With trending prints and colourways, an endless variety of cuts and shapes, and what’s generally considered rock-bottom prices, the temptation to shop swimwear from fast fashion brands is at an all-time high. After all, we all want to get the most for our money and to feel confident and stylish by the pool and at the beach. However, that can leave us open to an endless cycle of always needing the next new trend.
Spending more money season after season, and wearing our bathing suits only a handful of times is a surefire way to destroy your bank balance - and the Earth whilst you’re at it! So, what’s the best way to stay in vogue, conserve your precious funds and protect the planet all at once? Opt for well-made, timeless, sustainably made pieces that will stand the test of time in both style and quality.
Now, we know these tips are pretty broad. There’s much more to consider when investing in new swimwear styles you’ll want to wear season after season. With that in mind, we’ve put together an irresistible edit of our most sought-after bikinis and one-piece swimsuits, alongside those all-important reasons why choosing sustainable swimwear is so worth the investment.
HOW DOES INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR SAVE YOU MONEY?
Okay, since sustainable swimwear, and indeed, sustainable products in general usually come with an above-average price tag, we can see why shopping sustainably may seem out of your budget at first.
However, with a few adjustments to the way you shop, and how you curate your closet, opting for sustainable pieces, even when the prices are higher, can genuinely save you money.
Picture this. Your next vacation is all booked, your itinerary is locked in, and all that’s left to do is plan the perfect swimwear looks for your trip. But, instead of packing seemingly limitless styles with countless bikinis and one-piece bathing suits that you only ‘kind of like’ and will ‘maybe’ wear, you go ahead and pack two to three swimwear options you absolutely adore.
You end up reaching for the same key pieces on repeat because you know they look and feel good every time! Well, swimwear on vacation is the same.
We get it, you want options, we all do! But allow us to elaborate. Think about your closet before and after a huge clear-out. Before, it’s full to the brim with every item of clothing you could ever want or need. You have piles and piles of items that would make up a hundred different outfits. Unfortunately, it’s also totally overwhelming, you can barely see anything you own, and you don’t have the time to wear, let alone plan out, a hundred outfits anyway! The result? You end up reaching for the same key pieces on repeat because you know they look and feel good every time! Well, swimwear on vacation is the same. Too many trending options will quickly feel overwhelming and have you gravitating back to the cuts and colorways you genuinely love and feel comfortable in.
Now think about your closet after you’ve been through every item and donated, sold, or recycled the pieces you no longer wear. That euphoric feeling when you’re left with just your favourites (and those star pieces you forgot you even owned!). That’s how your vacation swimwear lineup should feel. Effortless, comfortable, special, and eternally in style without all of the fuss.
Now, we know what you’re thinking. Fast-fashion swimsuits are usually cheaper than sustainable ones. But, since trending prints and cuts only work for certain settings, you’ll often find yourself buying more just to cover your most basic vacation needs.
The takeaway? Even if two or three sustainable swimsuits cost you the same or maybe a little more than 10 fast fashion ones, we guarantee that come next summer, the latter will be lucky to see the light of day. Either they’ll have worn out or the design will no longer be of interest/in style and you’ll be shopping for new suits all over again. Those high-quality sustainable suits you invested in, however? They’re still as stylish and well-made as the day you purchased them. Now you can save your hard-earned cash for other things.
HOW CAN INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR HELP THE PLANET?
We don’t need to tell you that the ever-increasing production of fast fashion items is having a detrimental effect on the planet. Harming wildlife, polluting natural water sources, and even deteriorating the earth’s soil. In stark contrast, the production of truly sustainable clothing, and in this case swimwear, can help reduce waste, save the lives of animals, and even improve the economy.
Firstly, the use of recycled materials prevents waste from ending up in landfills. Secondly, as well as condemning child labour, true sustainable fashion brands promote safe and fair working environments for their employees, often providing better-than-average compensation and working conditions. Additionally, banning the use of animal products, namely leather, means no animals suffer or are killed for the production of sustainable clothing. If those aren’t reasons enough alone to switch to ethically made, sustainable swimwear, we don’t know what are!
OUR FAVOURITE SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR PIECES TO ELEVATE YOUR LONG-TERM BEACHWEAR LINEUP
One thing to remember when shopping for swimwear? Classic cuts, flattering shapes, and timeless colourways will never go out of style. So, choose bikinis and one-piece bathing suits in shades and shapes you’ve loved before, love now, and can see yourself loving in the future. And take note, a neon green string bikini might seem like a good idea when it’s trending all over your social feeds. But when the season ends and the next new set of trends appear hot off the runway, you’ll likely find that daring ensemble isn’t as enticing as it once was. It goes with nothing else you own and you’re the only one now wearing it.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, that chic black one-piece, the elegant, high-waisted cream two-piece, or that effortlessly pretty red bandeau bikini you took time to select and invested good money in? It’s still in style and a go-to for your vacation lineup and impromptu trips to your favourite local beach.
What’s more, making your purchases from a reputable store with excellent craftsmanship, top-quality fabrics, and sustainable practices at its core will make sure your bikinis not only look amazing but also last for as long as you want to wear them. Which, trust us, will be for many years to come. Shop our favourites below…
THE CHIKYU BELTED ONE PIECE
Available in three irresistible colourways, this chic, one-piece belted swimsuit is eternally flattering. With a square neckline, a flattering waist tie belt, and a full coverage design, it’s perfect for everything from sea swimming to relaxing by the pool.
THE KUMANOMI HIGH WAIST BOTTOMS & CUP TOP
Timeless and sophisticated, the chic yet comfortable high-waist bikini Kumanomi bottoms will be a staple in your vacation lineup from now on. Pair yours with the coordinating Kumanomi cup top for suit you’ll keep coming back to for years to come.
THE MARIE SIDE TIE BOTTOMS AND LONG TRIANGLE TOP
The ultimate minimalist swimsuit with a timeless silhouette, the Marie side tie bottoms and matching long triangle top will see you through countless vacations to come. The best part? It looks just as good on its own as it does under a beach cover-up, a summer skirt, or wide-leg trousers for low-key lunch plans by the ocean.
THE HEDY MID-RISE BOTTOMS AND CLASSIC TRIANGLE TOP
When a high-waisted bikini bottom is too high but the side-tie style doesn’t provide quite enough coverage, look no further than the Hedy mid-rise bikini bottoms, and the matching classic triangle top. The ultimate pool-to-beach bikini, this suit offers everything you need no matter your vacation style.
