Swimwear has a sustainability problem that most brands would rather you didn't think about. The average bikini or pair of swim shorts is made from virgin nylon or polyester — petroleum-derived synthetics that shed microplastic fibres every time they're worn in the ocean, take centuries to decompose, and are almost impossible to recycle once they reach end of life.
"Sustainable swimwear" is now a crowded marketing category. The challenge is that the label is largely unregulated — any brand can use it. This guide will show you exactly what to look for, what to be sceptical of, and how to find swimwear that's actually better for the planet.
Why Conventional Swimwear Is a Problem
Most swimwear is made from virgin nylon (polyamide) or virgin polyester, both of which are derived from petroleum. The environmental issues run through the full lifecycle:
Production: Producing virgin synthetic fibres is energy-intensive and releases greenhouse gases. Nylon production in particular generates nitrous oxide — a greenhouse gas roughly 300 times more potent than CO₂.
Use: Every time synthetic swimwear is worn in open water or washed, it releases microplastic fibres. These fibres are too small to be filtered by wastewater treatment plants and accumulate in marine ecosystems. Studies have found synthetic microplastics in ocean sediment, marine animals, and drinking water.
End of life: Most swimwear ends up in landfill. Blended fabrics (nylon/elastane or polyester/spandex) are notoriously difficult to recycle because separating the component fibres is technically and economically challenging.
What Makes Swimwear Genuinely Sustainable?
There's no single answer, but these are the factors that matter most:
1. Recycled Materials — Verified by GRS
The most meaningful improvement available in swimwear right now is replacing virgin synthetic fibres with recycled alternatives. Recycled polyester (rPET) and recycled nylon are typically made from post-consumer waste — plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, or pre-consumer manufacturing offcuts.
But "made with recycled materials" without verification is just a claim. Look for GRS certification (Global Recycled Standard) — an independent third-party standard that verifies recycled content through the entire supply chain. Without GRS or an equivalent standard, you're taking the brand's word for it.
You can verify any GRS certificate at global-standard.org. Read our full guide to what GRS certification means for more detail.
2. Durability
The most sustainable swimwear is the piece you wear for five seasons, not the one with the lowest carbon footprint that falls apart after two. Chlorine resistance, colorfastness, and quality construction matter enormously for real-world sustainability.
3. Honest Certifications
GRS for recycled content is the main one to look for in swimwear. Beyond that, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certifies that the finished fabric has been tested for harmful substances.
4. Made-to-Order or Low-Inventory Production
Overproduction is one of fashion's largest sustainability problems. At TURTLEGROOVE, every item is made to order — nothing is produced until you place your purchase.
What "Sustainable Swimwear" Claims to Be Sceptical Of
"Eco-friendly" without any certification: This phrase is unregulated and meaningless without supporting evidence.
"Made with recycled materials" without a percentage or certification: A garment can contain 5% recycled content and technically be "made with recycled materials." GRS certification requires verification of actual recycled content percentages.
"Biodegradable swimwear": Most claims of biodegradable swimwear are misleading. Synthetic fibres don't biodegrade meaningfully in landfill conditions.
Greenwashing through offset programs: Carbon offsetting is a legitimate tool but it doesn't address the material and production issues inherent in virgin synthetic swimwear.
What to Look For When Buying
- ✅ GRS certification for recycled content (verifiable at global-standard.org)
- ✅ Recycled polyester or recycled nylon — ideally sourced from post-consumer waste
- ✅ Chlorine-resistant fabric for longevity
- ✅ Durable construction — flatlock stitching, quality elastic, colour retention
- ✅ Made-to-order or low-waste production model
- ✅ Transparent supply chain information
TURTLEGROOVE Sustainable Swimwear
Our swimwear is made from GRS-certified recycled materials — primarily recycled polyester derived from post-consumer plastic bottles. Every piece is made to order. We ship from Canadian and US warehouses.
- Women's Sustainable Swimwear
- Women's High Waist Bikinis
- Women's String Bikinis
- Men's Recycled Swim Shorts
For full supply chain details, visit our sustainability page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most sustainable swimwear fabric? Recycled polyester (rPET) and recycled nylon are currently the most sustainable options widely available. Look for GRS certification to verify the recycled content claim.
Is recycled polyester swimwear still bad for the ocean? It can still shed microplastic fibres, similar to virgin polyester. The improvement is in the production stage. To reduce shedding, wash in a microplastic-catching laundry bag.
What does GRS certification mean on swimwear? GRS is an independent third-party certification that verifies the recycled content percentage and traces the material through the supply chain.
How long should sustainable swimwear last? 3–5 seasons with proper care. Rinse in cold fresh water after every wear, avoid wringing, and lay flat to dry.
Is sustainable swimwear more expensive? Typically yes upfront, but the price-per-wear over multiple seasons is often comparable or lower due to better durability.
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