You’ve got your tropical vacation booked, accommodations and activities lined up, and now all that’s left is the packing - but you want to get a new swimsuit! We have all been there, and in today’s oversaturated market, it’s hard to figure out what’s the best swimwear for you.
It can be daunting finding the right choice when there are thousands of different bathing suits available online. Looking for a simple swimsuit can feel like a scavenger hunt because of the sheer amount of options.
However, there are some key things you should consider to help you narrow down the choices and get yourself a swimsuit that really lasts. We put together this blog post to help you choose the right swimsuit for you!
SWIMSUIT FABRIC OPTIONS
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ECONYL®
ECONYL® is a recycled nylon fabric popular amongst fashion designers. It is a special type of recycled nylon sourced from waste destined for landfills, including old carpets and fishing nets. Econyl’s special manufacturing process not only recycles but regenerates the nylon, making it as good as new. Every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® nylon6 yarn manufactured saves 70,000 barrels of crude oil and 65,100 tons of CO2 emissions! If you’re looking to make a positive impact with your swimwear choice, look no further.
But how does it hold up? The synthetic material is used by many fashion designers, including Prada in their Re-Nylon collection. Nylon is a versatile fabric that is used for all types of clothing, accessories, and even swimwear. In fact, nylon is a great fabric for contemporary swimwear because it dries quickly, doesn’t absorb water, and is very resilient. Our founder specifically chose Econyl fabrics because they are the best fabrics on the market for the environment, are long-lasting, and don’t sag like cheap swimsuits do.
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POLYESTER
Polyester is another synthetic material that is a good choice for swimwear. Polyester is chlorine-resistant and overall quite resilient. It won’t lose shape after repeated dunks in the pool or ocean. Most bathing suits on the market are stretch polyester fabrics made from a blend of polyester and spandex.
Like nylon, it is a synthetic material derived from crude oil. Because of this, regular polyester has a huge carbon footprint and uses massive amounts of water, chemicals, and fossil fuels to make. Recycled polyester, on the other hand, is a more environmentally-friendly option. Because it doesn’t use any new petroleum to manufacture, it generates 75% less CO2 emissions.
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HEMP
One type of natural material used for swimwear is hemp. When mixed with elastic, it can be made into a very comfortable swimsuit that offers good UV protection. It also doesn’t shed microplastics like some synthetic materials do. Compared to cotton, another popular natural material, it uses much less water to grow - making it a better sustainable option.
BENEFITS OF RECYCLED FABRICS
Recycled nylon and polyester fabrics can be used to make high-quality bathing suits that will fit you well and make you feel good.
Recycled fabrics use less energy to manufacture than new synthetic materials. They also divert plastic waste from landfills by turning it into a new product. Since plastic does not decompose, extending the life cycle of existing plastic is one of the best ways to reduce its impact on the environment.
Recycled nylon and polyester fabrics are also extremely durable. Since swimsuits are generally exposed to water, sun, chlorine, and saltwater, this is very important. A swimsuit can last you years with the right care. Picking the right swimsuit fabric that won’t sag after a few uses and caring for it can help curb your consumption of quick trends and fast fashion and find a swimsuit that actually lasts more than a season. Read more on some less known reasons why you should choose swimwear made from recycled fabric!
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BATHING SUIT FOR YOU
So what’s the right suit for you? Well, as always, that depends! Here are a few questions you can ask yourself as you shop for your next swimsuit.
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WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO USE THE BATHING SUIT FOR?
There are so many different reasons you may want to wear a swimsuit, and not all of those may involve actually swimming. Those who want to relax in the sunshine while not necessarily taking a dip in some water, may prefer hemp. Contemporary swimwear is also available in all sorts of funky materials - from leather to crochet to denim. While these may not be the best idea for taking an actual swim or even relaxing on the beach, there is a time and place for them!
If you plan on actually swimming or at least taking dips in the water, fabrics that contain ECONYL® regenerated yarn or polyester should be your top choice. They are more resilient and are better for those who want to wear swimsuits for recreational swimming.
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IS SUSTAINABILITY A PRIORITY FOR YOU?
One important question to ask yourself is whether sustainability is a priority for you when adding to your closet. Being eco-conscious can mean being critical of the materials used as well as being aware of how much you purchase. Avoiding fast fashion and investing in high-quality pieces that are timeless and will last is the best way to reduce your eco footprint. With blatant greenwashing at an all-time high, use our guide to help identify sustainable brands!
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WHAT’S THE QUALITY?
Not all swimsuits are made with the same care and quality. Low-quality garments may be more affordable, but they are not built to last. Many only last a few wears before they start to fall apart from exposure to sun and water. Invest in a high-quality garment for a swimsuit that will look good and last longer.
The best modern swimwear is made from durable fabric and often double-lined to be more sturdy. There may be many cheap and affordable polyester swimsuits available, but that does not mean they are all made the same standard.
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WHAT CUT DO YOU WANT YOUR BATHING SUIT TO HAVE?
There are so many cuts for women’s swimwear - from minimalist bikinis to athletic one-piece bathing suits and everything in between. Maybe you want to swim laps in a pool, or maybe you want to sit on the beach and tan and never get wet. At the end of the day, what matters is finding a flattering and suitable swimsuit for you. We recommend a swimsuit that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
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IS THERE AN OPTION THAT COULD MEET MULTIPLE NEEDS?
While you could have a different swimsuit for each need, there may be an option that can wear multiple hats. A flattering bikini made with ECONYL® regenerated yarn or recycled polyester can be worn to the pool, the ocean, or the next music festival you go to! Because of its durability and resistance to sunscreens, oils and chlorine, the ECONYL® yarn is the element that makes for the perfect versatile bikini. When you invest in a quality swimsuit that makes you feel good, you’ll want to wear it for every occasion.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIT
One of the best ways to make sure you are happy with your bathing suit purchase is being sure it will fit well. You’ll end up wearing it more if you like how it fits your body. Some things to pay attention to when shopping for bathing suits are straps and cups.
Be sure to take note of strap placement and width. In general, wider straps will offer more support. Tops without any straps will generally offer the least amount of support. Cups can also affect how much support is offered. Is there an underwire or padding? Both will increase support as well.
KORARU SWIMWEAR
No matter what you want, Koraru has a swimsuit for you. We specialise in timeless and chic swimwear with a focus on sustainability. Made from Econyl, these minimalist swimsuits will never go out of style and are made to last a lifetime. Feel confident in the best sustainable swimwear by the pool, by the beach, or on a yacht.
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If sustainability is an important factor for you, opting for natural or recycled synthetic materials for your bikinis is a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. Investing in higher quality pieces can also reduce your consumption of clothes that are both trendy and only made to last a few wears. In fact, studies have shown that overconsumption can also negatively impact your mental health.
There is a lot to consider when shopping for beautiful swimwear! Ultimately, you have to choose what is best for you. This can be based on fabric, cut, quality, purpose, or all of the above. Going for a timeless swimsuit made from durable materials is a good way to make sure your purchase lasts you a long time. The best bathing suit should make you feel confident no matter where you may find yourself.
Written by Neesha Basnyat - Sustainability Writer for Koraru
Neesha Basnyat is a an experienced sustainability writer and researcher specialising in biology, sustainability, CSR, and ESG analysis and reporting. With an educational background in Biology and Environmental Science and over 6 years of experience in the sustainability field, Neesha loves everything green, from shoveling compost to calculating emissions or researching the best new standards in the sustainability space.
