If you want to do your part for the oceans you find yourself swimming in, the least you can do is consider some sustainable swimwear. When you buy a pair of swim shorts, not only should you be wearing them until they fall apart, but you should also consider swimwear that’s made from sustainably-sourced materials and ethically made.
Going sustainable doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality, if anything it means the exact opposite. Sustainable materials and ethical production usually result in better, longer lasting materials and better fitting, higher quality designs. Whether you’re looking for something for poolside or a versatile option for wearing into town on an evening, we’ve compiled a list of the best sustainable swimwear brands out there.
10 Best brands to buy sustainable swimwear for men
Marèa Maréa
Marèa Maréa is very much a sophisticated Riviera brand. A concise collection features sweaters, camp collar shirts and of course, sustainable swimwear. They basically make a premium uniform for beach and poolside, minimal and elegant. The swimwear is especially suave. Two styles of shorts, the marea and monsegur, available in block colours or patterns inspired by the latter’s namesake French town. Pops of colour and pattern in comfortable materials, with stretch, internal netting and handy pockets, notably a zip pocket on the back of the Monsegur. Materials are sustainably and ethically-sourced from Portuguese factories.
The Resort Co
Since 2019, The Resort Co has been on a mission to curate the ultimate vacation wardrobe, prioritising quality, ethical production and sustainable materials. Scandinavian aesthetics dictate designs, as does the concept of an everlasting summer. The brand is also passionate about sustainable swimwear and there’s a lot to choose from in both tailored and classic styles. The classics are made ethically and sustainably in Portugal, using light, fast-drying upcycled material with a mid-length fit. Tailored swim shorts, meanwhile, are a versatile all-day option for in and out of the pool, featuring side adjusters, a mid-length fit and premium materials.
CDLP
If you’re packing in the crotch department and you’re in the market for sustainable swimwear to show it off, why not consider a pair from CDLP? Specifically their swim brief range. Light, minimal and in a range of colours and patterns (leopard print, why not?), the swim briefs are made from a soft Econyl jersey made for a low waist and snug fit. If that’s not your thing, there’s more coverage in the form of swim shorts, trunks and box cut briefs. The brand’s trunks are made from recycled parachute nylon and are designed in a regular fit with a mesh lining for comfort and support, the shorts meanwhile are made from a smooth Econyl® satin twill.
ISTO
Sustainable swimwear at Portuguese brand ISTO is simple. You’ve got three stylish options and you can rest assured the brand can vouch for the ethical factories and sustainable materials from which the shorts are made. The brand’s swim trunks are available in sage green, black and a colour split of both. The shorts are crafted from Seaqual, a unique fabric made up of 10% recycled plastic from the sea and 90% recycled polyester from post-consumer waste. Classical, timeless and made from a material with eco credentials with comfortable stretch.
Foret
At Foret, sustainable swimwear is all about stripes. There’s some colour block options too, don’t get us wrong, but if you’re in the market for stripes, Foret’s got you with versatile options that’ll look good in and out of the pool. Swimming isn’t just for summer, these look good year round. The brand’s striped Away swimshorts are cut in a regular fit and made from a 55% newlife 45% recycled polyester, they fit well, dry quick and feature an embroidered logo. Great for adding colour to a white t-shirt ensemble.
Asket
Premium basics heroes do sustainable swimwear too, of course. Is there anything Asket doesn't do? Maximum performance meets minimal impact, with every component sourced and developed from scratch to create a pair of swim shorts entirely made from recovered sea plastics and recycled PET. No mean feat. The recycled fabric is fast drying and non-fading with a breezy mesh that provides a supportive, comfortable fit. They’re smart enough to be paired with a linen shirt when heading into town and if god forbid there’s a tropical shower, they’ll dry off quickly too.
Aurelien
Aurelien’s beachside swim shorts are everything we’ve come to expect from the smart luxury riviera brand. The brand’s sustainable swimwear range comes in a trademark array of pastel and earthy shades and is crafted from a fine polyamide shell that dries quickly and when dry, looks very handsome as a tailored holiday short. They’re shorts for the beach, the pool and the town. Sizing up is recommended and the shorts sit comfortably above the knee, with two pockets and a handy back pocket for keeping your keys and cards safe.
LESTRANGE
Two swim shorts options at LESTRANGE. You know the deal, modular wardrobes, minimal high-quality options, circular production and sustainability at its heart. One with netting, one without and we’ll just say it, we’re glad to be offered the choice. L’Estrange get it. The Anywhere swim short is made from recycled nylon and features a hidden elastic waistband, internal drawstring fastening and three pockets with back zipped pocket. Sustainable swimwear done right, with one year of complimentary repair and care services.
WAHTS
WAHTS sustainable swimwear is all about extremely fast-drying materials, well-fitting cuts and stylish colours and silhouettes. The beauty is in the simplicity. Crafted from a quick-drying shell, the shorts have a mid-length cut and adjustable drawstring waist, giving a smart look and a comfortable fit. The internal mesh lining makes sure everything is kept in place and supported and the back zip pocket is great for stowing away any valuables. Just remember to take them out before you go for a dip.
Adidas
If you’re looking for sustainable swimwear that’s sport and performance-minded, Adidas has got the range for you, jammers (skintight, thigh-length shorts to reduce drag) included. Aesthetically, there’s something for everyone, be that the classic block colour three stripe or more adventures colour prints including camo and patterns. From Y front trunks to longer length shorts, the Adidas swimwear range is made in part from recycled materials (70%) and shorts feature mesh interiors, pockets and drawstrings.
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