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Want to make your beach trip a little more eco-friendly and toxin-free? You’ve probably already packed a non-toxic sunscreen and a reusable bottle. But here's what I learned: your swimsuit might be doing more harm than good, so don't forget to use non-toxic swimwear as well!

As someone who spends a lot of time at the beach, I’m always on the hunt for organic swimsuits that are kind to my skin and the planet. While it’s tempting to pick up the latest trendy styles at the mall, these bathing suits aren’t always the safest choice for your health or the environment. I recently started researching what was actually in my swimwear What I found shocked me: some swim fabrics can contain known carcinogens, like formaldehyde, but also PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals.

A recent study from Arizona State University discovered that recreational activities including swimming significantly contribute to microplastic pollution, with synthetic swimwear identified as a major source of microfibers in recreational waters. The study found that microplastic concentrations in the Salt River increased eightfold during peak recreational activity times, with polyester and polyamide fibers from swimwear accounting for a substantial portion of the pollution.

If you’re looking to make your time at the pool, beach, or lake healthier for you, your family, and the environment, opting for non-toxic bathing suits can make a big difference.

So I spent the past months testing and researching non-toxic swimwear brands, certifications, and fabrics. In this guide, I'm sharing everything I've learned: which fabrics are actually safe, how to spot greenwashing, the best sustainable swimwear brands I trust (and why), and actionable tips for choosing swimwear that protects both your health .

Why Switch to PFAS-Free, Non-Toxic Swimwear?

Most of us pick swimsuits based on how they look on us.

However, it's also important to ensure they're not putting our health at risk. As you've probably noticed, most bathing suits are made from synthetic textiles like polyester, nylon, spandex, and elastane. But unfortunately, synthetic fibers tend to be more chemically treated than natural fabrics. This means your polyester swimsuit could contain traces of toxic chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, and azo dyes.

Regular exposure to these harsh substances may potentially increase the risk of health conditions like textile dermatitis, hormonal disruption, fertility issues, and even certain cancers, though the direct health impact from swimwear exposure remains an area of ongoing research.

Luckily, non-toxic swimsuits are completely free of harsh toxins, letting you enjoy your days by the pool without worrying about skin irritation or long-term health effects.

Don't know which swim fabrics you should choose? Let's have a look!

Best & Worst Non-Toxic Fabrics for Swimwear

When shopping for non-toxic bathing suits, always check the label for safe fabrics:

A few things to consider when choosing the right fabric:

• Natural fabrics are a good starting point for reducing chemical exposure, but they may still contain pesticide residues, so it's best to choose certified organic options when possible.

• Plant-based synthetic fabrics are made from renewable sources, but offer the same performance as nylon. Although they usually have fewer toxins than conventional plastics, they can still contain some chemical residues from production.

• Recycled synthetic fabrics help reduce plastic waste. Yet, these eco-friendly fabrics may contain even more toxins than regular synthetics. So, make sure to look for OEKO-TEX certified options!

What is the alternative to plastic swimwear?

Here are some alternatives to traditional virgin plastics:

• Natural fibers, like organic cotton, organic hemp, merino wool, and bamboo.

• Plant-based synthetic fibers, like BioSculpt, Yulex, and Bananatex, which are made from plant-based materials like eucalyptus wood pulp and castor bean oil.

• Recycled synthetics, like ECONYL®, which is made from regenerated nylon sourced from discarded fishing nets, and REPREVE®, which is made from plastic bottles.

Below, you'll find our top picks for the best non-toxic and plastic-free swimsuits!

What are the Best Plastic-Free & Non-Toxic Bathing Suits?

"Best"

BeachCandy | Shop Here*

Afends | Shop Here*

Pure Earth Collection

"Better"

Vitamin A | Shop Here*

Quince | Shop Here*

TomboyX | Shop Here*

Hanna Andersson | Shop Here*

Cleobella | Shop Here*

Summersalt | Shop Here*

Outerknown | Shop Here*

Londre

How Do We Choose the Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands?

After years of research and testing, we've created a list of the best eco-friendly swimwear brands on the market. These ethical brands prioritize safe materials, avoid harmful dyes, and are often certified as organic or non-toxic. Our top picks include swimsuits that meet our strict criteria:

• Free of toxic substances, like pesticides, PFAS, phthalates, and heavy metals

• Dyed with non-toxic pigments

• Third-party certification, when available

"Best" vs "Better"

• "Best" plastic-free swimwear: Our top picks are completely plastic-free or contain minimal synthetic fabric content. Some have even been tested and certified for organic purity.

• "Better" non-toxic swimwear: These options still meet our safety criteria but may have a higher synthetic content or be made entirely from synthetic materials. Nevertheless, these brands skip harmful chemicals and often use recycled fabrics for lower environmental footprint. Many of these options are also OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning they're free of toxins.

The “Best” Non-Toxic Swimwear Brands

BeachCandy - 100% Organic Natural Fiber Women's Swimwear (Our Top Pick)*

Best for: Plastic-free Swimwear

Certifications: N/A

Natural Materials: 55% Pesticide-free Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton

Price range: $49.00 - $149.00

Size range: XS - XXL

Why We Like It:

BeachCandy shines on our list as the go-to brand for 100% plastic-free swimwear! This ethical luxury brand offers an organic swimwear collection where most pieces are completely plastic-free. While a few picks include less than 4% lycra for added stretch, most options are made entirely from natural fabrics. You'll find flattering one-piece swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis, thong bikinis, and even sarongs!

I personally love their organic one piece swimsuit — it’s timeless and so easy to style with shorts, a hat, and a kimono cover-up. And the best part? It won't shed microplastics like synthetic swimwear does.

Shop BeachCandy here*

Afends - Sustainable, Lightweight Boardshorts for Men*

Best for: Men's Swim Shorts

Certifications: Their factories are GOTS, OCS, OEKO-TEX®, RCS, and GRS certified

Organic Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Recycled Cotton, Hemp, Elastane

Price range: $76.99 AUD - $109.99 AUD

Size range: XS - XXL

Why We Like It:

On the hunt for sustainable swim shorts? Afends has you covered! This international clothing brand creates sustainable swimwear made from organic and recycled fabrics, so you can have fun on the beach while keeping your impact on the planet low. And if you’d rather go fully natural, you'll love the brand's Dopamine or Angel Boy swim shorts, both made entirely from organic cotton.

Plus, the brand offers a variety of styles and features to suit your vibe, from classic black and bold graphic prints to surf-inspired designs.

Shop Afends here*

Pure Earth Collection - Organic Cotton Swimwear for the Whole Family*

Best for: Swimwear for the Whole Family

Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Toxin-Free Materials: 98% GOTS certified Organic Cotton, 2% PFAS & BPA-free Lycra Blend

Price range: £28.00 - £86.00

Size range: 0-13 years (kids); S-L (adults)

Why We Like It:

Pure Earth Collection is my favorite family-friendly, non-toxic swimwear brand! They offer organic options for everyone in the family, from kids’ swimsuits, trunks, and swim nappies to women’s styles and men’s swim trunks. Additionally, the brand’s organic swimsuits use non-toxic dyes to bring bright, fun patterns to life. Just imagine how cute you and your family will look in matching swimsuits!

And unlike other options, Pure Earth Collection ensures its swimsuits offer UPF50+ protection, so you and your family can stay safe from the sun while enjoying the beach or pool.

The “Better” Non-Toxic Bathing Suits (Still Safe Alternatives)

Vitamin A - Recycled & Plant-Based Swim Collection*

Best for: Style Variety

Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Recycled Fabrics: Recycled Nylon Fibers, Elastane, REPREVE® Polyester, Lycra Spandex

Price range: $35.00 - $210.00

Size range: XS - XXL

Why We Like It:

Vitamin A has over 300 swimsuits to choose from! They offer every style you can imagine and plenty more that you’d swear belong on the pages of a magazine.

What I like most about this ethical brand is that it turns plastic waste into durable, sustainable swimwear. This includes recycled nylon fabric scraps, post-consumer nylon recovered from ghost fishing nets, and recycled polyester yarns made from plastic bottles.

Plus, their BioSculp collection uses a plant-based plastic made from castor beans!

Why Better? Although the swimsuits are fully synthetic, the OEKO-TEX® certification guarantees that they are non-toxic and safe.

Shop Vitamin A here*

Quince - Affordable, PFAS-Free Recycled Swimwear*

Best for: Budget-Friendly Bathing Suits

Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

Sustainable Materials: Recycled Polyamide, Recycled Nylon, Spandex

Price range: $24.90 - $49.90

Size range: XS - XL

Why We Like It:

Looking for high-quality bathing suits that won't cost a fortune? Quince is one of my favorite choices when it comes to affordable, non-toxic clothing. And its timeless, sustainable swimwear collection is no exception. Quince uses toxin-free, recycled fabrics crafted in Italy and ethically sewn in Sri Lanka.

The result? Sustainable swimsuits you can wear for years! These swimsuits hold up to the sun, chlorine, and saltwater without losing color.

Why Better? These swimsuits are made entirely from synthetic materials, but fortunately, they are OEKO-TEX® certified, giving you peace of mind about their safety.

Shop Quince here*

TomboyX - Gender Inclusive, Recycled Swimsuits*

Best for: Gender-Neutral Designs

Certifications: OEKO-TEX®-certified Fabric, B Corp

Non-Toxic Materials: Recycled Polyester, Spandex

Price range: $35.00 - $117.30

Size range: XS - 6XL

Why We Like It:

Searching for gender-neutral designs? TomboyX offers eco-friendly bathing suits that anyone can feel comfortable in, no matter your size or gender expression.

The cherry on top? Each design recycles up to 15 plastic bottles, helping reduce plastic waste while giving you the performance of synthetic swimwear! And while this B Corp uses recycled synthetic fibers, you can feel confident these bathing suits are completely free of toxins.

Why Better? Although the swimsuits are OEKO-TEX® certified, the fully synthetic fabrics might be a drawback for those who prefer natural materials.

Shop TomboyX here*

Hanna Andersson - Safe, Sustainable Swimwear for Kids & Babies*

Best for: Kids & Baby Swimwear

Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Recycled Synthetic Fibers: Recycled Polyester, Recycled Nylon Fibers, Spandex

Price range: $50.00 - $75.00

Size range: Ages 0 - 12

Why We Like It:

Hanna Andersson is a fantastic option for children's swimsuits. This sustainable brand has super cute and colorful swimsuits for babies, girls, and boys up to size 12. And more importantly, their rash guards, one- and two-piece swimsuits, and trunks protect your child’s sensitive skin from up to 97% of UVA and UVB rays. This soft, non-toxic synthetic swimwear is also resistant to chlorine, salt water, and even sunscreen. Everything you need for care-free, fun-filled days at the beach or pool!

Why Better? Even though they’re fully synthetic, the OEKO-TEX® certification ensures these swimsuits are free from toxic chemicals.

Shop Hanna Andersson here*

Cleobella - Stylish Handmade Swimwear & Beachwear*

Best for: Ethical Swimwear

Certifications: B Corp, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Toxin-Free Synthetic Fibers: Recycled Nylon Fibers, Elastane

Price range: $28.00 - $378.00

Size range: XS - XL

Why We Like It:

Cleobella swimsuits will make you look chic and modern while staying true to your values. This B Corp cares about the planet, your health, and the fair treatment of the people who make your swimsuits.

Cleobella not only uses toxin-free, recycled swim fabrics, but also supports local artisans and small factories around the world. The brand's flattering, handmade designs help preserve traditional craftsman techniques while delivering swimwear that looks amazing and feels good to wear.

Why Better? While fully synthetic, the OEKO-TEX® certification guarantees these swimsuits are safe to wear.

Shop Cleobella here*

Summersalt - Recycled Fabric, Long Torso Swimsuits*

Best for: Long Torsos

Certifications: Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Non-Toxic Materials: Recycled Polyamide, Recycled Nylon, Elastane, Spandex

Price range: $20.00 - $145.00

Size range: XS - 3XL

Why We Like It:

I recently came across this sustainable swimwear brand and loved how many options they have for women with long torsos. That's something other eco-friendly swimwear brands often overlook!

Their swimsuits are absolutely stunning and flattering, featuring elegant colors and unique details like ruffles, bows, and multi-tone patterns that will elevate your look instantly. Plus, the brand uses recycled nylon to reduce plastic waste.

Why Better? The brand isn’t OEKO-TEX certified. While recycled fibers are great for sustainability, they may contain higher levels of toxins, and without certification, it’s hard to verify their safety.

Shop Summersalt here*

Outerknown - Best Performance One-Piece Swimsuit*

Best for: Swimming & Surfing

Certifications: N/A

Recycled Fibers: ECONYL® Nylon fabric, Recycled Polyester, Spandex

Price range: $116.70

Size range: XS - XXL (runs small)

Why We Like It:

I've been swimming a few times a week for the past year and Outerknown's one-piece has been the only swimsuit that stays perfectly in place from top to bottom. Beyond its flattering design, this sustainable swimsuit provides enough coverage without sacrificing ease of movement or squishing your boobs. Even the world-class surfer Sage Erickson recommends it!

This suit is made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, which is typically made from fishing nets and industrial nylon waste. The brand also offers recycled swim trunks designed by surfer Kelly Slater.

Why Better? The swimsuits aren’t OEKO-TEX certified. Even though recycled fibers are better for the environment, certification is needed to ensure they’re safe to wear.

Shop Outerknown here*

Harmful Chemicals in Conventional Swimsuits and Their Risks

Looking to stay safe from harmful chemicals while soaking up the sun? Here are some of the toxins you can avoid when choosing plastic-free swimwear:

• Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): These forever chemicals are often added to "quick-drying" swimsuits. They may increase the risk of hormone disruption and certain cancers.

• Formaldehyde: This known human carcinogen is usually added to set the color and maintain the swimsuit’s shape, but it may cause skin irritations.

• Phthalates: Commonly used in synthetic fibers to make them more flexible. These endocrine disruptors have been linked to certain cancers.

• Azo dyes: Typically used in brightly colored swimsuits. These dyes can break into aromatic amines, which can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of cancer.

• Heavy metals: Lead and Chromium (VI) are often present in vividly colored bathing suits. Exposure to these toxins can raise the risk of contact dermatitis and cancer.

• Pesticide residues: Natural fibers without organic certification can harbor pesticide residues, some of which have been linked to certain types of cancer.

Want to ensure your swimsuit is free of these toxins? You'll learn a few tricks below!

What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Bathing Suit?

When shopping for non-toxic swimwear, here are the key factors to evaluate:

• Fabric Composition
  Choose swimsuits made from certified organic or low-toxicity materials. Blends containing organic cotton, hemp, or GOTS-certified fibers are preferable. Small percentages of elastane (2–10%) for stretch are acceptable if the bulk of the fabric is certified organic.

• Dyes and Finishes
  Look for swimwear dyed with non-toxic pigments and avoid garments marketed as water-, stain-, or oil-repellent, as these claims often indicate PFAS-based finishes. Ask brands directly about their dyeing processes and whether they use restricted azo dyes or other banned substances.

• Certifications to Prioritize

  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Tests finished products for over 2,000 harmful substances and bans intentionally added PFAS as of 2024.

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Certifies minimum 70% organic fibers and controls all processing stages—from cultivation through dyeing, finishing, and manufacturing—to eliminate harmful chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals.

  • PFAS-Free: Some brands explicitly state they avoid PFAS-based water-repellent finishes; look for this language or ask directly.

What NOT to Look For
Avoid swimwear advertised as "quick-drying," "ultra-fast-drying," or "stain-resistant" without explicit PFAS-free claims, as these properties typically indicate the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which persist in the environment and have been linked to health concerns.

Performance vs. Safety: Finding the Right Balance

Whether we like it or not, synthetic swimwear offers better performance than natural fabrics: they dry quickly, are more flexible and durable, and maintain their shape even after repeated use.

Even though there are a few plastic-free swimwear options, most non-toxic bathing suits may contain a small percentage of synthetics for better fit and added stretch. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, these nearly plastic-free swimsuits can still be completely non-toxic.

For instance, if your swimsuit is made from 90% organic cotton and 10% lycra, you'll be considerably reducing your chemical exposure while still being able to swim comfortably!

Even fully synthetic or plant-based swimsuits can be non-toxic too—as long as they’re OEKO-TEX® certified—offering the right balance between safety and stretch.

Key Takeways

• Prioritize certifications (not marketing claims): Don't just trust "eco-friendly" labels. Look for specific third-party seals like OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or GOTS. These mean someone independent tested the product.

• Small synthetics are fine: If your swimsuit is 90% organic cotton + 10% elastane, you're already doing way better than 100% polyester. Perfection is the enemy of progress.

• Recycled isn't automatically safer: Yes, recycled polyester beats virgin plastic for waste reduction, but it can shed more microplastics. If you choose recycled, demand OEKO-TEX certification.

• Ask brands about PFAS: “Quick-drying” or highly water‑repellent claims can indicate PFAS finishes; look for brands that explicitly state “PFAS-free” and/or carry relevant certifications.

• Reduce microfiber pollution at home: Wash synthetic swimwear less often, at lower temperatures, and use tools like Guppyfriend washing bags or external filters to help capture microfibers before they enter wastewater.

FAQs

Are there swimsuits without polyester?

Yes. There are swimsuits made from natural and plant-based materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and plant‑based rubbers like Yulex, as well as hemp/organic cotton blends and other bio‑based fabrics. These options usually rely on tighter weaves and design rather than high stretch synthetics, so they can feel different from conventional swimwear and may offer slightly less compression, but they are a good choice if you want to avoid polyester altogether.

Does swimwear contain PFAS?

Some swimwear can contain PFAS, especially when it is marketed as water‑, stain‑ or oil‑repellent or “ultra quick‑drying,” because durable water‑repellent (DWR) finishes have historically often been based on PFAS. However, more brands are now switching to PFAS‑free alternatives, and certifications like OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 have banned intentionally added PFAS since 2024, so PFAS‑free options are increasingly available.

What is the best organic fabric for swimsuits?

For organic swimwear, blends of organic cotton and hemp (ideally GOTS‑certified) are currently the most common. They are significantly less chemically treated than conventional synthetics but offer less stretch, which is why many brands combine 90–98% organic cotton/hemp with 2–10% elastane to improve comfort and fit.

Are there organic swimsuits?

Yes. Several brands offer swimsuits made from certified organic fibers such as GOTS‑certified organic cotton and hemp, sometimes with a small percentage of elastane for better freedom of movement. It is important that not only the fiber cultivation but also dyeing and finishing are certified wherever possible, to limit the use of problematic chemicals.

Is recycled plastic swimwear (like ECONYL) safe to wear?

From a performance standpoint, recycled synthetics such as ECONYL® behave very similarly to conventional nylon and are generally approved for direct skin contact. Health‑wise, they can still contain residues of processing chemicals and additives, and some research suggests that recycled polyester and nylon fabrics may shed more and smaller microplastic fibers than virgin materials, which can increase environmental and potential health concerns. If you choose to wear recycled fabrics, additional safety certifications (such as OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100) are an important filter.