Seven Natural Material Swimwear Brands | Why We Should Switch From Synthetic Swimwear
With the recent popularity of ditching the microplastic shedding synthetic materials in our wardrobes, many of our first question is, “What about swimwear?” Our swimwear is made from synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and spandex. These fabrics are cheap, stretchy, and quick-drying — but they come with serious hidden costs to your health and the environment.
Synthetic swimwear is essentially plastic worn directly against your skin, in warm saltwater and chlorine, under UV radiation, for hours at a time. That combination creates conditions where chemical exposure is at its highest.
If you've been searching for natural swimwear brands, plastic-free swimwear, microplastic-free swimwear, or nontoxic swimwear — this guide is for you. (Brand recommendations below)
The Problem With Synthetic Swimwear
Concerns about synthetic swimwear include:
Microplastic shedding directly into the ocean
Hormone-disrupting chemicals absorbed through the skin
Toxic dye runoff in manufacturing
Non-biodegradable clothing waste
PFAS ("forever chemicals") used for water resistance*
Because swimwear is worn in water, in heat, and against the most sensitive body areas, chemical exposure is even greater than with everyday clothing.
Synthetic Swimwear Sheds Microplastics Into the Ocean
One of the most serious and overlooked problems with conventional swimwear is microplastic pollution. Every time you wear or wash synthetic swimwear, microscopic plastic fibers break off and enter:
Oceans and rivers
Marine food chains
Human blood, organs, and tissue
The food we eat
Research suggests a single synthetic garment can shed hundreds of thousands of microplastic fibers in a single wash. In the ocean, these fibers absorb toxins and are ingested by fish, shellfish, and marine mammals — and eventually by us.
Unlike activewear that sheds microplastics in the washing machine, swimwear sheds microplastics directly into the water while you swim — into the ocean, lakes, and pools where children, marine life, and ecosystems are directly exposed. This makes the choice of swimwear fabric particularly important for ocean-lovers.
Synthetic Swimwear Contains Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
Synthetic fabrics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) — substances that interfere with the body's hormone system.
Common chemicals found in synthetic swimwear include:
Phthalates – plasticizers linked to hormone disruption
Bisphenol compounds (BPA/BPS) – estrogen-mimicking chemicals
PFAS ("forever chemicals") – used for water and stain resistance
Antimony – a heavy metal used in polyester production
Formaldehyde – used as a finishing treatment
Studies have linked these chemicals to:
Fertility issues
Hormonal imbalance
Thyroid disruption
Metabolic problems
Developmental issues in children
When you swim, your body temperature rises and your skin becomes more permeable. Chlorine and saltwater can also break down fabric coatings over time, increasing the rate at which these chemicals leach onto the skin.
Heat and Water Increase Chemical Absorption
The conditions of swimming make chemical exposure from synthetic fabrics worse than almost any other clothing scenario.
When you swim:
Body temperature rises
Skin pores open
Moisture increases skin permeability
UV radiation degrades synthetic fibers
Chlorine and saltwater break down fabric coatings
This is especially relevant for:
Bikini bottoms and one-pieces
Rash guards worn by children
Wetsuits worn for extended periods
These garments maintain close, prolonged contact with the most sensitive skin areas — exactly where hormone disruption is most impactful.
The Environmental Impact of Synthetic Swimwear
Beyond the health concerns, synthetic swimwear carries a heavy environmental footprint:
Made from petroleum (a non-renewable resource)
Energy-intensive manufacturing process
Toxic dye wastewater
Non-biodegradable — persists in landfills for 200+ years
Continuous microplastic pollution every time it's worn in water
Natural fiber swimwear, by contrast, is biodegradable and far less polluting from production through end of life.
Why "Recycled Plastic" Swimwear Isn't the Solution
You've probably seen swimwear brands marketing themselves as sustainable because they use recycled plastic bottles or fishing nets (fabrics like ECONYL® or Repreve®).
While recycled materials are better than virgin plastic, they are still synthetic. Recycled plastic swimwear:
Still sheds microplastics into the water
Still contains chemical additives from plastic processing
Is still non-biodegradable
May contain higher concentrations of toxins than virgin plastic due to the recycling process
Recycled plastic is better than virgin plastic — but it is not nontoxic and it is not plastic-free.
True plastic-free swimwear means swimwear made from natural, plant-based, or animal-based fibers with no synthetic content.
Why Cotton Should Be Organic |
Cotton is one of the most breathable and comfortable fabrics for clothing. However, conventional cotton farming uses large amounts of pesticides and insecticides. These chemicals can harm ecosystems and may remain as residues on fibers. Choosing organic cotton activewear reduces exposure to:
Organic cotton farming also supports:
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Best Natural Materials for Swimwear
If you want healthier, plastic-free swimwear, look for these fabrics:
Organic Cotton Swimwear | Hemp Swimwear |
Organic cotton is breathable, soft, biodegradable, and pesticide-free. GOTS-certified organic cotton is the gold standard. Some brands use 95–98% organic cotton with a small amount of natural elastane for stretch. | Hemp is one of the most sustainable fibers in the world. It requires very little water, is naturally pest-resistant, extremely durable, and antimicrobial. Hemp becomes softer over time and is naturally UV-resistant — ideal for swimwear. |
*Brands like Vitamin A Swim and Aktiiv may use materials with plastic, but they finish off manufacturing with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification to assure toxic chemicals don’t remain on the material. This is important because swim material commonly contains toxic dyes and PFA’S for water resistance. I share this with friends who aren’t into the natural swim brand options, though I prefer plastic-free options listed below. -Rosalie
Fabric Frequencies: Natural vs Synthetic Materials
Wellness discussions reference the vibrational frequencies of fabrics.
Measurements often cited include:
Material | Approximate Frequency |
Polyester | ~15 Hz |
Nylon | ~15 Hz |
Organic Cotton | ~100 Hz |
Hemp | ~5,000 Hz |
Linen | ~5,000 Hz |
While this concept is debated scientifically, many people believe natural materials align better with the body's natural energy — and the measurable health and environmental benefits of natural fiber swimwear speak for themselves.
Our Top Natural Swimwear Brands
Oddobody is a swimwear and loungewear brand centered around natural, breathable materials. Their limited-run swimwear collection is hand-sewn and made from 100% organic Pima cotton tricot knit, known for its incredibly soft, smooth texture and durability. With an open knit construction and minimal stretch, these pieces are an excellent choice for your lounging, swimming, or sunbathing days.
100% Natural: Yes
Material composition: 100% Organic Pima Cotton
For: Women
Based in: USA
Natasha Tonic is a plant-based organic hemp swimwear brand ethically made in small
quantities in Los Angeles. Their revolutionary hemp fiber allows swimsuits to double as lingerie, bodysuits, or activewear — season-less, biodegradable, and designed to reduce unnecessary waste. Hemp is naturally UV-resistant and antimicrobial, making it an ideal swimwear fabric. Featured in Vogue, Elle, Sports Illustrated Swim, and Harper's Bazaar.
100% Natural? 4% Elastane
Material composition: Organic Hemp, Organic Cotton, 4% Elastane
For: Women
Based in: USA (Los Angeles)
Zubek is a sustainable activewear and swimwear brand committed to nontoxic, natural materials and ethical production. Use code ROSALIE10 for a discount.
100% Natural? Almost, but 100% biodegradable
Material Composition: FSC-certified Natural Rubber, Organic Cotton, Merino Wool, Seaweed Fabric, 2% Biodegradable Elastane
For: Women
Based in: USA
Alex Crane makes simple, natural, easy-wearing swimwear and clothing from plant-based materials. Known for their linen and organic cotton pieces, Alex Crane is built on the belief that the best clothes are the ones that feel like nothing at all.
100% Natural? Yes
Material composition: Bananatex (Abacá Banana Fiber)
For: Women, Men
Based in: USA
Founded in 2011 in Newport Beach, California, BeachCandy Organics is a women-owned luxury swimwear brand handcrafted in Los Angeles by skilled local artisans. Named Editors Pick by Sports Illustrated, BeachCandy pivoted to 100% natural fiber organics — including the world's first organic one-piece swimsuit made from 53% organic hemp and 47% organic cotton with zero synthetics. Small batch, zero waste production with an upcycling program.
100% Natural? Yes
Material composition: Organic Cotton, Organic Hemp, AZO-free dyes
For: Women
Based in: USA (Los Angeles)
Founded in 1989 on the Aeolian island of Filicudi, Isole & Vulcani is an Italian artisan
swimwear brand making seamless, microplastic-free beachwear entirely from GOTS-certified organic cotton with natural dyes. Handcrafted in Italy with minimal seams and no padding, underwire, or synthetic linings. Packaging is made exclusively from cotton. A timeless, mix-and-match aesthetic for women and kids — made with love since 1989.
100% Natural? 10% Elastane
Material composition: GOTS-certified Organic Cotton, Natural Dyes, 10% Elastane
For: Women, Kids
Based in: Italy
Pure Earth Collection is the world's first organic cotton swimwear brand for the whole family. Their swimwear is made from 98% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 2% elastane — no synthetic linings, no plastic fibers, and no microplastic shedding. They even replaced the mesh lining in swim trunks with soft organic cotton. Every swimsuit sold removes approximately 14 grams of plastic from oceans and shores through their Cleaner Oceans Pledge. UPF 50+, nontoxic dyes, and free of PFAS and BPA.
100% Natural? 2% Elastane
Material composition: 98% GOTS-certified Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane
For: Women, Men, Kids
Based in: UK
Masa Swim offers sustainable, thoughtfully made swimwear with a focus on quality and longevity. Designed with the same uncompromising philosophy as the rest of the brand, this swimsuit is crafted from 100% OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 cotton using an innovative weave that delivers natural stretch, durability, and quick-drying comfort.
100% Natural? Yes
Material Composition: 100% OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Cotton
For: Women
Based In: USA
Founded in 2010 by Sara on Maui, Indie Attire is a one-woman handmade swimwear brand using sustainably sourced hemp, hemp-silk blends, and upcycled fabrics. Every piece is designed, patterned, and sewn by Sara herself. No cheap mesh lining — just double-layer swimwear fabric for superior durability, support, and comfort. A true local Maui brand built on slow fashion and deep craft.
100% Natural? 4% Elastane
Material composition: Hemp, Organic Cotton, Hemp Silk Blends, Upcycled Fabric, 4% Elastane
For: Women
Based in: USA (Maui, Hawaiʻi)
The Future of Natural Swimwear
Consumers are increasingly looking for nontoxic swimwear and plastic-free fashion.
As awareness grows about microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and ocean pollution, demand for natural fiber swimwear is rising.
Brands are experimenting with innovative fabrics made from:
Organic cotton
Hemp
Hemp-silk blends
Natural rubber wetsuits
Upcycled natural materials
The future of swimwear may move away from petroleum plastics toward renewable, biodegradable materials that are safer for our bodies and our oceans.
Final Thoughts
Swimwear sits directly against your skin in warm water, under the sun — conditions that maximize chemical absorption and microplastic release into the environment.
Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, shed microplastics directly into the ocean, and contribute to long-lasting environmental pollution.
Choosing natural materials like organic cotton, hemp, and natural fibers can help reduce your exposure to synthetic chemicals while protecting marine ecosystems.
When buying swimwear, remember to:
Choose organic cotton instead of conventional cotton
Be skeptical of "recycled plastic" greenwashing
Look for GOTS certification for organic verification
Support small batch and artisan-made brands
Consider end of life — will this biodegrade?
Natural swimwear is not only better for the ocean — it may also be better for your body.
FAQ |
What is the healthiest fabric for swimwear?
Many experts recommend natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and hemp-silk blends. These fabrics do not shed microplastics, are biodegradable, and are free from the chemical additives found in synthetic swimwear.
Does synthetic swimwear release microplastics?
Yes. Synthetic swimwear made from nylon, polyester, and spandex sheds microscopic plastic fibers directly into the water every time it is worn — contributing to ocean microplastic pollution.
Is recycled plastic swimwear nontoxic?
No. Recycled plastic swimwear (such as ECONYL® or Repreve®) is still synthetic and still sheds microplastics. It may also contain higher concentrations of toxins than virgin plastic due to the recycling process. It is a better choice than virgin plastic but is not truly nontoxic or plastic-free.
What is plastic-free swimwear?
Plastic-free swimwear is swimwear made entirely from natural fibers — such as organic cotton, hemp, or hemp-silk blends — with no synthetic content. These fabrics do not contribute to microplastic pollution.
Is organic cotton swimwear good for the ocean?
Yes. Organic cotton swimwear is biodegradable, does not shed microplastics into the water, and is produced without the toxic dyes and chemical finishes found in conventional swimwear.
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