Recycled swimwear: what does it actually mean?
You've probably seen swimwear described as “made from recycled materials.” But what does that actually mean?
Recycled swimwear is becoming increasingly popular, especially in surf and swim brands. But the term can sometimes be confusing. Does recycled mean sustainable? Is it still polyester? And what actually gets recycled?
Let's break it down.
What is recycled swimwear?
Recycled swimwear is made using materials that have been recovered and turned into new fibers, rather than using only newly produced raw materials.
One of the most common materials used is recycled polyester, which can be made from previously used plastic such as PET bottles or other suitable plastic waste.
Instead of that material simply becoming waste, it can be processed into fibers that are then used to create new fabrics.
So when you see “recycled polyester swimwear,” it doesn't mean the swimsuit is made from old clothing. It means recycled materials have been used to create the polyester fibers in the fabric.
Is recycled swimwear still polyester?
Yes.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about recycled swimwear.
Recycled polyester is still polyester. The difference is where the raw material comes from.
Traditional polyester is made from newly produced petroleum-based materials. Recycled polyester uses existing materials that have already been produced and recovered for another use.
For swimwear, polyester is popular because it is lightweight, durable, stretchy when blended with elastane, and suitable for repeated exposure to water and sun.
Why use recycled materials for swimwear?
Using recycled materials can help reduce the need for virgin raw materials.
Instead of always producing new polyester from newly extracted resources, recycled polyester gives existing materials another use.
Depending on the specific material and production process, recycled fibers can also help reduce the environmental impact associated with producing new synthetic fibers.
However, it's important to be realistic: recycled doesn't mean impact-free.
Making, transporting, washing and eventually disposing of swimwear still requires resources and energy.
That's why we think it's better to look at recycled materials as one part of making more thoughtful product choices, rather than calling a product automatically “100% sustainable.”
Why is recycled polyester used in surfwear?
Surfwear needs to do more than look good.
When you're surfing, your swimwear needs to handle constant movement, salt water, sun exposure and repeated use. It needs to stretch with your body while staying comfortable and secure.
Recycled polyester can provide the performance needed for swimwear while using recycled raw materials.
That's particularly useful for pieces like surf bikinis, swimsuits and rash guards, which need to balance comfort, durability and performance in the water.
What about elastane?
Many recycled swimwear fabrics aren't made from recycled polyester alone.
They're often blended with elastane to give the fabric stretch and help it move with your body.
This is important for surfwear because you need to be able to paddle, pop up, turn and move freely without your swimwear restricting you.
So a fabric can contain recycled polyester while also containing elastane. Being “recycled” doesn't mean every fiber in the garment has to be recycled.
Is recycled swimwear actually better?
It can be — but it's important to look beyond the word “recycled.”
Things like how long a product lasts, how often you wear it, how it is produced and how you care for it all matter too.
A durable piece of surfwear that you wear for years can be a better choice than constantly replacing cheaper pieces.
For us, it's about finding a balance between performance, longevity and more conscious material choices.
How can you make your swimwear last longer?
One of the easiest ways to make a more sustainable choice is simply to take good care of what you already own.
After surfing or swimming:
- Rinse your swimwear with fresh water
- Avoid leaving it wet in a bag for hours
- Don't use harsh detergents
- Follow the washing instructions
- Avoid unnecessary high heat
- Let it air dry rather than using a dryer
Taking care of your surfwear can help it maintain its shape, color and performance for longer.
Recycled swimwear at Esdushi
At Esdushi, we choose recycled materials for selected surfwear because we want our pieces to combine performance with more conscious material choices.
Our recycled swimwear is designed to be comfortable, functional and made for life in and around the ocean — whether you're surfing waves, swimming, or spending the day at the beach.
Because we don't think sustainable choices should mean compromising on style or performance.
Better materials, pieces you'll actually want to wear, and surfwear made for chasing waves.