Eco Conscious Swimwear in Canada

Bonjour Everyone,

It’s summer, it’s fuc*@^%$ hot and all I want to do right now is swim. So lets talk about eco ethical swimwear! You know those ads you see on facebook and instagram for super cheap bikinis from Fashion Nova or Cupshe? Please don’t buy those brands as they help the fast fashion industry flourish.

In case you didn’t know: What is fast fashion?

Fast fashion can be defined as cheap, trendy clothing, that samples ideas from the catwalk or celebrity culture and turns them into garments in high street stores at breakneck speed to meet consumer demand. The idea is to get the newest styles on the market as fast as possible, so shoppers can snap them up while they are still at the height of their popularity, and then, sadly, discard them after a few wears. It plays into the idea that outfit repeating is a fashion faux pas, and that if you want to stay relevant, you have to sport the latest looks as they happen. It forms a key part of the toxic system of overproduction and consumption that has made fashion one of the largest polluters in the world (sourced from Good On You).

Instead, try buying a bathing suit from one of these awesome Canadian companies! Not only will you feel great about your purchase, but your swimwear will have a way longer life.

Here are some eco innovative companies to keep your eye out for!

Minnow

This Canadian company has a flair for bold prints and a little extra coverage for those with big hips (aka me). They design one collection a year and work to reflect the diversity in female bodies throughout their suits.

FEATURES

Eco Highlights: Recycled materials, made-to-order, gives back to the community

Star Qualities: Gender non-conforming collections, LGBTQIA+ supporters, M4BLM, plus sized models

Size Range: XS – XXL

Ordering: Based in Toronto, Canada, but ships internationally

Instagram Handle – @minnowbathers

Saltwater Collective

At Saltwater Collective their mottos are “Sustainability is Sexy” and “Cleaner Oceans Are Fashion Forward”. Each Saltwater swimsuit is made from abandoned fishing nets and nylon waste from landfills. Need I say more?

FEATURES

Eco Highlights: Rescues waste, recycled materials that can be recyled infinitely

Star Qualities: M4BLM, plus sized models, body positivity

Size Range: XS – XXL

Ordering: Based in Toronto, Canada, but ships to some international countries

Instagram Handle – @thesaltwatercollective

Nettle’s Tale

This Vancouver based company is all about fit. They design swimsuits for real woman – no matter what your shape or size is. Their core values include:

• manufacturing locally and ethically
• quality clothing and thoughtful design
• valuing inclusivity, honesty, kindness, and joy
• working to always be better

FEATURES

Eco Highlights: Recycled materials, gives back to the community, empowers woman

Star Qualities: M4BLM, plus sized models, body positivity, indigenous rights activism

Size Range: XS – XXL

Ordering: Based in Vancouver, Canada, but ships internationally

Instagram Handle – @nettlestale

June Swimwear (x MEC)

I put this brand last on my list because their original collections are not eco conscious, but they paired up with MEC to do an eco line using recycled materials. Hopefully they continue down this path!

FEATURES

Eco Highlights: Recycled materials (MEC collaboration)

Star Qualities: M4BLM

Size Range: S – XL

Ordering: Handmade in Montreal, Canada, but ships internationally
Instagram Handle – @juneswimwear