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Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable Fashion

Shop the Sales, Sustainably – Fashion Hound

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


We all love a bargain, i do too, especially in this current economic climate. Sale season is upon us and it can be a great time to grab a bargain, yes, but i say do it mindfully. So here are 5 tips to shop the sales sustainably

1. Shop your closet 

Before you set foot in any store or click add to cart, check what you have in your wardrobe first.

Could you restyle it, crop it, customise or embellish it…because the most sustainable outfit is the one you already have right there in your wardrobe. Seriously you’ll be surprised what’s possible with what you already have. Take a scroll through pinterest and create some moodboards, head to my socials for tips and tricks, read books and magazines. Inspiration is all around us

@fayedelanty How to shoo the sales, sustainbly ♻️???????????? #slowfashionmovement #opshopulence #blackfridayshopping #shopthesales ♬ original sound – Faye De Lanty-Thrift Ninja

2. Write a wish list

After exploring your closet first, take 5 and jot down what you actually need or want to gift someone else. There is no point just buying a bunch of stuff because it’s cheap, be intentional about it, what will truly add value to your life or someone you love. I like to say STOP before you Shop – keeps me accountable plus i don’t waste my hard earned cash.

3. Ask questions of the brands you like to shop 

Do they have a sustainability section on their website? Are they transparent with how their clothes are made? Enquire directly or use the GOOD ON YOU APP to uncover more about the brands you buy from. As consumers we have the power to vote with our fashion dollar so my suggestion is to choose brands doing good for people and the planet.

Second hand style at Salvos Stores

There are so many beautiful things to be found in second hand shops like Salvos Stores, you never have to sacrifice style plus your purchase supports local community members doing it tough.

5. Circularity is the new chic –

Thrifting aside, shop small business, vintage, rent from a store like my friend Emily at Ekoluv, have things made by a local tailor or even set up a swap party with friends.

 How are you are putting more mindfulness around your shopping habits?




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Sustainable Fashion

Nanny Services by Ethical Fashion Guatemala

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


By Ethical Fashion Guatemala

At Lake Atitlán, childcare isn’t just a service—it’s a reflection of community, culture, and connection. Mayan women have lovingly raised children for generations using deep-rooted wisdom, patience, and gentle traditions. Now, Ethical Fashion Guatemala proudly offers Lake Atitlán Nanny Services to visiting families, bridging culture and care in a way that benefits both travelers and local women.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or settling in for a month, our nannies provide safe, enriching care so you can hike, relax, or explore—with peace of mind knowing your child is being nurtured by someone who sees childcare as a calling, not just a job.

Villages We Serve

We provide nanny support in and between the following Lake Atitlán villages:

  • San Juan La Laguna

  • San Pedro La Laguna

  • San Marcos La Laguna

  • Tzununa

  • Santa Cruz La Laguna

  • Jaibalito

  • Panajachel

  • Santa Catarina Palopó

  • San Antonio Palopó

  • Santiago Atitlán

If you’re staying in a more remote location, let us know—we may still be able to assist with advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the nannies?

All our nannies are local Indigenous women, mothers, and grandmothers from the Atitlán region who have raised their own families. Some have also worked with expat families or community organizations. Each caregiver is personally known to us through our Ethical Fashion Guatemala network and is highly trusted.

Are the nannies trained?

Nanny Services.

While most are not “certified” in the Western sense, they have extensive hands-on experience with infants, toddlers, and older children. They understand routine, safety, and emotional nurturing—often better than any textbook could teach. Some speak basic English or Spanish in addition to their native Mayan language.

What age groups do you support?

We offer care for:

  • Newborns and infants

  • Toddlers and young children

  • Older children and teens
    Whether your child needs nap support, playtime, homework help, or just company while you’re out, our nannies adapt.

What activities do you offer?

Depending on the age and interests of your child, nannies may:

  • Share gentle games, storytelling, and songs

  • Go on short walks or beach visits (with your permission)

  • Offer quiet time, crafts, and traditional Mayan lullabies

  • Use traditional baby-wearing wraps (rebozos) for infants

Do I need to provide supplies?

Yes. Families must provide:

  • Food/snacks, bottles, diapers, wipes, change of clothes

  • Activity materials (optional)

  • A safe space for the child (within your hotel, rental home, etc.)

What if we’re in a different village?

We’re happy to arrange nanny travel across villages if you’re staying outside the nanny’s home base. We simply ask that you:

Rates (USD)

  • Hourly – $12/hour (minimum 2 hours)

  • Half-Day (up to 4 hours) – $48

  • Full-Day (up to 8 hours) – $96

  • Overnight Care (10–12 hours) – $120–$140

Rates reflect fair wages and direct support for local women. 100% of the payment goes to the caregiver, minus a small coordination fee that sustains our Ethical Fashion Guatemala programs.

What You Provide

  • All child care items (meals, diapers, toys, etc.)

  • Meals/snacks for the nanny if the shift is 4+ hours

  • Boat or tuk-tuk fare if the nanny travels between villages

  • A safe space where the nanny can provide care

Payment Policy

We do not accept credit cards or bank transfers.
Please pay your nanny in cash (USD or quetzales) directly at the end of the shift. Exact change is appreciated.

A Service With Heart

Choosing a nanny through Ethical Fashion Guatemala means more than reliable childcare—it means investing in Indigenous women, cultural dignity, and family-strengthening work. You’re supporting a model of travel that empowers communities while offering a deeply meaningful connection to place.

Email us: whereisguatemala@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +502 5437 8453

Let us know your dates, village, number of children, and any special needs—we’ll match you with the perfect caregiver.


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Sustainable Fashion

How Discarded Clothes Impact People and Planet

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Fast fashion has emerged as a profitable strategy to drive massive sales, bombarding consumers with a never ending variety of new clothes at cheap prices. Fueled by the pressure to showcase new outfits on social media, consumers are purchasing more clothing than ever to keep up with the trend. 

However, one of the hidden consequences of this cycle is the staggering amount of discarded garments that end up in landfills. The fast fashion industry is a massive contributor to landfill waste, which makes it a significant driver of the climate crisis.

The world remains indifferent as fast fashion drives inequality, exploits marginalized communities, and contaminates our environment. It also harms the health of the consumers due to the excessive use of toxic chemicals in textile manufacturing. Our broken metrics of economic growth overshadow the truth that the excessive production and consumption normalized by fast fashion are accelerating the triple planetary crisis. 

We have become willing participants in this planetary horror show. Mesmerized by this grotesque circus, we cheer as our land suffocates under textile waste, our forests burn from climate fires, and children toil in sweatshops.

The Dark Reality of the Fast Fashion Waste Problem

Globally, the fast fashion industry produces approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually. In the USA, the landfills received 11.3 million tons of textile waste in 2018, largely due to the fast fashion industry, marking it a significant contributor to the landfill overcrowding. 

In 2018, the recycling rate for all textiles was 14.7%; the rest were either incinerated or sent to landfills for disposal. 

As fast fashion compels consumers to buy more, the global secondhand clothing market reached $5.13 billion in trade value in 2023. The countries that import secondhand clothes are typically developing countries, often lacking the infrastructure to manage the overwhelming influx of textile waste. 

While these imports offer affordable clothing for local populations, they also come with a massive load of worn-out, discarded items that eventually end up in the local landfills. 

Socio-Economic Impacts of Fast Fashion

Marketing itself as a consumer’s heaven, the fast fashion industry floods the market with new garments while dumping even more into landfills. The “buy more” mentality glamorized by fast fashion creates a disconnect between buyers and their purchases. This leads to less use of the products and consumer dissatisfaction, pushing people to buy even more clothes. The result is a perpetual cycle of overconsumption that further escalates the landfill pollution.

In developing countries, women and children are considered cheap and easily available labor as they lack the resources or education to fight for their rights. Hence, women have to work in garment factories on low wages while also taking care of their families. This compromises their health and the quality of life of their children.

“If brands absorbed the cost of paying living wages within their supply chains, it would cost them less than 1% of the price of a garment.”

–Oxfam

Woman in India has many responsibilities as taking care of their children, cooking, washing, working, also receiving training for income generating activities

Inequality embedded in the fast fashion system results in an inevitable economic challenge for the workers. By offering an abundant variety of clothes at cheap prices, coupled with aggressive trend marketing, fast fashion is crippling the local textile industries. This forces workers into low-wage jobs while the local industries struggle to compete with the fast fashion giants.

We are witnessing a metastasis of clothing production and dumping, spreading harm globally like an unchecked disease. Acres of land are buried under piles of textiles that will take decades to break down, poisoning the soil with chemicals and polluting the air with greenhouse gases as they slowly decompose. 

Child Labor in the Fast Fashion Supply Chain

Fast fashion’s demand for rock-bottom prices and quick turnaround times perpetuates child labor at an alarming rate. This industry is directly contributing to child labor through its indifference towards the working conditions of the textile industry. The illegal production of garments and apparel through child labor is concealed by turning a blind eye towards inadequate audit and safety checks.

Child labor has become an issue hidden in plain sight as the fast fashion brands seek cheap production locations that often resort to exploitative labor practices. By prioritizing profit over people, the fast fashion industry robs children of their childhoods while simultaneously poisoning the planet they will inherit. In textile production factories, the employers illegally hire underage workers to maintain profitability. Child labor in fast fashion’s supply chains faces constant exposure to toxic waste. Children working in factories often live in adjacent slums, where landfills are their backyards. Moreover, the garment factories lack proper waste management systems and dump industrial waste in local waterways and landfills. These unsanitary conditions cause stunted growth in children.

child labor in india_child using sewing machine

“It’s not happening out in the open, but just scratch the surface, and you will find child labour in the garment industry.”

–Suhasini Singh, Fair Wear Foundation

How Discarded Clothes Impact the World

A recent article in The Guardian highlighted the shocking reality of this trade, a devastating fire in January 2024 in Ghana’s Kantamanto Market that destroyed the livelihoods of 30,000 vendors and claimed two lives. 

In places like Ghana’s Kantamanto market, the sheer volume of discarded clothing has created a crisis. The rise of fast fashion has flooded Ghana with used clothing from the UK, US, and China, resulting in 26.5 tonnes of waste leaving the market weekly. 

Much of this waste ends up in the landfills and pollutes Accra’s beaches, creating environmental and health hazards for the locals. 

The secondhand clothing trade exposes these countries to the negative consequences of fast fashion. 

This tragedy occurred as a direct consequence of the fast fashion industry’s overproduction and poor waste management. This grave incident serves as a call to action for brands to adopt sustainable practices and for policymakers to enforce stricter regulations on the fast fashion industry.

fast fashion waste problem_devastating fire in January 2024 in Ghana’s Kantamanto Market
Source: The Guardian

Similarly, in Chile, secondhand and often unused garments are being discarded in the Atacama desert. Known as the “world’s dumpster,” it consists of approximately 741 deserted acres of clothing junkyards. The local government lacks the resources to manage this humongous amount of waste. Once discarded, nobody takes responsibility for these clothes.

discarded clothes impact in the Atacama desert in chile
Source: The Guardian

Recycling alone cannot address the root cause of overproduction and overconsumption of fast fashion. To tackle this challenge, we need textile waste production and management regulatory policies on a global level. 

The Invisible Victims of Fast Fashion in Pakistan

Fast fashion brought one of the darkest days for Pakistan’s garment workers when a factory fire in Karachi trapped and killed over 600 people. Workers were forced to labor overtime to ship orders early to avoid costly air freight. When flames erupted, escape was impossible as the windows were barred, and stairways were blocked by piles of clothes destined for global brands. 

Investigations revealed the factory was operating illegally and the safety certificates were bought and paid for to deceive buyers. On the same unfateful day, a separate fire in a Lahore shoe factory claimed 25 more lives. 

These workers are not hired on a proper contract and have no job security, health protections, or means of escape in case of emergency. Fast fashion brands exploit poverty under the guise of “opportunity,” but in reality, they fuel a system of modern-day indentured labor. Behind every “affordable and trendy” garment is a human cost that is inapparent to the consumers but devastates the lives of the workers. 

Fast Fashion’s Exploited Workforce in Malaysia

According to a feature piece by Atmos, a garment factory in Malaysia deceived and trapped workers to make clothes for third-party companies that supplied the garments to famous fast fashion brands. Workers are brought from developing countries with a promise of a decent job and are forced to work in garment factories.

These workers are locked up and their passports confiscated, leaving them no choice but to accept their fate. Their living conditions are also dehumanizing, with 30-60 people crammed in one room and long waiting lines for unhygienic toilets, exposing workers to diseases and mental trauma. 

“When the auditors come, they typically walk around eating expensive food, which is worth the same as multiple days of our salaries. Meanwhile, our management tells us what to say to the auditors, threatening us if we don’t oblige.”

–Robin, a Bangladeshi garment factory worker employed in Malaysia

How Can You Make a Difference?

It’s time to confront the uncomfortable truth that the price of our affordable clothes is paid by underpaid laborers and our environment. As consumers, it is important to choose ethical fashion brands that pay a living wage to their workers. Buying from ethical brands will not only empower the workers employed by these brands but will also discourage worker exploitation, normalized by fast fashion.

Individual actions to reduce landfill pollution, guided by the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principle, can make a significant impact. Consumers need to take power in their own hands by reducing overconsumption and choosing ethical clothing brands to buy from.

The materials used in fast fashion garments are difficult and energy-intensive to recycle, hence it’s important to practice ethical clothing. Moreover, not all recycling programs are efficient or widely accessible. 

To make positive change, we can:

  • Opt for high-quality, durable items and support sustainable brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices.
  • Reuse items whenever possible by upcycling old garments into new creations.
  • Participate in clothing swaps to extend the life of clothes.

Just as reducing and reusing are essential, recycling responsibly is equally important such as separating recyclable materials from general waste, supporting textile recycling programs, and composting natural fibers like cotton or wool. 

By prioritizing reducing and reusing first, we can tackle the problem of landfill pollution and minimize the environmental impact of textile waste. Our efforts will compound into meaningful change, creating a collective impact for a healthier environment.






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Sustainable Fashion

7 Best Sustainable Fashion Marketplaces

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


To navigate through the sea of earth-minded and socially responsible brands, there are some well-curated sustainable fashion marketplaces handpicking beautiful products for the discerning and mindful shopper.

While the growth of ethical and slow fashion and lifestyle products is exciting, this growth has also led to a whole lot of greenwashing and “fair-washing”. That’s why I’ve curated this set of marketplaces that source truly responsibly-made products you can trust.

That said, the terms “ethical”, “sustainable”, and “conscious” can take on different meanings to different people based upon their own personal value systems, so each site curates and sorts their goods based on standards they specify on their site.

Each eco-friendly and ethical online shop in this guide offers up something a little different from the next with their aesthetics, ethical criteria, and price point.

Take a peek at the sites included here to find one that suits both your value standards and style!

Note that this guide to sustainable fashion marketplaces features affiliates and partners. As always I only include brands that meet high standards for ethics and style!

With everything from sleepwear to scarves and baskets to bedding ourCommonplace is an amazing curated online marketplace for shopping responsibly-made goods in sustainable fashion and home.

All products in the online shop meet at least two of the following six standards.

  • BIPOC-Owned: supports inclusive representation in the conscious lifestyle space and helps reduce the racial wealth gap by empowering businesses owned Black, Indigenous, and People of Color brand owners and founders.
  • Cruelty-free: ensures that no animals were killed, hurt, or tested on in the making of these goods.
  • Ethical: these are products from brands that follow just production practices such as paying fair wages, ensuring safe working conditions, and more. 
  • Sustainable: brands using earth-minded materials (think natural fibers and recycled materials), processes, and packaging throughout their supply chain.
  • Toxic-Free: products that have been thoroughly vetted and verified to not contain harsh chemicals.
  • Women-Owned: supports women entrepreneurship and helps reduce the gender income and business owner representation gaps. 

Pro Tip: you can “Shop Your Values” by sorting products by each of their standards using their top menu bar.

Categories: Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Gifts, Jewelry, Home, Beauty & Personal Care

As your ethical shopping sidekick, DoneGood connects you with over 120 brands that are as committed to doing good as you are. Each brand on our platform is vetted for fair wages, sustainable materials, and community empowerment, ensuring your purchases contribute positively to people and the planet. By choosing DoneGood, you’re joining a movement that’s reshaping markets to meet the needs of conscious consumers like you.

You can shop by values like:

  • 1% For The Planet Members
  • Certified B Corporations
  • Cruelty-Free
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Empowers Workers
  • Recycled/Upcycled
  • USA Made
  • Vegan
  • Women-Owned

Categories: Beauty & Care, Pantry, Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry & Accessories, Home & Living, Travel, Baby & Kid, Pets

Your go-to online marketplace for sustainable and ethical fashion, Earthkind brings together eco-conscious brands from around the globe. Offering a diverse selection of clothing and accessories for both men and women, Earthkind ensures that every product aligns with high standards of sustainability and ethical production. Their criteria includes:

  • Transparency: Brands must openly share their production processes and sourcing practices to ensure consumers are well-informed.​
  • Fair Labor: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions is a prerequisite for all partner brands.​
  • Artisan Craftsmanship: Collaborations with artisans are valued to preserve traditional skills and support local communities.​
  • Organic Materials: Preference is given to brands using organic materials, minimizing environmental impact.​
  • Vegan Products: Offering animal-free products aligns with Earthkind’s commitment to cruelty-free fashion.​
  • Synthetic-Free: Brands that avoid synthetic materials contribute to reducing microplastic pollution.​
  • Circularity: Embracing circular fashion principles, such as recycling and upcycling, is encouraged.

Categories: Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry

​Rêve En Vert is a premier online platform dedicated to sustainable luxury fashion and lifestyle products. Founded with a commitment to environmental responsibility, the company curates a selection of items that embody both style and sustainability. Their ethos centers on promoting ethical practices within the fashion industry, offering consumers a conscious alternative to mainstream shopping.

Criteria for Selection:

  • Organic: Prioritizing materials grown without harmful chemicals to protect both the environment and consumer health.​
  • Re-Made: Supporting brands that upcycle or recycle materials, giving new life to existing resources.​
  • Local: Emphasizing products made locally to reduce carbon footprints and support regional craftsmanship.​
  • Fair: Ensuring fair labor practices and ethical treatment of workers throughout the supply chain.

Categories: Clothing, Accessories, Gifts, Lifestyle, Beauty

​IKKIVI is your passport to a world where Indian tradition meets contemporary flair, offering a curated collection of ethically handcrafted fashion that’s as vibrant as it is responsible. Founded in 2015, IKKIVI celebrates the spirit of the modern creative woman, merging luxurious handwoven fabrics with intricate techniques to create stunning silhouettes that transcend fleeting trends.​

You’ll be able to express your unique style with pieces that tell a story rich with heritage and craftsmanship with each purchase supporting ethical practices.

Here’s Why You’ll Love IKKIVI:

  • Ethically Made: Each piece is crafted with care for both the environment and the artisans, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
  • Size-Inclusive: With offerings from 2XS to 5XL and custom sizing at no extra cost, IKKIVI believes everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable, regardless of gender identity.
  • Global Shipping: No matter where you are, IKKIVI ensures their beautiful creations reach your doorstep, making ethical fashion accessible worldwide.
  • Mindful Community: Through their podcast on conscious living, IKKIVI connects you with inspirational voices from around the globe, fostering a community of thoughtful individuals.

Categories: Clothing — Dresses, Tops, Bottoms, Jumpsuits and Outerwear

As a pioneer of fair trade goods, Ten Thousand Villages continues to operate with ethical practices at every point of their supply chain. The ethical company has both brick-and-mortar fair trade shops and an online fair trade store for finding all things handmade.

This fair trade store sources their products only from artisan groups that pay living wages and ensure safe working conditions and they make an intentional effort to partner with traditionally marginalized communities. By bringing artisan-made handcrafted goods to a global audience, Ten Thousand Villages is supporting the continuation of traditional crafts and providing sustainable economic opportunities. Today, the social enterprise works with over 20,000 artisan makers in 30 different countries.

Categories: Jewelry, Accessories, Home Goods, Gifts, Holiday Decor

​IVALO.COM is your key to a world where fashion meets sustainability, offering a curated selection of over 150 “fact-checked sustainable brands” that cater to the modern, conscious dresser. Their collections are not only environmentally and ethically responsible but also contemporary, ensuring you won’t need to compromise on aesthetics to shop sustainably.

IVALO.COM 360° Sustainability Validation is their comprehensive vetting process that scrutinizes brands across multiple dimensions:​

  • Working Conditions & Labor: Brands must ensure ethical production practices, providing fair wages and safe working environments for all employees.​
  • Environmental Impact & Commitment to Sustainability: A strong dedication to reducing ecological footprints, encompassing efforts like minimizing waste, conserving resources, and implementing environmentally friendly practices.​
  • Sustainable Materials: Prioritizing the use of eco-friendly, responsibly sourced materials that have a lower environmental impact.
  • Transparent Value Chain: Brands are vetted on their openness about their sourcing and manufacturing processes, ensuring consumers are well-informed about product origins.​
  • Design for Circularity: Emphasizing designs that promote longevity, repairability, and recyclability, brands contribute to a circular fashion economy.​
  • Inclusivity & Community: Supporting diversity and fostering a sense of community, brands are encouraged to engage in initiatives that promote inclusivity and social responsibility.​
  • Responsible E-Commerce: Implementing sustainable packaging solutions and mindful operational practices ensures that the e-commerce aspect aligns with environmental values.

Categories: Clothing, Shoes, Bags, and Accessories

Read Next: An Ever-Growing List of Online Zero Waste Shops


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Sustainable Fashion

Some Exciting News From BC Footwear!

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Do you ever feel like you are bursting at the seams with information that you just can’t wait to share?  Well pass me that megaphone, because I’ve got some exciting news for all you vegan fashionistas out there!

Yep, you heard me correctly!  This cool, laid-back, LA based footwear company has taken the plunge into compassion-land and is now making all of their shoes with 100% animal free components and they are Peta approved.

According to the kind folks at BC Footwear, the reason why they made this awesome change is because “(w)e want to do our part to minimize the suffering of animals.”  How awesome is that!?  I told you it was some exciting news!

I was fortunate enough to receive two pairs of BC Footwear booties to test out and let me tell you…I was impressed.  When I pulled each pair out of their respective boxes, the first thing that I was struck by was the quality of these shoes.  There was no strange chemical smell that can sometimes accompany man-made leather.  Not only were both of these pairs of shoes super cute, they were both beautifully made from high-end, quality materials.

Ok, enough chit chat, let’s get to the shoes…shall we?!

This ankle boot is made gorgeous vegan leather with a cool angular flap detail, subtle topstitching, a peep toe and a 3.25″ stacked heel.  I got the grey which is more of a vegan suede that is so incredibly soft.  I styled these booties with a pair of cropped, distressed girlfriend jeans and they were just perfect.  The best part about them is that they are really comfortable!  All of BC Footwear’s shoes are made with high performance Ortholite insoles so they are cute and comfortable!  I wore this pair for a night out with friends and found that not only were they easy to walk in, the material was also very breathable, which is awesome because who wants sweaty feat…am I right?

Available in three colors; grey, black and tan, these are the perfect booties as we start to transition into the cooler months.

BC Footwear Scale Ankle Boot in Grey
BC Footwear Scale Ankle Boot in Black
BC Footwear Scale Ankle Boot in Tan

This sleek ankle boot is made with a vegan fabric that is super soft with a bit of stretch that snugs your ankle in all the right places.  With at 3″ stacked heel, these booties can be worn with jeans or dressed up with a dress or skirt.  I got these in dark taupe which is such a great neutral and I paired them with a casual denim skirt and t-shirt for the perfect weekend, running around town outfit.  These booties were really comfortable to walk around in and the stretch fabric made the fit around my ankle just right, no sagging or bagging!  The Ringmaster Ankle Boot comes in three colors; taupe, black and black exotic.

BC Footwear Ringmaster Ankle Boot in Taupe
BC Footwear Ringmaster Ankle Boot in Black Exotic
BC Footwear Ringmaster Ankle Boot in Black

BC Footwear doesn’t just make booties, they have a lot of other styles of shoes from sandals to heels to flats.  Lots of fashionable choices for every season.

So go on tell your family and your friends…heck, even tell strangers the great news… BC Footwear has high quality, fashionable footwear that is now 100% vegan!!  Go check them out!

 


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Sustainable Fashion

Fashion, Sustainability and the Quiet Weight of Race

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



A couple of weeks ago, I experienced a racially charged incident at my local shop in Stratford. A moment that served as an uncomfortable reminder – I can never get too comfortable. Racism, whether overt or quietly embedded in the everyday, is never far away. It weaves itself into the fabric of life, sometimes subtly, sometimes glaringly, but always there… 

Exposure to racism, in subtle, overt, and systemic ways, has been a consistent thread in my life.

– Patterson, 2020, p. 194

This thread hasn’t always been dominant but it’s always present, enough to shape the way I see the world and the work I do within it. It has shaped my values, my creativity, my community, and my desire to reimagine fashion as something more equitable, more honest, and more active. I wasn’t planning to start this blog post this way but perhaps that’s the point. These experiences don’t ask us permission to interrupt our being. 

As someone working at the intersection of sustainable fashion, privilege and financial mobility, I’ve often found myself reflecting on how deeply race, wealth, education and environment intertwine. I didn’t enter sustainable fashion because it was trendy, I came to it because it was necessary. Being a single parent on Universal Credit has meant that I have always struggled financially but it has never stopped my love of making and developing my skills. My work drives me to investigate the ‘how’ and understanding ‘why’ race and environmentalism collide with privilege. By privilege, I mean the ability to make conscious decisions about questioning injustice and having the financial and social freedom to do so. Ultimately, I wanted to ask better questions: Who gets to be sustainable? Who gets left out?  

In sustainable fashion conversations often revolve around materials, carbon footprints, and innovation. Rarely do they linger on the uncomfortable truths – that the global fashion system is propped up by centuries of extraction and destruction — of labour, of culture, of land, often at the expense of Black and Brown communities. It’s hard to talk about sustainability without also talking about colonialism, about racialised labour, about the true cost of fashion. 

Studying MA Fashion Futures During a Time of Uncertainty 

When people of colour look at environmental discourse, they are unlikely to see their struggle represented. They may choose to put their energies elsewhere. That, in turn, makes those stories even less prominent, creating a vicious circle of narrowing interests.

The course offered a critical lens that resonated with me deeply, combining speculative design with ecological and social thought. It was here that I began to stitch together personal, political and environmental narratives through my projects. Having the time and space to research, explore and challenge the information gap within the intersections of these areas at the time of studying and create new knowledge. Fast forward to 2025 and there are now so many more references of intersectional lived experiences both written and visual of marginalised communities around the world and how they engage with and have contributed to sustainable fashion – in the past, present and future. 

Building Confidence and Community: Life After the MA 

After graduating, I was fortunate to receive Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) funding from Arts Council England. That support wasn’t just financial mobility; it was emotional and professional validation. It gave me the confidence to believe that my voice, my ideas, and my questions had value. 

Through that funding, I began working more closely with young people in Newham and Hackney, offering workshops and collaborative projects rooted in sustainability, identity, and storytelling. These communities, vibrant, underrepresented, and rich with untapped creativity, continue to inspire me. They remind me that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to come from glossy studios, brands or global platforms. It can start with a shared needle and thread in a community centre, a salvaged garment, or a story passed down through generations. 

From the Centre for Sustainable Fashion to the Gallery Space 

My time as a Directors Assistant and Project Support with Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) has further deepened my awareness and knowledge. Surrounded by people asking bold questions and challenging the status quo, I have both the space and encouragement to explore the role of race and identity in sustainability in my work, themes that have always felt urgent, but often unspoken in mainstream discourse. 

This journey culminated in my first contribution to an exhibition, ‘Fashioning Frequencies‘ at London College of Fashion, where I am currently showcasing a collection of upcycled garments. Each piece is unique and tells a story about memory, material waste, heritage. Seeing the response to my work so far has affirmed something I’d long felt but never fully owned: that these stories matter, and that there is space for them in fashion’s future. 

Why I Keep Doing This Work 

Inequality and racism. Whether in the form of a morning insult or centuries-long structural imbalance, is a quiet weight many of us carry. It influences where we feel safe, how we move through institutions, and how we are seen (or not) in professional spaces. But it also fuels a sense of purpose. 

I don’t create just to resist. I create to reimagine. 

Sustainable fashion, for me, is not about perfection or purity. It’s about care. Care for the earth, yes but also for the people who live on it, especially those whose contributions have been overlooked or erased. In the stitches of my garments, in the classrooms and workshops I hold, in the spaces I share with others, I try to make room for something different. Something softer. Something stronger. 

Fashion can be more than consumption. It can be a tool for education in social and racial equality, justice, and joyful resistance. 

‘Fashioning Frequencies’ is an exhibition exploring fashion as a transmission of identity, agency, and history. It is free for all and open now until 21 June, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm, at London College of Fashion, UAL, East Bank,105 Carpenter’s Road, Stratford, E20 2AR.

Patterson, J. (2020) All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis. USA: Penguin Random House. 

Williams, J. (2021), Climate Change is Racist. United Kingdom: Icon Books. 


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Sustainable Fashion

Beyoutiful Hope: Jessica Miller: Ballet Lines

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Model: Jessica Miller
Williamsville, Buffalo, New York

In the winter time, when there is no snow, but the temperature is as though there was snow, what better to do than a photoshoot in dancewear?

Thank you Jessie for braving the chill, greeting passer-byers and for creating beautiful movement to be captured!

Have a Blessed January,
Christine

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Sustainable Fashion

Waste Not, Want Not – Mungo, Shoddy, the History, Process and Modern Times of Mechanical Wool Recycling – WARDROBE CRISIS with Clare Press

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Ever wondered how mechanical textile recycling actually works? What shoddy and mungo is, and why we called it that? What the rag n’ bone man collected back in the day and how the trade grew up, then scaled back? And what it will take to bring it back and keep what’s already here, going?

Wonder no more! John Parkinson has a masterclass for you, complete with magic and secrets.

For 200 years, Yorkshire made recycled wool cloth for the world. But don’t think its all disappeared. John’s mill in Huddersfield is aptly called iinouiio – an acronym for It Is Never Over Until It Is Over. With centuries of accumulated of skill and knowledge, they’re doing what they always did, only better.

Find all the links & further reading at thewardrobecrisis.com

Tell us what you think? Find Clare on Instagram @mrspress

Got recommendations? Hit us up!

And please share these podcasts.

THANK YOU x




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Sustainable Fashion

London Fashion Week 2025 Green Revolution

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


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London Fashion 2025 will be the first to introduce sustainability standards to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce waste, and pollution.

| All products featured on The Wellness Feed are independently selected by our editors for their environmental and ethical impact. However, we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links. |

This week, Paris kicked off the fashion season with lively runways, sumptuous new designs, and celebrities in front rows. For the fashion set, that means London Fashion Week (LFW) is right around the corner. Yet, for revelers expecting to see the status quo, change is coming. London is charting a new, greener course than seasons past. For the 2025/ 2026 season, the organization aims to breathe new life into the industry with sustainability requirements that will transform runways into a green ecosystem.

4 Ways Designers Called Out NY Fashion Week 2024 To Be Better

It’s no secret that the fashion industry has a hefty environmental footprint. A report from the Global Fashion Agenda, showed that in 2019, the industry produced an estimated 92 million tons of waste causing nearly 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions annually. Following in the footsteps of Copenhagen, LFW is taking responsibility with initiatives to minimize its impact on the planet through sustainability requirements. These minimum standards will piloted 2025 for brands to cover environmental and social considerations.

Established in 1984, LFW has traditionally been a hotspot for luxury and excess. Now, it’s embracing carbon-reducing initiatives and circularity.

“We are thrilled to align with the Copenhagen Fashion Week Sustainability Requirements. This partnership is a significant step in ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to the future of fashion,” said outgoing BFC CEO Caroline Rush in a statement.

In 2023, designers at Copenhagen Fashion Week were the first to be presented with a set of environmental and social standards they were required to meet. Nineteen standards across six focus areas, ensured that brands comply to the local fashion industry’s commitment to strategically reducing its impact. Some might even say that Copenhagen is the original sustainable trendsetter. Many of these standards have been adopted by London Fashion Week to ensure a similar sustainable direction is changing a week of excess and waste into a week of carbon-cutting initiatives and grandiosity when it comes to recycling.

NYNNE Shares Why Danish Fashion Is The Most Sustainable

To reduce carbon emissions, some of LFW’s strategic decisions include selecting venues designed with sustainability in mind to reduce energy consumption. Efforts are also underway to cut travel emissions for models, designers, and attendees by holding shows in venues that are closer together. Virtual showrooms and online presentations are gaining popularity, allowing for a broader audience while cutting down on transportation and CO2 emissions.

Moving Away From Virgin Plastic Materials & Waste

Mother of Pearl is a contemporary British brand. The Jovy Ivory Jumper is made from 80% RWS Wool and 20% recycled nylon. $578

Jovy ivory jumper

Behind the seams, designers are encouraged to turn to recycled and organic materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton instead of fashion’s most popular material- polyester. Derived from fossil fuels, it has a production process estimated to account for 40% of the industry’s emissions. Adding fuel to its impact, polyester is a plastic-based material that can take up to 200 years to decompose. And, once in landfills, the chemicals used to make these materials can leach into water and soil resources, leading to dangerous toxic pollution.

The Best Fabrics To Choose When Shopping Sustainably In 2025

Vivienne Westwood, a beloved British brand, has been lauded for leading the way by transparently sharing a preferred list of materials, including natural and biodegradable materials such as organic cotton, silk, wool, and linen. Other brands are experimenting with innovative materials like pineapple, apple, and mushroom leather. As alternatives to traditional leather and PVC (plastic-based leather), these materials are valued for their biodegradability and deterrence from fashion’s reliance on plastic-based materials.

LFW is also encouraging designers to adopt practices to reduce waste when designing their collections. More and more we’re seeing innovative designs where upcycling leftover fabrics for new collections is becoming de rigueur. And, where the industry once set fire to last season’s unsold pieces (literally) brands are also implementing programs to donate, recycle, or resell unsold items.

Positive Fashion

The Institute of Positive Fashion’s Circular Ecosystem design shows how raw materials, production, and repairing a garment contribute to circularity.

London Fashion Week might be inspired by Copenhagen to set sustainability requirements for brands, but for years the British Fashion Council (BFC) has been conducting research through the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) to equip brands, stakeholders, and the government with action plans to make the necessary changes to make the fashion industry sustainable. The BFC launched the IPF with a vision to reshape the industry through initiatives that bring together designers, brands, and consumers focused on social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.

Read Highlights From The 1st U.S Fast Fashion Waste Report

One of its flagship programs was a blueprint report launched in September 2021, highlighting “10 Priority Action Areas” to address issues such as climate change, source depletion, and landfill pollution and waste. Acknowledging the fashion industry’s adverse environmental and social impact, the report detailed an action oriented blueprint to accelerate the industry towards sustainability including:

  • Circular Design: Empowering designers and manufacturers to design and create using recycled, recyclable, and renewable materials and technology.
  • Renewable Fibers: A collaboration between brands, consumers, and retailers to drive the demand for more renewable fibers.
  • Better Recycling: Investments need to be made in efficient textile sorting facilities.
  • Locally-made: Supporting locally made manufacturing.
  • Reuse and Repair: Expanding brand repair and care services.

The “Positive Fashion” initiative has shown promising data:

  • A reported 30% reduction in waste from participating designers.
  • Many brands have lowered their carbon emissions by up to 50% over recent seasons.

The Future of Sustainable Fashion at London Fashion Week

Stella McCartney Fall 2024

Progress is evident, but challenges remain. The journey toward sustainability at LFW is still ongoing. Brands have made significant strides, yet there is more to do regarding education and industry-wide adoption. As consumers, we can take actionable steps to spark change by continuing to support sustainable brands and educating ourselves about the impact of fashion consumption.

The outlook for the future of sustainable fashion at LFW is bright. With experts predicting a fundamental shift in the industry, the potential for positive change is massive. As LFW continues to innovate and inspire, it sets a standard for fashion weeks worldwide.


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Sustainable Fashion

Brands That Nail Fit, Function, & Fashion –

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


By Shai Alise Davis and Kasi Martin

Shopping for swimwear can be tricky. There’s a lot to consider: style, coverage, comfort, and eco credibility. That last one’s often overlooked, but it matters more than ever. Now, more than ever, is the time to dive into sustainable swimwear.

The Sustainability Issues with Swimwear

Why? Your itsy-bitsy bikini might be cute—but it’s causing ripple effects you don’t see. Most conventional swimwear is made of nylon, elastane (also known as Spandex and Lycra), and/or polyester—all synthetic fibers. Nylon and elastane are elastic, while polyester is chlorine resistant. These materials provide the comfort and durability you would want in a swimsuit, however, they have negative environmental consequences.

Made from fossil fuels, synthetic fibers are a major driver of fashion’s carbon footprint. The production of synthetic fibers accounts for approximately 1.5% of global carbon emissions, according to data from the Textile Exchange. When washed, synthetic fibers shed microplastic particles into the water. According to the UN, more than 51 trillion microplastic particles pollute our seas. These fibers are also non-biodegradable, taking hundreds of years to decompose. 

We should also note that surf and wetsuit gear are part of this conversation too. Neoprene, the synthetic rubber commonly used in these suits, is a high-impact material with several environmental concerns. Traditionally made from petroleum-based chloroprene (a chemical the EPA considers likely carcinogenic), it’s energy-intensive to produce and releases harmful pollutants that have raised serious concerns for the communities living near manufacturing plants. 

Even “greener” versions, like limestone-based neoprene, aren’t as sustainable as they sound—they still rely on heavy resource extraction and global transport, and the final product is neither biodegradable nor easily recyclable. While some brands offer take-back or downcycling programs, most old wetsuits still end up in landfills.

What to Look for in Sustainable Swimwear and Wetsuits

  • ECONYL® – This material is a sustainable alternative to nylon, created by Aquafil, a sustainable textile manufacturing company. The company uses waste, such as fishing nets and fabric scraps, to produce regenerated nylon. With Econyl providing the same durability and stretch as nylon, it’s no surprise that sustainable swimwear brands favor the material. 
  • OEKO-TEX® – The OEKO-TEX Association tests and certifies that a product is free from harmful substances in all stages of production. The certification system is well-trusted, ensuring that a brand with an OEKO-TEX certification is on the sustainability track.  
  • Certified B Corp – B Lab is a nonprofit that measures the environmental and social impacts of brands globally. This label certifies that a company achieves at least a score of 80 out of 200 across key areas, such as environmental impact and workers’ rights. 
  • Recycled Polyester: Recycled polyester (rPET) isn’t a foolproof solution, but there are benefits. Recycled polyester emits 72% less CO2 than virgin polyester. Another note, when buying clothes made from recycled materials, aim for brands that are transparent about how much of the composition is recycled. 
Materials: What It’s Made of Matters

ECONYL®: Ocean Waste, Reborn
Made from discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps, ECONYL® is a regenerated nylon with the same stretch and support as the synthetic stuff—but without the virgin plastic baggage. Bonus: It helps clean up marine debris while lowering emissions.

Yulex®: A Better Wetsuit
We mentioned the nasty side of neoprene. Yulex® is a plant-based alternative to neoprene, made from FSC-certified natural rubber tapped from Hevea trees. It delivers the same warmth and performance without the petroleum, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.

Recycled Polyester: Not Perfect, But Better
Yes, it still sheds microfibers and keeps us reliant on fossil fuels. But we co-sign rPET for now because it emits up to 72% less CO₂ than its virgin counterpart. Look for brands that tell you how much of their fabric is recycled—not just drop the word and run.

sustainable swimwear Certifications: Green flags to Avoid Greenwashing 

OEKO-TEX®: Safe on Skin and Planet
This label ensures your suit is free from certain toxic chemicals across the entire production chain. This includes harmful azo dyes that can break down into carcinogens, allergenic disperse dyes that can trigger skin irritation, PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”) used in water-repellent finishes, as well as heavy metals like lead and cadmium, and formaldehyde, a common culprit in fabric treatments that can cause respiratory and skin reactions. This is especially important for garments that hug your skin (and absorb sunshine + saltwater all day long).

Certified B Corp: The Big-Picture Badge
This one speaks to the whole business, not just the bikini. B Corp brands are vetted for ethics, transparency, and impact across five key areas—including how they treat their workers. That means fair wages, safe working conditions, community investment, and inclusive hiring practices are all part of the deal..

GRS (Global Recycled Standard): Receipts, Please
GRS certifies that a product contains verified recycled materials and tracks them through the supply chain. It also includes requirements for chemical management, water and energy use, and compliance with labor protections at production sites. This helps ensure that “recycled” actually means recycled—and that it’s done under responsible conditions.

Design details: What Keeps it Out of Landfills

Mono-Material = More Recyclable
The more blended the fibers, the harder it is to recycle, at least with today’s tech. Aim for suits made from one core material (like 100% ECONYL®) to up their odds of getting a second life. 

Low-Shed Construction
Some newer suits are built to shed fewer microfibers, helping you reduce invisible pollution every time you swim or wash. Still niche, but worth noting. Look for tight-knit or warp-knit constructions that physically reduce microfiber shedding. Brands like Organic Basics and Girlfriend Collective invest in this tech for activewear—and it’s being explored for swimwear too.

Durability Is the New Chic
Look for UV-resistant fabrics, strong stitching, and brands that offer repairs or take-back programs. The most sustainable suit? The one that lasts more than one season.

Sustainable Swimwear Brands We Co-Sign

Here are sustainable swimwear brands guaranteed to help you make waves this summer. If you need something to cover them up, check out our sustainable resort wear too. 

Best Functional Swimwear 

Made for movement—these sport-ready suits deliver comfort, support, and coverage that actually keeps up, whether you’re swimming laps or catching waves.

Carve Designs

Designed by surfers for surfers, Carve offers functional, vibrant suits made for catching waves or kicking back on the beach.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • 100% of swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
  • Ethical production in BSCI-certified factories
  • Sustainable packaging using recyclable LDPE bags
  • Uses innovative blends like coconut husks + recycled fibers in some apparel

Abysse

Abysse proves their tagline “Born of Water” true with their devotion to protecting our oceans. This sustainable swimwear brand will help you bring relaxed and fresh vibes to the beach.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
  • Uses ecoprene, an eco-friendly substitute for neoprene that replaces petroleum with limestone
  • Uses 100% recycled material
  • Certified by GRS and Control Union
  • Partners with CleanHub, stopping 12,000 pounds of plastic waste from ending up in oceans and landfills. 
  • Uses compostable and recycled packaging
  • UPF 50+ rated fabrics for sun protection

Awwa

Not only is Awwa sustainable, but their swimwear is period-proof and affordable. 

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Recycled nylon material
  • Certified B Corp
  • Climate Positive certified for business operations
  • Fully traceable supply chain
  • Donates 2% of revenue to end period poverty
  • Has kept over 53 million single-use menstruation products out of landfills and waterways

Sei Sorelle

Finding beautiful, full-coverage, or modest swimwear can sometimes be challenging. Sei Sorelle strives to combine modesty with sustainability by creating timeless and functional burkinis. 

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Uses ECONYL® regenerated nylon made from ocean and landfill waste
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics ensuring safety from harmful substances
  • Ultra-chlorine and sun cream resistant, quick-drying materials
  • Ethical production in a family-run factory with fair labor practices
  • Recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials
  • UPF 50+ sun protection for skin safety
  • First collection removed over 624kg of ocean waste, including 156kg of fishing nets

Best Chic Swimwear 

Minimalist doesn’t mean forgettable. These brands do more with less—think clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and just the right amount of attitude.

Anemos

This Los Angeles-based brand is great if you’re wanting something timeless and sophisticated. Additionally, the company works with and monitors local, family-run factories. 

Sustainability Standouts:

  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
    Utilizes Amni Soul Eco® biodegradable yarn, decomposing in approximately three years
  • Manufactured in local, family-run factories in Los Angeles
  • Carbon-neutral shipping through Shopify Planet
  • Ships in 100% compostable packaging with reusable mesh wash bags
  • Printed materials made from sugarcane paper with recyclable foil, printed by a certified LA Green Business

Londre

Londre is direct about each piece’s bust support and cheek coverage, making it easier to shop based on your style preference. All pieces are made with thick compression material, adding another level of comfort. 

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Each swimsuit is crafted from a minimum of six recycled plastic bottles, contributing to over 1 million bottles repurposed to date.
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics ensure textiles are free from harmful substances.
  • Ethical manufacturing in Vancouver, BC, with all employees compensated above living wage standards.
  • Closed-loop water system in production, allowing all water to be reused and free from harmful chemicals.
  • Repair program offering compensation for suit repairs within the first year of purchase.
  • Recycling initiative enabling customers to return old suits for transformation into new materials.
  • Minimalist, compostable packaging made from corn-based materials.
  • Active participation in environmental efforts, including the removal of 4,500 pounds of garbage from British Columbia’s coast and the planting of 450 baby corals.

Faithfull the Brand

Faithfull the Brand brings a clean, minimal take on vintage-inspired swimwear, offering simple silhouettes in earthy tones and soft textures. The pieces feel timeless—designed for quiet luxury and conscious living.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon from ocean and landfill waste
  • Produced in small, ethical factories in Bali with artisan partnerships
  • Fabrics are OEKO-TEX®-certified and free from harmful substances
  • Ships in plastic-free, recyclable packaging
  • Focus on small-batch production and durable design to reduce waste

Organic Basics

Minimalist and functional, Organic Basics offers swimwear for both women and men—designed with clean lines, recycled fabrics, and a focus on longevity over trends.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Uses ECONYL® regenerated nylon made from ocean and landfill waste
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics, free from harmful chemicals
  • Ethical production in certified factories with fair labor standards
  • Climate-conscious shipping and packaging
  • Transparent impact reporting through their yearly sustainability report

Best Size-Inclusive Sustainable Swimwear

Designed for every body—these brands offer extended sizing without compromising on style, fit, or sustainability.

Kitty and Vibe

Kitty and Vibe combine sustainability and inclusive sizing to create colorful and playful pieces. The sizes range from XS to 6X, and the company promises to “Upgrade bikinis, one cute booty at a time.” Take their fit quiz. 

Sustainability Standouts:

  • 82% recycled fabrics in most swimwear (usually recycled polyester or nylon)
  • Carbon-neutral shipping via offsets through their fulfillment partners
  • 100% biodegradable shipping bags
  • Ethical production: Manufactured in Bogotá, Colombia, where workers are paid above living wage standards and receive benefits (a rare level of transparency for a DTC brand). 
  • While they don’t carry third-party certifications like GRS or OEKO-TEX® yet, they’re transparent about sourcing and factory conditions—something many playful swim brands skip.

Nomads Swimwear

Nomads Swimwear is a Black woman-owned brand offering size-inclusive, sustainable swimwear and resort wear, available in sizes XS to 5X. Their designs are crafted from biodegradable and compostable fabrics, emphasizing both style and environmental responsibility.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Utilizes Amni Soul Eco® biodegradable nylon for swimwear
  • Employs LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose for resort wear, a compostable fabric made from renewable wood sources
  • Ethically produced in small batches in a woman-run factory in Bogotá, Colombia
  • Committed to reducing textile waste through the use of fabric remnants and strike-offs
  • Ships products in compostable packaging to minimize environmental impac 

TomboyX 

If you’re looking for swimwear that breaks the binary, TomboyX is a solid bet. This gender-inclusive brand designs for all identities and body types, offering styles that range from swim briefs to rash guards, all in sizes XS to 6X.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Certified B Corp, meaning they meet high social and environmental impact standards across their entire business
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics, ensuring their textiles are free from harmful chemicals
  • Recycled materials used in swimwear—often made from recycled water bottles (rPET)
  • Ethical production partners: Most manufacturing is done in certified facilities in the U.S. and Mexico with safe working conditions and fair wages
  • Low-waste packaging and ongoing efforts to reduce plastic in shipping
  • While they don’t list GRS or use ECONYL®, TomboyX focuses on chemical safety, social impact, and representation—all core pillars of holistic sustainability.

Best Trendy Swimwear

Bold colors, high cuts, and higher-fashion silhouettes—these eco swim brands prove bold design can be intentional.

OOKIOH

OOKIOH brings a dose of ’90s nostalgia and modern edge to swimwear, with bold colors, high cuts, and playful silhouettes that feel fresh, not fast fashion.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics
  • Recycled materials sourced from ocean and landfill waste
  • Plastic-free, recyclable packaging
  • Ethical production in women-owned factories
  • 1% of profits donated to ocean conservation and women’s empowerment programs

Peony Swimwear

Peony brings romantic, feminine design to life with consciously made swimwear. Known for delicate florals and elevated silhouettes, the brand merges timeless style with rigorous sustainability standards.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Fabrics made from ECONYL® and recycled PET, including lining
  • OEKO-TEX®-certified for chemical safety
  • Packaging made from compostable and recycled materials
  • Carbon neutral shipping on all orders
  • Designs made to last, with a focus on durability and timelessness over trend turnove

Wolf & Badger

Unlike Amazon, Wolf & Badger is an online marketplace that puts the earth and people first. The company hosts over 2000 independent brands, guaranteeing that you will likely find something to your taste. Even better, Wolf & Badger publishes annual impact reports providing transparency and accountability. 

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Certified B Corp 
  • Vets all brands to ensure they are environmentally conscious

PAPER London

PAPER London delivers bold, directional swimwear with punchy colors, sculptural cuts, and serious eco cred. Designed to turn heads and tread lightly on the planet.

Sustainability Standouts:

  • Made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon
    OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics free from toxic chemicals
  • Produced in limited quantities to avoid overproduction
  • Carbon-neutral shipping and eco packaging
  • Focus on slow fashion principles: timeless shapes, high-quality construction, and extended wearability

What to Do With Old, Sustainable Swimwear

Due to hygiene concerns, many secondhand retailers and charitable organizations don’t accept used bathing suits, leading to swimwear contributing to textile waste.

Brands like Reformation accept pre-loved and clean swimwear to give it a second life. Online consignment stores such as thredUp and Poshmark accept secondhand swimwear, and it’s worth checking to see if your local thrift store does as well. And if you’re crafty, look for upcycling projects. 

One Last Lap

Like all clothes, taking proper care of your swimwear can prolong its life—and reduce its environmental impact. Rinse it after each swim, hand wash with cool water and gentle soap, and always air dry flat in the shade (sun and dryers can degrade elasticity fast). To minimize microplastic shedding, avoid machine washing when possible, or use a Guppyfriend bag or microfiber filter (if you’re an owner) if you do.

A little extra care keeps your suit (and the ocean) looking better, longer.

Know a great sustainable swim brand we missed? Drop it in the comments—we’re always looking to expand the lineup.

Shai Davis is a Texas-based freelance journalist. With a focus on the environment, she explores how fashion, sustainability, and culture intersect. 

All images from brands’ websites.


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