What is recycled nylon, exactly?

Recycled nylon is made from waste that already exists – think discarded fishing nets, carpet offcuts, industrial plastics and fabric scraps – instead of new petroleum.

The gold standard in premium swimwear is ECONYL. Through a sophisticated recovery process, waste is collected, broken down to its molecular building blocks and re-spun into new yarn. The result is a fibre chemically identical to virgin nylon, but made with a fraction of the environmental footprint.

How does it perform?

The science speaks for itself, but the way a swimsuit feels in and out of the water is the real test. Here’s how high-quality recycled nylon holds up against its ‘virgin’ counterparts:

• Stretch and recovery
  In well-made pieces, recycled nylon performs on par with virgin nylon. The molecular structure is the same, meaning the fabric stretches, holds its shape and snaps back exactly as it should.
  
• Colour retention
  Quality recycled nylon holds dye beautifully and resists fading from chlorine and UV exposure – so your swimsuit won't look sun-bleached after just two swims.
  
• Durability
  When the construction is solid, the lifespan of recycled nylon matches that of virgin nylon. We are talking hundreds of wears and multiple seasons with no shape loss.
  
• Feel
  Soft and smooth, with no compromise on texture. If a recycled swimsuit feels scratchy or stiff, that's a sourcing problem, not a recycled-fabric problem.

The common thread? Premium recycled nylon performs exactly the same as virgin nylon.

How to spot the real deal

Here is where it gets murky. Not all recycled nylon is created equal, and fast-fashion pieces made from low-grade fibres can pill or sag faster than their virgin counterparts. To ensure you are buying quality, look for these three markers:

1. Certifications

• The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) verifies the fabric is genuinely recycled and processed responsibly.
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 confirms the fabric has been tested against harmful substances.

2. Percentage
'Made with recycled materials' can mean anything from 5% to 100%. Look for brands that lead with specific numbers rather than vague language. The higher the number, the better for the environment.

3. Construction
Fabric is only half the equation. A double-lined suit will outlast a single-layered one regardless of the material used. Quality lining adds the essential opacity, structure and longevity needed for high-performance wear.

4. Transparency
Reputable brands aren't afraid to name their suppliers and list their specific certifications. If a brand is making big environmental claims but staying quiet on the finer details, it’s worth asking why.