13 Ethical Swimwear Brands To Dip Into This Summer
I’m a bit of a water baby - I’ve lived most of my life by the beach and no matter the season, I’m keen for a dip! This means that a good bathing suit is a staple in my wardrobe. I don’t settle for average ethical swimwear.
With the help of my sister, Georgia, we’ve created a list of ethical swimwear brands that focus on responsible production, use recycled or sustainable materials, and will make you feel like a beach BABE. We’ve also tried our best to include size inclusive swimwear brands who have styles that fit a range of different body types.
Note: Prices are all in NZD, sizing is AU sizing, and ‘made in’ refers to where the garments are made, not inclusive of where the fabric is made.
We haven’t trialled all of these brands personally, but if we have, we’ve written a personal review. Some of the pieces I (Kate) own were PR gifts.
Where possible, we have focused on New Zealand and Australian ethical swimwear brands to cater for this side of the world because swimwear made in NZ often gets left out!
Shapes in the Sand certainly have nature in mind every step of the way. From the gorgeous patterns, to the local (Australian) manufacturing, to the elimination of plastic packaging - Shapes in the Sand is a brand to be proud to wear! The bee print is especially eye catching, but all prints are ideal for nature lovers.
Kate’s Review: I was given a sustainable bikini from Shapes in the Sand by a friend who didn’t fit it. It’s the ethical swimsuit I travel most often with as I know it’s easy to clean, quick to dry, and never let me down. The prints are extra special in my opinion and show appreciation for our planet.
Sizes: 6 - 18
Cost: $110 - $240
Fabrics: Recycled nylon and elastane; selected Immersion styles use organic cotton and recycled spandex.
Made in: Australia
Hakinakina: NZ Made Swimwear
Stand up paddle boarder? Surfer? Extra susceptible to sun burn? Hakinakina is perfect for water sports - no skimpy bikinis that fall off in the first wave and they cover you up from the harsh sun! This NZ made swimwear is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, whether you’re wearing your new swimsuit for active wear or for the water, you can feel damn good about it.
Kate’s Review: I think Hakinakina is a particular game changer for people who love water sports. They have designed their NZ made swimwear in a way that means you could totally use it as activewear too. I love how sturdy and fitting these pieces are and totally acceptable to wear as a normal top/outfit too. The prints are really unique, so I often have comments from the most unlikely people. I highly rate Hakinakina.
Size Range: 8 - 18
Cost: $140 - $280
Fabrics: Recycled polyester swim fabric.
Made in: New Zealand
Code: ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off
emroce: NZ Made Swimwear
emroce is the only zero waste swimwear brand in the world, cutting all items from zero waste, tessellating patterns so that no fabric is discarded. emroce brings you sustainable swimwear that perfectly balances style and sustainability. Proudly designed and made in New Zealand, emroce's pieces are crafted with care to ensure both quality and a reduced environmental impact.
Size Range: XS–XXL; varies by style, with fit alterations available.
Cost: $55 - $101
Fabric: Italian-made swim fabric using ECONYL regenerated nylon.
Made in: New Zealand
Lawrence The Label is dreamy to say the least. With a multitude of contemporary cuts and styles to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite from this Brazilian influenced brand. Made in Brazil by a family owned atelier, a bunch of the materials used are also made from regenerated materials such as plastics/fishing nets etc.
Kate’s Review: I have a Joanquina Swim Suit and it’s a favourite for winter swims especially. If I was a surfer, I would wear it a lot more too! The zip at the front is really high quality and easy to do up, and as someone who dislikes padding in bikinis, I appreciate that there is the option to have the padding in or out.
Size Range: XS - XL
Cost: $99 - $239
Fabrics: Amni Soul Eco polyamide and elastane; composition varies by style.
Made in: Brazil
Code: ETHICALLYKATE for 10% off (one use per customer)
Youswim are certainly unique. This British brand has one size fits all garments - that actually fit all sizes between 6 - 28, and are made ethically in the UK. Two simple styles, crazy cool colours, you pick one and you rock it! Youswim pieces are made to expand and retract, acknowledging the fact that most people don’t ever stay one size throughout their lifetime.
Kate’s Review: I borrowed my sister’s Youswim two piece while I was pregnant and it quickly became my favourite bikini, so I got my own! The stretch means it is great for fluctuating bodies and the fabric seems incredibly durable. It’s comfy and easy for breastfeeding too.
Sizes: Stretch I: AU/UK 6–16. Stretch II: AU/UK 18–28.
Cost: $147 - $295
Fabrics: Versoform fabric made from virgin nylon and elastane.
Made in: United Kingdom.
Code: ETHICALLYKATE10 for 10% off
Thunderpants: NZ Made Swimwear
Thunderpants offers unique styles that are perfect for people who are more comfortable showing a little less skin - modest swimwear! After a boyleg or a halter top? Thunderpants has a range of different styles that are hard to find elsewhere. This NZ made swimwear is manufactured in Carterton, New Zealand, 20 minutes away from Thunderpants HQ in Martinborough.
Size Range: S–3XL; varies by style.
Cost: $88 - $198
Fabric: ECONYL regenerated nylon and spandex.
Made in: New Zealand
Code: ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off full price items (one use per customer)
If finding a bikini that actually fits your boobs feels like an impossible mission, meet RAQ. This Melbourne brand specialises in swimwear for fuller busts, with bra-sized tops, adjustable fits, and bottoms offering everything from cheeky cuts to fuller coverage. Their swimwear uses recycled nylon and they publish details about their supply chain, including the social compliance credentials of their Chinese manufacturer.
Sizes: Underwire tops: bands 8–20, cups D–J; combinations vary. Wireless Triangle: XS–3XL, accommodating A–G cups. Bottoms vary by style.
Cost: $66 - $134
Fabrics: Recycled polyamide (nylon) and elastane.
Made in: China.
Prefer spending your swim catching waves rather than readjusting your bikini? Tamara designs togs with movement in mind. This New Zealand brand offers simple bikinis, one-pieces and rashguards with snug fits designed to stay put while you swim, surf or paddle. Their fabrics include ECONYL regenerated nylon and REPREVE recycled fibres, with timeless cuts and solid colours you can keep reaching for summer after summer.
Sizes: 6–16.
Cost: $72.90 - $119.90
Fabrics: ECONYL and REPREVE recycled fabrics; composition varies by style.
Made in: Overseas; manufacturing country not publicly specified (waiting on their answer).
Swimm is a zero waste, merino wool swimwear brand made in Australia. The wool fabric gives the ethical swimwear a unique feel and 4 way stretch for ease of movement. The swimwear is also self lined with the wool-elastane composition.
All materials in the sustainable swimwear, packaging and satchels are 100% biodegradable, compostable and recyclable. The swimwear production from start to finish happens in Australia.
The wool used is sourced from RWS Responsible Wool Standards and the knitting mill where the fabric is made is accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia.
Sizes: XS–L for most styles; selected one-pieces list XL.
Cost: $144 - $304
Fabrics: 96% wool, 4% elastane
Made in: Australia
Cleonie Swimwear have an incredible offering of different styles in the niftiest colour ways. The incorporation of their wooden rings gives a signature look to their brand. Each order is made from scratch, which is just one of the ways the Cleonie goes hard on minimising their impact on the environment and ethically creating their swimwear.
Kate’s Review: Aside from the fact that I truly love having bananas on my boobs, this is the bikini I save for special occasions. The wooden rings can be a little annoying for water sports etc., so this is more suitable for when you’re hanging out in your bikini not doing much.
Sizes: Sizing varies: one-size crinkle styles, Delicate/Goddess options and individually sized styles. Custom sizing available.
Cost: $135 - $295
Fabrics: Recycled nylon and elastane in eco-crinkle styles; other fabrics vary by collection.
Made in: Australia for crinkle swimwear; Indonesia for beaded and crochet styles.
Le Buns - POTENTIALLY CLOSED?
Le Buns are simple and do the job perfectly. These classy cuts are versatile and timeless - you can’t go wrong with that. Le Buns maintain a great relationship with their manufacturers, which we love to hear, and are especially aware of dyes used and the cutting back the effect they have throughout that process.
Georgia’s Review: First off, I love that my Le Buns bikini is reversible - this means it feels like packing two bikinis instead of one! Sizing wise, I have a super long torso and Le Buns seems to cater super well to that, my bikini fits like a glove. Would 10/10 recommend Le Buns.
Sizes: Currently limited clearance sizes; check individual products.
Cost: $89 - $99
Fabrics: 87% recycled polyester / 13% spandex; lining 95% recycled polyester / 5% spandex.
Made in: Overseas; manufacturing country not publicly specified (waiting on their answer).
Patagonia is an outdoorsy brand that actually wants to PRESERVE nature too. They’re dedicated to long lasting items that will survive the thrashing surf! Patagonia swimwear is super practical, but also comes in some super funky prints. Patagonia stores are more readily found, so if you’re someone who is after NZ swimwear but want to try on before you buy, Patagonia will be ideal for you.
Sizes: XXS–XXL across the range; varies by style.
Cost: $100 - $250
Fabrics: Recycled nylon or recycled polyester blended with spandex; composition varies by style and colour.
Made in: Varies by product; country of manufacture is listed on product pages.
Imagine you’re lying on the beach relaxing and out of the corner of your eye you see someone you don’t recognise walking towards you. That hectic “Oh goodness they think I’m someone they know” anxiety hits, but instead they say... “Hey I LOVE your swimsuit, where is it from?”
If this happens… you’re probably wearing Baiia swimwear.
Made ethically in China, the soul of this company is all in making people feel absolutely beautiful in their garments while caring for the environment and the humans making them.
Sizes: 4 - 26
Cost: $149 - $245
Fabrics: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester and stretch fibres; composition varies by style.
Made in: China
Ethical and Sustainable Swimwear FAQs
What is ethical swimwear?
Ethical swimwear considers the people who make your togs, including their pay, working hours, safety and treatment at work. A brand should be able to explain where its swimwear is made and how it checks that workers are treated fairly.
Look for specific information about manufacturers, wages, working conditions and independent checks. “Ethically made” sounds lovely, but it’s much more useful when a brand explains what that actually means.
What is the difference between ethical and sustainable swimwear?
Ethical swimwear focuses on people, while sustainable swimwear usually refers to efforts to reduce environmental impact. These overlap, but they aren’t interchangeable: a bikini made from recycled nylon doesn’t automatically come with fair wages for the person sewing it.
When choosing swimwear, I consider both. Who made it? What is it made from? Does it fit properly, suit the swimming you actually do, and feel like something you’ll wear for years?
Which materials are used in sustainable swimwear?
Common materials include recycled nylon, also called recycled polyamide, and recycled polyester. These are usually blended with elastane or Lycra to provide stretch and help your swimsuit hold its shape.
ECONYL® is regenerated nylon made from waste such as discarded fishing nets, old carpets and fabric scraps. Other swimwear fabrics use polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. Check the composition of the individual swimsuit: using recycled fibres doesn’t necessarily mean the whole garment is made from recycled materials.
I also consider durability. A well-made swimsuit that fits comfortably and gets worn for years deserves consideration alongside its fabric composition.
Is swimwear made from recycled plastic really sustainable?
Recycled swimwear makes use of existing materials and can reduce demand for virgin nylon or polyester. However, it still has an environmental footprint, and recycled synthetic fabrics can shed microplastic fibres.
I see recycled fabric as one useful part of the picture. Responsible production, a good fit, thoughtful purchasing and looking after your togs matter too. If your existing swimsuit still does the job, you don’t need to replace it simply because a recycled option exists.
Is ECONYL swimwear plastic-free or biodegradable?
No. ECONYL is regenerated nylon, which is a synthetic plastic fibre. Turning nylon waste into new yarn doesn’t make it plastic-free or biodegradable.
It’s also worth distinguishing between a recyclable material and a swimsuit you can realistically recycle. Finished swimwear often contains mixed fibres, elastic, lining and other components. Check whether the brand offers a suitable take-back programme rather than assuming your togs can go in household recycling.
Can I buy ethical swimwear made in New Zealand?
Yes! Thunderpants and emroce are examples of brands making swimwear in New Zealand. Local production can make it easier for a brand to maintain close relationships with its makers and explain how its garments are produced.
However, “New Zealand brand”, “designed in New Zealand” and “made in New Zealand” mean different things. If buying locally made togs is your priority, check the manufacturing location of the specific piece. The fabric may still be made overseas.
Are ethical swimwear brands size-inclusive?
Some offer extensive sizing, but ethical production doesn’t automatically mean a brand caters to every body. Baiia offers swimwear in sizes 6–24, while RAQ specialises in fuller-bust swimwear, with bra-sized tops across band sizes 8–20 and D–J cups, depending on the style.
Size inclusivity also involves different proportions, torso lengths, bust support and coverage preferences. Look for measurements, helpful fit advice and photographs on different bodies rather than relying on a size label alone.
For more clothing options, explore my guide to ethical plus-size clothing brands.
Where can I find ethical swimwear for a larger bust?
RAQ is worth exploring if you need fuller-bust support. Its range includes bra-sized swim tops and adjustable styles, which can help you find a closer fit than standard small, medium and large sizing.
Measure both your bust and underbust, then compare them with the brand’s own chart. Depending on your preferences, look for adjustable straps, a secure underband, underwire or fuller cup coverage. Buying bikini tops and bottoms separately can also help if you need different sizes.
How do I choose sustainable swimwear that will last?
Start with how you’ll use it. A bikini for occasional beach dips has a different job from togs worn for regular pool lengths, surfing or paddleboarding.
Check the fit, stitching, lining and care instructions, and look for fabric suited to your swimming habits. If you swim regularly in a chlorinated pool, ask the brand whether the particular fabric is suitable for frequent chlorine exposure. For surfing or active swimming, prioritise a secure fit that lets you move comfortably.
The colour and cut matter too. Choose something you love wearing, rather than something you feel you should buy because it has a sustainability claim attached.
How do I care for my swimwear so it lasts longer?
Follow the care instructions for your particular swimsuit, as fabrics can need different treatment. Rinse after swimming as directed, especially after chlorine exposure, and avoid leaving wet togs bundled in your bag.
Wash gently using the recommended method, squeeze out water without aggressively wringing the fabric, and dry as instructed. Avoid tumble drying unless the label specifically allows it. Rough pool edges and other abrasive surfaces can damage fabric, so sitting on a towel is a useful habit too.
Can I buy secondhand swimwear?
Absolutely. Secondhand swimwear can be a useful way to find quality togs at a lower price and keep existing garments in use.
Look for clear photographs and check the elastic, lining, seams and any signs of thinning or sagging. Ask for measurements if you’re unsure about sizing, and wash according to the care label before wearing. An unworn swimsuit that didn’t fit its original owner could be exactly what you’re looking for.
How can I tell if a swimwear brand is greenwashing?
Look for clear explanations behind broad claims such as “eco-friendly”, “conscious” or “ocean-loving”. A helpful brand tells you what each garment is made from, where it is manufactured and what it does to protect workers.
Check what certifications actually cover, too. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 means textiles have been tested for harmful substances; it doesn’t, by itself, establish that garment workers receive a living wage.
Be curious about sweeping claims such as “100% sustainable”, “plastic-free” or “biodegradable”, particularly when the swimsuit contains nylon, polyester or elastane. Specific information is far more useful than a collection of green-sounding words.
