Why Quality Eco-Fabrics Outperform Cheap Swimwear

Editor’s note: This article focuses on quality, durability, and material performance. For a broader framework covering sustainable materials, supply-chain transparency, certifications, and compliance, see our core pillar guide:
→ The Ultimate B2B Guide to Sustainable Swimwear

Most people have bought a swimsuit simply because it looked good or was cheap. But low-cost swimwear often becomes expensive in the long run—fading, sagging, or tearing after only a few wears. Beyond performance, the choice of materials has environmental and ethical implications. Selecting well-made swimwear is an investment not only in durability and comfort but also in responsible consumption.

This guide breaks down the real differences between cheap and premium swimwear, supported by established textile standards, lifecycle insights, and best practices used across the apparel industry.

Key Takeaways

• Cheap swimwear costs more over time due to frequent replacements caused by poor construction and low-grade fibres.

• Higher-quality fabrics, especially those designed for chlorine, UV, and abrasion resistance, maintain colour and fit significantly longer.

• Eco-engineered materials, such as regenerated nylon, help reduce reliance on virgin petroleum inputs.

• Ethical manufacturing—verified by standards like OEKO-TEX®, GRS, or Fair Trade—ensures safer chemicals and improved labour practices.

• A “buy less, buy better” approach reduces waste, saves money long term, and supports responsible brands.

1. The Hidden Costs of Cheap Swimwear

1.1 Durability & Performance Limitations

Low-priced swimwear is typically made from basic blends of polyester or nylon with a minimal percentage of elastane. Because these fabrics lack advanced chlorine- and UV-resistant treatments, they tend to:

• Lose elasticity quickly

• Fade after repeated pool exposure

• Stretch out or become see-through

• Break at seams due to lower-tension stitching

Most budget manufacturers use standard-grade elastane, which can degrade more quickly in chlorinated water. Without durable yarns or stronger stitching techniques (such as flatlock or coverstitch seams), these garments rarely last beyond a single season.

Why it matters: frequent replacement means higher long-term spending and a significantly larger environmental footprint.

1.2 Environmental Impact

While synthetic fibres are widely used in swimwear, the environmental risks vary depending on how materials are processed and managed—not all recycled or virgin fibres behave the same.

Key considerations include:

• Microfibre shedding: all synthetic textiles shed fibres during washing; the rate is influenced by yarn quality, knitting density, and finishing—not simply whether the fibre is recycled.

• Chemical management: recycled polymers may contain additives from their previous life cycle, but responsible manufacturers use GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard) materials to ensure contaminants are screened and controlled.

• Lifecycle impacts: virgin nylon production is energy-intensive. Regenerated nylon reduces the need for oil extraction and can lower lifecycle emissions.

Instead of assuming all recycled plastics contain BPA or PFAS, it is more precise to say that the chemical profile of recycled materials varies. Choosing suppliers certified under OEKO-TEX®, GRS, or bluesign® helps ensure chemical safety and responsible processing.

1.3 Ethical & Social Considerations

Fast-fashion swimwear is often produced in factories with limited visibility into:

• Working hours and wages

• Safety conditions

• Chemical handling processes

• Supply-chain transparency

In contrast, responsible manufacturers share details about factory audits, employee conditions, and compliance with standards such as WRAP, Fair Trade, or BSCI. These frameworks verify that garments are produced in safer, fairer environments.

2. Why Fabric Quality Determines Longevity

2.1 What Sets Premium Fabrics Apart

High-quality swimwear relies on specialised textiles engineered for:

• Chlorine resistance

• UV protection

• High elasticity and recovery

• Abrasion resistance

• Colourfastness

Examples of widely used performance fabrics include:

These fabrics typically follow established performance metrics such as ISO 105-B02 (colour fastness to light), ISO 105-E03 (chlorinated water fastness), and ISO 13934 (tensile strength), giving buyers more reliable expectations.

2.2 Understanding the Cost of Premium Swimwear

Higher pricing reflects investments in:

• Advanced yarn technology and finishing

• Skilled pattern-making and reinforced seams

• Controlled chemical processes

• Smaller-batch production with transparent labour practices

• Compliance with environmental or social certifications

These factors increase upfront cost, but significantly extend product lifespan.

Typical Retail vs. Bulk Costs

(Values reflect industry averages and may vary by region and material grade.)

Shipping, sample development, and pattern adjustments further contribute to the final retail price.

2.3 Long-Term Value

Investing in robust, well-constructed swimwear means:

• Lower cost per wear

• Better fit retention

• Less textile waste

• Fewer returns and replacements

A durable swimsuit can last multiple seasons without losing elasticity or colour, making it both economical and sustainable.

3. Sustainability: Materials, Processes & Certifications

3.1 Recycled & Regenerated Fibres

Many leading brands now use regenerated nylon made from post-industrial and post-consumer waste, including fishing nets and fabric scraps. ECONYL® is one of the most established examples in the market.

Benefits include:

• Reduced reliance on virgin petroleum

• Closed-loop regeneration processes

• Support for circularity in textile waste streams

Brands using regenerated fibres often list their material composition transparently so you can understand exactly what you are buying.

3.2 Responsible Dyeing & Reduced Waste

Sustainable manufacturers employ techniques such as:

• Solution dyeing: uses less water and offers stronger colourfastness.

• Digital printing: reduces dye and water usage and can improve print precision.

• Water recycling systems: can reclaim a large percentage of process water.

• Pattern-optimised cutting: minimises fabric offcuts and waste.

While no synthetic fibre is fully biodegradable, advanced recycling and careful chemical management help reduce the overall environmental impact of swimwear production.

3.3 Verified Ethical Supply Chains

Certifications that indicate responsible production include:

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – tests for harmful substances in textiles.

• GRS (Global Recycled Standard) – verifies recycled content and checks chemical and social practices.

• Fair Trade Certified™ – focuses on fair labour and community development.

• bluesign® – emphasises chemical and environmental safety throughout the textile process.

Look for brands that disclose factory locations, audit results, or certification numbers to back up their sustainability and ethics claims.

4. Making an Informed Choice

If you want swimwear that lasts, performs well, and reflects responsible values, look for the following:

• High-performance fibres with chlorine and UV resistance

• Transparent supply chains backed by ethical certifications

• Recycled or regenerated materials with verified chemical safety

• Quality stitching and dense knitting for better durability

• Clear care instructions to maximise product lifespan

A thoughtful purchase benefits your wardrobe, your wallet, and the planet.

FAQ

What makes eco-friendly swimwear different?

Eco-friendly swimwear uses materials such as regenerated nylon, recycled polyester, or low-impact dyes. Certified factories ensure safer chemical usage and improved labour conditions compared to conventional production models.

How can I tell if swimwear is high quality?

Indicators include chlorine-resistant fabrics, dense knitting, reinforced seams, high elastane recovery, and clear compliance with textile standards such as OEKO-TEX® or other reputable certifications.

Why does sustainable swimwear cost more?

Costs reflect advanced materials, controlled chemical processes, ethical labour, certifications, and smaller-batch production. These factors extend the life of the garment and improve its environmental and social profile.

Is recycled swimwear comfortable?

Yes. Modern regenerated fibres are engineered to match or exceed the stretch, softness, and durability of conventional synthetics, so you can expect comfort, performance, and a better environmental story.

Which certifications should I look for?

OEKO-TEX®, GRS, Fair Trade, bluesign®, and similar international standards help ensure chemical safety, recycled content verification, and ethical manufacturing practices.