5 sustainable swimwear brands made from ocean litter are making waves around the world
Whether or not you have a beach body, you will have every reason to feel good in these super eco-friendly swimsuits
Upcycling waste materials is nothing new in the fashion industry. But the idea of swimming in the sea in a bathing suit made from marine litter seems to carry a certain special cachet – so much so that more and more luxury brands are combining their efforts in a drive to fabricate new materials.
With household brands such as Adidas forging collaborations with environmental organisation Parley for the Ocean to weave beach waste plastic into their running collection, the stigma once attached to eco-fashion – that being green would inevitably lead to compromise on aesthetics or comfort – is finally lifting.
With summer scorching the top of our heads, how about some beautiful one-pieces and bikinis made from sea waste?
Davy J
According to the latest report by World Animal Protection, 700,000 tonnes of fishing gear is abandoned in our oceans every year. This discarded tackle could get wrapped around turtles, entangle fish, cut into the flesh of seals – worse still, it could take years for these synthetic nets to biodegrade. The damage to marine life could therefore go on for a long time.
Davy J turns this to good account, by making all their swimsuits out of 100 per cent regenerated nylon yarn from waste such as ghost fishing nets. By 2020, the British brand aims to accomplish 60 per cent closed loop recycling, meaning it will find a way to reuse old items returned to the brand.
Its dedication to its product take-back scheme, just one among other initiatives to reclaim its fabrics – has earned it a Butterfly Mark from London-based online database Positive Luxury, which looks at the sustainability credentials of luxury brands.