Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Image by RubyMoon #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Image by RubyMoon
Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Image by Stay Wild #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Image by Stay Wild

9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands You Can Hit The Beach With

The SJ Team


Before you start dreaming of surf, sand, and lashings of sunshine, consider swapping out your traditional one-piece or bikini with one from the best UK sustainable swimwear brands. 

Swimwear might be one of the more minimal items in your wardrobe, but unlike your eco-friendly minimalist wardrobe it’s not particularly sustainable. 

Thankfully, it’s not that hard to find ethical swimwear brands in the UK, as long as you know where to look.

That’s where we come in, leaving you more time to thumb through the travel brochures.

Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.

Eco-Friendly UK Swimwear Brands For A Do-Good Getaway

Our dip into the ocean of ethical swimwear in the UK starts with RubyMoon and their versatile “gym to swimwear” made from recycled material.

With ColieCo’s range of sustainable swimwear made from recycled plastic, UK shoppers can know they’re wearing something circular and certified non-toxic. 

If you’ve got tired and unloved swimwear hiding at the back of your wardrobe, send it back to Stay Wild Swim’s Circularity Project to be recycled and repurposed. Then use them to shop for a replacement!

Before we dive into the top UK sustainable swimwear manufacturers, pop to the bottom to learn how these brands caught us hook, line, and sinker.

The Full List Of Sustainable Swimwear Brands UK


1. RubyMoon

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by RubyMoon #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by RubyMoon

About RubyMoon

Price Range: £62–£95

RubyMoon has an affordable ethical swimwear UK range that combines activewear and swimwear into one. 

This not-for-profit sustainable swimwear brand ploughs any profit it makes into its circular business model, micro-financing female entrepreneurs around the world to help them reach their potential.

The sustainable swimwear selection is small, but essential, aligned with slow fashion principles.

RubyMoon’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

RubyMoon was one of the innovators bringing ECONYL swimwear to the UK. This material is made from recycled fishing nets collected from the ocean. 

The materials are OEKO-TEX-certified, PETA-Approved Vegan, and fully recyclable.

RubyMoon is also working with two UK universities to create a new “superfibre” textile, though we don’t know much else about it yet.

Supply chain & labour practices:

Manufacturing takes place in Spain and the UK, while the distribution side of the business is taken care of by bagsofsupport.co.uk.

The manufacturing process is ethical and the working conditions are safe. Since no part of the process takes place outside the EU or UK, entities are held to European labour laws and the company can closely monitor the supply chain.

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Products in the Gym To Swim® range are sent via regular (not express) mail, in 100% recycled and biodegradable mailing bags.

The digital platform and manufacturing side of the business are powered by renewable energy.

As a registered CIC (Community Interest Company), RubyMoon integrates all 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the structure of the business and its operating methods.

Plans are in place for the 2023 RubyMoon range to have a 10-year product guarantee. Until this is finalised, you can return your old swimwear to be recycled for free. 

Inclusivity:

This UK ECONYL swimwear comes in XS–XL sizes. 

For sports bras (wearable as bikini tops), sizes range from 32 B/C to 38 DD. 

Community & charitable giving:

All profits raised from sales go toward providing business loans for women. 

In collaboration with LendwithCare.org, RubyMoon provides loans and business training to help female entrepreneurs break free from the poverty cycle. To date, they have invested in 1000+ women.


2. ColieCo

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by ColieCo #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by ColieCo

About ColieCo

Price Range: €‎24–€‎51

ColieCo is currently based in Portugal, but started in the UK more than a decade ago. 

Products are shipped internationally for free which is why it deserves its place in our list of the best sustainable swimwear, UK and beyond. 

While best known as a sustainable lingerie brand, their UK sustainable swimwear collection makes quite the sustainable splash, too. 

If you’re looking for a sustainable bikini in the UK, ColieCo is calling you. You can mix and match tops and bottoms from four swim sets, which come in five colours. 

ColieCo’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

ColieCo’s swimwear collection is made from reclaimed luxury Lycra fabric, sourced entirely from deadstock through their supply partner, Carvico.

Supply chain & labour practices:

Each UK recycled swimsuit is made to order in-house using hand-drafted patterns.

Everyone involved in the construction and finishing of your chosen product is paid a full and fair living wage and is treated fairly. Working conditions are discrimination-free, comfortable, and safe. 

Fabrics are sourced mostly from European suppliers that must comply with EU or UK directives on labour practices and the environment. 

Any suppliers outside Europe must demonstrate relevant certifications and proof of regular third-party audits. 

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Wherever possible, ColieCo works with local suppliers and manufacturers. 

Making to order ensures no unsold, end-of-line, or unusable stock and results in wastage of less than 10%, compared to the industry standard 35%. 

A purpose-built studio uses LED lighting, is powered by 80% renewable energy, and is naturally air-conditioned. 

The textiles and fabric printing/dyeing processes do not require intensive water use. When recycled and natural fibre is used, closed-loop processes ensure water usage is minimal. 

Inclusivity:

Their eco-friendly swimwear UK sizes range from XS (32B, 30C) to 2XL (40C, 38D, 36DD) for bikini tops. For bottoms, the range is XS (6-8) to 2XL (16-18). 

If you can’t find your size, you can email for a custom order. 

Community & charitable giving:

ColieCo has long been a supporter of Amnesty International and donate all profits from their“Charity Knickers!” Campaign.


3. Stay Wild Swim

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by Stay Wild #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by Stay Wild

About Stay Wild Swim

Price Range: £50–£180

Stay Wild Swim is a certified B Corp committed to helping consumers fight the problem of plastic waste in the ocean. 

This simple yet stylish UK sustainable swimwear brand helps you look good while saving the planet.

For something sporty, secure, and sexy, check out the Odyssey Bikini Top, which is equally (swim) suited for catching some waves as it is for catching some rays.

Stay Wild Swim’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

Stay Wild Swim’s best sustainable swimwear collection is made using a 100% ECONYL® yarn. This recycled nylon (which is also infinitely recyclable) comes from carpet flooring, discarded fishing nets, industrial plastic waste, and recycled fabric scraps. 

The thread is made from rPET derived from recycled plastic bottles. 

Supply chain & labour practices:

Their made-in-the-UK ethical swimwear pieces are designed and produced in a small local London factory that exceeds standards regarding wages and working conditions. 

Only ethical suppliers are used and the company is SMETA certified. 

Carbon commitments & green practices:

From zero waste production to the Stay Wild Circulatory Project that recycles any brand of swimsuit, they’re one of the ethical swimwear brands UK customers can trust to responsibly handle textile waste.

Only biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging is used, including recycled hang tags and compostable tree pulp hygiene liners. 

Orders are mailed via carbon-neutral shipping and manufacturing equipment is powered by energy-saving motors.

Stay Wild Swim is one of the first UK stockists of the GuppyFriend bag, so customers can wash the brand’s swimwear and other synthetic fabrics without risking microplastic pollution.

Inclusivity:

You’ll find recycled plastic swimwear UK size 6–24. 

Community & charitable giving:

Stay Wild Swim’s Forces of Nature directory champions local eco-friendly brands.

Any worn drown or broken swimwear can be sent back to be recycled as part of the Stay Wild Circulatory Project.


4. Seasoon

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by Seasoon #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by Seasoon

About Seasoon

Price Range: £79

Seasoon contemporary ethical swimwear pieces using Italian recycled fabrics. 

Their UK ethical swimwear includes bikini tops, bottoms, and one-piece sustainable swimsuits. 

Seasoon’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

High-quality sustainable fabrics by Carvica, an Italian producer of recycled Polyamide, are combines with 22% elastane

These unique eco-friendly swimsuits are fully recyclable. 

Supply chain & labour practices:

Production takes place in Europe, ensuring minimum standards are met concerning labour practices. 

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Seasoon swimsuits and bikinis are hand-made. 

Inclusivity:

The range of sizes includes S–L.


5. Made of Water

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK BrandsImages by Made of Water#sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by Made of Water

About Made of Water

Price Range: £55–£160

Made of Water is a wild clothing brand for wild swimmers located in Newquay, Cornwall. 

Wild or tame ladies alike can enjoy their colourful range of one and two pieces in all kinds of solids and patterns.

As well as an in-house Made of Water range of clothing (which does NOT include swimwear), three eco swimwear brands can also be found on the website: Winki Suits, OHOY Swim, and SEPTEMBER the Line.

Bring some flower power to the beach with the Winki Bowie Fleur one piece.

Made of Water’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

 For those seeking recycled swimwear, the UK brands featured on the site use recyclable materials such as Repreve® polyester, ECONYL®️, and other recycled fabrics with OEKO-TEX certification.

You will also find some non-recycled neoprene.

Supply chain & labour practices:

The brands featured on the site follow recognised standards for sustainable supply chain processes and fair working conditions. 

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Packing for the products you buy is supplied by Noissue and is either compostable, reusable, or recycled. 

For every packaging order, Noissue plants trees in areas where they are needed as part of the Eco-Packaging Alliance. 

Inclusivity:

Sizes range from UK 8 to UK 14. 

Community & charitable giving:

Winki Suits partners with Honor 1000 and its Blessed Project Sewing Program. The project rehabilitates young women who have been victims of human trafficking. 

OHOY gives 1% of sales to support the recovery of nets in the ocean.


6. Away That Day

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by Away That Day #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by Away That Day

About Away That Day

Price Range: £49–£169

Away That Day swimsuits are made in the heart of London using materials that honour the world they’ll help you explore

With their affordable sustainable swimwear, UK customers can shop one-piece swimsuits and max-and-match bikini tops and bottoms without breaking the bank.

Away That Day’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

Away That Day has chosen ECONYL® recycled nylon as the material of choice.

Occasional products, like their Sicily Sarong, are made of FSC-certified viscose fabric, which we recommend avoiding.

Supply chain & labour practices:

Originally, items were manufactured in Bali, but it moved to London to ensure the ethical and quality standards. Workers are paid above the minimum wage. 

All suppliers must provide certification to prove that they meet the highest environmental standards.  

Carbon commitments & green practices:

With manufacturing in the brand’s home of London, Away That Day keeps carbon emissions to a minimum. 

Thanks to their ‘Recycle your swimwear’ initiative, you can send in your worn-out swimwear for recycling. Provide proof you’ve sent something in to get a 15% discount on your next Away That Day purchase. 

Your swimsuit will arrive in a biodegradable and compostable bag made using corn starch.

Inclusivity:

Bikini tops and bottoms range from XS (30C) to XXL (42B) and one-pieces from UK 6 to UK 14. 

Community & charitable giving:

Away That Day partners with Canopy to protect the world’s forests, species, and climate through various carbon offset programs.


7. Ayla

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by Ayla #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by Ayla

About Ayla

Price Range: £70–£135

Ayla specialises in “swim and resort wear is designed to take you from sun-lounger to sundowner”.

Their sustainable UK swimwear selection is cute and curated, blending modern elements with classic silhouettes—as seen in the high-waisted Retro Tie Bottom—to ensure you’ll be sporting this swimwear for years to come.

Ayla’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

Offering mostly recycled swimsuits, this UK brand uses either REPREVE® recycled nylon or ECONYL®, both blended with ~20% spandex.

Any swimsuit accessories (like sarongs) are made of cupro fabric.

Supply chain & labour practices:

Ayla partners with two small boutique factories based in Bali with whom they have a close relationship. 

We’ll be touching base for more information on specific labour practices and protections.

Carbon commitments & green practices:

By working with small factories, they can be flexible with production demand to ensure overstock isn’t made and wasted.

Inclusivity:

Across Ayla’s eco-friendly swimwear, UK shoppers have the choice of S–XL sizes.


8. Boden

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by Boden #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by Boden

About Boden

Price Range: £30–£85

Boden is a US-based, family-run business that sells affordable eco-friendly swimwear for the UK market and globally.

You can shop for your kid’s, women’s, and men’s UK sustainable swimwear online, their brick-and-mortar location, and regular pop-ups across the country.

If unique cuts and colourblock designs suit your fancy, the One Shoulder Cut Out Swimsuit will help you stand out at the beach or pool.

Boden’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

The entire range of Boden sustainable swimwear is primarily made from recycled polyamide sourced from old nets, carpets, and manufacturing industry waste.

This is blended with a 20% virgin elastane and a 100% recycled polyester lining.

Supply chain & labour practices:

Factories that supply the products have to comply with an Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code. This is an internationally recognised set of workplace standards based on ILO conventions. 

The company believes in fair workplaces, in which worker rights across the supply chain are respected and protected.

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Boden’s warehouse in Leicester has a zero-to-landfill policy, uses solar panels, LED lighting, grey water for flushing the loos, and a good record for recycling card, paper, and plastic.

You’ll receive your sustainable bikinis in the UK in boxes made from recycled and recyclable material. Shipping bags are made from 80% recycled materials, and Boden is looking for a better replacement.

Inclusivity:

Sizes range from UK 6 to UK 22.

Community & charitable giving:

Any unsold or faulty items are donated to charities such as Newlife, The Charlie Waller Trust, M25M, and more. Items of clothing are donated to various British baby banks, supporting families who need a helping hand.


9. Sunday London

Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Images by Sunday London #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Images by Sunday London

About Sunday London

Price Range: £49–£169

Sunday London is a UK sustainable ethical swimwear brand that produces a wide selection of swimwear, clothing, and accessories. 

You can make your eco swimwear UK purchase on a made-to-order basis or shop the ready-to-ship styles if you left your vacation planning off to the last minute.

One feature that makes this sustainable swimwear collection stand out is that all pieces are reversible, so you can get twice the variety with half the impact. 

Sunday London’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Materials:

Plain fabrics (AKA solid colours) make up the best sustainable swimwear this UK brand offers, made of 788% recycled polyester and 22% Lycra.

You’ll want to avoid the printed designs, as these are not yet made of recycled fabrics.

The colourful designs are printed using OEKO-TEX eco passport-certified inks.

Supply chain & labour practices:

If you want an eco swimsuit UK-made, know that all pieces are designed, printed, and produced in London. 

Staff receive a fair wage and the company meets the highest standards of workplace ethics.  

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Most swimwear styles are created on a made-to-order basis or in limited quantities to avoid overproduction and waste.

Inclusivity:

Swimsuit design caters to the fuller busted woman and sizes range from UK 6 to UK 20.


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How We Found the Best Sustainable Swimwear In The UK

Colours and cuts are often what we pay attention to when looking for new beach attire, but when shopping specifically for ethical swimwear brands, UK customers must suddenly consider a lot more.

We recommend following our footprints in the sand and using our sustainable and ethical fashion criteria.

Materials:

Most conventional swimwear is made of synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon.

Not only do these take hundreds of years to break down, but they release microplastics long before going to landfill—as in, every time you throw them in the wash or take a dip in the ocean.

Yet natural, sustainable fabrics like organic cotton aren’t suitable for swimwear, which means synthetics are still necessary. 

Instead of virgin ones that place demand on the petroleum industry, we look for recycled materials, making use of plastic bottles, fishing nets, and other waste already in existence. Just be sure to use a GuppyFriend when washing to stop microplastic pollution on one front.

Unfortunately, there aren’t yet any viable recycled alternatives to stretch fabrics like spandex/elastane.

Because retaining shape when wet is an important factor for swimsuit fit and function, that means even the best bikinis still usually have some virgin synthetics, ideally in minimal percentages.

Supply chain & labour practices:

Brand transparency means demonstrating where garments are made, in what conditions, and in exchange for what pay and benefits. Everyone involved should be paid a living wage and treated fairly. 

While not a 100% guarantee themselves, ethical manufacturing certifications can help ensure no greenwashing is staining your new beach attire.

Carbon commitments & green practices:

While carbon offset programs are appreciated, the real future of sustainable fashion lies in emissions reduction, which is why we look for things like localised supply chains, renewable energy-powered manufacturing, and other ways brands are reducing their carbon footprint.

Raw material and other resource management is critical, too, so we love seeing programs to recycle old clothes, efforts to reduce textile waste, compostable or recycled packaging, and closed loop manufacturing methods.

Inclusivity:

All bodies are beach bodies, so we looked for companies offering a range of sizes to fit everyone.

Community & charitable giving:

Sunbathing makes us feel warm and fuzzy, doing so in ethical swimwear from UK brands that give back makes us feel even more so.


Final Thoughts On Ethical UK Swimwear Brands

Globally, sustainable swimwear brands have been making more durable examples of beach and swimwear, but yours might be a remnant of your halcyon student days.

While the most sustainable thing to do is not buy a new bikini for your next trip to the beach (or to buy one from an online thrift store), there’s nothing wrong with looking for the best sustainable swimwear if what you’ve got has seen better days in the sun.

We’ve all got to take responsibility for what we put in landfills and the ocean, so there’s no time like the present to take the plunge into low waste living

If the time is right for supporting one of these UK bikini brands, choose to swim against the tide and make sure it’s a sustainable one.

Be sure to pass this article along to your beach-going mates, so you can all sport something a little more earth-friendly on your next holiday in the Maldives.

Pin these:
Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Image by Boden #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle
Hit the Beach Running With These 9 Sustainable Swimwear UK Brands Image by Away That Day #sustainableswimwearuk #affordablesustainableswimwearuk #sustainableswimwearbrandsuk #ethicalswimwearuk #sustainablebikinisuk #ethicalswimwearbrandsuk #sustainablejungle

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