Summer is the season for beach trips and pool visits. Many people are likely considering purchasing new swimwear.
However, sustainable materials like organic cotton aren’t suitable for swimwear that needs to repel water. Therefore, this article will introduce how to choose swimwear that’s kind to both nature and society that you can purchase in Japan.
How to Choose Sustainable Swimwear
1. Choose recycled or upcycled materials
The most important factor when choosing sustainable swimwear is the materials used. ECONYL®, a prime example of recycled nylon, is a regenerated nylon fiber made from ocean waste and discarded fishing nets. It maintains the same quality and durability as conventional nylon while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Recycled polyester such as Repreve®, made from plastic bottles, is also a noteworthy material. These regenerated fibers are excellent choices that balance waste reduction with the stretch and durability required for swimwear. Before purchasing, check product labels and official websites for material details, and verify recycled content percentages as well.
2. Environmentally conscious production
Beyond materials, environmental consideration in manufacturing processes is also an important criterion. Focus on production transparency: whether they’re working to reduce water and energy usage, avoiding harmful chemicals, and adopting low-impact dyeing methods.
Many sustainable brands quantitatively measure environmental impact during production and publish results. By checking specific initiatives like renewable energy use and water recycling systems, you can determine whether a brand is truly sustainable.
3. Size inclusivity
Truly sustainable brands contribute to society as well as the environment. Whether a brand offers extensive size ranges indicates their commitment to creating products that satisfy all people.
Enabling people of diverse body types to find swimwear that fits them helps prevent body-type discrimination. Especially in summer when crash dieting is common, being able to enjoy summer activities without worrying about body shape is crucial.
4. Ethical production (Fair trade)
Sustainability encompasses not only environmental care but also ensuring workers’ rights and fair working conditions. Check for fair trade certification, whether workers receive appropriate wages, and if safe working environments are provided.
Many ethical brands prioritize supply chain transparency and publish detailed information about partner factories’ working conditions and wage systems. This information is typically available on brand websites’ sustainability pages or social responsibility reports.
5. Certifications and transparency
For consumers, understanding whether a brand is truly sustainable can be challenging. This is where third-party certifications become essential. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international standard that certifies recycled material content and environmental/social considerations. B Corp certification is awarded to companies meeting high standards across environment, society, and governance.
Check for these certification marks while also considering the transparency of information brands provide. Choose brands that demonstrate sincere commitment through sustainability report publication, specific numerical targets, and regular progress updates.
Sustainable Swimwear Brands
Patagonia
Key Features
- Uses recycled materials
- Fair Trade certification
- 1% for the Planet certification
Patagonia uses recycled nylon and polyester, equally prioritizing activewear and ethics. Their earth-friendly swimwear made from recycled materials features high-performance design suitable for both surfing and relaxation. Made with Fair Trade certified fabrics, considering both environment and people. One percent of sales goes to nature conservation activities, allowing you to contribute to the future simply by wearing their products.
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Koraru
Key Features
- Uses regenerated nylon ECONYL®
- Seaweed-derived upcycled materials
- Recyclable and reusable packaging
Koraru is a Tokyo-based brand committed to sustainability and circular fashion. Using ECONYL® regenerated from discarded fishing nets and industrial waste, contributing to ocean pollution reduction. Packaging uses recycled seaweed paper and forest-certified wood materials, delivered in beautiful origami wrapping that can be reused. They provide sustainable swimwear that balances quality design and functionality while considering the natural environment.
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Summersalt
Key Features
- Women-led brand
- High-quality materials for long-term use
- Accommodates diverse body types
Summersalt collected 1.5 million measurements from 10,000 women, using patented technology to achieve perfect fit in sustainable swimwear. A swimwear brand by women, for women. Accommodating pregnant women and long-torso types, pursuing designs that allow all women to be themselves. Combining high-performance recycled materials with extensive size ranges for both comfort and sustainability. Making swimwear time more confident.
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Andie
Key Features
- Uses recycled materials (75% or more)
- Perfect-fit design
- Ethical manufacturing management
Andie is a beautiful and comfortable swimwear brand designed for modern women. Over 75% of products use recycled materials, considering environmental impact. Features unique fit diagnostics and style consultation to help find the perfect piece. Partner factories are strictly audited, carefully protecting workers’ rights.
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Reformation
Key Features
- Uses regenerated materials ECONYL® & EVO
- High-performance materials with good texture
- Circular fashion by 2030
Using plant-based EVO® and ECONYL® made from waste nylon, developing sustainable swimwear that combines stretch and comfort. Features sporty and retro designs. Setting the ambitious goal of making all products circular by 2030, this brand compromises neither on environment nor style.
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Beyond Swimwear! Eco-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Waterside Activities
Choosing Reusable Items
Once you’ve chosen sustainable swimwear, select environmentally conscious items for beach accessories too. Using reusable beach bags, towels, and water bottles significantly reduces environmental impact at the seaside. Choosing bamboo or stainless steel reusable items instead of disposable plastic products contributes to preventing marine plastic pollution.
For large items like beach umbrellas and chairs, selecting durable products for long-term use reduces annual waste. Using local rental services is also an effective way to reduce personal possessions.
Beach and River Etiquette and Eco-Actions
While enjoying time at beaches and rivers, practice actions that contribute to environmental protection. The most basic rule is always taking your trash with you. Additionally, picking up other people’s litter when possible becomes active environmental protection.
Sunscreen selection is also an important environmental consideration. Choose reef-safe sunscreens that don’t contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs (such as oxybenzone and octinoxate) to contribute to marine ecosystem protection. Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide as main ingredients, which provide high physical protection, are recommended.
Conclusion | Choose Eco-Friendly Options This Summer
What We Can Do to Protect Nature’s Future
Choosing sustainable swimwear is environmental protection activity that goes beyond mere consumption. “Choosing” becomes action, and each person’s conscious choices drive corporate behavioral change, leading to industry-wide transformation. When purchasing new swimwear this summer, consider not only design and price but also the product’s impact on the global environment.
Remember that small choices lead to big changes. Let’s start today with what we can do to pass on beautiful oceans and nature to the next generation. Your sustainable choices become the power to change tomorrow’s global environment.
