Batoko

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 4 October 2026

Yes, recycled swimwear claims from UK brands are generally genuine about using recycled materials like ECONYL or REPREVE, but the "sustainable" label comes with major environmental caveats.

### The Reality of Recycled Claims

- Legitimate materials: Independent certifications and brand transparency confirm that popular fabrics like ECONYL (made from discarded fishing nets and nylon waste) and REPREVE (made from recycled plastic bottles) are actually being used by UK and international labels. - Verified UK brands: Independent labels like Batoko, RubyMoon, and Riz Boardshorts genuinely repurpose plastic waste into swimwear.

### The Catch (Why It Is Not a Silver Bullet)

- It is still plastic: Recycled nylon or polyester is still synthetic material. - Microplastic shedding: Every time you wear and wash synthetic swimwear, it sheds tiny plastic fibers into the water. - Recyclability issues: Most blended swimwear (fabric mixed with high amounts of elastane or spandex) cannot be easily recycled at the end of its life, meaning it often ends up in landfill anyway. - Greenwashing risks: While the material claim is true, some fast-fashion brands use a small recycled capsule collection to mask a vastly unsustainable overall business model.

If you'd like, I can share:

- A list of truly transparent UK swimwear brands - Tips on how to reduce microplastic shedding when washing activewear and swimwear

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 4 October 2026

Yes - I found several strong UK options. If recycled material is the priority, I'd shortlist these:

### [SoSo Swim Bandeau Cut Swimsuit]() £80.00

### [Aspiga Recycled Halterneck Swimsuit]() £135.00

### [Speedo Eco Endurance+ Aquashort]() £28.50

### [Alpkit Rockford Recycled Swimming Shorts]() £29.99

### [Berlook ECONYL Recycled Bikini Top]() £36.33

### My top picks

| Brand | Best for | Recycled material | Approx. price | |---|---|---|---:| | Finisterre | Regular/cold-water swimming | ECONYL or recycled polyester | £90+ | | JUNK LDN | Fuller busts & colourful bikinis | Recycled nylon from waste | £50+ per set | | Davy J | Premium, British-made swimwear | 100% regenerated ECONYL nylon | £140+ | | Made of Water | Wild swimming | ECONYL / REPREVE | £45-£85+ | | Zigi Swim | Adjustable, flattering bikinis | ECONYL regenerated nylon | £65+ | | Soso Swim | Fashion-forward styles | Regenerated nylon | £40+ | | Rapanui | Circular/men's swimwear | ECONYL & NewLife recycled fibres | £35+ | | Batoko | Bold prints & value | Recycled plastic | £60+ |

The Guardian's 2026 testing particularly rated Wallien for frequent use, JUNK LDN for coverage, Finisterre for watersports, and Davy J for innovative construction. www.theguardian.com

For the fabric itself, ECONYL is one of the better-established choices: it's regenerated nylon made from waste including discarded fishing nets, and retains the performance characteristics needed for swimwear. outdoorswimmer.com

If I were buying: - 🏊 Best for serious swimming: Finisterre - 🌊 Best for sea/wild swimming: Made of Water - 👙 Best bikini: Zigi Swim or JUNK LDN - ✨ Best premium: Davy J - 💷 Best value: Rapanui or Soso Swim - ♻️ Best recycled-fabric credentials: look for ECONYL, REPREVE, Reclaim Prime or NetPlus, rather than simply "eco" in the product description. www.theguardian.com

If you tell me women's/men's, one-piece/bikini/swim shorts, budget, and whether it's for pool or sea, I can narrow this to the 5 best actual swimsuits available to buy in the UK right now.

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 4 October 2026

The best sustainable swimwear brands available in the UK include Finisterre, Away That Day, Deakin and Blue, Tide + Seek, Batoko, Stay Wild Swim, and Ref Swim. Prioritise brands using recycled or plant-based fibres, transparent manufacturing, and durable designs.

- Finisterre - Best for technical, performance-focused swimwear; it offers styles made with plant-based rubber as an alternative to conventional swimsuit fabrics. - Away That Day - Best for flattering, everyday bikinis and one-pieces; its collection uses ECONYL regenerated nylon. - Deakin and Blue - Best for supportive swimwear and inclusive sizing, with recycled fabrics and a strong focus on longevity. - Tide + Seek - Best for colourful, playful designs; its range uses recycled bottles throughout the collection. - Batoko - Best for bold, affordable recycled swimsuits, particularly its distinctive printed one-pieces. - Stay Wild Swim - Best for stylish British-made pieces and lower-impact materials, with a focus on small-batch production. - Ref Swim - Best for plastic-free innovation; its newer fabric is plant-based and derived from castor beans rather than petroleum-based nylon. - Marlies Dekkers - Best for vintage-inspired styles; the brand is B Corp certified.

Best overall: Away That Day for a balance of style, availability and recycled fabric. Best eco-material choice: Ref Swim's plant-based range. Best for serious swimming: Finisterre. Best budget-friendly option: Batoko.

When comparing products, check the exact fabric composition: “recycled” usually means regenerated nylon or recycled polyester, but it does not automatically make a garment recyclable. Look for durable construction, repair or take-back schemes, recyclable packaging and clear factory information.