It’s time to enjoy the summer and the beach is calling. In preparation for our and your time off, we’ve been on the lookout for the most sustainable swimwear brands in South Africa. So here are our 9 favourite sustainable swimwear brands for this summer!

Chasing Bees

Chasing bees is a small family-run enterprise based in Cape Town that makes a range of patterned swim trunks. The trunks are all designed, printed and sewn in Cape Town. The company supports environmental conservation by giving a minimum of 5% of the profit on each trunk sold to ujubee.com, an organisation dedicated to the study of wild bees and other pollinators and the conservation of their habitat.

• Price range: R890
• Browse here.

Anneen Henze MOM Collection

Inspired by the founder, Anneen’s, own pregnancy and postpartum journey, each piece is designed to work during pregnancy and without a bump. This ensures the longevity of all Anneen Henze pieces. Products are made from a UPF 50+ Nylon Spandex fabric that is said to offer protection from the sun and has been beautifully lined with specialised elastication where you need it the most. Easy breastfeeding access is made possible by simply pulling away the cross-over.

• Price range: R799 – R899
• Browse here.

Atlas Label

Atlas Label’s swimwear is made entirely from ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made from landfill and ocean waste. The sustainable swimwear is produced locally in Cape Town at an ethical factory and is packaged in reusable bags, also produced locally.

• Price range: From R690
• Browse here.

BeachCult Swim

BeachCult offers swimwear and summer apparel by designer Joanna Hedley. BeachCult focuses on mindful and ethical production from start to finish. Their swimwear is created using recycled techno swim fabric, with unique silhouettes and one-of-a-kind prints. Each collection is aimed at, and inspired by, young women who carry the ocean in their hearts.

• Price range: R570 – R1 090
• Browse here.

January & June

January & June is another South African swimwear brand using ECONYL® –  creating beautiful, longer lasting products that turn trash into treasure. All their products are also shipped in AVANI biodegradable bags.

• Price range: From R700
• Browse here.

Gabrielle Swimwear

Gabrielle Swimwear is a luxury swimwear brand based in Cape Town, South Africa. Their items are designed for women with contemporary style, who appreciate high-quality goods, timeless beauty, and effortless class. With a focus on sustainability and slow fashion, their latest collection is made from REPREVE fabric, which comprises 82% recycled plastic.

• Price range: R250 – R1 450
• Browse here.

Lily Label

Lily Label is a woman-owned brand that creates ethically made swimwear. Each piece is manufactured by a combination of hand and machine work by their small team of women. Their pieces aim to make the wearer feel sexy and supported. Lily designs are uniquely made from ECONYL – which is a regenerated nylon waste. Lily Label offers a wide range of designs from bikinis, microkinis, bandeaus, and one-pieces.

• Price range: R469 – R1 199
• Browse here.

Shades of Jade

Shades of Jade is eco-conscious from start to finish. This swimwear brand is based in Cape Town and caters to a range of sizes from A-DD cup sizes. Their designs are made from Repreve fabric, which is created from recycled plastic. Their swing tags are ethically made from recycled paper.

• Price range: R250 – R950
• Browse here.

Snow Swimwear

Born out of a deep passion for slow fashion and sustainable manufacturing, Snow Swimwear is a South African luxury swimwear and beach accessory brand dedicated to comfort and sophisticated design. With unapologetically bold designs and vibrant designers, their sustainable collection is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.

• Price range: R599 – R899
• Browse here.

 

• Images sourced online.
  
• Cover image: Lily Label Courtney Bikini (Float Apparel Collaboration)