Summer is not just a time to protect your skin whether it’s with bamboo sunscreen, sunglasses or special summer skincare for infants. It’s also a time to show some skin! Eco-friendly bikinis are more and more common both on runways and sandy beaches thanks to a growing awareness among designers and a growing demand among consumers.
Ambika Bikinis takes the knitting trend to an extreme with modern, sexy bikinis that are made by hand. That’s right, Ambika herself knits the bikinis to order using organic yarn and natural dyes. (One suit even features a bamboo embellishment!) Ambika’s designs have even reached the pinnacle of swimsuit superiority having been featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition!
More conveniently located for summer shoppers is the Eco Swim line by Aqua Green. Available in Macy’s and Nordstrom, the bikinis are made from recycled plastic bottles and other recycled materials. This 4th-generation family-owned business takes the commitment to green beyond the bikinis. Company initiatives range from a ban on the purchases of Styrofoam to sustainable fabric initiatives among fabric suppliers.
Bamboo clothing is already a summer-friendly option with it’s breathable fabric and lightweight, luxurious feel. nikster offers adorably sexy bikinis made with bamboo fabric that pair beautifully with cozy cover-ups like an organic women’s tunic or an Uma Cowl Tunic by Yala.
Also using bamboo for bikinis is the online store Kaight, based in NYC. Kaight’s goal is to “unite consumers with clothing and accessories that are smartly designed, ethically-produced and eco-friendly in nature.” This season, Kaight is offering a Zuma Bead Bikini designed by KellyB made from 65% bamboo, 27% organic cotton and 8% spandex.
Bringing the funky tourist look to the forefront is H&M with their “H&M for Water” line. Resort wear that features floral and palm tree aplenty prints, the collection goes beyond the bikini with dresses, shirts, one-piece swimsuits and board shorts made with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Tencel and organic linens. 25% of the proceeds will benefit WaterAid, an international non-profit that provides clean water and sanitation to some of the world’s poorest communities.
Still getting beach body ready? Work out in comfort with Women’s Cropped Bamboo Pants by Yala paired with a Bamboo Yoga Tank Top by Yala!
For more fun and eco-friendly style, visit Green Earth News Bamboo Fashion section!
