If you want to wear swimwear that is sustainable and ethically produced, multiple sustainable materials can be used for swimwear that you need to be aware of.
Material Type #1: Econyl
Econyl is a fabric made by collecting waste from both the ocean and landfills and turning that waste into fabric. Econyl focuses on repurposing plastic waste and turning it back into a usable material, allowing plastic waste to get a second life. The one thing you have to be careful about with a swimsuit made from econyl is how you wash the swimsuit. As the swimsuit is made from recycled plastic, microfibers can be released when you clean the swimsuit. It is best to hand wash your swimsuit made from Econyl to reduce the release of microfibers.
Material Type #2: Hemp
Many people don't understand that hemp is a sustainable natural fiber that has many uses. Hemp is grown without pesticides, and it is designed to help remove CO2 from the air and helps to enrich the soil the hemp is planted in.
Additionally, hemp is UV resistant, so the fabric will not break down when it spends lots of time out in the sun. Hemp fabric also has natural anti-microbial properties without the use of chemicals. It is also really durable, making it a perfect material for a sustainable bikini.
Material Type #3: Repreve
Repreve is a fabric that is made from recycled plastic bottles as well as post-industrial waste. This material is designed to help turn waste into something useful, so it is considered a sustainable material. The material is designed to have a little bit of a stretch to it, making it perfect for a swimsuit.
Material Type #4: Yulex
Yulex is a material that is designed to be a more natural alternative to neoprene. Yulex is made from natural rubber that is produced by hevea trees. It is a flexible and soft material that is used from natural resources instead of being made in factories like neoprene. Yulex can be great, especially when it is sourced responsibly.
When it comes to being sustainable, changing the clothing you purchase can help matters. Sustainable bikinis and swimwear can be made from various materials, such as econyl, hemp, and repreve. If you care about the environment, you are going to want to look for swimwear that is made from sustainable materials. Sustainable materials may be sourced from natural fabrics such as hemp, or from repurposing and recycling old materials, such as repreve and econyl do.
