Sustainable Swimwear: Why Recycled Materials Are the Better Choice

Sustainable Swimwear: Why Recycled Materials Are the Better Choice

Summer, sun, and time by the water are among the most beautiful moments of the year for many. But while we look forward to the next dip in the lake or seaside vacation, it's also worth taking a look at the materials our swimwear is made from. Swimsuits, bikinis, and swim trunks are traditionally made almost exclusively from synthetic fibers – and thus from plastic.

At NUVONDA, we are fundamentally critical of plastic. Plastics are based on fossil raw materials and decompose very slowly in nature. At the same time, huge quantities of plastic already exist on our planet. This is precisely why we see recycled materials as a sensible alternative: instead of producing new plastic, existing resources can be reused.

Why is swimwear made from plastic at all?

Anyone who has ever worn a swimsuit or swim trunks knows the requirements: the material should be elastic, quick-drying, comfortable, and retain its shape even after many hours in the water.

Natural fibers like cotton or linen are only partially suitable for this. Therefore, swimwear usually uses materials like polyester or polyamide (nylon). These fibers offer the necessary functionality but also bring ecological challenges.

The question is therefore not necessarily: "Plastic or no plastic?", but rather: "How can we make better use of existing resources?"

Recycled materials instead of new plastic

More and more sustainable brands are therefore relying on recycled fibers for their beachwear collections. Existing plastic waste is collected, processed, and turned into new yarns.

Key materials include:

Recycled PET

PET bottles and other plastic packaging can be collected, cleaned, and processed into high-quality polyester fibers. This creates durable swim trunks, bikinis, or sportswear with a significantly lower demand for new raw materials.

Recycled Polyamide

Polyamide is one of the most commonly used materials for high-quality swimwear. Through recycling, existing plastic waste can be reused, reducing the need to produce new nylon.

ECONYL®

ECONYL® is a particularly innovative recycled material. It is made from old fishing nets, carpet scraps, and other nylon waste, among other things. The material can be recycled again and again and has the same functional properties as newly produced nylon.

Especially in the field of high-quality bikinis and swimsuits, ECONYL® has established itself as a popular alternative in recent years.

Is recycled swimwear perfect?

No. And that's why we at NUVONDA talk about it openly.

Recycled plastics are still plastics. They do not solve all environmental problems and are not a free pass for unlimited consumption. Nevertheless, in our view, they are currently one of the most sensible solutions for functional products like swimwear.

If plastic already exists and does not biodegrade anyway, we believe it is more sensible to reuse it rather than constantly producing new plastics.

Recycling saves raw materials, reduces waste, and helps keep existing materials in circulation for as long as possible.

Sustainable Beachwear at NUVONDA

At NUVONDA, you will find a carefully selected range of sustainable swimsuits, bikinis, and swim trunks from brands that rely on recycled materials and more responsible production processes.

Whether timeless black swimsuits, modern aqua tones, or classic dark blue swim trunks – our beachwear combines function, style, and a more conscious use of resources.

Because for us, sustainability does not mean perfection. It's about making better decisions step by step. And if existing plastic is already in the world, it should be used as sensibly as possible instead of always producing new plastic.

Discover sustainable beachwear for women and men at NUVONDA now and find your companions for sunny days by the water.

Women's Beachwear

Men's Beachwear