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15 Ethical Swimwear Brands To Dip In

15 Ethical Swimwear Brands To Dip In

I’m a bit of a water baby - I’ve lived most of my life right by the beach and no matter the season, I’m keen for a dip! This means that a good bathing suit is a staple in my wardrobe, and I don’t settle for average swimwear.

With the help of my sister Georgia, we’ve created a list of ethical swimwear brands that focus on responsible production, use recycled or sustainable materials, and will make you feel like a beach BABE. We’ve also tried our best to include inclusive swimwear brands who have styles that fit a range of different body types.

Note: Prices are all in NZD, sizing is AU sizing, and ‘made in’ refers to where the garments are made, not inclusive of where the fabric is made.

We haven’t trialled all of these brands personally, but if we have, we’ve written a personal review. Some of the pieces I (Kate) own were gifts.

Where possible, we have focused on New Zealand and Australian ethical swimwear brands, to cater for this side of the world that often gets left out!

Nisa Women

Nisa has a super groovy block colour way that gives off 90s vibes. The cut of these bikinis is classy and flattering - lovers of high waisted bikini bottoms will especially love Nisa. Made in Wellington, Nisa employees women from refugee and migrant backgrounds and has an incredible workplace culture, focusing on family and wellbeing. They’re a social enterprise that you can be proud to support.

If you live in Wellington, you can visit their workroom to see the making in action, and purchase swimwear in person to save on postage packaging.

Size Range: SMALL - XLARGE

Cost: $83 - $146

Fabrics: ECONYL

Made in: New Zealand


Thunderpants offers unique styles that are perfect for people who are more comfortable showing a little less skin. After a boyleg or a halter top? Thunderpants has a range of different styles that are hard to find elsewhere. Garments are manufactured in Carterton, New Zealand, 20 minutes away from Thunderpants HQ in Martinborough.

Size Range: SMALL - XLARGE/XXL

Cost: $88 - $158

Fabric: ECONYL

Made in: New Zealand


Stand up paddle boarder? Surfer? Extra susceptible to sun burn? These garments are perfect for water sports - no skimpy bikinis that fall off in the first wave, and they cover you up from the harsh sun! Hakinakina is made in NZ from 100% recycled plastic bottles, whether you’re wearing your new swimsuit for active wear or for the water, you can feel damn good about it.

Kate’s Review: I think Hakinakina is a particular game changer for people who love water sports. They have designed their swimwear in a way that means you could totally use it as activewear too. I love how sturdy and fitting these pieces are, and totally acceptable to wear as a normal top/outfit too. The prints are really unique, so I often have comments from the most unlikely people. I highly rate Hakinakina.

FYI when the swimsuit top is wet, you can see my nips - so if you are uncomfortable with other people seeing your nipples under garments, then this won't be for you.

Size Range: 8 - 16

Cost: $150 - $280

Fabrics: Nylon from recycled plastics

Made in: New Zealand


Aurai Swimwear is dreamy to say the least. With a multitude of contemporary cuts and styles to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite from this Brazilian influenced brand. Made in Brazil by a family owned atelier, a bunch of the materials used are also made from regenerated materials such as plastics/fishing nets etc. Something extra special is that some of their ethically made swimwear caters to those who have had mastectomies - decorated with a cheeky print.

Kate’s Review: I have a Joanquina Swim Suit and it’s a favourite for winter swims especially. If I was a surfer, I would wear it a lot more too! I plan on taking up stand up paddle boarding, so this will be my go to. The zip at the front is really high quality and easy to do up, and as someone who dislikes padding in bikinis, I appreciate that there is the option to have the padding in or out.

Size Range: XS - L

Cost: $59 - $129

Fabrics: AMNI SOUL ECO and ECONYL

Made in: Brazil


Shapes in the Sand certainly have nature in mind every step of the way. From the gorgeous patterns, to the local (Australian) manufacturing, to the elimination of plastic packaging - Shapes in the Sand is a brand to be proud to wear! The bee print is especially eye catching, but all prints are ideal for nature lovers.

Kate’s Review: I was given this swimsuit by a friend who didn’t fit it. It’s the swimsuit I travel most often with, as I know it’s easy to clean, quick to dry, and never let me down. The prints are extra special in my opinion, and show appreciation for our planet.

Sizes: 6 - 16

Cost: $89 - $239

Fabrics: EVO and ECONYl

Made in: Australia


Elle Evans Swimwear are nothing short of sweet and sophisticated. The pop-y colours and endearing styles are what make them stand out from the crowd. Made to order, Elle Evans is reducing their carbon impact in more ways than one. Especially for our more curvy beach goers, Elle Evans is the one for you.

Kate’s Review: My Elle Evans swimwear bikini was one of my first ethical fashion purchases. I purchased it back in October 2016. It’s still going strong! I’ve worn it all around the world, and the one I have (unfortunately no longer sold) is reversible. I have also come to know the maker, Elle. I visit Elle every time I visit Melbourne and love spending time in her home based studio.

Sizes: XS - XXXL

Cost: $90 - $210

Fabrics: ECONYL

Made in: Australia


Salt is classic and chic; this Aussie brand knows style! Whether you prefer a simple tie up, or a classic bandeau, you’ll find it at Salt. Salt also upcycles materials, using recycled plastics in their garments. Their partnerships with Sustainable Coastlines make all the more sense - with a name like ‘Salt’, it’s clear the ocean is a top priority.

Sizes: 8 - 14

Cost: $90 - $120

Fabrics: ECONYL

Made in: Australia


Salty Sea Swimwear.jpg

Saltysea pieces are made to honour your ‘natural suit’ so you can be proud of your body, not ashamed or wanting to hide it. As well as having some super cute, bright colours, Saltysea stay transparently passionate about caring for the environment and people in their production lines. Whether you’re lounging on the sand or catching waves, you’ll look freaking awesome in Saltysea.

Sizes: XS - XL

Cost: $69 - $129

Fabrics: ECONYL

Made in: Bali


Cleonie Swimwear.jpg

Cleonie Swimwear have an incredible offering of different styles in the niftiest colour ways. The incorporation of their wooden rings gives a signature look to their brand. Each order is made from scratch, which is just one of the ways the Cleonie goes hard on minimising their impact on the environment and ethically creating their swimwear.

Kate’s Review: Aside from the fact that I truly love having bananas on my boobs, this is the bikini I save for special occasions. The wooden rings can be a little annoying for water sports etc., so this is more suitable for when you’re hanging out in your bikini not doing much.

Sizes: XS - L

Cost: $99 - $220

Fabrics: CIENNA and ECONYL

Made in: Australia


Le Buns are simple, and do the job perfectly. These classy cuts are versatile and timeless- you can’t go wrong with that. Le Buns maintain a great relationship with their manufacturers, which we love to hear, and are especially aware of dyes used and the cutting back the effect they have throughout that process.

Georgia’s Review: First off, I love that my particular Le Buns bikini is reversible - means it feels like packing two bikinis instead of one! Sizing wise, I have a super long torso and Le Buns seems to cater super well to that, my bikini fits like a glove. Would 10/10 recommend Le Buns.

Sizes: 6 - 16

Cost: $89 - $99

Fabrics: Nylon blend from recycled plastics

Made in: China & Indonesia


Where to even start?! The most beautiful prints, versatility of swimwear, model inclusivity, great size range, recycled plastic fabrics, safe work spaces, donations to great charities - ALULU has everything you could possibly want out of a brand.

Sizes: 8 - 20

Cost: $89 - $179

Fabrics: REPREVE and ECONYL

Made in: Bali


Patagonia is an outdoorsy brand that actually wants to PRESERVE nature too, they’re dedicated to long lasting items that will survive the thrashing surf! Their swimwear is super practical, but also offers some super funky prints. Patagonia stores are more readily found, so if you’re the type of person who wants to try on before you buy, Patagonia will be ideal for you.

Sizes: XS - XL

Cost: $89 - $320

Fabrics: Nylon/polyester from recycled polyester

Made in: Global (cannot track exactly)


Youswim are certainly unique. This British brand has one size fits all garments - that actually fit all sizes between 6 - 18, and are all made ethically in the UK. Two simple styles, crazy cool colours, you pick one and you rock it! Youswim pieces are made to expand and retract, acknowledging the fact that most people don’t ever stay one size throughout their lifetime.

Sizes: 6 - 18

Cost: $201

Fabrics: Nylon sourced in Europe

Made in: England


Two Sparrow

We love Two Sparrow’s transparency… Their 2019 swimwear collection was made in an ethical grade factory in Guangzhou, China, but now their garments are made in an Ethical Accredited Australia factory in Melbourne. When this collection sells out, everything will be Australian made. Two Sparrow caught our eye because of their one of a kind pieces and lovely prints.

Sizes: XS - XL

Cost: $39 - 169

Fabrics: ECONYL

Made in: Australia


Imagine you’re lying on the beach relaxing, and out of the corner of your eye you see someone you don’t recognise walking towards you. That hectic “Oh goodness they think I’m someone they know” anxiety hits, but instead they say... “Hey I LOVE your swimsuit, where is it from?”

If this happens… you’re probably wearing Baiia.

Made ethically in China, the soul of this company is all in making people feel absolutely beautiful in their garments while caring for the environment and the humans making them.

Sizes: 6 - 22

Cost: $106 - $309

Fabrics: Nylon from recycled plastics

Made in: China


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