When facing the dreaded three-way mirror in a two-piece, you must have thought if it makes your butt look big, are horizontal or vertical stripes slimming, or if you are falling out of the swimsuit. These are the most common question that starts swirling in a woman’s head. But have you ever questioned yourself if it is biodegradable? Possibly not! Most swimwear found on the high streets is crafted from plastic-based synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. During the production of these fabrics, a huge amount of water and energy is utilised, and these fabrics don’t biodegrade, causing terrible environmental pollution. Therefore, fashion designers have developed sustainable swimwear to reduce their carbon footprints.
As you know, people have become eco-conscious, and sustainability and eco-friendliness have become a hot topic in the minds of the people; swimsuit designers have come up with pieces made from eco-friendly materials. It would not be wrong to say that swimsuit manufacturers have left no stone unturned to make women’s swimwear steamy sensual, hot, fashionable, comfortable, and sustainable.
What is sustainable swimwear?
Sustainable swimsuits are eco-friendly swimwear made from low-impact materials. They are often made from recycled fibres, hemp, bamboo, recycled plastic bottles or fishing nets, regenerated nylon fibres, wood pulp, or repurposed materials, employing circular or zero waste processes. Many brands and eco-couture designers have consciously decided to utilise these sustainable materials and manufacture swimsuits by consuming the least amount of water and processes that release less or no carbon dioxide.
While keeping the environment in mind, the designers haven’t compromised on the basic characteristic features that a swimwear must-have. Like regular swimsuits, sustainable swimsuits are also durable, UV resistant, stretchable, opaque, comfortable, easy to care for, and chlorine resistant. What else do you need?
Here are some eco-friendly swimwear fabrics; continue reading!
Natural fibres
Undeniably, the best fabric for swimwear manufacturing is a natural fibre. As the natural fibres tend to absorb water, sag and lose shape over time, manufacturers are combining them with elastane; however, it ensures minimal environmental disruption when it is produced in the first place. This is why most well-known brands and swimwear designers cleverly reinvent hemp and cotton to make them more flexible and appropriate for underwater activities.
Yulex
Yulex is a new type of fabric gaining popularity in sustainable wetsuits. Yulex is produced from natural rubber and is a fantastic alternative to petroleum-based rubbers as it is biodegradable. Though it is not widely used in swimwear manufacturing, it is predicted to become more popular as people become more eco-conscious.
Recycled polyester
Recycled polyester is a kind of fabric obtained from recycled bottles. If you have ever bought anything that claims to be made with recycled bottles, you are likely to be familiar with recycled polyester. During its manufacturing process, polyester is shredded, melted, and formed into yarn which is finally woven into fabrics.
ECONYL
It is recycled nylon predominantly made from fishing lines and carpets. These natural materials are regenerated via a four-step process that produces a final product chemically identical to nylon. It is said that emissions caused during the production of ECONYL are 92% less than those of manufacturing virgin nylon.
So if you are eco-conscious, you can consider buying sustainable swimwear and lend a helping hand to save the earth. Finding an eco-friendly swimsuit may seem complex, but it is not! Several ethical and sustainable swimwear manufacturing brands are popping up with a vast collection of swimsuits made from sustainable materials.
