Most "sustainable" swimwear is greenwashing. Patagonia is the real deal.

It’s mostly marketing. A lot of beachwear brands slap “eco-friendly” on a tag because they used a little recycled polyester, but the rest of their supply chain is a mess.

If you want to actually buy sustainable in 2025, Patagonia remains the most trustworthy option. They publish their entire supply chain, use recycled and organic materials, offer free repairs, and have a robust used-gear marketplace. Their swim trunks and bikinis last years.

Outerknown is decent (fair trade, recycled materials), but they don’t have the same transparency or repair program. Secondhand is honestly the most sustainable choice—eBay or Poshmark for barely-worn swimwear.

Don’t pay a premium for a brand that can’t prove they’re doing more than the bare minimum.