There’s no such thing as swimsuit season—at least in Singapore. With our year-round tropical climate and humidity, there’s no shortage of opportunities to reach for your swimwear. Think of swimwear as multifunctional—gone are the days of Lycra being solely reserved for poolside preening, your one-piece can also be the unexpected counterpart to your vintage Levi’s 501s for an effortless getup that’s at once breathable, and sleek.
Whether you’re headed to the beach club for a no-reason piña colada, or to the poolside to catch up on your favourite book, a swimsuit that makes the most of Singapore’s eternal summer playground is a must. While a Bali or Maldives getaway is out of the question due to travel restrictions, staycations remain an option if you’re craving some water and sunshine. But as you pack for your next staycation, consider sustainably made alternatives that keep our planet and climate in mind.
According to Lyst, searches for sustainable swimwear have spiked 66 percent since 2018—for good reason. From daring one-pieces to expressive bikinis, here is Vogue Singapore’s edit of sustainable swimwear labels that make you feel like a vacation is only an outfit change away.
Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman has dedicated themselves to reducing the impact of manufacturing on the environment and to raising awareness for sustainability. With their swimwear consisting entirely of recycled nylon or polyester, they can be sure they are doing their part to minimise waste. Additionally, by working with thirteen different organisations that all advocate sustainability, they are creating an imperishable network that is increasing their mission to play their part in protecting the environment.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A prides themselves on the belief that style and sustainability are inseparable. To complete their benevolent goal of creating prepossessing swimwear that gives instead of takes form the environment, they ensure the use of wholly recycled and plant-based materials. And in line with their commitment to the planet, they use their partnership with 1% For The Planet to give back a portion from every sale to organisations that aim to protect the oceans.
Batoko
“We’re rubbish. Literally.” Batoko‘s attention-grabbing tagline tells the truth about their materials—but not about their designs. With quirky prints made of recycled plastic waste that is intercepted before reaching the landfills or oceans, the North England-based label creates eye-catching swimsuits that will never leave you unnoticed.
Stay Wild
Natalie Glaze and Zanna Van Dijk, the creators of Stay Wild, grew up immersing themselves in the ocean’s wonder and escapism, creating an innate bond with the environment. Intending to respect the water that raised them, they create their swimsuits using regenerated ocean plastic made from fishing nets pulled from the ocean and fabric scraps leftover from the industry. When wearing a Stay Wild swimsuit, you are making an oath of protection to the ocean.
Align
With a fight for sustainability firmly rooted within them, Align uses regenerated nylon made from waste that would otherwise be found in landfills or oceans, and REPREVE®, a fibre made from recycled plastic bottles. Beyond sustainability, they are passionate about workers’ fair treatment, working with an ethical factory in Bali, Indonesia.
