As the weather heats up, here is a roundup of the best sustainable swimwear brands to know and shop from African designers.
Africa is emerging as a pioneer in creative and environmentally friendly swimwear, grabbing the interest of fashion-forward shoppers worldwide. Many swimwear brands across Africa have made sustainability the heart of their mission. These brands provide fashionable choices for summer and contribute to local artisanal communities, foster community development, and reduce environmental harm.
They create fashionable swimwear with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Inspired by African heritage, these swimwear brands use cutting-edge fabrics made from recycled materials, paving the way for a greener fashion industry.
Here are 10 African sustainable swimwear brands you should check out right now. Read on to discover more and find stylish swimsuits for your summer escape.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Lily Label
Lily Label, a South African swimwear brand, is at the forefront of sustainable swimwear, offering designs that are romantic, artistic, luxurious, and feminine. Each swimsuit is meticulously crafted with acute attention to detail, ensuring a flawless finish, high-shaping power, and long-lasting quality.
The brand is spearheaded by owner and Creative Director Colleen Murray, hailing from Cape Town, South Africa. Under her leadership, Lily Label has become a trailblazer in swimwear innovation, providing a diverse range of eco-friendly swimsuits that celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of everybody.
The brand uses recycled fabrics and sustainable dyes to ensure that each piece is stylish and kind to the planet.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: BFyne
BFyne is a contemporary swim and resort-wear brand established by Buki Ade, originally from Nigeria but now based in the United States, since 2013. Each hand-sewn piece is designed for the fiercely fashion-forward and culturally savvy woman who challenges the fashion status quo.
BFyne’s designs are known for their enchanting patterns, vibrant hues, and recyclable materials, intentionally emphasizing curves. The brand is dedicated to body positivity, featuring models of diverse shapes, sizes, and ethnicities.
Additionally, the brand’s hand-sewn production process minimizes overproduction, further contributing to its sustainability efforts.
BFyne has made a significant impact at events like Miami Swim Week, NY Fashion Week, and more. To channel your inner Alicia Keys or Taraji P. Henson at the beach or poolside this summer, visit BFyne and add their stunning swimsuits to your cart.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: January and June
January and June is a South African swimwear brand that creates swimwear from lux Italian lycra made from recycled fishing nets and plastic.
Designed to make every woman feel bold, confident, and beautiful, the brand uses ECONYL regenerated nylon, which performs like new nylon but is more sustainable.
By turning trash into treasure, this sustainable swim brand aims to create beautiful, long-lasting products that contribute to a sustainable future.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Anneen Henze MOM Collection
Annéen Henze is a South African swimwear brand dedicated to pregnant women who want to enjoy wearing bikinis all summer. The Anneen Henze MOM Collection is inspired by founder Anneen’s personal pregnancy and postpartum journey. Anneen, from Cape Town, South Africa, has infused her experiences into designing this comfortable and stylish swimwear line for expectant mothers.
Each piece is crafted to adapt to different stages, ensuring longevity beyond pregnancy. Made from UPF 50+ Nylon Spandex fabric, the collection provides sun protection and features specialized elastication for optimal comfort.
Easy breastfeeding access is achieved through a simple pull-away cross-over design, blending practicality with style.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Granadilla Swimwear
Founded in 2015 in Cape Town, Granadilla Swimwear is inspired by cherished summer memories, from soothing aftersun on sun-kissed skin to washing sand from between your toes.
The swimwear brand is also environmentally friendly, making it a perfect choice for your beach outings this summer. The brand prioritize sustainability by using materials like ECONYL regenerated nylon, which is made from recycled fishing nets and other plastic waste. Additionally, they incorporate other eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, further reducing their environmental impact.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Tongoro
Launched in Spring 2016 by Sarah Diouf, a Senegalese fashion designer, Tongoro is a 100% Made-in-Africa brand designed and produced in Dakar, Senegal. The brand focuses on understanding and delivering the fashion its customers desire, offering playful and unique apparel.
By sourcing materials from the continent and collaborating with local tailors, Tongoro aims to create a new dynamic for Africa-based manufacturing, fostering economic and social development for artisanal workers in West Africa.
Tongoro has gained international recognition, having dressed figures such as Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, Iman, and Burna Boy.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: BeachCult
BeachCult, the brainchild of designer Joanna Hedley, from South Africa, focuses on mindful and ethical production, with all designs made 100% sustainable in South Africa.
The SA swimwear brand uses prints by South African artists and basics in earthy colors, encapsulating the anticipation of summer. Elegant basics and summer dresses from BeachCult can take you from the beach to dinner or a night out.
With its fresh prints and ethical production, BeachCult captures the excitement and style of summer.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Andrea Iyamah
Founded by Nigerian fashion designer Andrea Dumebi Iyamah in 2011, Andrea Iyamah is a clothing line inspired by ethnic cultures and elements of nature.
The brand remains true to its roots, creating authentic clothing and resort wear that celebrate African heritage and cultures from around the world. With a focus on sustainability, Andrea Iyamah utilizes eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.
Andrea Iyamah is renowned for its unique cuts, vibrant colors, and African-inspired prints, offering standout swimwear for those who want to make an impression.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Leah Marie Swim
Founded in 2020 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Leah Marie Swim is the creation of Leah Marie Sanders, whose passion and creativity drive the brand.
From a young age, Leah Marie has been fascinated by fashion and design. Motivated by her personal experiences and the lack of fashionable and affordable swimwear in South Africa, she embarked on a journey of self-learning to fill this gap.
The brand offers eco-friendly swimsuits with unique cuts for all body shapes, in a variety of colors and textures, making them essential for summer.
African Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Okun Beachwear
Okun Beachwear, originating from Nigeria, is a luxury swimwear brand dedicated to sustainability and ethical production. The brand uses eco-friendly materials and ensures fair wages for its workers.
Drawing inspiration from African culture, Okun Beachwear creates stylish and environmentally conscious designs that make a statement.
