It’s no secret that the surf industry has a plastic problem. According to the US Department of State, over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year—and much of it comes from the fashion and textile industry, including swimwear. For surfers who spend their lives in the water, this hits home hard. You want swimwear that lasts, stretches, dries fast, and doesn’t choke the very ocean you live to ride.

The issue is that most traditional swimwear is made from virgin nylon and polyester, both petroleum-based and non-biodegradable. Performance comes at a heavy environmental cost.

However, brands no longer have to choose between sustainability and performance. With new material tech and thoughtful production processes, eco surf swimwear is not just possible—it’s outperforming expectations.

Plastic-Based Performance

Conventional surf swimwear relies heavily on synthetic fibers like Lycra, nylon, and polyester for flexibility and fit. The issue? They shed microplastics with every wash and degrade slowly, polluting oceans and marine life.

Surfers need durable gear that withstands saltwater, sun, and motion. But not at the cost of their playground.

Eco Surf SwinwearFabrics That Hold Up in the Lineup

Here’s how brands can hit the sweet spot between performance and sustainability:

1. Recycled Nylon (Econyl® and Beyond)

Recycled nylon is a game-changer in eco surf swimwear. Brands like Patagonia and Outerknown are using Econyl®, a regenerated nylon made from ocean plastic, discarded fishing nets, and fabric scraps.

It offers:

· High elasticity: perfect for snug fits that don’t loosen in rough waves

· UV resistance: essential for long hours in the sun

· Saltwater durability: it doesn’t degrade or weaken as fast as standard spandex blends

2. Plant-Based Fibers with Stretch Innovations

Plant fibers once had a bad rap for performance swimwear, but innovations are rewriting the script. Now, you’ll find blends of organic cotton, bamboo viscose, and hemp paired with low-impact elastane or biodegradable polymers.

· Organic Cotton-Lycra blends: Soft on skin and grown without pesticides

· Bamboo and Hemp: Naturally antimicrobial and breathable

· Castor Bean Fibers (like EVO®): A bio-based alternative with built-in stretch and excellent water repellency

These options aren’t just sustainable—they’re tough enough for wipeouts and hours in saltwater.

3. Recycled Polyester from PET Bottles

This one’s a no-brainer. Instead of virgin polyester, recycled versions repurpose plastic bottles into strong, fast-drying fabrics.

Recycled polyester in eco surf swimwear:

· Retains shape

· Dries quickly

· Resists wear from chlorine and salt

It’s already being used in boardshorts and rash guards with zero compromises in performance.

4. Durability: The Core of Sustainability

Eco or not, if your swimwear falls apart after one season, it’s not sustainable. Durable design is key. Double stitching, four-way stretch fabrics, fade resistance, and reinforced stress points make sure gear survives wave after wave.

Longevity directly reduces textile wasteand shows respect for both the surfer and the sea.

Eco Surf Swimwear Manufacturing From Lefty Production Co.

Looking to bring your eco surf swimwear line to life with performance-grade sustainable materials? At Lefty Production Co., we offer full-service development and manufacturing innovative design solutions right here in the USA for all sorts of products from activewear to healthcare uniforms and surgical scrubs.

From sourcing recycled nylon and plant-based fibers to using virtual 3D sampling and automated cutting for zero-waste efficiency, we’re committed to helping brands reduce their environmental impact. Whether you need technical surf gear or fashion-forward swimwear, Lefty makes it possible—ethically and efficiently. Contact us to start your sustainable production today.

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