Looking for Non-Toxic Swimwear? I Found Organic, PFAS-Free, & Low-Plastic Brands.

There’s no shortage of super cute, high-quality swimwear made from recycled materials. Many brands use ECONYL, which is a regenerated nylon fiber sourced from discarded fishing nets and other waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. (You’ll find some of those brands in this article.)

But what if you’re looking for a truly plastic-free swimsuit—one made entirely from natural or organic fabrics instead of synthetics?

Those are much harder to come by. But I did hours of digging for you and the good news is: you DO have options!

In this guide, I’m sharing the best organic cotton, hemp, and other plant-based swimwear options for the whole family.

This guide contains product recommendations and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine!

The Pros & Cons of Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics for Swimwear

First of all, this might go without saying, but swimwear not only needs to be cute, it needs to be functional, especially if you’re actually swimming and moving around (and not just lounging).

That is why the majority of swimwear that’s made from mostly natural materials still has a small percentage of synthetic material like spandex or nylon.

Spandex or nylon are usually added for performance, fit, stretch, and durability. Most people want a bathing suit that fits tightly (even when wet) and that sticks close to their skin so they don’t have to worry about any *wardrobe malfunctions.*

Personally, I’m totally fine with wearing a little bit of synthetic, especially if it means my bathing suit is versatile, long-lasting, and practical. Reducing the plastic percentage from 90% to 10% or less is still a huge win for me.

Of course, what YOU want or need in a bathing suit is going to vary depending on whether you’re just laying around the pool, surfing, walking around a resort all day, running to catch up with the kids on the beach, or whatever.

Depending on your needs, swimwear may be one of those categories where you might just have to go with an option that’s not 100% plastic-free. That’s okay… Just choose the best option you can based on all of the various factors involved.

Best & Worst Non-Toxic Fabrics for Swimwear

Worst: 100% virgin synthetic fabrics (like polyester)

The most toxic kind of fabric for bathing suits is 100% virgin petroleum-based synthetic that does not come with any third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX (more on that in a minute).

That includes polyester, nylon, elastane, etc.

In recent years, more synthetic clothing has been tested and found to contain toxic chemicals like BPA, PFAS.

These chemicals aren’t necessarily always added intentionally. Sometimes they’re there as contaminants, either because of the manufacturing process or because of the material used.

In these tests, the clothing items that were made primarily of natural/organic fabrics (even if was blended with a little bit of synthetic, like spandex!) were found much less likely to contain these toxins.

Better: Organic cotton and/or hemp

As I mentioned, swimwear made from natural fabrics like cotton and hemp are much less likely to contain toxins like BPA, phthalates, PFAS, heavy metals, and azo dyes.

These fabrics aren’t usually as “high-performing” when it comes to stretch, fit, and staying in shape while wet, which is definitely something to consider as you shop.

That said, organic cotton or hemp bathing suits are not like swimming in your underwear either! There are different weaves and layering that can achieve a thicker fabric, and adding smaller amounts of something like spandex can still lead to a suit that performs well but is still safer against your skin.

Also, non-toxic swimwear brands have gotten creative when leaving out elastic and swapped it out with ties, wraps, etc. It just depends on your personal preferences, what you’ll be doing in your suit, and what you personally want to try out!

Better: Plant-Based Synthetics

Next up we have plant-based synthetics. This includes fabrics like:

• BioSculpt (Vitamin A)
• Yulex (Patagonia)
• Bananatex (Alex Crane)

These are basically fabrics that look, feel, and act like conventional synthetics (like nylon, etc.). But instead of being made from petroleum, they’re made from plants like castor seed oil and eucalyptus wood pulp.

It still requires relatively heavy processing to turn these plants into fabrics, but when done using less-toxic chemicals and in a closed-loop system (meaning the chemicals don’t get dumped into waterways), I do believe these fabrics are a much healthier alternative to traditional plastic fabric.

I think choosing these plant-based fabrics can be a really great solution for when you need a suit (or activewear!) to perform really well—like for active water sports.

My one caveat to this one is that since these fabrics are pretty new, we don’t know very much about them. I have yet to see any independent testing on whether or not they could contain any toxic chemicals. And even though some of them say they’re biodegradable, I’m not totally convinced that’s true.

That said, I’d still totally wear it (and I do! I have a Vitamin A suit made of the plant-based BioSculpt fabric).

Better: OEKO-TEX certified synthetics

Lastly, any fabric that is OEKO-TEX certified is a good option too, regardless of whether the fabric is natural or synthetic.

OEKO-TEX is a third-party certification that tests a finished product for a variety of toxic chemicals. The certification is not totally perfect, but I still think it’s worth looking for, especially if you’re buying something plastic-based.

The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification bans and/or limits intentionally-added toxic chemicals like PFAS, lead, azo-based dyes, bisphenols, phthalates, and more.

The good news is that there are a bunch of OEKO-TEX certified swimwear on the market, and I’ve included a list of brands below!

Are PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Used on Bathing Suits?

Everyone is trying to avoid PFAS these days, and for good reason—they are linked with a host of negative health effects, from developmental issues to cancer.

But are PFAS something you have to worry about with bathing suits?

Well, it depends. It’s actually kind of difficult to tell! That’s because brands don’t have to tell you whether or not they’ve added PFAS to their fabric.

Usually, if a swimsuit is advertised as “quick-drying” or something similar, that could mean PFAS are used. But even then, you’d have to reach out and ask.

But, I have two pieces of good news here:

1. Several states are banning PFAS in consumer clothing, which means that over the next several years (as these bans actually roll out), we will be seeing a LOT less PFAS in our clothing—including bathing suits.
2. The third party certification called OEKO-TEX banned all PFAS in their Standard 100 certification starting in January 2024. That means that in order for a fabric to be OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, it has to be tested for total fluorine and found to be under 100 mg/kg.
3. Some brands now say explicitly that their bathing suits are PFAS-free. I’ve noted some of those brands below.

These Bathing Suits Are Made from Organic Cotton, Natural Hemp, & Other Plant-Based Fabrics (Well, Mostly…)

BeachCandy

Materials: Organic cotton, hemp, and possibly some synthetics (depending on the specific piece you’re looking at)
Carries: Women’s one and two-pieces
Made in: USA
Price range: $89 (on sale) – $189
Sizes: 0-18 / XS-XXL

BeachCandy does make a lot of synthetic swimwear, but they now have an organics line too!

They do have a couple of options (like this one) that are 100% plastic-free, made instead from a blend of organic cotton and hemp. And then the other options in the organic collection have about 4% lycra.

They’re also ethically-made in Los Angeles and the prices are reasonable!

Natasha Tonic

Materials: Organic cotton, hemp, and 4-7% nylon or lycra
Carries: Two-piece sets (sold separately so you can mix and match), one-pieces, and activewear
Made in: USA
Price range: $100-300

Natasha Tonic’s gorgeous organic cotton + hemp swimwear comes in bright solid colors, standard blacks and whites, tye-dyes, and more. Natasha carries a wide range of designs, whether you’re looking for a high-waisted bottom with a one-shouldered top, a stringy bikini, or even a bodysuit. Most of her pieces can actually serve multiple purposes—swimwear, lingerie, or activewear.

Everything from Natasha Tonic is designed, dyed (with non-toxic dyes of course), and sewn ethically in sunny Los Angeles. Many of the pieces are made to order to prevent waste. They are committed to ethical and sustainable transparency throughout their entire supply chain.

Vitamin A

Materials: Their BioSculpt collection is made from a 77% plant-based polyamide, combined with 23% lycra spandex fiber
Carries: One pieces, two pieces, activewear, rash guards,
Made in: California, USA
Price range: $775-1500

Vitamin A has been a favorite swimwear brand in the sustainable fashion world for many years now. Their suits are always high-quality, comfortable, and flattering.

Although a lot of their bathing suits are made from recycled materials, they also have a “plant-based” collection called “Biosculpt”, which is made primarily out of a plant-based plastic (made from castor beans).

It has a lot of the properties of synthetic fabric—it’s durable, it dries pretty quickly, and it’s super smooth.

As a brand, Vitamin A is committed to ethical and sustainable practices throughout their supply chain, too. They do regular beach cleanups, they give back 1% of profits to environmental non-profits, and they use recycled and biodegradable packaging.

Oh, and this collection is gorgeous, too. 

My review: I actually purchased one of their BioSculpt suits a couple of years ago and I really like it. It’s not as stretchy as you might be used to with swimwear, but the fabric is thicker and feels more durable. So not only does it feel like it will last longer than an alternative, but I also feel thoroughly “held in” to the suit when I’m swimming or running around in it. That’s why this one gets my recommendation for the best low-plastic option for water activities.

The one thing I don’t like about this fabric is that sunscreen tends to show up on it and it’s kind of difficult to wash it out. (I have a black suit; it probably wouldn’t be as much of an issue with a lighter color.) So when I apply sunscreen, I’m careful not to get it all over my suit.

Kaylyn Gardner (100% organic cotton)

Materials: Organic cotton
Carries: Women’s (one- and two-pieces), Girls (two-pieces), Loungewear (cardigans, arm wraps, etc.)
Made in: USA
Price range: $80-300

This is one the very few 100% organic cotton swimwear brands. Each one of these knit swimwear pieces is handmade and dyed using avocados!

They offer several different styles of one and two pieces, and they even have a super cute matching Mommy & Me collection that comes with a girls’ swimsuit. 

They also offer other kinds of knitwear like pullovers and shorts that you can lounge around in after a day at the pool or beach.

Note that since they are completely free from any synthetic stretchy fabric, they aren’t going to fit the same way other conventional swimsuits will. They may not be the best fit for active water sports or intense swimming, but they’re great for lounging around the pool or beach and dipping in the water!

Masa

Materials: 100% cotton
Carries: Women’s one and two pieces
Made in: Greece
Price range: $158

Is it weird that a tortilla chip brand sells cotton bathing suits?

I don’t know, but they do!

These are made from 100% cotton, but they’re made using a different kind of weaving technology to make them more quick-drying and not saggy! They’re also OEKO-TEX certified.

Also, the one-piece swimsuits are “new mom friendly”— they feature a convenient zipper for easy nursing access.

Alex Crane (men’s trunks)

Materials: Bananatex® (plastic-free & plant-based)
Carries: Men’s board shorts
Made in: Chennai, India (in ISO 9001 and SA 800 certified factories to ensure quality and ethical working conditions)
Price range: $125

I think this is a great option for board shorts. They’re made out of Bananatex®, which is a plastic-free fabric made of Abacá banana plants, but it’s a lot more water resistant and quick-drying than cotton. So it has more of a “performance” feel to it.

They’re available in blue, green, or black.

Afends (men’s board shorts)

Materials: Hemp, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Elastane
Carries: Boardshorts
Made in: Designed in Australia, Made in China
Price range: $28-90

Afends carries both boardshorts that are made out of a blend of recycled polyester, hemp, organic cotton, and elastane.

They’ve got a few different colors and patterns available, from standard black to graphic prints. They’ve got a relaxed fit and feature a fixed waistband with a drawcord and a zipped side pocket to keep your keys safe. They’re super lightweight and rash-free (quick -drying and designed to minimize chafing).

What I don’t like: They still use a lot of synthetic fabric (even though it is recycled). Check the product details before buying to make sure you know what you’re getting.

Also, it looks like they discontinued their natural women’s swimwear. 🙁 They do still have women’s options made from recycled synthetics. 

Pure Earth Collection (for kids & babies)

Materials: 98% certified organic cotton + 2% lycra (inner fabric of the nappies is 100% cotton)
Carries: One-pieces, trunks, swim nappies
Made in: UK
Price range: £18-34
Sizes: 0-13 years

I’m so glad I found this brand! They are based in the UK, but they do ship worldwide (you just might have to wait a little longer).

They don’t have a huge collection, but their designs are super cute. They have one-pieces, swim trunks, and swim nappies for the youngest family members. The suits and trunks have 2% lycra, but the rest is certified organic cotton. They use non-toxic dyes as well.

Their swimwear is rated UPF 50+.

Love That Cotton (for kids)

Materials: 100% Cotton
Carries: Boys swim trunks, girls one- or two-piece, kids’ cover-ups
Made in: USA
Price range: $22-30

Love That Cotton is a family-owned and operated business located in Texas. They offer super cute (and affordable!) 100% cotton bathing suits for kids.

They have trunks for boys as well as several different styles for girls (one pieces, two pieces with lace, two pieces without lace). Sizes range from 6 months to 10 years. 

You can choose from several different colors of stripes, and you can even add a personalized embroidered monogram if you want!

They are lined with polyester, which is not ideal since that’s the part that’s against your child’s skin. But I think that’s probably necessary for it to function in water since it’s 100% cotton.

They also don’t have any third party certifications.

Hanna Andersson (for babies & kids)

Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled poly, spandex
Carries: Baby swimwear, rash guards, one- and two-pieces, trunks for babies and kids
Made in: Various countries
Price range: $7-60

Hanna Andersson is another pretty good option for kids’ swimwear. Even though they do use synthetics, their suits are OEKO-TEX certified, which means they’ve been tested to be free from a long list of toxic substances.

They also have a really large collection, from little baby rash guard suits for boys and girls, to all kinds of one-pieces, two-pieces, and trunks for boys, girls, and unisex up to size 12. Their patterns and colors are suuuper cute, too. They even have some kid-parent matching sets!

Their fabrics are also fast-drying and protect your kids’ skin from UVA/UVB rays. They also carry cover-ups made primarily of cotton.

Isole & Vulcani (women & kids)

Materials: Organic cotton + elastane
Carries: A variety of one and two pieces
Made in: Italy
Price range: €68-104

Another great option for an organic bathing suit, this brand is based in Italy (where their suits are made)—but they do ship worldwide.

They are mostly made out of 90% GOTS Certified organic cotton + 10% elastane. They have a LOT of different colors and patterns to choose from and you can mix & match!

Esembly (non-toxic swim diapers)

Materials: GRS certified recycled polyester with a waterproof TPU laminate
Carries: Reusable swim diapers
Made in: China
Price range: $18.50

For the littlest swimmers, the non-toxic diaper brand Esembly makes an outer diaper that also doubles as a water diaper. It’s made out of recycled polyester with a waterproof TPU layer. (For more info on why TPU is the best option for non-toxic water-proofing, check out our guide to waterproof mattress protectors.)

They are also OEKO-TEX certified. Esembly says their diapers are free of lead, BPA, PVC, and phthalates, and that the fabric is independently tested to meet both US and EU Standards for Food Safety “(not that you eat out of your diaper covers, but you could if you wanted to!).”

They’re available in two sizes (7-17 lbs or 18-35 lbs) and a lot of very cute designs.

Healthybaby (swim diapers)

Materials: REPREVE® polyester (100% recycled plastic bottles)
Carries: Reusable swim diapers
Made in: USA

These swim diapers are also not organic, but they are at least OEKO-TEX certified (and 100% recycled).

Even though they’re made out of plastic, it’s a soft, sensory-friendly fabric. It comes in three sizes and each one has adjustable buttons that make sure messes stay contained.

(Healthybaby is also one of the best option for non-toxic disposable diapers & wipes. They also have a non-toxic cleaning concentrate, laundry detergent, and gentle shampoo/body wash that I really like!)

Patagonia (neoprene-free wetsuits)

Materials: Yulex
Carries: Wetsuits for men & women
Price range: $108-639

Patagonia has a collection of wetsuits that are made from a branded fabric called Yulex. Yulex is made from FSC certified natural rubber instead of traditional neoprene, which is sourced from oil and/or limestone.

These wetsuits are not only more sustainable, but they’re just as high-performing for water sports and they’re Fair Trade certified, too.

They also have plenty of other swimwear (one-pieces, two-pieces, and trunks). It’s synthetic, but explicitly PFAS-free.

Finisterre and SLO Active are two other brands using Yulex for their swimwear and wetsuits (though most of SLO Active’s appear to be sold out; you may have to preorder).

I’d still like some more transparency about the chemicals involved in the manufacturing process of both BioSculpt and Yulex (is it a rayon type of situation?), but I’m sure they’re both still better options than their petroleum-based plastic alternatives, both for you and for the planet.

Hemp Huggers (most customizable)

Materials: Organic hemp, organic cotton, and latex-free lycra.
Carries: Bikinis, one-pieces, beach clothing
Made in: USA
Price range: $64-358

Their website may look like it’s from 2002, but don’t let it fool you: this brand actually has some great options for organic swimwear that’s made from hemp and cotton. The lycra they use is latex-free, which means it’s hypoallergenic and a great option for even the most chemically-sensitive person.

They have a lot of different options (mostly for women) and the suits are suuuper customizable—you can choose the type of fabric, type of dye, cup size, and more.

Even More Options for OEKO-TEX Certified Swimwear for the Whole Family

Building on the above list, here are even more swimwear brands that either use primarily natural fabrics OR their synthetics are OEKO-TEX certified.

Remember: OEKO-TEX certified = practically PFAS-free swimwear.

I say “practically” because there is still a chance that PFAS could be there via contamination. Unfortunately, because of how ubiquitous PFAS now are, PFAS contamination is a possibility with pretty much everything. But with the OEKO-TEX certification, you can be sure that there are no added PFAS and that the fabric has been third-party tested and verified that any PFAS that might be there is very low.

Akoia Swim (women) 

• Also based in Australia, each of these crocheted bikinis and one pieces are handmade out of 100% cotton yarn. 
• They have some really beautiful crocheted dresses, too.

Arloe (women)

• This is another brand that uses a bio-based fabric (made from castor beans) that mimics traditional petroleum-based fabrics.
• They have a selection of one- and two-pieces

Baiia (women, kids, men)

• Baiia’s swimwear for women not only uses fabrics made from recycled synthetics, but their water-based dyes come with Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX, and CLEAR TO WEAR certifications. 
• They have some classy, full-coverage styles, too.

Billabong (men)

• A brand you might not have expected to see on this list but Billabong has a couple of pairs of trunks made from 53% hemp, 44% recycled polyester, and 3% elastane.

City Threads (kids)

• They use mostly synthetic (recycled) fabrics, but a lot of them they are OEKO-TEX certified and ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Substances) certified. (Check the details though because not every swimsuit comes with those certifications.) They have a lot to choose from—rash guards, trunks, one-pieces, two-pieces, swim diapers, and more. They’re made in the USA too—knit, dyed, cut, and sewn in Los Angeles.
• You can find these on Amazon.

Cleobella (women)

• Mostly synthetic fabrics, but they are OEKO-TEX certified. Plus, everything is ethically-made and they are committed to transparency. I think their designs are so pretty!

Etsy

• Etsy has several options for natural, low-tox, and organic swimsuits made from materials like organic cotton and hemp. Check out these shops:
  • Una Pluma
  • Strong Heart Hemp
  • Hemp Plant Matter

Friendship Unlimited (kids)

• These are made in Canada. They use synthetic fabric (made of recycled plastic bottles), but they are OEKO-TEX certified. They have more full-coverage options so you don’t have to worry quite as much about sunscreen.

Greensprouts (babies & kids)

• Greensprouts makes OEKO-TEX certified swim diapers, and easy-change trunks and one-pieces that are free from toxins like azo dyes and formaldehyde.

Industry of All Nations (men’s)

• They have a pair of board shorts made of 100% organic cotton.

Jade (women)

• Here’s another brand offering beautiful designs that use synthetic fabrics but are OEKO-TEX certified and tested to be free from toxic azo dyes.

Londre (women)

• Londre has a gorgeous collection of sustainable swimwear for women that is made from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles and is also OEKO-TEX certified. 
• They have more inclusive sizing as well.
• Lauren’s Review: “I’m obsessed with my 2 one-piece Londre suits. The material is thick and super soft — one of them is white and not see-through at all. I also love that it’s run by the two women who founded it.”

LUZ (women)

• Many of the suits made by this French brand are made with OEKO-TEX certified recycled synthetics.

Midori (women)

• These one- and two-pieces are also made from OEKO-TEX certified synthetics.

Narah Soleigh (women)

• These are also made of mostly recycled synthetic fabrics, but they are OEKO-TEX certified. They are designed in Germany and made in Portugal. They have a wide selection of one- and two-pieces.

NOW_THEN (women)

• A great collection of recycled ethical swimwear for women that is OEKO-TEX certified, including rash guards, active swimwear, and a long sleeve body (swim) suit.
• Many of their pieces are made out of “petroleum-free” ecoprene.

Organic Zoo (babies)

• A UK-based brand that offers OEKO-TEX certified reusable swim nappies made out of a polyester outer layer and a bamboo inner layer.

Pacific Rainbow’s (toddlers, kids)

• This collection of kids’ swimwear is made from synthetic material, but it’s OEKO-TEX certified.

Picture Organic Clothing (men & women)

• They have swimwear and wetsuits for adults. They’re all synthetic, but most of them are made from OEKO-TEX certified fabric.

Primary (babies & kids)

• Also made from recycled synthetic materials, but they are OEKO-TEX certified.

Quince (women’s)

• These are all made out of recycled synthetics, but they are OEKO-TEX certified and explicitly PFAS-free.

Rawganique (men)

• Although they don’t have a very big collection, Rawganique does have a few swim shorts that are made out of organic cotton, hemp, linen, and non-toxic dyes. 
• They can even remove the elastic waistband for a pair of 100% natural trunks, making these suitable for folks with the most sensitive skin.

Reset Priority (women)

• Here’s another brand that carries OEKO-TEX certified recycled Italian Lycra.

Seaesta Surf (kids)

• Seaesta Surf has a collection of super cute kids’ board shorts made from 52% organic cotton fabric and 48% recycled polyester. 
• Additionally, their rash guards and one-pieces are made from partially recycled materials.

Second Summer (women)

• Their OEKO-TEX certified swimwear collection is made out of a fabric called Amni Soul Eco, which is supposedly a “biodegradable” nylon.

Shapes in the Sand (women)

• This Australia-based brand uses recycled Lycra from Italy that is OEKO-TEX certified.

She Made Me (women)

• This is another crocheted swimwear brand that makes really beautiful, artisan made suits out of natural cotton (combined with a nylon and elastane lining so you can actually wear it in the water).

Swimm (women)

• This Australia-based brand makes simple one- and two-pieces made from 96% Australian merino wool and 4% elastane.

TomboyX (adults)

• TomboyX is known for gender- and size-inclusive undies but you may not have known about their swimwear line that’s available in lots of fun styles and prints (like a unisuit!). 
• Although they do use synthetics, a lot of it is recycled and it’s all OEKO-TEX certified to be safe from harmful materials.

Wolven (women)

• Their collection of reversible one- and two-pieces are made out of OEKO-TEX certified recycled P.E.T. fabric.

Youswim (adults) 

• This size-inclusive UK-based brand is super unique. They only offer two sizes, but because of the way the fabric is designed and made, they can fit a wide variety of body sizes and shapes.
• The fabric is made with an EU-sourced, OEKO-TEX® certified nylon yarn and elastane.
• Jaclyn has re-purchased several Youswim suits over the years and she loves them!

But Wait! Catch Those Microplastics!

If you do decide to go with a suit that’s made from recycled synthetic materials, there are some things you can do to minimize the amount of microplastics that enter the waterways when you put your suit through the wash. (These are also good for any other types of synthetic clothing as well!)

• You can place your suit into a Guppyfriend bag before putting it in the laundry.
• For larger loads, you can just throw a Cora Ball in your washing machine and it will catch a certain amount of microplastics for you. (Use code THEFILTERY for 10% off.)
• Or you can grab one of these washing machine attachments.

Check out Lauren’s reviews on all three of these microplastic filters here.

So, there you have it. 100% plastic-free, natural, and organic swimwear is quite difficult to come by, and quite honestly, it’s not for everyone. I hope this guide helps you understand more about what you’re looking for and has given you some BETTER options to choose from.

And don’t forget: stress can be toxic, too. So instead of worrying TOO much about trying to make the perfect decision when it comes to sustainable and organic swimwear, just make the best decision you can with the options you have.

And then… HIT THE BEACH AND HAVE FUN!

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