Australian Sustainable Swimwear
There are some things that Australia does better than anyone else in the world and swimwear is definitely one of them. With so many labels on the market, our focus is on those that are kicking goals for sustainability. Here’s our roundup of the best sustainable swimwear labels around right now! Note: our list includes only those labels that were able to convince us of their sustainable credentials. Listed alphabetically they are:
Baiia
Australian owned and designed, Baiia is made in China by an eco-conscious manufacturer that focuses on ethics and sustainability. The brand’s fabric is made is made from a nylon
produced from ocean waste. In sizes 6-26.
Bond-eye Swim
Handmade in Sydney, Australia, Bond-eyes’ swimwear is unsized and their unique stretch fabric can can expand from extra small to large. They’ve partnered with I = Change (where you decide the charity your $1 contribution from your purchase goes to) and UPPAREL to stop waste going to landfill. Sizes 6-16.
Bondi Born
Bondi Borns is 100% made, owned and operated. Every time an order is placed on Bondi Borns’ website, a tree is planted through a non-profit organisation called “One Tree Planted”. Bond Born is Climate Neutral Certified. In sizes 6-16.
Camp Cove Swim
Strong on body positivity, Camp Cove Swim’s retro inspired sustainable swimwear is locally printed in Sydney with patterns that are exclusive to the brand. Recycled materials are incorporated where possible. Comes in Sizes 6-16.
Cleonie
This family owned slow fashion business cuts and sews your swimwear only after you order. Made in Australia from recycled fabrics, the label is known for its eco crinkle fabric and a signature gold seashell accompanying each piece. One size fits most.
Es Una
Es Una is truly original in design and ethos. Made from 100% recycled fibres, Es Una is a brand that has sustainability at its heart. Their quality garments are durable, lasting summer after summer. Their unique designs include shorts, snoods, skirts and longer pants that can be worn in the water. Made in Australia, they are size inclusive from 6-24, suitable for all shapes and incredibly sun smart. Recommended for those needing a bit more protection from the sun or wanting to look a bit more stylish on the beach this year!
FELLA
Fella is aiming for B-Corp Certification , (the highest standard of certification for ethical and sustainable production), but acknowledge they’re not there quite yet. Hand woven in Australia. They partner with i=Change and circular charity Worn For Good, that supports women and at-risk children. Size 6-16
JETS
Jets are re-using fibres, digitally printing their fabrics, and sourcing more responsibly grown fibres. Australian made and accredited by ethical clothing Australia. They are quick drying and anti-crease, coming in sizes 8-20.
Jupiters Heart
Born in 2018, Adelaide based Jupiters Heart is all about expressing a unique look that makes people feel good as well as look good. Sustainability lies at the heart of their brand, striving as they do to take care of the planet through the use of sustainable fabrics and biodegradable packaging. This amazing swimwear range is crefted from recycled fish nets and industrial waste from the ocean. Sizes extra-small to large.
Liandra
Proudly Aboriginal owned and operated, there’s so much to love about this sustainable swimwear label that’s made with reversible fabrics. Liandra sustainable swimwear is made from recycled plastics, with each piece being named after an inspiring Indigenous woman. Sizes 6-16.
MATTEAU
Made from 80% recycled nylon and 20% elastane, Matteau swimwear styles consider all bust shapes and sizes and provides a range of coverage options, from barely there to athletic-inspired cuts. size 6-14.
Native Swimwear Australia
Ethical, sustainable and colourful, Native Swimwear Australia, tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched. The first Indigenous Label to be showcased at New York Fashion Week, its First Nations artwork is exclusive to the brand. Fabrics are made from recycled plastic. Printed and made in Australia, sizes 8-16.
Peony
Totally made from 100% recycled materials, with a Brazilian aesthetic, Peony also has a commitment to ethical sourcing and supply chains and is rated “good” by Good On You. Sizes 6-14
She Made Me
Slow fashion sustainable swimwear label She Made Me is designed in Australia and hand made in Bali. Being handmade from yarn, She Made Me is already ethical and sustainable, with only small runs. In sizes 8-12.
Sir
Heavily inspired by the style of the 70’s Sir the Label’s swimwear range has made an “its a start” rating on sustainable fashion-ranker website Good On You. Since they were rated, it looks like they’ve now made a serious commitment to using sustainable fabrics, packaging along with making their supply chain more transparent. While they do cater for the very petite, their largest size is 14.
Zulu and Zephyr
Paying homage to the Bantu and Zulu Nguni ethnic groups of South Africa, Zula and Zephyr is a 70s inspired label that uses eco-friendly fabrics and recycled fabrics and limits the amount of chemicals, water and waste-water used in its production. Made in China, it ranges from size 6-16
Featured Image: Jupiters Heart Swimwear modelled by Stevie from Finesse Models at the SA Fashion Weekend. Photographer: Dimitra Koriozos
