Sustainable Fashion: How Your Swimwear Can Help Clean the Ocean
When you think about sustainability in fashion, swimwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is, the swimwear industry is a major contributor to ocean pollution, fast fashion waste, and microplastic contamination.
At Wild Isles, we believe that what you wear in the water should help protect it. That’s why we use sustainable, regenerated materials to create swimwear that not only fits and supports your body but also helps clean up our oceans.
So, how can your choice of swimwear make a difference? Let’s dive in.
1. The Problem: How Traditional Swimwear Harms the Ocean
Most swimwear on the market today is made from virgin synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex—all of which are derived from fossil fuels. These fabrics take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to landfill waste and microplastic pollution in our oceans.
The Impact of Traditional Swimwear
🚫 Microplastic Shedding – Every time you wash a synthetic swimsuit, tiny microplastics shed into the water supply, eventually ending up in the ocean and being ingested by marine life.
🚫 Non-Biodegradable Waste – Old swimsuits that get thrown away end up in landfills, where they never fully decompose.
🚫 Oil-Based Production – Standard swimwear is made from petroleum-based materials, adding to the fashion industry’s high carbon footprint.
💡 The reality? Swimwear is one of the most unsustainable categories in fashion—but there’s a better way.
2. The Solution: Swimwear Made from Recycled Ocean Waste
At Wild Isles, we use ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets, ocean plastic, and textile waste. Instead of creating new plastic, we’re repurposing what’s already polluting our waters.
What is ECONYL®?
ECONYL® is a regenerated nylon fiber created from waste that would otherwise harm marine ecosystems. It’s just as strong, flexible, and durable as virgin nylon—but instead of adding more plastic into the world, it helps remove it.
🌊 How It Works:
1️⃣ Rescue – Discarded fishing nets, industrial plastic, and fabric scraps are collected from the ocean and landfills.
2️⃣ Regenerate – The waste is purified and broken down into raw nylon.
3️⃣ Reimagine – The regenerated nylon is transformed into high-performance swimwear fabric.
4️⃣ Repeat – ECONYL® can be infinitely regenerated without losing quality, making it one of the most sustainable textiles available.
🔗 Why It Matters: Every Wild Isles swimsuit helps clean the ocean, reduce landfill waste, and lower the demand for fossil fuel-based textiles.
3. Why Sustainable Swimwear Lasts Longer
Many fast fashion brands cut corners to create cheap, disposable swimwear that only lasts one season.
Sustainable swimwear, on the other hand, is designed to be high-quality, durable, and long-lasting.
Here’s why Wild Isles suits outperform traditional swimwear:
✅ Stronger, Longer-Lasting Fabric – ECONYL® fibers are ultra-resistant to chlorine, saltwater, and UV exposure, meaning they won’t stretch out or fade after a few wears.
✅ 4-Way Stretch for Comfort & Fit – Our swimsuits move with your body, providing support without restricting you.
✅ Double-Lined Cups & Compression Fabric – No flimsy material here—Wild Isles suits offer full bust support with no underwire needed.
✅ Sustainability That Feels Good – Knowing your swimsuit removes waste from the ocean makes every beach day a little sweeter.
4. What You Can Do to Make a Difference
Your swimwear choices matter. By choosing sustainable brands like Wild Isles, you’re helping to reduce demand for wasteful, polluting swimwear and supporting a cleaner, healthier planet.
Small Changes, Big Impact
🌱 Buy Less, Choose Better – Instead of replacing swimsuits every year, invest in high-quality, durable swimwear that will last.
🌱 Look for Recycled Materials – Always check swimwear labels for ECONYL® or other recycled fabrics.
🌱 Care for Your Suit Properly – Rinse your swimsuit in cold water after each use to prevent fabric degradation and microplastic shedding.
🌱 Support Ethical Brands – Choose companies that prioritize fair labor practices, sustainable fabrics, and eco-friendly production.
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. Let’s make that world more sustainable, more ethical, and cleaner for future generations.
5. Join the Sustainable Swimwear Movement
At Wild Isles, we believe in creating swimwear that does more than just look good—it helps protect the places we love.
🌊 Every Wild Isles swimsuit helps clean the ocean
🌿 Made from 100% regenerated fishing nets & ocean plastic
🩱 Designed for real women—comfortable, supportive, and durable