and become heavy and misshapen when wet.
But polyester and nylon are common plastics derived from fossil fuels, which cause a litany of environmental harms. Some brands have turned to materials made from recycled plastic like Repreve (polyester) and Econyl (nylon) to mitigate the problem, but these materials have limitations too. Now sustainable swimwear designers are seeking alternative materials that will withstand playing in the sun and the surf.
