Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 25 October 2026
# Best recycled-material swimwear brands in the UK
If you want swimwear that looks good, lasts well and is made from recycled materials, I'd start with Davy J, Finisterre, Batoko and Made of Water\. They offer different styles, from premium swimsuits and colourful beachwear to practical kit for regular swimming. Recent UK guides also highlight these brands for their use of recycled fabrics. www.curiouslyconscious.comcharlieontravel.comwww.theguardian.com
## My top picks
!Venetia One-Piece Swimsuit With Cut-Out Detailing In Pink | ANTONINIAS | Wolf & Badger
## 1\. Davy J
Best premium, long-lasting swimwear
Made using ECONYL regenerated nylon, which is produced from waste such as discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste. A good option for distinctive one-pieces and swimwear that can double as a bodysuit.
Price guide: around £100-£140 for statement styles.
Shop Davy J www.curiouslyconscious.comcharlieontravel.comwww.theguardian.comoutdoorswimmer.comsustainablestalks.com
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!Women's Senara V Neck Swimsuit in Black | Finisterre
## 2\. Finisterre
Best for regular swimming and watersports
A strong choice if you prioritise function over fashion alone. Its Senara swimsuit uses ECONYL regenerated nylon blended with elastane, with a practical, sporty design.
Price guide: about £90 for the Senara one-piece.
Shop Finisterre www.curiouslyconscious.comcharlieontravel.comwww.theguardian.com
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!BATOKO Cockatoo Swimsuit | Parrot Print One-Piece | Recycled Swimwear
## 3\. Batoko
Best for colourful, playful prints
Known for bold, illustrated swimsuits made from recycled plastic. Worth considering if you want something cheerful and distinctive rather than plain minimalist swimwear.
Price guide: one-pieces around £60.
Shop Batoko www.curiouslyconscious.comcharlieontravel.comwww.theguardian.com
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!Shop Swimwear | Made of Water
## 4\. Made of Water
Best for wild swimming
A Cornish-founded brand with swimwear using ECONYL and REPREVE recycled fibres. Particularly worth exploring if you swim outdoors or want practical styles as well as beachwear.
Price guide: one-pieces around £85.
Shop Made of Water www.curiouslyconscious.comcharlieontravel.comwww.theguardian.com
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!JUNK LDN | Sustainable Swim in sizes XS - 3XL | Fuller bust friendly
## 5\. JUNK LDN
Best for adjustable bikinis and fuller busts
Uses recycled nylon fabric with elastane, including its Reclaim Prime material. The adjustable bikini designs are particularly appealing if you need more control over fit and coverage.
Price guide: bikini tops around £55 and bottoms around £50.
Shop JUNK LDN www.curiouslyconscious.comcharlieontravel.comwww.theguardian.com
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!Mens Swim Shorts | Swim Shorts Men | Rapanui
## 6\. Rapanui
Best to explore for men's swimwear
Offers swim shorts and circular-design clothing, with recycled fibres used in its swimwear range. A useful starting point for simpler, everyday swimming shorts.
Price guide: men's swim shorts around £50.
Shop Rapanui charlieontravel.com
## Which recycled fabric should you look for?
| Fabric | Best for | What it's made from |
|--------|--------|--------|
| ECONYL | Premium swimsuits and bikinis | Regenerated nylon from fishing nets, fabric scraps and other nylon waste |
| REPREVE | Practical swimwear and swim shorts | Recycled polyester, often made from plastic bottles |
| Other recycled nylon/polyester | More affordable options | Depends on the brand and supplier |
www.theguardian.comoutdoorswimmer.com
One important point: recycled fabric is a positive step, but it doesn't automatically make a swimsuit sustainable. Look for clear recycled-content information, good construction and a fit you'll want to wear for years. Synthetic recycled fabrics can still shed microfibres, and elastane blends can be difficult to recycle. www.theguardian.comsustainablestalks.com
## I can narrow this down for you
What type of swimwear are you looking for?
One-piece swimsuit
Bikini
Swim shorts
Men's swimwear
Rash vest or swim leggings
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Budget
Under £40
£40-£80
£80-£150
£150+
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Main use
Holidays and beach
Regular pool swimming
Sea swimming and wild swimming
Surfing and watersports
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What matters most?
Highest recycled-material content
Durability and quality
Flattering fit and style
Ethical and UK-made production
[Find my best options]