Sustainable Swimwear Australia. Ethical options for everyone!
Prepare to be amazed: there are SO MANY sustainable Australian swimwear brands! This post lists all of the brands who use eco-friendly materials and production methods, and are also ethically made. And unlike other articles, this guide lists options for men, babies, kids, and teens as well as women, so you can shop for anyone below and be sure you’re buying sustainable swimwear.
All of these brands are owned and designed in Australia, and many are manufactured here, too. Where they’re made offshore, I’ve researched thoroughly to ensure that the working conditions of partner factories are absolutely ethical and transparent.
You may not have heard some of these names before, as many are quite small Australian swimwear brands. Several of them are even handmade to order! It’s wonderful that there are so many options now as we can find sustainable and ethical swimwear to suit every body shape, style preference and budget. As a bonus, we can support small, local businesses, and minimise waste and emissions from international postage.
Below you will find all of the information you need about each brand quickly, so you can choose to read more if the brand matches up with your preferences. Whether you’re looking for Australian made swimwear, particular styles or sizes, there is something to suit you here!
Almost all of the swimwear below is made from recycled plastic like ECONYL® and REPREVE®, which is strong and resistant to salt, chlorine and sunscreens. I’ve also included a select few who don’t use recycled fabrics because they use offcuts from larger companies.
ALL of the brands are however, ethically made, as I believe that’s vital for sustainability too. Supporting staff at all levels with living wages, humane working conditions, and no possibility of forced or child labour is non-negotiable to me.
Without further ado, here are all of the truly sustainable and ethical swimwear brands in Australia. And as a bonus, many of these companies are offering exclusive discount codes especially for readers of this post: that’s you!
Sustainable swimwear Australia: swimwear for babies, kids & teens
Image credit: Bon + Co.
Bon+Co.
Range includes:
Rashies, bikinis, one pieces, long sleeve one pieces, board shorts, jammers, hats and caps.
Size Range:
Kid’s sizes 8 – 16.
Location of manufacture:
Australia and China.
Materials used:
REPREVE®, from recycled plastic bottles. All garments are UPF 30+ or UPH 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Items are posted in compostable mailers, wrapped in reusable tissue paper.
About the brand:
Bon+Co make unique swimwear for kids, tweens and teens. Many of their designs are unisex, and plain colours as well as patterns are available. Their entire range is ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Certified, and they have a strong environmental and social code of conduct.
Bon+Co. are all about “celebrating goodness and positivity“. $1 from every Bon+Co sale is donated to Headspace, to help make a difference to young Australian lives.
Our review:
My son Dante has some of Bon+Co’s jammers (tight swim shorts) and he finds them “comfy and a good length“.
The material is thick, stretchy and soft, and the stitching is very strong and well-secured. They fit his body well and are true-to-size in comparison with most of his clothing.
Image credit: Camp Cove Swim.
Camp Cove Swim
Range includes:
Unisex long sleeve rashies only for kids.
Size range:
Kid’s size 1 – 6.
Location of manufacture:
Jervis Bay, Australia.
Materials used:
Recycled polyester blended with elastane.
Postage and packaging:
All plastic free packaging: compostable mailers or cardboard boxes, tissue paper wrapping.
About the brand:
Camp Cove Swim make retro-inspired swimwear for women, as well as a small range of board shorts for men and rashies for kids. Currently seven patterns of children’s rashies are available.
Camp Cove strive to minimise their waste across all of their operations, and have used the same swimwear manufacturer in Jervis Bay since 2014. They “aim to be ethically and environmentally conscious in all aspects of our business” and often collaborate with local artists on their designs.
Image credit: Cosmo Crew.
Cosmo Crew
Range includes:
Sea & Snow rash tops, Surfsuit ‘Bashies’ (long-sleeve one piece), one pieces, bikinis, Beach shorts (board shorts), Shorties (tighter swim shorts), and Wanderpants (unisex swim and snow leggings).
Size Range:
Kid’s sizes 1 – 14.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
Organic cotton, REPREVE®, and Italian Carvico, from ghost fishing nets and plastic bottles. All garments have UPF 50+ sun protection.
Postage and packaging:
Products are sent in eco mailers from Hero Packaging, which are plant based and 100% compostable and biodegradable. No single-use plastic is used for packaging.
About the brand:
Cosmo Crew pride themselves on comfortable, durable fabrics which are “much more resistant to chlorine, sand, sunscreens and oils. The fabric is super soft with less pilling as it is 20% flatter than other elastanes.”
Their Balinese tailors are engaged with a fair partnership, including above market wages, realistic timelines, and respect for local customs and holidays. Many fabric offcuts are donated to be remade into mats and bags.
Cosmo Crew also use digital printing techniques which uses far less water than traditional printers, and safety-accredited dyes. Their next goal is to focus on closing the end of product life cycle loop by recycling returned garments.
Our review:
Dante’s current rashie is from Cosmo Crew and he’s very happy with it. In his (brief!) words:
I love it! It’s super comfy and light.
Dante, 11.
From my perspective, the rashie is well made, has great coverage and is true-to-size. I’ve heard that white is often the colour that stretches and wears out first in swimwear, so I’m interested to see whether this recycled fabric stands up to a lot of use. I believe it will as the fabric is so thick and strong!
Update Jan 2023: This rashie was excellent: Dante has grown out of it but it’s still in perfect condition. Nothing has pulled out of shape even though it got a lot of wear. It’s perfect to hand-down, and I feel great that we’ve bought quality swimwear that will continue to be used for years to come.
Elle Evans
Image credit: Elle Evans
Range includes:
For kids: one pieces (inc. cap sleeve and long sleeve options), , zipper onesies.
Size Range:
One piece swimwear: sizes 1 – 8. Onesies: sizes 1 – 5.
Location of manufacture:
Seaford, Victoria, Australia.
Materials used:
Regenerated ECONYL® nylon yarn.
Postage and packaging:
Home-compostable Hero Packaging mailers, posted with carbon neutral couriers Sendle.
About the brand:
Elle Evans is a young brand that does things differently to most: the founder and seamstress Elle makes all items to order! Her handmade swimwear is cut in the best way to minimise waste, and she utilises offcuts back into her designs or for matching scrunchies. Many of the items in her collection are also reversible, giving you two swimsuits for the price of one!
During peak times Elle hires one or two extra machinists who are paid by the hour, not by piece, which is above minimum wage here in Australia. Her own digital printer prints her fabric designs using water-based, non-toxic inks, and no washing is required after printing.
Ina Swim
Image credit: Ina Swim.
Range includes:
Trunks, one pieces, long sleeve one pieces, bikinis, rash shirts, swim nappies, hats, accessories.
Size Range:
6 months – 8 years. Swim nappies from XS – XL.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
ECONYL® from carpets, fabric scraps and fishing nets. All swimwear is UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Non-toxic, reusable and photo-degradable stone powder mailers from the Better Packaging Co.
About the brand:
Ina Swim is a women-owned brand founded by Aussie midwives Chloe & Dana. They aim to make practical, quality swimwear in a sustainable way. Their small collection comprises earthy-toned baby and toddler bathers, plus swimwear for children (and women) from 100% recycled plastic.
All of their workers are paid 1.5 – 3-5 times the minimum wage, and are entitled to medical insurance which covers their whole family. They also aim to have a personal relationship with each worker, recognising that “they’re the foundation of who we are“.
Oobi
Image credit: Oobi.
Range includes:
One pieces.
Size Range:
For swimwear, girl’s size 2 – 12. (Oobi also have clothing and accessories for sizes 0-13, and small range of matching clothing for teens/adults)
Location of manufacture:
India, Bangladesh, and China.
Materials used:
100% polyester. Oobi is looking into recycled materials for future ranges. All swimwear is rated UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Currently Oobi use D2W plastic satchels, which are BPA free and are said to biodegrade fully. Later in 2022 they plan to switch to compostable mailers. No single-use plastic is used to wrap their products.
About the brand:
Oobi is an ethical kids clothing brand that are mostly known for their beautiful dresses, but they make some pretty swimwear too! Their designs are modest and feature sweet patterns in mostly pinks and blues.
All of Oobi’s products are made ethically, in factories which are audited by SEDEX. Their designs are hand-screen printed using traditional techniques, and Oobi regularly wins awards for their ethical production, animal rights, humane work conditions and environmental practices.
Our review:
Oobi is one of the best ethical clothing brands for kids, and they’re my daughter’s favourite. Their dresses, skirts and shorts she has are excellent quality and fit her perfectly. Having said that, our first swimwear purchase from Oobi didn’t fit very well! Allegra got the Watercolour ‘bikini’ (it was a tank top) set, and the top’s elastic was too tight across her chest. The bottoms fitted fine and Allegra is on the small side for her age, so I think it was a manufacturing fault.
She also got the matching watercolour rashie vest and it fitted fine, and her friend Willow has a long-sleeve one piece in the same material, which fits her properly. So I think it was just a fault with that particular swim top. Willow’s mum Megan and I have both found that the material is great quality: it hasn’t pulled or faded over time.
This year Allegra chose Oobi’s Smitten Kitten one piece and it fits true-to size. Oobi have a fairly small swim range compared with their other lines, but they are great quality and consistently get great reviews now.
Olga Valentine
Image credit: Olga Valentine.
Range includes:
Board shorts, rashies, rashie sets, one pieces, long sleeve one pieces, hats, dresses, kimonos, kaftans and matching scrunchies.
Size Range:
Boys, unisex, and girls from size 0 to 12. Also girls 12 to 16 with their new range for teens.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
Recycled polyester (84% – 100%) made from plastic bottles and fishing nets. All swim products are rated UPF 50+ sun protection.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailers, no plastic wrapping or tags.
About the brand:
Olga Valentine make sophisticated youth swimwear, with their own patterns and styles that reflect Australia, Bali, and the natural world. All of their swim range is made from recycled plastic and they’re ethically made in small, family run factory. Olga Valentine’s founder Natasha knows all of the Balinese staff and their families well, and they can choose their own hours or work from home.
Olga Valentine also use a non-toxic printing process for their fabrics, and donate their offcuts to the The Bali Life Women’s Workshop. They use the offcuts to work with mothers living in poverty; creating handicrafts in return for a wage. And they have a new collaboration with Indigenous Australian artists, which are ethically licensed and a percentage of every sale goes directly back to the artist and their community.
Our review:
Allegra loves this brand for their intricate, colourful designs and lovely matching sets. She says:
“I love the feel of them, and how they do whatever they want with the designs!”
Allegra, 7.
I appreciate that of her several rashies and bikinis from Olga Valentine, they’ve lasted very well: the material hasn’t gone baggy or pilled before she’s grown out of them. I also like that they’re true-to-size and have such a lovely range of patterns and styles that aren’t babyish, as Allegra loves to feel grown up now she’s older, and Olga Valentine are excellent at providing designs for kids like her. I think they would be a wonderful choice for many teens, too.
Olga Valentine discount code:
You can get 20% off your purchase at Olga Valentine with my discount code EMMA20
Two Sparrow
Image credit: Two Sparrow.
Range includes:
Bikinis and one pieces for girls, in plain coral and a white patterned fabric.
Size Range:
Kids size 2 – 10.
Location of manufacture:
Australia. (Their 2019 collection was made ethically in China, but all present and future production is in Australia).
Materials used:
REPREVE® and ECONYL®. All swimwear is rated UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
100% plastic-free packaging. Each order is wrapped in a reusable cotton tote bag, and swing tags are recycled paper with cotton string. Postage bags are either compostable mailers or recycled kraft bags.
About the brand:
Two Sparrow was founded in Torquay, Victoria. They aim to make long-lasting products for women and girls from natural and recycled materials that fit well, feel great and are season-transient. Two Sparrow is focussed on reducing waste and the impact of fast fashion by providing high quality swimwear, which encourages confidence and receives years of wear.
Two Sparrow acknowledge that “no purchase is the best purchase” and are committed to supporting Australian manufacturing, as well as closing the loop by recycling their products for customers. If you email them when your swimwear has reached the end of its life, Two Sparrow will send you an eco mailer bag to return your swimwear with, and will recycle it appropriately.
Discount code:
You can get 20% off all stock at Two Sparrow with the code SFBA20.
Tyoub Swimwear
Image credit: Tyoub.
Range includes:
Unisex Zooties (sleeveless one piece with shorts), rash vests (long and short sleeve), board shorts, swim trunks (tighter swim shorts), tankinis, sunsuits (to age 5-6), reusable swim nappies, swim caps, hats, kid’s sunnies, and face masks.
Size Range:
Kid’s sizes 0 – 12. Swim nappies are one-size-fits-most.
Location of manufacture:
China.
Materials used:
ECONYL® and REPREVE® recycled polyester and nylon, depending on what is available for each item. The swimwear lining is also made from recycled PET. Their swimwear is OEKO-TEX® confidence in textile, Standard 100 certified. All swimwear is rated UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Australia Post satchels.
About the brand:
Tyoub is the brand for “sustainable swimwear Melbourne”: they’re bright and funky, and have followed an ethical and sustainable business model from their beginning. Tyoub’s core values are “People before Profits, only making what you can sell, and thinking very carefully about the design process” to minimise impact and maximise wearability. (They didn’t make any swimwear in 2020: instead they volunteered and made hospital scrubs for front line workers.)
The partner factory in China who make Tyoub’s swimwear use the most efficient methods; reducing fabric waste and closing systems for digital and sublimation printing. They’re also ethically-made, with workers paid well above industry standards, working within a clean and safe environment.
You can also return any of your worn-out Tyoub swimmers for a 20% discount code on your next purchase, and Tyoub will recycle them into new products.
Winki Suits
Image credit: Winki Suits.
Range includes:
One pieces (with boy legs) and hooded towels.
Size range:
Kids size 2 – 6.
Location of manufacture:
The Phillipines.
Materials used:
Recycled nylon.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable post satchels, and 1 x layer of tissue paper for each order, or in some cases they wrap their suits using one of their totes made by the women in the Philippines. There is zero plastic from start to finish of the production of Winki’s suits, meaning we never wrap our suits or fabric in plastic so they arrive and are transported freely in cardboard boxes.
About the brand:
Winki Suits was founded by two sisters who love the waves, vintage apparel, and supporting women. Their swimwear is made in the Phillipines by survivors of human trafficking through The Blessed Project, which aims to holistically rehabilitate young women who are the victims of trafficking and cybersex crimes.
Their small range of suits for kids are fully lined and feature vintage-style boy legs and exclusive prints by local designers.
Discount code:
You can get 15% off your order at Winki Suits with the code smallfootprints15.
Our review:
Allegra’s dear friend Neisha and her mum Krystal have reviewed Winki for us:
Loved the swimsuit. Love that it is made from recycled materials. It is very well made and sturdy, and seems to be the same size as her other bathers.
Neisha found it a bit tricky to put on but once it was on it fitted snuggly and was easy to get off again.
Krystal and Neisha (6).
Image credit: Young Squad.
Young Squad
Range includes:
Long sleeve one pieces, long sleeve rashie and pants set, one pieces, rashies, and board shorts.
Size range:
Kid’s sizes 1 – 12.
Location of manufacture:
Gold Coast, Australia.
Materials used:
Italian recycled polyester and lycra. Rashies, sets and one pieces are UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Tissue paper wrapping, carbon neutral postage with Australia Post. Young Squad are currently looking at greener satchels for 2022.
About the brand:
Young Squad are one of very few Australian swimwear labels who make swimwear for the whole family. They design their own prints and print them in Australia, and all of their designs are hand sewn on the Gold Coast.
Young Squad also make each piece to order, and they accept custom orders, too. They have a small range of unique prints that are sun smart, bright and fun, and some remind me of Ken Done!
Period swimwear Australia: leak proof swimwear for teens and adults
Image credit: Modibodi.
Range includes:
For adults: bikini briefs (high waist and brief), and one pieces in black.
For teens: bikini briefs and racer-back one piece in navy and black.
Size range:
Women’s size 2XS/6 to 3XL/20. Teen’s/youth size 8 – 16.
Location of manufacture:
China.
Materials used:
Pre-consumer recycled nylon. All swimwear is rated UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailers and recycled card product wrappers.
About the brand:
Modibodi is an Australian-owned business which makes leak proof underwear, swimwear, activewear, breastfeeding tops, and now reusable nappies, too! It was founded by a mother and all garments are designed in Australia.
Their new swimwear is made from recycled materials, and they are designed to allow you to swim while menstruating! Yep, on your light-moderate flow period days, Modibodi’s swimwear will protect you from any leaks without having to use a menstrual cup or tampon. You can also use the swimwear as back up on your heavier days, and for light bladder leaks, too.
Modibodi are committed to responsibly manufacturing all of their lines, and ensure their factories have ethical working conditions with BSCI auditing. They also use the STANDARD 100 OEKO-TEX® certification to ensure all their products are free from harmful chemicals, and transport 90% of their products by ship to reduce their carbon emissions.
Our review:
I’ve been using Modibodi’s underwear since 2017 and their swimwear since 2019. It still amazes me that swimwear can be leak proof but look and feel like normal bathers! They don’t feel any different to other swimwear. They’re comfortable and I’m very confident wearing them to swim after the two heavy days of my cycle. Mine are only just starting to look a bit worn in the back, and I believe the newer recycled fabric will last even longer.
I originally had Modibodi’s bikini briefs, and they had good butt-coverage and didn’t ride up as I wore them. They were finally too worn to continue wearing from the start of 2023. Now Modibodi has a much larder range of swimwear, and I’m enjoying their high-waisted briefs for swimming now.
I have detailed Modibodi reviews about their underwear and swimwear on the blog, which answers all of your FAQs and includes many more photos.
Discount code:
Get 15% off your purchase of $100 or more at Modibodi with the code SFBA15.
(excludes sale items, bundles, Give a Pair, gift vouchers and maxis)
Sustainable swimwear Australia: brands for women
There is a huge range of ethical and sustainable Australian brands for us women, which is great as we have a lot of choice! I’ve spilt them into categories so you can find what type of swimwear you’re after easily: sporty, supportive or sun coverage, or tiny bikinis and one pieces.
Sustainable isty bitsy bikinis & cute one pieces
Bondi Born
Image credit: Bondi Born.
Range includes:
One pieces, long sleeve one pieces, bikinis (high waisted and briefs), and crop tops (and also other activewear and apparel).
Size range:
Women’s size XS to XXL.
Location of manufacture:
Sydney, Australia.
Materials used:
Sustainably-made Italian lycra blends.
Postage and packaging:
All of their packaging is chosen to be plastic free and 100% recyclable or compostable, inclusive of swing tags, satchels, and hygiene labels.
About the brand:
Bondi Born are a luxe brand and certified B Corporation with an “ongoing commitment to uncompromising quality, ethics and sustainability”. Their swimwear is comprised of block colours and sleek silhouettes, made with technologically advanced fabrics.
Bondi Born has a strong code of conduct for their company and their suppliers, and since 2020 they have been Climate Neutral certified. They also donate 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits, and plant a tree for every website order placed with One Tree Planted.
Camp Cove Swim
Image credit: Camp Cove Swim.
Range includes:
One pieces, bikinis (high-waisted, briefs and boy shorts), cropped rashies (and also other apparel and accessories).
Size range:
Women’s size small – XL.
Location of manufacture:
Jervis Bay, Australia.
Materials used:
Recycled polyester blended with elastane.
Postage and packaging:
All plastic free packaging: compostable mailers or cardboard boxes, tissue paper wrapping.
About the brand:
Camp Cove Swim make retro-inspired swimwear for women, as well as a small range of board shorts for men and rashies for kids. Their classic style one pieces, string or twist-top bikinis, and matching rashies and bottoms can be found in a range of bright patterns, and one plain black design.
Camp Cove strive to minimise their waste across all of their operations, and have used the same swimwear manufacturer in Jervis Bay since 2014. They “aim to be ethically and environmentally conscious in all aspects of our business” and often collaborate with local artists on their designs.
Charlie Mae
Image credit: Charlie Mae.
Range includes:
One pieces and bikinis (high waist and briefs: mostly cheeky cut).
Size range:
Woman’s size 8 – 14.
Location of manufacture:
China and India currently. Charlie Mae is looking to move their production to Newcastle in the near future.
Materials used:
VITA PL for printed fabrics (regenerated polyester), and an exclusive fabric made from pre-consumer waste for their textured swimwear.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailers from Hero Packaging, recycled tissue paper for garment wrapping.
About the brand:
Charlie Mae are a small brand of women’s swimwear based in Byron Bay. They produce minimalist designs in a range of colours and styles that are made for women to feel comfortable in during hot Aussie summers.
Charlie Mae follow a slow fashion approach, and work with BSCI approved suppliers to make their range who adheres to the Global Recycled Standard. They pay above award wages and provide full workplace benefits to their staff, as well as uphold strong environmental and social standards.
Our review:
My cousin Ella has reviewed Charlie Mae for us:
Charlie Mae kindly sent me one of their bikinis from their new collection to try out and I found the fit true to size and extremely comfortable to wear. The material is stretchy and provides as much or as little coverage as you are wanting (sunbaking reasons).
I found the bikini practical to swim in, as I wasn’t needing to constantly adjust and pull up my top and bottoms like a lot of other brands as the fabric is top quality. The pattern, colors and design of the bikini is pretty; however, the halter style of the top was wider than I would like, however for these reasons it provided more bust support. Overall, I would highly recommend Charlie Mae to my friends, and I would purchase bikinis from this Australian swimwear company.
Ella.
Elle Evans
Image credit: Elle Evans.
Range includes:
One pieces, bikinis (high waisted and briefs), swim/sport tops (and other activewear).
Size range:
Ladies XS to XXXL.
Location of manufacture:
Victoria, Australia.
Materials used:
Regenerated ECONYL® nylon yarn.
Postage and packaging:
Home-compostable HEROPACK© mailers, posted with carbon neutral couriers SENDLE.
About the brand:
Elle Evans is a young brand that does things differently to most: the founder and seamstress Elle hand makes all items to order! She ensures her pieces are cut in the best way to minimise waste, and she utilises offcuts back into her designs or for matching scrunchies. Many of the items in her collection are also reversible, giving you two swimsuits for the price of one!
During peak times Elle hires one or two extra machinists who are paid by the hour, not by piece, which is above minimum wage here in Australia. Her own digital printer prints her fabric designs using water-based, non-toxic inks, and no washing is required after printing.
Our review:
My daughter Allegra loved the look of Elle’s one-shoulder bikini, so we ordered a reversible set for Summer 2021-2022. As she grew out of her last bathers very quickly I ordered a size up, and they’ve ended up too big for her! But I’m sure it won’t be long until she fits into them.
The quality is really lovely, they’re soft and the seams are smooth and strong. I love that she can wear the bikini in two colours, and wear white without it becoming see through! I’ll update this post once they fit Allegra to let you know how they wear for her.
Georgi Swimms
Image credit: Georgi Swimms.
Range includes:
One pieces, bikinis (string, briefs and high waisted).
Size range:
Women’s size 6 – 16.
Location of manufacture:
Sydney, Australia.
Materials used:
Italian recycled nylon and polyester. All swimwear is rated UPF50+.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailer with compostable shipping label. Items are wrapped compostable garment bags, and orders are protected with tissue paper which is FSC certified, acid free, and printed with soy-based inks.
About the brand:
Georgi Swimms was created by a diverse group of women, and their core message is to: “Value ourselves, value others, value the planet’‘. They are committed to production in Australia and to reducing plastic waste and putting it to good use.
Their ethically made swimwear is built to last and endures a thorough testing process to ensure their longevity. Georgi Swimms also donates $1 from every online sale to one of three NGO’s: CARE to help women in Vanuatu, Greening Australia to plant native trees, or the Seabin Project to clean our oceans. Customers can choose which charity their donation goes towards.
Ina Swim
Image credit: Ina Swim.
Range includes:
Swim tops (crops), swim briefs (high waisted), maillots (one pieces), accessories.
Size Range:
Women’s size 8 – 12.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
ECONYL® from carpets, fabric scraps and fishing nets. All swimwear is UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Non-toxic, reusable and photo-degradable stone powder mailers from the Better Packaging Co.
About the brand:
Ina Swim is a women-owned brand founded by Aussie midwives Chloe & Dana. They aim to make practical, quality swimwear in a sustainable way. Their small collection comprises earthy-toned swimwear for children and women from 100% recycled plastic.
All of their workers are paid at least 1.5 – 3-5 times the minimum wage, and are entitled to medical insurance which covers their whole family. They also aim to have a personal relationship with each worker, recognising that “they’re the foundation of who we are”.
Le Buns
Image credit: Le Buns.
Range includes:
One pieces, bikinis (high waisted and briefs), plus other apparel and underwear.
Size range:
Women’s size 6 – 16.
Location of manufacture:
Shenzhen, China, and Denpasar and Ubud, Indonesia.
Materials used:
Regenerated nylon.
Postage and packaging:
Recycled box or compostable mailer, no wrapping paper or marketing postcards.
About the brand:
Le Buns is a female-founded company who is driven by “a strong respect for the people we work with and the environment we work within“. All of their garments are made with natural or recycled fibres, and they aim to create long-lasting products that are flattering, comfortable and functional. Much of their swimwear is also able to be worn in several ways.
Le Buns has a fully transparent supply chain and an ethical policy that extends to cover animal welfare, fair labour practices, and chemical compliance. All of their suppliers are accredited by BSCI, GOTS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, and SMETA. They also give customers choice to donate $1 from their purchase to either Greening Australia’s Reef Aid, The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation, or Women’s Community Shelter.
Liandra Swim
Image credit: Liandra Swim.
Range includes:
Bikinis (high waisted and briefs), one pieces, and rashies.
Size range:
Women’s size 6 – 16.
Location of manufacture:
No response.
Materials used:
Regenerated nylon & recycled elastane.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailers, cassava packaging.
About the brand:
Liandra Swim was founded by Yolngu woman Liandra Gaykamangu. She designs small collections that feature prints inspired by Aboriginal Australian culture, each telling a unique story that she loves to share with every woman who wants to wear her swimwear. This season’s Community Collection celebrates Milingimbi in the Crocodile Islands in North-East Arnhem Land.
Most pieces in each collection are seamless and made to be reversible, to give customers more versatility for their purchase. They are also named after groundbreaking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Milpali
Image credit: Milpali
Range includes:
Separate swim tops and bottoms (high-waisted and string), bikini sets, one pieces, cropped and long rashguards, as well as yoga shorts, bags and shoes.
Size range:
Ladies swimsuits: XS – 2XL, rash guards: 2XS – 3XL.
Location of manufacture:
South America and Europe, and Australia for their latest collection.
Materials used:
Bikinis, shorts, and crop rashies are made with a minimum 82% Repreve recycled rPET. Milpali is working to convert all of their pieces to this fabric.
Postage and packaging:
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic mailers.
About the brand:
Milpali make swimwear in beautiful colours and patterns, designed by artists who are paid fairly for their creations. Milpali collaborates with some First Nations artists through Maruku Arts, and are a Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code. Milpali also showcases other artists from Australia and Canada to bring truly unique fabrics to life in abstracts, botanicals and bright colours. (Read about the workshop we took with Maruku Arts while we were visiting Uluru with kids!)
Their online orders are made on demand so avoid deadstock waste, and they strive to optimise their print product layouts to further reduce their waste. Milpali is also committed to only working with production partners who provide fair working conditions and higher than local minimum wages. Their partners are certified with ethical trade organisation Sedex.
Palm Swimwear
Image credit: Palm Swimwear.
Range includes:
Bodysuits (one pieces), and bikinis (high waisted, string, and briefs).
Size range:
Women’s size XS – XL.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
Postage and packaging:
Tracked shipping via Australia Post or DHL Express.
About the brand:
Palm Swimwear take a slow approach to their products by only making swimwear after an order has been made. Their ‘made-to-order’ model minimises waste, and their in-house team in Bali are paid living wages and work within realistic deadlines. Their studio also adheres to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Buying a swimsuit from Palm Swimwear means buying one for life, as they offer a lifetime warranty and repairs to your purchase. They also donate 2% of every sale to the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Peony Swimwear
Image credit: Peony.
Range includes:
Bikinis (high waisted, string, and briefs), one pieces, and resortwear (dresses, skirts, and tops in matching fabrics)
Size range:
Women’s size XS – XL.
Location of manufacture:
China.
Materials used:
REPREVE® and ECONYL® regenerated nylon for swimwear, natural fibres for resortwear.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailers, hygiene stickers and mini-bags for removable straps, recycled FSC-certified wood swing tags.
About the brand:
Peony design trans-seasonal swimwear and resortwear that can be mixed and matched with each other and with previous season’s designs. They’re made to last with quality fabrics and custom prints that are digitally-printed and free from harmful chemicals. Their manufacturers hold internationally recognised certifications BSCI, S8000 and OEKO TEX, and they aim to achieve further certification and full supply chain traceability soon.
Peony is working towards becoming carbon neutral, and has a strong code of conduct for the social, ethical, environmental, and legal requirements of their suppliers, as well as for the welfare of animals. They also donate excess stock and samples to Worn for Good and end-of-the-line clothing to Thread Together.
Shapes in the Sand
Image credit: Shapes in the Sand.
Range includes:
Bikinis (briefs and their signature mid-rise “v pant”), one pieces, rashies, plus new resort wear including sarongs and unisex shirts.
Size range:
Women’s size 6 – 16, with a view to larger sizes in the future. Unisex shirts available in XS to XL.
Location of manufacture:
Sydney, Australia.
Materials used:
ECONYL®, Recycled Polyamide, EVO® (100% bio-based fibre made from castor bean oil) and Lenzing Eco Vero fibres (certified wood pulp with supply chain transparency) for their resort wear. All swimwear is rated UPF50+.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable hygiene liners, no plastic packaging.
About the brand:
Shapes in the Sand are a small brand committed to having a positive impact with their products, which include signature prints and plain-coloured swimwear. Each limited edition collection is partnered with an environmental organisation which is relevant to its theme: for Summer 2021/22 they are working with Ocean Watch Australia. Shapes in the Sand donate $10 from the sale of every garment in their Hightide Collection to the project, which helps protect essential fish habitat and supports their Tide to Tip project — a large clean up event hosted by oyster farmers. Previous collections have supported Koala Ark and The Powerful Owl Project.
Their fabrications meet OEKO-TEX® standards, and even small details are ethically-sourced, like the New Zealand Abalone shell buttons on their shirts which are from ethical pearl farmers and fisherman from ocean-dependent communities. Shapes in the Sand are also committed to minimising waste across their operations, and have ethical partnerships with other small Aussie businesses for their handmade production, and printing which is achieved without the use of water or any harsh chemicals.
Discount code:
Get 20% off all stock at Shapes in the Sand with the code SHAPES20.
Our review:
Shapes in the Sand send me a one piece to review, and it’s so flattering! I’ve had several compliments on it already and I feel great wearing it. It has some bust support without wires or any hard materials, and fits true-to-size.
The whole suit is lined and the fabric feels lovely to wear. It has a level of ‘cheekiness’ that I’m not used to, but I’m getting the hang of it! I feel like more of my butt is exposed than it actually is, as it feels different to other bathers I’ve had.
I have found that they ride up a bit further if I’m running around chasing my kids though! It could be because I have quite a long torso, or perhaps that’s just the way cheeky swimsuits are. It’s fine though, they really are gorgeous and I love wearing them, and that they’re made in Australia.
Spell
Image credit: Spell.
Range includes:
Bikinis (briefs and string bottoms) and one pieces/body suits, as well as other apparel.
Size range:
Women’s XXS to XXL.
Location of manufacture:
Dongguan, China.
Materials used:
ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailers, reusable cotton totes to wrap garments in.
About the brand:
Spell is a company who are very committed to ethics and sustainability. They have solar panels on the headquarters and Byron Bay store, supply all staff at their HQ with a bike, and have a plastic-free office and compost garden! Their small swimwear range features floral prints and the leopard print.
Their swimwear partner in China is SAI Approved with SA8000 Accreditation, and OEKO-TEX®. All of their partner factories are shown online and they support traditional artisans with Fair Trade agreements. Spell also have strong and transparent policies regarding animal welfare, modern slavery, diversity and inclusion, and restricted substances.
Two Sparrow
Image credit: Two Sparrow.
Range includes:
Bikinis (briefs and high waisted), and one pieces (also activewear and other apparel).
Size range:
Women’s size XS – XL.
Location of manufacture:
Australia. (Their 2019 collection was made ethically in China, but all present and future production is in Australia).
Materials used:
REPREVE® and ECONYL®. All swimwear is rated UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
100% plastic-free packaging. Each order is wrapped in a reusable cotton tote bag, and swing tags are recycled paper with cotton string. Postage bags are either compostable mailers or recycled kraft bags.
About the brand:
Two Sparrow was founded in Torquay, Victoria. They aim to make long-lasting products for women (and girls) from natural and recycled materials that fit well, feel great and are season-transient. Two Sparrow is focussed on reducing waste and the impact of fast fashion by providing high quality swimwear, which encourages confidence and receives years of wear.
Two Sparrow acknowledge that “no purchase is the best purchase” and are committed to supporting Australian manufacturing, as well as closing the loop by recycling their products for customers. If you email them when your swimwear has reached the end of its life, Two Sparrow will send you an eco mailer bag to return your swimwear with, and will recycle it appropriately.
Discount code:
You can get 20% off all stock at Two Sparrow with the code SFBA20.
Sustainable swimwear with support and coverage
Image credit: Alulu.
Alulu
Range includes:
One piece swimwear and bikinis with a focus on breast support, including: bralettes, underwire, wire-free swimwear, adjustable straps, removable breast pads, and supportive shelf bras.
Size range:
Women’s size 8 – 20.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
REPREVE® for printed fabrics, ECONYL® regenerated nylon for linings and textured fabrics.
Postage and packaging:
Bags that are biodegradable with no toxic residues (or micro-plastics) and also compostable.
About the brand:
Alulu is a women-led company who aim to make “well designed, supportive swimwear women would want to be seen in”. They are luxe brand who use support mesh in all their designs for the places that customers have indicated they want more support.
Alulu pay award or above-award wages to their factory staff in Bali, and provide flexible working conditions for them. The factory is regularly audited to ensure that staff are paid correctly and environmental standards are maintained.
Baiia
Image credit: Baiia.
Range includes:
Unique reversible four-piece bikinis, reversible three-piece wrapsuits (also dresses, skirts and sarongs).
Size range:
Bikinis: women’s size 4 – 22. Wrapsuits: women’s size 6 – 26.
Location of manufacture:
China.
Materials used:
Recycled nylon.
Postage and packaging:
Home compostable postage bags, home compostable poly bags for swimsuits, recycled paper hygiene stickers. Carbon neutral delivery.
About the brand:
Baiia make compressive swimwear for women to hold shape and provide support (as well as board shorts for men and kids, and a wrapsuit for girls). Their range is designed to be reversed, mixed and matched for the best fit and versatility, and all are seam-free and breathable. The wrapsuits are either double-lined or triple-lined for support, and the bikinis look like one pieces but allow women with long torsos or differently-sized tops and bottom to find their best fit.
Baiia’s swimwear is made ethically in China, in a factory whose workers are not paid per garment, so they aren’t pressured to perform quickly. Their dyes are water-based and are certified by Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX® and CLEAR TO WEAR.
Beyond the Sea Swimwear
Image credit: Beyond the Sea Swimwear.
Range includes:
Vintage-inspired one pieces, rashies, tanks (inc. mastectomy tanks), bikinis, and skort pants.
Size range:
Ladies size 10 – 24. Cup sizes are selectable on many designs.
Location of manufacture:
Australia.
Materials used:
Nylon elastane. Many prints come from leftover material from larger design companies. Beyond the Sea will be using recycled materials for plain colours and all lining from next season.
Postage and packaging:
Recyclable plastic post bags. Items wrapped in tissue paper, no plastic components.
About the brand:
Beyond the Sea Swimwear make all of their swimwear in Australia, and support small Aussie businesses for their materials wherever possible. They don’t mass produce styles, preferring to buy small quantities of each print and make thoughtful collections that don’t add to over-production issues.
Their own printing is done in Australia, and any textile and paper waste leftover from cutting the patterns is repurposed into punching bags and filling.
Owner and designed Kylie started the brand after her “fruitless search for swimwear that is both flattering and functional.” She has over 25 years’ experience in women’s wear and swimwear for big labels, and she loves to team the latest technology with vintage-inspired looks for her range.
Our review:
My friend Jess has reviewed Beyond the Sea for us:
These bathers have nice thick material making everything feel like it hugs in all the right places but also provides great coverage. The adjustable straps & tie at the front are great to accommodate different sizes and the cup size is generous.
I’m used to not feeling supported in bathers, but these provide great support considering there is no underwire. I also really like the gathering around the belly making them more flattering.
Jess.
Marvell Lane
Image credit: Marvell Lane.
Range includes:
Bikinis (briefs and high waisted), one pieces, a sarong, plus other apparel and lingerie.
Size range:
Suitable for bust size 8D – 16H.
Location of manufacture:
China.
Materials used:
Outer fabric: ECONYL® (regenerated nylon).
Postage and packaging:
Compostable mailers from The Better Packaging Co, paper bags + tissue paper wrapping.
About the brand:
Marvell Lane are based in Byron Bay and they design swimwear and lingerie for women with large breasts. All of their swimwear has in-built underwire and power-mesh for support, and some briefs have tummy support, too. Plain colours and one patterned fabric is available in different styles.
Marvell Lane are working towards incorporating more recycled fabrics in their collections, and their swimwear manufacturers are certified by BSCI. They are committed to ensuring all people in their supply chain are treated well, and their products having minimal environmental impact.
Our review:
My friend Louise has reviewed Marvell Lane for us:
The first thing I noticed about my swimwear was the quality. The fabric is thick without being bulky and heavy, and the stitching is strong. They came with a lovely hand written note too! When I tried them on they fit a little too well for me and I wanted to exchange the size for a smidge bigger. The customer service I experienced was second to none. Communication was fast and they were happy to look at photos and give recommendations as to what they predicted would be the best fit for me.
Now that I have my correct size, I can feel confident (finally) when I take my children swimming. The high waisted bottoms cover all my mummy marks perfectly, and I know I’m not to going to ‘fall out’ of the top too! I will definitely be buying from these guys again in the future. Thanks so much ML Team!
Louise
Seagrass Design
Range includes:
High-waisted briefs, swim tops (halter necks, crop tops and tankinis), rash vests and unisex board shorts.
Size range:
Womens’ size 6 – 20. Board shorts available in XXS – XXL.
Location of manufacture:
Tasmania, Australia.
Materials used:
Recycled polyester lycra, sourced and printed in Queensland, Australia. Women’s swimwear is rated UPF50+.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable post bags.
About the brand:
Seagrass Design is largely a made-to-order brand, releasing small batches of designs annually. Their apparel is made to last with nature-inspired patterns, attention to detail, and quality sustainable fabrics. All of their swimwear and other garments are handmade in Tasmania (with small customisations available).
Seagrass Design’s fabrics are certified Standard 100 OEKO-TEX & GOTS, and they are conscious of using scraps to make smaller products and avoid waste. They also use solar power for their shop/studio, and print their designs digitally to reduce water and power use.
Shade Swim
Image credit: Shade Swim.
Range includes:
One pieces (long sleeved, half sleeved, cap sleeved, and breastfeeding), rashies (long sleeved, half sleeved, cap sleeved), swim shorts, briefs, and a sarong.
Size range:
Womens’ size 8 – 22.
Location of manufacture:
Brisbane, Australia.
Materials used:
Italian Carvico ECONYL® recycled nylon. All of their swimwear is rated UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
No response.
About the brand:
Shade Swim create sun-smart, flattering swimwear for women and nursing mothers, and some designs are also maternity-friendly. They use their own Smooth Firm Tighten technology for compression and comfortable curve-enhancement and body confidence. All swimsuits and rashies have in-built bandeaus for bust support, and power mesh is included for most items across the tummy section. All of their swimwear also has bottom coverage with a standard brief cut.
Most of Shade Swim’s range is available in patterned fabrics or many plain colours, and their zips at the back feature ribbons for easy one-handed access. They’re all made to last and ethically produced by a local manufacturer in Brisbane.
Young Squad
Image credit: Young Squad.
Range includes:
High waisted bikinis, ladies board shorts, one pieces (sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-sleeved), and rash vests.
Size range:
Ladies size 6 – 24.
Location of manufacture:
Gold Coast, Australia.
Materials used:
Italian recycled polyester and lycra. Rashies, sets and one pieces are UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Tissue paper wrapping, carbon neutral postage with Australia Post. Young Squad are currently looking at greener satchels for 2022.
About the brand:
Young Squad are one of very few Australian swimwear labels who make swimwear for the whole family. They design their own prints and print them in Australia, and all of their designs are hand sewn on the Gold Coast.
The women’s swimwear range is fully lined and all pieces have full bottom coverage. The one pieces and bikini tops also have breast support, and the bikini bottoms feature tummy control. The bikinis also have adjustable straps and you can choose differently-sized tops and bottoms if necessary.
Young Squad also make each piece to order, and they accept custom orders, too. They have a small range of unique prints that are sun smart, bright and fun, and some remind me of Ken Done!
Our review:
Young Squad sent me a rashie to try out, and I’ve found it to be perfect to cover up with at the beach. It fits well and is comfortable yet high at the neck for good coverage. It’s easier to get on and off than a long-sleeved rashie too, although obviously I need to add sunscreen to the rest of my arms when it’s very hot. My shoulders and chest do bear the brunt of my sun exposure so the coverage is still very useful.
I like the unique pattern, and the fabric’s smooth and feels nice to wear. It’s also stronger than other rashies I’ve had, which have been disappointing when they pulled out of shape quite quickly.
Sustainable sporty swimwear for women
Hakea
Image credit: Hakea.
Range includes:
One pieces, surf suits (long and cap sleeved), bikinis (high waisted, briefs and boy shorts), rash guards, as well as accessories and some apparel.
Size range:
Women’s size 6 – 16.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
ECONYL® recycled nylon. All swimwear is rated UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable hygiene liners, mailers and address labels. Swing tags and thank you cards made from recycled card.
About the brand:
Hakea create practical swimwear for women featuring an earthy palette. Their designs are made to stand up in the surf, but also be comfortable and stylish enough to wear to a cafe afterwards.
Hakea’s small team in Bali are fairly paid for their work, and they only make small collections that are made to last for many years. Hakea’s recycled performance fabric is 100% free from chemicals, and is produced using water and energy efficient methods. They are also a member of 1% of the Planet.
Salt Gypsy
Image credit: Salt Gypsy.
Range includes:
Surfsuits, rash guards (long sleeve and sleeveless), crop tops, Drifter Bottoms (briefs), Betty Bottoms (high waisted short shorts) bike pants, surf leggings, as well as surfboards, other apparel and accessories.
Size range:
Women’s XS to XL.
Location of manufacture:
Australia.
Materials used:
ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
Postage and packaging:
No response.
About the brand:
Salt Gypsy is a women-owned brand based in Byron Bay who make recycled surf wear in bright and plain colours. Founder Danny started the brand with the first surf leggings, wanting a product that “didn’t slip sideways or pull down in the surf, protected my skin from UV rays, and covered by bum so I could focus on my wave count“.
All of Salt Gypsy’s swimwear is made on the Gold Coast, and their designs are also printed in Australia. They also donate regularly to SurfAid’s Mother and Child Health Programme from portions of their collaboration sales.
Winki Suits
Image credit: Winki Suits.
Range includes:
One pieces (high cut and boy shorts), rashies (short and long-sleeved), bikinis (high waisted, briefs, boy shorts and shorts), and some apparel and accessories.
Size range:
Women’s XS/6 to L/14.
Location of manufacture:
Phillipines.
Materials used:
Recycled nylon and neoprene.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable post satchels, and 1 x layer of tissue paper for each order, or in some cases they wrap their suits using one of their totes made by the women in the Philippines. There is zero plastic from start to finish of the production of Winki’s suits, meaning we never wrap our suits or fabric in plastic so they arrive and are transported freely in cardboard boxes.
About the brand:
Winki Suits was founded by two sisters who love the waves, vintage apparel, and supporting women. Their swimwear is made in the Phillipines by survivors of human trafficking through The Blessed Project, which aims to holistically rehabilitate young women who are the victims of trafficking and cybersex crimes.
Winki Suits use neoprene for their signature swimsuits, which is not technically an eco-friendly fabric, but as it lasts much longer than other fabrics and doesn’t fade or stretch, the payoff is a purchase that truly stands the test of time.
Winki also use recycled nylon for some of their range, and they’ve been searching for an alternative to neoprene that has comparable functionality and durability, but so far haven’t been about to find it. They’re also looking into larger sizes for future seasons, and note that the neoprene swimsuits really hug the body and thus provide support to women with size D and E busts.
Discount code:
You can get 15% off your order at Winki Suits with the code smallfootprints15.
Yindi and Salt
Range includes:
One piece swimsuits, surf suits, and bikinis.
Size range:
Women’s size 8 – 14.
Location of manufacture:
Bali, Indonesia.
Materials used:
Italian ECONYL® and elastane.
Postage and packaging:
Plastic-free, recyclable and/or compostable packaging.
About the brand:
Yindi and Salt is a woman-owned business who make swimwear “for the sun, surf and women with an adventurous soul”. Their products are designed in Australia and ethically made in Bali, in small runs to avoid wastage.
Yindi and Salt has a range of reversible bikinis in different styles, as well as a small range of one pieces and surf suits. Their bikinis are designed to stay in place during water activities and different cuts are available.
Sustainable swimwear Australia: brands for men
There aren’t very many Australian swimwear brands for men that are also sustainable and ethical, especially compared to the women’s range!
Baiia
Range includes:
A small range of board shorts for men.
Size range:
Men’s size 30 – 40.
Location of manufacture:
China.
Materials used:
Recycled nylon.
Postage and packaging:
Home compostable postage bags, home compostable poly bags for swimsuits, carbon neutral delivery.
About the brand:
Baiia make two designs of mens swim shorts currently, in fabrics that match the girl’s one piece and swimsuits from their women’s range.
Baiia’s swimwear is made ethically in China, in a factory whose workers are not paid per garment, so they aren’t pressured to perform quickly. Their dyes are water-based and are certified by Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX® and CLEAR TO WEAR.
Camp Cove Swim
Image credit: Camp Cove Swim.
Range includes:
Board shorts for men.
Size range:
Men’s size 30 – 36.
Location of manufacture:
Jervis Bay, Australia.
Materials used:
Recycled polyester blended with elastane.
Postage and packaging:
All plastic free packaging: compostable mailers or cardboard boxes, tissue paper wrapping.
About the brand:
Camp Cove Swim make retro-inspired board shorts for men. Currently five patterns of boardies are available.
Camp Cove strive to minimise their waste across all of their operations, and have used the same swimwear manufacturer in Jervis Bay since 2014. They “aim to be ethically and environmentally conscious in all aspects of our business” and often collaborate with local artists on their designs.
Milpali
Image credit: Milpali
Range includes:
Swim trunks/board shorts, long-sleeved rashguards, and shoes.
Size range:
Men’s swim trunks: 2XS – 6XL, Rash guards: XS – 3XL.
Location of manufacture:
South America and Europe, and Australia for their latest collection.
Materials used:
Swim trunks are made with a minimum 82% Repreve recycled rPET. Milpali is working to convert all of their pieces to this fabric. Rashies and board shorts are UPF 50+.
Postage and packaging:
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic mailers.
About the brand:
Milpali make swimwear in beautiful colours and patterns, designed by artists who are paid fairly for their creations. Milpali collaborates with some First Nations artists through Maruku Arts, and are a Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code. Milpali also showcases other artists from Australia and Canada to bring truly unique fabrics to life in abstracts, botanicals and bright colours. (Read about the workshop we took with Maruku Arts while we were visiting Uluru with kids!)
Their online orders are made on demand so avoid deadstock waste, and they strive to optimise their print product layouts to further reduce their waste. Milpali is also committed to only working with production partners who provide fair working conditions and higher than local minimum wages. Their partners are certified with ethical trade organisation Sedex.
Seagrass Design
Range includes:
Board shorts.
Size range:
XXS – XXL.
Location of manufacture:
Tasmania, Australia.
Materials used:
96% recycled rPet and 4% spandex, printed in Queensland.
Postage and packaging:
Compostable post bags.
About the brand:
Seagrass Design is largely a made-to-order brand, releasing small batches of designs annually. Their apparel is made to last with nature-inspired patterns, attention to detail, and quality sustainable fabrics. All of their swimwear and other garments are handmade in Tasmania (with small customisations available).
Seagrass Design’s fabrics are certified Standard 100 OEKO-TEX & GOTS, and they are conscious of using scraps to make smaller products and avoid waste. They also use solar power for their shop/studio, and print their designs digitally to reduce water and power use.
Young Squad
Image credit: Young Squad.
Range includes:
Board shorts for men.
Size range:
28″ to 52″.
Location of Manufacture:
Gold Coast, Australia.
Materials used:
Italian recycled polyester and lycra.
Postage and packaging:
Tissue paper wrapping, carbon neutral postage with Australia Post. Young Squad are currently looking at greener satchels for 2022.
About the brand:
Young Squad are one of very few Australian swimwear labels who make swimwear for the whole family. They design their own prints and print them in Australia, and all of their designs are hand sewn on the Gold Coast.
Young Squad also make each piece to order, and they accept custom orders, too. They have a small range of unique prints that are sun smart, bright and fun, and remind me of Ken Done sometimes!
Final thoughts
So there you have it! So many wonderful brands to choose from who are making their swimwear ethically, and who are choosing to make use of materials that already exist. I hope this article helps you to find the perfect sustainable togs!
If you’re an Australian brand who make swimwear ethically and sustainably but you’re not featured in this post, feel free to get in touch and I can add you in. I will continually update this post so it’s always a thorough reference for readers who want to support sustainable Australian swimwear.
