Sustainable Swim Fabrics Explained
As you build a thoughtful swim drawer, fabric is everything. The right material shapes the fit, feel, and lifespan of your suit. This plain English guide explains three leading sustainable options so you can choose the fabric that matches how you swim, lounge, and travel.
What Is ECONYL Recycled Nylon
ECONYL is regenerated nylon made from waste like fishing nets and fabric scraps. It feels smooth and supportive with a clean stretch that snaps back well. In swimwear, ECONYL blends often include elastane for comfort and recovery. The result is a sleek fit that holds shape, resists sagging, and stays opaque when wet. ECONYL suits are a great choice for a refined silhouette and for pieces you plan to wear often.
What Is Carvico Revolutional Eco
Carvico Revolutional Eco is a nice Italian fabric known for a soft hand and sculpting support. The common blend is about seventy nine percent micro recycled polyamide and twenty one percent elastane at roughly one hundred seventy five grams per square meter. It feels smooth and light on the skin while providing a firm but comfortable hold. Many styles made with Revolutional Eco offer excellent shape retention, quick dry performance, and a sleek look that layers easily under cover ups.
What Is REPREVE Recycled Polyester
REPREVE is a recycled polyester made from post consumer plastics. In swimwear, it delivers a soft feel with reliable stretch and color hold. REPREVE blends are popular for printed suits because the surface takes color well and resists fading. If you love bright patterns or want a fabric that travels easily and dries quickly, REPREVE is a strong option.
Feel and Fit Compared
If you want a clean, sculpted line with a refined sheen, choose ECONYL or Revolutional Eco. If you prefer a softer hand with rich color saturation, choose REPREVE. For maximum support in the bust or through the midsection, look for higher elastane content and double lined areas regardless of the base fiber.
Which Fabric For Which Activity
For active swimming and laps, a sleek ECONYL blend or Revolutional Eco will feel streamlined and secure. For beach days that include lounging and long walks, REPREVE feels soft and comfortable with excellent color hold. For travel, all three pack well. Revolutional Eco and REPREVE tend to dry a touch faster on the hanger.
Durability and Care
Rinse suits in cool water after every wear and use a gentle cleanser. Lay flat to dry in the shade and keep fabric away from rough surfaces. Limit contact with heavy sunscreen and tanning oils which can weaken stretch fibers over time. With simple care, ECONYL, Revolutional Eco, and REPREVE suits maintain color, elasticity, and shape season after season.
UPF and Coverage Notes
Many sustainable swim fabrics are tightly knit and can offer strong coverage in sunlight. Look for UPF ratings in product details when available and choose darker or denser colors if you prefer more sun protection. Double lining adds opacity and can extend the life of the suit in high wear areas.
How To Choose Your Fabric
Start with how you plan to wear the suit. If you want a sculpted, minimal look that pairs easily with skirts or pants, try a Revolutional Eco or ECONYL one piece that can double as a bodysuit. If you love prints, try a REPREVE bikini with a matching wrap skirt or shirtdress. Select the fabric that supports your routine and the colors you actually reach for.