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!

Ethical Swimwear Q&A:

Are ethical swimwear brands size-inclusive?

Many ethical swimwear brands are working towards being more size-inclusive, offering a wider range of sizes to accommodate different body types. While some brands are leading the charge with extensive sizing options, others are gradually expanding their ranges to be more inclusive. Baiia Swimwear is a great example of this. The focus on body positivity and inclusivity is growing in the sustainable swimwear industry, encouraging brands to cater to more diverse customers. When shopping, it's always a good idea to check individual sizing charts to find the best fit. You can find 19 ethical plus sized clothing brands here.

Which materials are used in sustainable swimwear?

Sustainable swimwear is often made from eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon, polyester, or regenerated fabrics like ECONYL®, which is made from discarded fishing nets and other ocean waste. Some brands also use organic cotton, hemp, or even wool for their sustainable bikini collections. These materials help reduce the environmental impact of traditional swimwear production, which typically relies on petroleum-based fabrics.