When the weather’s warm, it’s time for days at the beach, on the boat, and at the pool. And outside by the water, we’re all reminded of how important it is to keep our environment clean. We want to ensure our beachwear is having the lowest environmental impact as possible, so I had to ask, “what are the most sustainable men’s swimwear brands?”
The best sustainable men’s swimwear brands are using organic and recycled materials, low-impact dyes, water-conserving practices and recycled materials for packaging. They use certified textiles like Bluesign and pursue sustainable business certifications like becoming Certified B Corporations. The companies also partner with environmental nonprofits and actively engage their employees in environmental stewardship.
Check out these great sustainable swimwear options from brands that make great products while also trying to minimize their impact on the environment.
Outerknown
If you want some boardshorts that are made to rip, it’s hard to get more legit than ones that have been designed and tested by world-renowned surfer Kelly Slater. The Apex Trunks are made from recycled polyester, they feature 4-way stretch, quick-dry fabric that is sewn in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility. Outerknown was founded by surfers with a mission to protect natural resources, empower the people crafting our clothes, and inspire change within the industry and beyond.
Vuori
The Vuori Cruise Boardshort is made of VCycled™ fabric, which is 45% recycled polyester, 45% polyester and 10% elastane. The versatile material makes these board shorts odor-resistant, quick-drying, and stretchy. And “sky’s out, thighs out” doesn’t mean you need to sunburn your quads since these trunks feature a UPF 30+ rating.
Vuori has been taking the performance apparel world by storm with some of the most comfortable athletic wear you can find. Their gear performs well, looks great and is made under Vuori’s code of conduct, which incentivizes suppliers to follow ethical manufacturing processes. Vuori also offsets 100% of its carbon footprint.
Fair Harbour
Not only do these Nautilus boardshorts look amazing, but Fair Harbor can tell you exactly how many plastic water bottles were used to make them. Each pair of sustainable shorts is made out of recycled polyester from 11 water bottles. That’s almost half a case of water bottles not going into landfills!
Patagonia
The Stretch Wavefarer Boardshorts are made with recycled nylon that is certified as bluesign approved. The shorts feature a DWR finish to repel water and they provide 50+ UPF sun protection. Patagonia is a Certified B Corporation that is a long time leader in ethical and sustainable practices.
Riz
The Burgh Boardshorts are part of Riz’s Blue Capsule Collection, which aims to inspire change in the way we consume through a deeper connection with the sea. The shorts are made from quick-drying polyester that is made from plastic bottles. Riz is a Certified B Corporation that partners with the Marine Conservation Society, joining them in beach clean events and making a contributing to their efforts with every product sold.
Everlane
Everlane’s great looking boardshorts are on sale so you better move fast if you want some. They’re made with quick-drying, 100% recycled nylon and are Bluesign-certified. Being Bluesign-certified means that the shorts are dyed and finished in the most resource-efficient, worker-safe, and environmentally conscious manner possible. A leader in ethical sustainability, Everlane will even show you the factory in Vietnam where these shorts are made.
United by Blue
United by Blues Scallop Board Short comes in a number of cool, casual prints, including this sweet Shoreline print. They feature quick-drying fabric and a laid-back, vintage style. United by Blue removes one pound of trash from our world’s oceans and waterways for every product sold. At the time of this writing, the company has removed over 1.6 million pounds of trash.
Finisterre
The Maris shorts are classic swim shorts that offer quick-drying, wicking and UV resistance. Multiple pockets and solid coloring make these shorts a super versatile piece that can be worn in the ocean or around town. Finisterre is a Certified B Corporation that is committed to making informed decisions about its impact on the environment.
Prana
The High Seas Boardshorts feature a great retro look with a contemporary twist. They’re made with high performance recycled polyester spandex and are UPF 50+ rated. Prana is a longtime advocate of fair trade and sustainability. Their goal is to inspire, educate, and outfit your adventures with sustainable clothing.
Ecoalf
The Portofino swimsuit is made with water-resistant recycled nylon. Minimalists will love the simple, solid color which makes these swim shorts super versatile. Founded in 2009, Ecoalf’s goal is to make clothing and accessories made entirely out of recycled materials.
Vissla
Vissla’s upcycled coconut boardshorts are made from 50% recycled polyester, 38% coconut fibers and 12% spandex. They’re both eco-friendly and action-ready, featuring 4-way stretch, breathability and water repellency. Vissla is a Surfrider Foundation Surf Industry Coastal Defender, working to ensure our water is clean and beaches are healthy.
Toad & Co
The Cetacean Boardshorts are ready for endless days at the beach with 4-way stretch material, non-chafing inseam, secure pocket to hold your keys, and they pack down into their own pocket. They are made in a Bluesign facility, which means that all water, chemicals and wastewater are used responsibly. 100% of Toad & Co’s products meet its criteria for sustainability and they ship products in reusable packaging.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi’s Tola Swim Shorts are built for adventure. Made from stretchy drirelease fabric, these shorts will give you a ton of range of motion while you’re out having fun. They also dry quickly when you’re done. The small Llama logo gives a nod to the great brand behind these shorts. Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corporation who’s creed is “Do Good”. The company is committed to using recycled materials, fair and transparent supply chains, addressing poverty, supporting community development and using its business as a vehicle to make an impact.
Marda
If you’re seeking stylish, high-end swimwear that’s sustainable then Marda has you covered. The Danish brand makes classic mid-length swim shorts from material that is 100% recycled and 100% waterproof. The result is a go-anywhere swim trunk that is soft and quick-drying and keeps 7 plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans.
Marda Founder August Dyrberg told me, “We’re always trying to find new ways to be a part of the climate change conversation and give people more green choices.” True to his words, Marda uses manufacturers that are GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and STeP (Sustainable Textile and Leather Production) certified and also donates 1% of each sale to The Ocean Cleanup.
Images via brands mentioned. Pricing accurate at time of publication.