10 fashionable and sustainable Australian swimwear brands to splash around in this summer!
Just as summer is heating up, so are most Aussies, all wanting to hit up their nearest watering hole; from glorious beaches and backyard pools to breathtaking waterfalls.
But, with many Aussie consumers looking to make more environmentally conscious decisions, we can’t forget that an itty-bitty polka-dot bikini can cause a whirlwind of pain for mother earth. On average, each Australian purchases a staggering 27-kilograms of textiles annually, of which a whopping 23-kilograms (mostly synthetic fibres) are discarded.
So, to help you swim towards a more sustainable summer, we’ve found 10 Australian made swimwear brands that are sustainably produced, ethically-made and are just as fashionable for your next day splashing about. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
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IIXIIST
Realising that women can do more than just feel good in their bikini, 32-year-old Victorian-based designer, Rebecca Klodisnky wanted to revolutionise a swimwear label to change Australia’s throwaway fast fashion culture. Introduce IIXIIST; Rebecca’s latest fashion label brought to life during COVID-19 as a 100% sustainable and ethically sourced swimwear collection, produced in child-free environments. Constructed using only 100% recycled lycra, made from repurposed fabrications and ocean-waste, Aussies can now feel and do good at the same time.
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Vacay Swimwear
Blokes of Australia can now ‘staycay’ in style thanks to Vacay Swimwear. Since diving into the fashion industry in 2017, Vacay creates swimwear for the fashion-conscious, offering up comfortable, playful yet sophisticated designs for the modern man. Perfect for the traditional Aussie bloke looking to express their personality via their clothing, Vacay is perfect for the beach to barbecue and even a quick visit down to the pub. Continuously looking for ways to be more sustainable, Vacay Swimwear uses a blend of flax plant fibres for their linen products as well as revolutionary, high quality, quick-drying material that includes non-stretch, non-fading properties ensuring that longevity is a the forefront for not only the brand but also the consumer.
AERE Organic Cotton Poplin Swim Shorts.
Image via The Iconic website.
AERE
Launching in 2019, Sydney-based label, AERE ensures that a curated capsule of casual yet stylish silhouettes for both men and women are delivered straight to your door. This summer, to help you swim towards sustainability in the most fashionable way, AERE has released a line of Organic Cotton Poplin Swim Shorts available in four trendy colours — peach, mint, cornflower blue and navy. Made using a revolutionary non-stretch swim fabric and featuring an elastic drawstring waistband as well as twin mesh-lined hip pockets; AERE promises a lineup of effortless attire all without compromising on style.
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Bondi Joe
If you’re after sustainable stylish men’s swimwear than look no further than Australian designed label, Bondi Joe. Specialising in men’s swim trunks, Bondi Joe makes for the perfect gift to your special someone or as a little ‘treat yourself’ moment. Suited for the transition between day and night, these swim trunks double as the perfect casual shorts for any occasion. Made from 100% recycled material including recycled plastic water bottles, Bondi Joe’s line of swimwear also features a fitted lining-free trunk and quick-drying fabric, ensuring that your dash from the beach to the pub will be done in style. The hardest decision will be choosing what print to wear!
Cali Rae Tulum Shouldered Bikini Top. Image via The Iconic website.
Cali Rae
Scent-infused sustainable swimwear? Tell us more! Designed in Melbourne, Cali Rae is easily described as a unique Australian-made brand. Since its launch, Cali Rae has been a staple for beach lovers and city slickers alike thanks to its offering of modern and minimalist pieces. Apart from using recycled plastic bottle fibres for their designs, Cali Rae also embodies a blend of recycled polyester and recycled spandex (made out of recycled plastic water bottles) to create each of their chic bikinis and one-pieces. Better yet, Cali Rae’s entire collection is scent-infused, meaning if you select a Bubblegum-blue hued swimsuit, your piece will arrive smelling like a candy shop, all thanks to their secret organic, vegan- and cruelty-free essential oils used in their garments.
Good Studios Swim Good V One Piece.
Image via Good Studios website.
Good Studios
Home to a range of hemp and wool clothing, alongside a range of stylish sustainable homewares, Good Studios also showcases a delightful collection of one- and two-piece swimsuits including a 3/4 sleeve crop tee to help block out the harmful Australian rays. The 100% Australian designed and made goods are sustainably made from a blend of recycled nylon, oeko-tex certified dyes, recycled zippers and biodegradable buttons to ensure the circular life of the garment is kept at the forefront. Better yet, for every online purchase, Good Studios will plant a native tree on your behalf. And, if you’d like to take it a step further, upon checkout, you can also purchase a Carbon Offset so your funds will contribute to forest restoration, tree planting and renewable energy projects.
Indaia Swim Curvy Dia Retro Bikini Top.
Image via The Iconic website.
Indaia Swim
Specialising in beautifully constructed swimwear and accessories, if you’re in search of an Australian label that encapsulates wanderlust and natural beauty for the wild at heart, then Indaia Swim is a brand you won’t want to swim past. Indaia focuses on nature and culture in each of their stylishly designed pieces. Offering a range of bikinis and one-pieces, this summer allow Indaia Swim to add a pop of colour and playful print to your beachwear wardrobe. With size inclusivity at their forefront, Indaia also places emphasis on sustainability, using a blend of recycled polyester in each of their items to lower the environmental impact their construction process leaves. And, the best part, Indaia Swim is also designed and made right here in Australia.
Patagonia Baggies 7 Longs. Image via The Iconic website.
Patagonia
Founded in the 70s by a group of nature enthusiasts, today, Patagonia’s minimalist style and eco-friendly business has become more relevant than ever before. Perfect for the typical Aussie bloke who likes to surf waves or simply just splash around, now, with Patagonia, you can do it in the most ethical and eco-friendly way. With their passion for nature at the forefront, Patagonia has set out on a mission to source materials and use processes that have less impact on the planet. By using organically grown cotton, hemp, sustainably grazed merino wool, traceable down, recycled polyester and FairTrade sewn certifications; Patagonia offers a range of high-quality, versatile swimwear products that are built to last in the most responsible manner.
Peony Belted One Shoulder One-Piece.
Image via The Iconic website.
Peony
From swimwear to daywear, Peony is easily described as a boutique Australian label that fuses a petite blend of bohemian nostalgia with refined femininity to create a range of attire perfect for Australians and their love affair with wanting to chase the sun and ocean. Using the senses as the inspiration behind the label, Peony incorporates luxurious fabrics and distinctive prints to create Peony’s signature aesthetic – all of which is complemented by delicate details and an authentic handmade feel. Peony uses a combination of recycled nylon, lycra or elastane for each of their swimwear pieces to ensure that their step towards sustainability is done so in the most environmentally-friendly way.
Running Bare Vacation Mode One-Piece.
Image via The Iconic website.
Running Bare
Perfect for the Aussie babe who loves to get out and about, Running Bare is your must-stop shop complete with a vast collection of attire and accessories that aim to help you pursue your best eco-friendly efforts. As for their swimwear line, Running Bare offers a lineup of one- and two-piece swimsuits and bikinis each completed with a striking, Bay Watch worthy print in sizes from 8 to 16. Besides looking good this summer, you can also feel good knowing that Running Bare implements an eco-production process thanks to their Australian owned, grown and made manufacturing process.
Are you looking to be as sustainable as possible this summer? Then now is the time to invest in one of these 10 sustainable and eco-friendly sunscreen brands. Or, if you’re sweating in search of an ethical activewear brand, we’ve found 10 Australian made sustainable brands that will help you perform your best.
