Eco-Chic: Top Recycled Plastic Swimwear Brands for Wild Swimmers (2026)

There is a beautiful, poetic irony in wild swimming. We dive into the UK’s lochs, rivers, and coastal coves to reconnect with nature, yet for decades, the very gear we wore was part of the problem. Traditional swimwear is almost entirely made from “virgin” plastics—petroleum-based polyesters and nylons that shed microplastics into the very water we love.

As a traveller who has paddled through the crystal-clear waters of the Scilly Isles and the peaty depths of the Welsh mountains, I’ve seen the impact of plastic pollution first-hand. But in 2026, the tide has officially turned. The “Eco-Chic” revolution is here, led by pioneering brands that are turning ghost fishing nets and discarded bottles into high-performance, beautiful swimwear.

For the modern wild swimmer, “looking good” now means “doing good.” Here is your guide to the best recycled plastic swimwear brands that are protecting our “Blue Spaces” one swimsuit at a time.

The Magic of ECONYL® and Repreve®

Before we look at the brands, it is worth understanding the tech. Most of the brands listed below use one of two revolutionary fabrics:

• ECONYL®: This is regenerated nylon made from salvaged fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic. It can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality.

• Repreve®: This fabric is made primarily from recycled plastic bottles. It is durable, chlorine-resistant, and incredibly soft against the skin.

By choosing these materials, you are directly supporting the removal of “ghost nets” from our oceans—nets that otherwise trap and kill thousands of marine animals every year.

Top 5 Recycled Swimwear Brands for 2026

1. Batoko (The “Rubbish” Swimsuit)

Based on the North West coast of England, Batoko’s tagline is simple: “We’re rubbish.” Their vibrant, fun prints (featuring everything from puffins to sharks) are made from 100% recycled plastic waste.

• The Vibe: Bold, cheerful, and unmistakably British.

• Best For: Swimmers who want to spark a conversation on the beach.

2. Stay Wild Swim

Founded by two London-based ocean lovers, Stay Wild focuses on “slow fashion.” Their designs are sleek, minimalist, and built to last for years rather than seasons. They use ECONYL® and even offer a “circularity” programme where you can send back old suits to be recycled.

• The Vibe: High-end boutique elegance.

• Best For: The minimalist swimmer who values clean lines and ethical longevity.

3. Fourth Element (The Ocean Specialists)

Originally a diving brand, Fourth Element’s OceanPositive range is the “technical” choice. Their swimwear is designed to withstand the rigours of salt water and constant sun exposure.

• The Vibe: Athletic and high-performance.

• Best For: Serious open-water swimmers and those who wear their gear under a wetsuit.

4. Deakin & Blue

This brand is a favourite among the “real body” community. They offer three different “cuts” based on bust size, ensuring that your eco-friendly suit actually stays in place while you’re fighting the Atlantic swell.

• The Vibe: Practical, stylish, and empowering.

• Best For: Women who need superior support and a perfect fit.

5. Davy J

Davy J’s “The Waste Collection” is designed specifically for the “active” swimmer. These suits are incredibly “secure”—meaning you won’t have any “wardrobe malfunctions” when diving off a pier or navigating a river current.

• The Vibe: Sporty and robust.

• Best For: Wild swimmers who treat the water like a playground.

Comparison: Eco-Brands at a Glance

3 Tips for Maintaining Your Eco-Swimwear

To truly live the “Eco-Chic” lifestyle, you need to make your gear last as long as possible.

1. The “Cold Rinse” Ritual: Salt and chlorine degrade elastic fibres over time. Always rinse your suit in cold, fresh water immediately after your swim.

2. Use a Guppyfriend Bag: Even recycled plastic can shed microfibres in the wash. Using a Guppyfriend washing bag catches these tiny particles before they enter the water system.

3. Dry in the Shade: The British sun (when it appears!) can be harsh. Drying your suit in direct sunlight causes the colours to fade and the elastic to go “crunchy.”

FAQ: Sustainable Swimmers’ Questions

1. Is recycled swimwear as “stretchy” as regular swimwear?

Yes. Modern regenerated nylon is identical in quality to virgin nylon. You won’t notice any difference in the “fit and flex” of these eco-suits; in many cases, they are actually more durable.

2. Are these brands actually “Greenwashing”?

The brands listed above are transparent about their supply chains and materials. Always look for certifications like Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 to ensure the claims are legitimate.

3. Why is eco-swimwear more expensive?

Salvaging fishing nets and processing them into high-grade fabric is far more expensive than producing new plastic. When you buy these brands, you are paying for fair labour, ethical manufacturing, and the cost of cleaning up the ocean.

4. Does recycled plastic swimwear protect against the cold?

No. These are standard swimsuits. If you are swimming in the UK during winter, you will still need to follow cold-water safety protocols (and perhaps add a neoprene vest!).

5. Can I recycle my old swimsuit?

Most standard suits end up in landfill. However, brands like Stay Wild and Fourth Element are pioneering take-back schemes to turn old suits back into new ones. Always check the brand’s website before binning your old gear.