Embrace Eco-Friendly Choices with Sustainable Swimwear

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Swimwear

The life cycle of traditional, non-sustainable swimwear — from its production to disposal — poses a real threat to our planet's health. Although it might seem harmless when you’re 'adding to cart', materials like nylon and polyester, derived from oil, can take centuries to decompose. Yes, centuries. This contributes to ocean pollution and the global issue of microplastics. It means the need for sustainable practices is more critical than ever.

What Makes Swimwear Sustainable?

Great question, we’re so glad you asked. Sustainability is as much about the planet as it is people. Which is why sustainable swimwear is distinguished by its minimal impact on the environment and its ethical production processes. 

Here's our team's approach to slashing waste and shrinking our environmental footprint: 

• Our swimwear is made from GRS-certified 75% recycled nylon, sourced from discarded materials like fishing nets, carpets, and plastics. Think: Materials that would otherwise go to waste. Through a detailed process of sorting, cleaning, regeneration, and purification, we comply with the Global Recycling Standard, ensuring each piece helps, rather than harms the planet.
• Our swimwear is certified with STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which means every part of our swimwear, from the durable elastane to the tiniest accessory, undergoes testing against a list of up to 350 harmful substances. This process guarantees that our practices are safe for our workers, our customers, and the planet.
• We’ve carefully selected a manufacturer committed to ethics, sustainability, and worker welfare, supported by their regular, favourable SMETA audit results.

How to Recognise and Choose Sustainable Swimwear

Seeking truly sustainable swimwear involves digging into the details—like the materials used, environmental certifications of brands, and their ethical practices. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard-hitting questions about the longevity of swimwear, where its materials are sourced, and its manufacturing process.

At Sheila, transparency is a cornerstone of what we do, which is why we always highlight these important details and ensure they’re easily accessible. This way, you can make choices that are kind to the planet (and fashion-friendly for our wardrobe!).

The Future of Swimwear: Trends and Innovations in Sustainability

While there’s always a lot to look out for, the future of sustainable swimwear is bright. As the year unfolds, you might see advancements in biodegradable fabrics and zero-waste designs. And while we can’t ever know what the future will bring, what we do know is that these changes pave the way for a sustainable, fashionable world.

Sustainable swimwear isn’t just a trend — it’s a permanent shift in response to our environmental challenges. Remember, as a consumer, your choices have significant influence. And as a brand, we're committed to providing you with those choices.