Patagonia and Outerknown are still the safest bets.

Patagonia for the real deal. Outerknown for style that actually holds up to the sun. Neither is cheap, but both are built to last and backed by legit supply chain transparency – not just marketing copy.

Most “sustainable beachwear” you find on Instagram is greenwashing made of recycled plastic that sheds microfibers. Patagonia uses Fair Trade certified factories and offers free repairs. Outerknown (founded by Kelly Slater) uses organic hemp, regenerated nylon from fishing nets, and works with Fair Trade too. If you want a third option, Vitamin A uses recycled materials and has B Corp certification, but they’re not as durable.

Focus on materials: look for ECONYL (regenerated nylon) or organic cotton terry for coverups. Avoid anything with “sustainable” in the name unless they tell you exactly why. Price range: $80–$200 for a swimsuit. Worth it if you keep it for five summers.

Don’t fall for the cheap stuff that bills itself as eco-friendly just because it’s made from plastic bottles. The real winners here are companies that own their entire supply chain.