Fair Fashion

Six Sexy and Sustainable Swimsuits: Bikinis and Maillots to Really Swim In!

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The ancient Roman Villa Romana del Casale (286–305 AD) in Sicily contains one of the earliest known illustrations of a bikini. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

It’s summer. Officially. Inarguably. Completely. Have you already donned your eco-friendly swimsuit on a beach or at a pool party? Get it, girl! Or have you procrastinated ordering a new swimsuit because… swimsuit shopping… and now find yourself in need of something sexy AND sustainable?

We’ve got you covered (modestly or otherwise). Enjoy these six delicious eco-swimwear choices and join us in dreaming of a world where there are six beach-days a week, because we can’t choose just one!

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Rachel Comey Coupe Top $127, Keena Bottom- $127

Bright, blocky patterns with a vintage cut will turn heads on even the most cramped beaches in designer Rachel Comey’s NYC home-base. Her garments are locally made in Midtown Manhattan.

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Ambika French/Fox Crocheted One Piece- $325

Suits this soft and romantic beg to lounge poolside on a chaise. We’ll happily oblige (and we are personally fans of her handmade creations.) “Based in upstate New York, Ambika works with local fiber growers, solar and wind powered mini-mills and artisans to create sustainable yet design conscious garments.”

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Cala Ossidiana Knot-Back Maillot in Obsidian- $147.50

This dead-sexy back is knotted to a classic and modest front.  “Environmental concerns are key – with almost-zero-impact fabrics, a local production and distribution system enact our commitment to sustaining the environment that inspires… from the natural beauty of Lipari to the skyline views of New York.”

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Jay Alders for Koru Blue Swell Monokini- $50

This playful monokini had humble beginnings- namely carpet fluff, fishing line and other landfill-bound soft-stuffs. In addition to its “started-from-the-bottom-now-I’m-here” vibe, it offers 50+ UPF protection. Show off.

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Faherty Cami Underwire Top- $85, Hipster Bottom- $60

Faherty has some gorgeous pieces and they’re made from a signature recycled plastic bottle polyester blend that  protects color from fading in chlorine/ salt. If only it’d protect our hair.

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TYReco Solid Diamondfit Workout Bikini- $60

The perfect suit for an underwater workout, Tyr’s unique recycled fabric production is energy efficient, minimizing the CO2 production. Durable, sleek and eco-friendly, the Women’s TYReco Solid Diamondfit Workout Bikini is a triple threat. This one also offers UPF 50+ protection and fights fade with chlorine resistance.

The eco-footprint of these suits are light, so go ahead- strut a little harder.

Keelie's creative mind was forged in the camp fires of a nomadic troupe that eventually settled in New York's Adirondack mountains. She spent her childhood hunting and gathering with her sisters and learning to Irish step dance. Keelie grew up to be a NYC-based performer, director, writer, photographer and arts educator. She's a 2016 Mitchell Scholar and is looking forward to serving as an ambassador in the field of theatre while studying at Trinity College, Dublin, sponsored by the US Ireland Alliance. Keelie holds a MFA in Acting from Brooklyn College and a BA in Theatre/ English from SUNY Empire State College. Her interests include anything edible, making her muscles grow, not looking like a tourist when she travels and keeping the earth healthy. Follow along at: http://sweatequalssuccess.blogspot.com/ .