Certifications and brand values ​​can help you find eco-friendly swimwear, but caring for it is just as important.
Last year I moved from Melbourne to Sydney and swapped my beloved Fitzroy pool for the saltier Bondi Icebergs pool. The water was very cold in the winter, so I bought a swimming cap and went to the sauna to relax a bit after each swim.
Sign up for our fun newsletter delivered every Saturday morning with must-reads, pop culture, and weekend tips.
As time went on and the weather warmed up, I began to explore Sydney’s other pools. Clovelly is the place for a thrilling swim, Blount for a few quick laps and Mahon for a break from the crowds. Most swimmers I know love the rhythm and silence. Feel the sense of escape and transformation that comes with diving into the ocean.
However, most swimsuits are made from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. These materials are made from fossil fuels, meaning they do not biodegrade. Unfortunately, your swimsuit can ruin the environment you enjoy, but smart choices and proper washing can limit your swimsuit’s impact.
There aren’t many alternatives to synthetic swimwear. Dale McCarthy of swimwear brand Bondi Born said synthetic swimwear is “not ideal for the planet” but “by its nature [swimwear] requires garments to stretch rather than absorb water” so natural fibres can’t be used as they absorb too much water and lose their shape when exposed to it.
While some plant-based materials like bamboo have made inroads into the swimwear market, along with experimental options like Kelly Slater’s wool board shorts, they still need to be blended with synthetics to make them stretchy enough to make a practical one-piece or bikini.
In an effort to reduce their impact from synthetic materials, some brands are starting to use recycled materials. Two of the most common recycled swimwear materials are Repreve, a polyester made from plastic bottles, and Econyl, a nylon made from fishing nets and carpeting.
Most recycled synthetics need to be blended with virgin materials to ensure the quality of the garment. Choose fabrics with certifications such as the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) to ensure they are responsibly produced.
Liandra Gaikamangu, founder and creative director of Liandra Swim, noted that before buying a new swimsuit, it’s worth doing a little research to learn more about the brand and “what their philosophy is in terms of sustainability.” “It shouldn’t just be about the product.”
Look for brands that use eco-friendly dyes in fabrics and packaging that is compostable or recyclable. Look at where the fabric is processed and what kind of energy is used in the factory. To ensure that any claims on a brand’s website are more than just good intentions, look for fabrics that have third-party sustainability certifications. For example, Oeko-tex-certified fabrics do not use harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process.
High-performance fabrics “not only fit better on the body, but they also last longer than typical swimwear fabrics, release far fewer microplastics into our water systems, and reduce the need to continually purchase swimwear due to exposure to salt, sun, chlorine, sunscreen, and spandex degradation during washing,” McCarthy says.
Although it may sound unbelievable, some swimsuits are not designed for swimming in a pool, so it is better to read the care instructions before buying. If the swimsuit states that it cannot be used with chlorine, do not buy it.
And be wary of any products on the market that promise quick drying, as this is often achieved through the use of PFA (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), a chemical that has been linked to a number of health problems.
Get the latest culture and lifestyle news from Guardian Australia, with pop culture news, trends and advice.
Whether your swimsuit is made from recycled or virgin materials, like any clothing, the most eco-friendly swimsuit choice will be one that you can wear (and love) for a long time.
McCarthy noted that color, shape, and fit are important. “Black, navy, or cream, as well as shapes like deep Vs and square necklines, will never go out of style.” As for fit, “If a swimsuit doesn’t fit you and you don’t feel confident in it, you probably won’t wear it.”
Gaykamangu recommends using a Guppy Friend laundry bag when washing your swimsuit. “This will help catch any harmful microplastics that come off the fabric… We don’t want microplastics getting into our waterways and the stomachs of small animals, and therefore into our food chain,” she said.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse chlorine and salt from your swimsuit after each wear – this will also help extend its life.
Because high temperatures can damage synthetic fibers, use only cold water and never put your swimsuit in the dryer, but instead lay it out to dry in the shade. For more swimsuit care tips, see this previous Closet Clinic article.
Finally, if you’re unsure what to do with old swimsuits, as recycling and disposal can be a challenge, Gaykamangu has a creative suggestion for repurposing a swimsuit you no longer want: turn it into an accessory. “Think headbands and hair ties,” she said.