Heyyy, beach/pool/lake/pond (/hose?) babes, you’re gonna looooooove this one. We’ve pulled together some awesome swim picks just in time to order a few pretty pieces before the weather turns ungodly hot and leaves us sweating in our tattered suit from eight years ago. No can do, old, stretched-out elastic. It’s time for something that makes us feel sexy, confident, and (perhaps most importantly;) eco-conscious. See ya never.
OK, but wait, I know just throwing away old swimsuits can feel kinda… wrong (at least in this day and age), but they’re a little tough to donate given their intimate nature. Most organizations shy away from accepting them as they can get super worn and unwearable — but if you’re looking to give your old suit a new life, try cutting that bad boy up and using it for craft time, sewn patches on some cute clothes to revamp, or even create your own little waterproof bag by closing the leg holes on a pair of bottoms. The possibilities are sort of endless if you get a little creative and have some spare time. But if you’re not into the crafting solution, there are places where you can recycle your swimsuits (and other worn-out clothing). Lex did a whole guide on where to recycle your clothes to get you started.
6 Sustainable Swimwear Brands We’re Obsessed With
SO. The team did our usual — a little scour of the interwebs to find some really cute swimwear that’s also (and more importantly) sustainable (if you haven’t already picked up that vibe). Woop, woop! We’ve got a mix of one-piece swimsuits and bikinis, suits with plunging v-necks and cheeky bottoms (and everything in between.) Think: our fav sustainable swimwear brands (oh hey, Mara Hoffman) to new friends like Jade Swim and Londre.
Boden / Mara Hoffman / Jade Swim / Londre / Everlane / Summersalt
1. Boden
Boden’s kiiinda put out all the stops for their Summer Shop. Think: bright colors, fun patterns and super-flattering shapes not just for momma, but the whole fam, too. But don’t worry, there are some options for you neutral-lovers out there, like this chic black and white one piece. Even better, their suits are made of 100% recycled materials! YES.
Laura’s Pick: Rash Guard & Boyshort Bottoms by Boden
This Boden rash guard and matching Boyshort bottoms is the suit combo missing in my closet (j/k JUST ordered, heh). LOVE the colors and the cover of a good rash guard for keeping my arms (and tattoos!) out of the sun… or for any cooler days at the river or beach (um, all the days here on the west coast heh). Boden has a bunch of options in their Planet Friendly line made of 100% recycled materials. Just check for those words under the product image. This suit combo comes in a few other solids, as well as an adorable navy with color blocking, too. And these colorways are on sale. So sporty, SO good! I typically wear a 6 in Boden sizing.
Meredith’s Pick: Corsica Swimsuit by Boden
Me and bold colors are really having a moment, so obviously I am drawn to this orange striped Corsica Swimsuit by Boden. This swimsuit is under $100 so a great example that sustainable style doesn’t have to break the bank. Both the nylon and polyester lining in this swimsuit is made from recycled materials. It is definitely made for mamas in mind; molded cups, side ruching, ADJUSTABLE STRAPS, I mean, get me my yacht (LOLZ) and sign me up.
2. Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman has been a long-time obsession here at TME. Every year we get a little giddy about what styles, patterns and colors they’re going to release for the summer. Their suits are some of the best — not just because they’re eco-friendly, but also because they’re GOOD quality swimsuits that’ll last. S forever swears by the Abigail Bikini Top and the Jay Bikini bottoms.
Kat’s Pick: Kia One Piece by Mara Hoffman
You all know I am a bikini babe through and through, but when I found this stunning Mara Hoffman swimsuit, I knew I needed it in my life! I bought it, and absolutely love it! While this is a one-piece suit, the cutout is reminiscent of a bikini, which is why I think I love it so much. The pastel tie dye colors are gorgeous! I would pair it with this super-cute cover up (also sustainable)! Cheers to swimsuit season y’all!
3. Jade Swim
Jade Swim is a more recent Black-Owned, sustainable business we’ve been lusting after for their chic, modern swimsuits in all the pretty colors. To say we’re obsessed might just be an understatement. They have a ton of interesting silhouettes to choose from that all come in a bunch of different colors, so if you’re loving the style but not the color (or vice versa), you’re likely to still find what you’re lookin’ for.
Cam’s Pick: Halo One Piece by Jade Swim
You had me at saucy little one-shoulder strap, Jade Swim. Their Halo One Piece is minimalist, but also sleek and modern…and that’s a really good look, apparently. So. Now, having also discovered their bikinis and other fresh cuts in one-pieces, I may have a new favorite swimwear brand. You may feel the same way, too, so give them a look around! Cheers, Cams
4. Londre
The temptation to not add every. single. suit. from Londre is too real. But, seriously. These suits made from plastic water bottles might just be the most elegant set of suits I’ve ever seen. They could potentially even double as a top (gotta do what ya gotta do sometimes). I mean look at this ruffle shoulder one piece. Is that not something you can wear for a night on the town? Just saying…
Shana’s Pick: The Minimalist One Piece by Londre
Guys. Londre’s Minimalist One Piece is no ordinary black swimsuit. The front is simple and sleek (and slightly sexy with that plunging neckline), but check out that back! SWOON. And I know what you’re thinking — it’s a little cheeky, don’t ya think? Short answer: Yes. But I’m going for it. I’ve been slowly venturing into the cheeky-bottom territory. There’s something super flattering about it, especially when it has the ruching like this suit. The best part, though? It’s ethically made with a minimum of six plastic water bottles AND sizing ranges from XS to 5X in both their classic fit and long fit.
*A note for fit from the site: If you are between two sizes, size up. If you are over 5’7 and/or have a long torso, go for the long fit.
5. Everlane
Everlane’s selection of swimsuits right now is simple, flattering and sleek in a great crop of colors. The perfect set of basics we all need in our summer wardrobe. You can even mix and match their bikini options — 7 styles, 8 colors and 152 combos to choose from!
Jess’ Pick: Triangle Bikini Top & Hipster Bottoms by Everlane
I know. Bikini’s can sometimes be a bit intimidating to try out especially if you’ve gotten too used to wearing a one-piece suit. I think the best place to start is with a set like this one from Everlane. The Triangle Bikini Top has a super flattering neckline and comes down to a comfortable place on the belly. The Hipster Bottoms are the key, though — high-waisted with moderate bum coverage without being too high-waisted and covered that it gives a frumpy look. The combo of the two = perfection. A little bonus fact about this suit that I love: It was tested on 112 different women to ensure it’s comfortable, flattering and stays put!
6. Summersalt
Summersalt suits. We have a mixed consensus at the moment about these bad boys, specifically The Sidestroke Suit you see in the photo above. S is feeling major gymnast vibes but Cam LOVES it on her tall frame. Kat’s not totally sold either on their inclusive sizing, but the whole team will be trying them out soon for a post! Until then, check out what else our team is eyeing up below.
Scotti’s Pick: The Plunge by Summersalt
I’m all about that plunging neckline! The Plunge comes in a bunch of colors (ooh, that bright grapefruit color!) and reviewers LOVE it (check out the pics of people wearing it). Words like sexy, flattering and comfortable were repeated over and over. The back is also really cool–the straps get thinner and then cross in the back so they won’t fall down on the sides. Such a classic suit!
Amy’s Pick: The Oceana by Summersalt
Okay, just look at this print, though! The Oceana suit by Summersalt also comes in “Blue Mountain” and “Sea Urchin” (aka: blue and black, but like — best names ever), though I’m not sure I can see anything past this “Painted Floral in Lava & Hibiscus.” Summersalt creates their swimwear from recycled materials like fishing nets that are literally pulled out of the ocean which makes me happy beyond words. Bonus: they offer UPF 50+ protection, too!
Em’s Pick: The Ruffle Oasis by Summersalt
Amazingly, I’ve not yet tried Summersalt suits for myself, but the second I popped onto their site, this Ruffle Oasis number caught my eye, and upon a deeper dive, it looks like it could be The Perfect Swimsuit. (WHOA.) I am forever trying to walk the fine line between sporty and sweet, and this suit has just enough of both. Plus it looks like it means business in terms of holding everything in place — and the color-blocking would minimize the tummy, which is where I carry most of my weight. (And maybe even…gulp…give me the illusion of a waist?)
It’s tough to discern in this image, but if you click through and look at the other colors, you can see that this suit is actually really tailored, too. There are contouring seams up the sides and around the bust, so it’s not just relying on stretchy swim fabric to ensure a great fit. BUT the number one reason why this caught my eye is the pattern. My girls are notoriously lopsided (thanks to one being completely reconstructed), so I am always looking for a pattern that’s busy enough to detract from any cross-wonky nip action. These imperfect little dots feel like they’ll do just the trick. (And now….I’ve talked myself into ordering it.) Lots of other colors, too!
If you have any ideas for reusing old swimsuits or a sustainable swim brand that you seriously love, drop it in the comments below! We love trying new things and being eco-friendly at the same time.
Xo, Team TME
Hey, Pinners, this is for you…
 to new friends like Jade Swim + Londre.){kind=link}