Hot Girl Summer, or as I like to call it after this dreadful pandemic, Shot Girl Summer, is coming up, which means it’s time to revisit our repertoire of bathing suits. Maybe you want to replace them with some new bathing suits, and you know what’s super hot? Sustainability.
So if you’re looking to switch out some of your old suits, consider swapping them out with some sustainable ones to reduce your environmental impact! Here are six amazing, sustainable brands to choose from as you get prepped for Shot Girl Summer.
1. Wolven
We’re starting this list off strong with one of my favorite eco-friendly fashion companies: Wolven. Their colorful and boho designs practically scream yogi. (And I love that!) I just imagine the people who wear Wolven are people who prioritize mindfulness, find peace in nature, perhaps even practice grounding, and the kind of person you turn to for wholesome advice.
Whether this is your jam or not, their selection is still pretty diverse so it’s easy to find a style you groove with. The Zephyr Bandeau is my favorite bathing suit top on the site because it features the eye-catching designs Wolven is known for without any crazy neon colors. Another thing I like about Wolve is that they seem to be working towards being a diverse and size-inclusive brand.
When it comes to their sustainability here are some of the ways they are trying to make less of an impact on the world:
- They’re partners with Carbon Neutral to reduce their carbon footprint
- Materials are OEKO-TEX certified recycled plastics
- Eco-friendly packaging, such as biodegradable paper boxes and reusable/recycled poly mailers
You can read more about their sustainability commitment here.
2. Made Trade
For the minimalistic women, surfer women, and yogi women alike, Made Trade features a variety of bathing suit styles — both in cuts and in patterns. They even feature some suits sold on Wolven, so maybe I’m partial. But I appreciate how they cater to different styles that have aesthetically pleasing prints all while maintaining high quality. My favorite is this sporty stain glass window print top because the pattern is unlike anything I’ve seen on a suit before. I also love the high neck which is unique and makes it a stunner for sure.
Here’s the lowdown on their sustainability impact:
- They use mineral-based dyes
- Bathing suits are 100% vegan
- They responsibly harvest local raw materials
- Products are made from recycled and reclaimed materials
You can read more about Made Trade’s sustainability commitment here.
3. Boden USA
Boden USA blends sporty, feminine, and trendy well. I love the sophisticated style of the suits and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air to see a brand that celebrates modesty without losing the fashionable aspect. My favorite is this navy rash vest that has a feminine yet sporty high neckline and short sleeves. I love the elegant deep blue paired with the gold accents.
And their sustainability commitment? Check out the highlights:
- Recycled nylon is their go-to material for swimsuits
- Organic cotton is another material used
- They have a zero-to-landfill policy
Keep on reading about how Boden is reducing their environmental impact here.
4. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is almost the opposite of most of the shops on this list. While I’ve thrown around words like “feminine,” “sporty,” and “unique” Vitamin A is for the women who love to rock “super sexy” while being “super sustainable.” Even though this isn’t my style, I know it’s many people’s preferred style so I love how upfront Vitamin A is, showing that you can still be sexy while saving the planet. I had an awkward time trying to pick out my favorite suit, but this sky blue Mila bikini tube top caught my eye right away while scrolling. I love that it has a lot of support and maintains a sense of modesty while still being super trendy.
What about their sustainability commitment?
- Recycled plastic bottles, linen, Tencel, and organic and recycled cotton are the main materials they use
- They use Energy Star rated appliances
- Compliant with OEKO-TEX standard for safe textiles
Read more about the environmental promises they make here.
5. Tomboy
For those who want to break away from the itty-bitty-teenie-weenie yellow polka-dot bikini aesthetic, Tomboy is the brand for you. I also love that their suits are for “any girl or woman or person” making this the most inclusive, sustainable company on this list. Their classic swim sport is my favorite from their site because it’s simple but still makes a statement with the bright and fun rainbow.
Here’s how Tomboy is reducing its impact on the environment:
- The anti-microbial coating on their suits is made of Chitosan — a natural coating from crab shells abandoned by the industrial fishing industry. (And it’s allergy-free, cruelty-free, and crab boil smell-free.)
- They make their packaging from recyclable cardboard
- OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton
- They manufacture their products at a mill that uses renewable energy and recycled water
You can read all about their sustainability story here.
6. Vivida Lifestyle
Vida Lifestyle has a very visible cool, surfer aesthetic. I always appreciate a great branding experience, and Vivida Lifestyle accomplishes that flawlessly. You can tell right away that they’re all about the good vibes. They even state on their website that their brand is for the “adventures, the dreamers, the thinkers, and the doers.” Their adventurous messaging and photos inspire me to go out, explore, and enjoy the beauty of the world for sure. I also love the water-inspired patterns on their suits, which is why my favorite is this unique long sleeve bikini top in Caribbean blue.
So how sustainable are they? Very. Vivida LIfestyle may be the brand on this list that’s doing the most to reduce its environmental impact. Check out the highlights:
- Materials are made from recycled plastics
- They meet OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class
- Plant-compostable packaging
And much, much more. You can read all about their promises here.
Ready for shot girl summer?
As Paris Hilton would say as you swap out one of your old suits with a more sustainable one, that’s hot. Because really, there’s no better heroic act and better feeling than working on your purchasing habits that affect our planet and future generations in a positive way. Even the smallest changes are a step forward in the right direction.
What other brands did we miss on this list? Drop your favorites in the comments below!
