It’s summer time and a time for many to get themselves some new swimwear. Before we begin the list of tips, we have to discuss something important. The fact that many clothings brands are starting to brand themselves as eco-friendly is something to be aware of. The only actual eco-friendly thing about clothes is not buying too much of it, and taking good care of what we have.
When the items we have do wear out, as swimwear eventually does, we need something new, of good quality, and with an ethical production process behind! Polyester is a synthetic fibre which was originally produced from oil, and is a non-renewable resource.It can be argued that swimwear of recycled plastic is better than just simple “new” plastic, because it uses a resource that is already made. With that in mind, remember that swimwear made from recycled plastic will also shed micro plastic into the waterways when being washed. When the tiny pieces enters into the waterways, they will most likely end in the ocean at some point, and be mistaken for food for the smallest ocean creatures, which again are eaten by fish and other seafood that humans eat. Not to forget the unknown harm that plastic causes in any living creatures’ system. It’s a tricky topic!
Anyways, we want to share some brands we like, that make quality items out of recycled materials!
Under protection
A danish brand that only uses sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, recycled wool, lyocell and organic cotton. All the packaging, paper and polybags are either recycled or biodegradable. Most of the products are vegan approved, and if not, it is because it is recycled (wool) or a waste resource (milk). They only work with certified factories. These items are made of 94% recycled polyester and 6% elastane. The products are made in New Dehli, India and is vegan approved by PETA. The fabric is both Oeko-Tex and GRS certified.
Dedicated
Dedicated is a Swedish brand that use organic and fairtrade cotton, recycled polyester and wood fibers. All items are vegan. The swimwear is made of recycled PET, made from PET-bottles.
La Vinn Swimwear
La Vinn swimwear is an ethical and eco-conscious swimwear brand designed in Norway & the Netherlands, founded in Byron Bay. They are working towards developing a 100% recycled fabric. The pieces are made in Bali.
Adidas x Parley
Every piece in the Adidas x Parley collection is made of plastic trash collected from remote beaches and coastal communities. The swimwear is made of chlorine resistant material with regenerated ECONYL® yarn, spun by recycled polyester.
Monki
Monki recently launched a collection of swimwear with items made from recycled polyester and polyamid from PET-bottles.
KappAhl
KappAhl is one of many brands striving towards increasing their use of recycled and more sustainable materials. The swimwear is made from recycled polyester, from PET bottles and residual waste from the textile industry.
A lot can be said about brands using sustainability as a marketing technique, and if they don’t really have any sustainability policy of true value, it is not good enough. But we definitely want to applaud and welcome brands wanting to make a change, so make sure to read up on your favourite brands, and don’t hesitate to message them with any questions!
Have a lovely summer day - maybe you can pick up some plastic today? 🌼