"Just keep Swimming"

We are super excited for this blog as it is our first one written by someone other than us! Annie has been part of the 180 fam from the very beginning and is an expert in all things sustainable swimwear... Let's dive right in!

Summer is right around the corner, perhaps you're looking for a new bikini for your next holiday or a new pair of trunks for a dip in the ocean.

Before making any purchases it is important to understand the environmental impacts that swimwear has on the ocean and the earth as a whole! Don't worry if this is all new to you, hopefully this article will make your journey of buying sustainable swimwear a little easier.

The problem with swimwear

If you look at the label in the swimwear you own you will notice that swimwear is usually made of either polyester or nylon mixed with lycra, these are often referred to as manmade fibres and fabrics.

Theres lots of reasons these are bad for the environment, but in short:

• Made from non-renewable resources

• Take up to 200 years to decompose

• Nylon can be recycled however not when mixed with lycra (big problem with swimwear)

• Emit trillions of microplastics into water systems (bad for the turtles)

As swimwear fabrics have lycra in them they are unfortunately unable to be recycled, meaning once you are done with your swimwear it will sit in landfill for hundreds of years. However, lycra is always needed, therefore there are a few things to consider when choosing sustainable swimwear

Recycled Materials

Buying swimwear that is made from recycled nylon and polyester is a great thing to do, this doesn't have to be from expensive sustainable brands, high street shops are beginning to do this and every little helps! (Although also do some research into the brand to make sure they are transparent and honest).

I would recommend looking out for the name Econyl. Econyl are a great company who are taking garments from landfill, fishing nets from the ocean, and carpet scraps and turning it into a new recycled nylon yarn. This process saves 70,000 barrels of crude oil and avoids 65,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions for every 10,000 tones of Econyl raw material. Whilst some garments made from this material may be slightly pricier, the quality of the fabric will not disappoint, trust me!

And for the male readers, Oyster shell fabrics are a new exciting material. Companies are taking oyster shells from food waste and other sources and turning them into a high quality fabric. This is also just a really cool concept.

Longevity

Before pressing 'buy' or tapping your card, think to yourself am I just going to wear this on my holiday to Ibiza, or is this purchase going to last me for years?

To save you swimsuit from going to landfill consider how you will get the most use out of your swimwear! Consider the style, colour, shape even the stitching as all these factors will mean you will wear your new piece of swimwear for even longer.

Here are some things I would consider:

• Is this style of swimwear one you can imagine yourself liking in 5 years

• Is the colour or pattern just a micro trend that is only going to be cool for one summer and then never again?

• Is the fabric double lined? If no, maybe consider a double layer style so it will last you even longer!

• Look for zigzag stitching as this gives the piece of swimwear more stretch, not only making it comfier against your skin but also minimising the chances of the stitches breaking.

• Consider looking for reversible swimwear, not only is this double lined but also means you get 2 for 1, and who doesn't love a bargain.

Care

And finally research into the best ways to care for your old and new swimwear garments. Making sure you are treating them right means you will get the best use from them!

Here are some TLC ideas:

• Read the instructions on the care label or the companies website

• Before getting in a chlorinated pool or the ocean, rinse your swimwear in water to avoid harmful chemicals and salt from clinging to the fabrics.

• Rinse your swimwear with cold water after visiting the beach or your local pool to stop that fabric from disintegrating.

• Don’t leave your swimsuit in a bag when its damp to avoid it becoming smelly.

• Hand wash over washing machine and never tumble dry!

• Lay it flat to dry, either indoors or in the shade to avoid it loosing its shape and colour

Hopefully these pointers will make your summer a little more sustainable!

Love Annie

Note from 180: Isn't she great?!