9 Swim Trunks Made From Recycled Materials
Sustainable Swimming Trunks For Summer
Our summer style needs: functional, stylish, and sustainable. The good news is these 9 brands below check all those boxes—and more!
For the best swimming trunks, these brands are using recycled materials like plastic bottles, ocean waste, and regenerated nylon. With sizing available through 6X, options with pockets, stretchy waistbands, and varying inseams, you’ll be suited up in a sustainable pair just in time for adventures in the sunshine.
For your next day at the beach, throw these on—along with your eco-friendly sunglasses and a beach towel—and soak in the rays.
For one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis, and more, check out our guide to sustainable swimwear!
1. prAna
Based In | California, USA Materials | Recycled polyester blend Size Range | XS–XXL (28–40) Price Range | $59–$69
prAna was launched back in the 1990s by a couple inspired by sustainability. Today, this California-inspired brand offers apparel for all genders, including swim trunks made of recycled polyester. There are two dozen styles available through XXL, and many are equipped with UPF 50+ and PFC-free finishes for sun-safe and sustainable style. And did we mention they’re quick-drying, too?
Shop Prana
2. Patagonia
Based In | California, USA Materials | Recycled nylon or polyester Size Range | XS–XXL Price Range | $59–$79
Certified B Corp Patagonia has been a longtime leader in sustainable outdoor style. This thoughtful line of swimwear is made from recycled materials like nylon and polyester from post-industrial waste fibers. These board shorts and swimming trunks come with UPF 50+ sun protection, quick-drying features, and are ethically made. Surf’s up, friends.
Shop Patagonia
3. Outerknown
Based In | California, USA Materials | Recycled polyester, recycled spandex Size Range | S–XXL (28–38) Price Range | $68–$145
Started by renowned surfer Kelly Slater himself, Outerknown knows a thing or two about the best in swim trunks. That’s why 100 percent of the brand’s swimwear is made with recycled or regenerated fibers, sewn together in Fair Trade certified factories. And these swimming trunks are specifically designed to be high-performance—from welded seams to a bonded back pocket. However you like to get out this summer, these ethical and sustainable swim trunks are the way to go.
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4. MeUndies
Based In | California, USA Materials | Recycled plastic Size Range | S–4XL Price Range | $62 ($50 for members)
MeUndies, which first launched as an online underwear company, is now making swimwear. The brand offers two styles of swim trunks (six or eight inches) in 10 colors and through 4XL—and each sustainable pair contains eight recycled plastic water bottles. Styled with side pockets, a mesh lining, and a stretchy waistband, these practical trunks are perfect from the pool to the beach.
Shop MeUndies
5. Vissla
Based In | California, USA Materials | Recycled polyester Size Range | XS–XXL (28–38) Price Range | $59.95–$64.95
Vissla is a trailblazer in sustainable swimwear, transforming materials like organic cotton, eco-friendly neoprene, upcycled coconuts, and recycled plastic bottles into beach-friendly gear. There are dozens of styles and sizes available, from fun florals to bold color-blocking with up to 20” inseams. Plus, these have UPF 50+ protection, which means you can lounge in the sun all summer long in these swim shorts.
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6. Vanilla Sand
Based In | Lisbon, Portugal Materials | Regenerated ocean nylon Size Range | M–XXL (29–34) Price Range | €140
Vanilla Sand takes what doesn’t belong in the ocean and transforms it into your next pair of swimming trunks. Using regenerated ocean nylon and waste, each pair is handmade, hand-dyed and printed in ethical factories. And we love the brand’s ethics too: It’s women-owned and run, PETA-approved vegan, supports women surfers in Brazil, and plants a tree with each purchase. Vanilla Sand ships worldwide with carbon-free shipping—so you can wear a pair anywhere!
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7. Riz Board Shorts
Based In | London, UK Materials | Recycled water bottles Size Range | S–XXL (30–38) Price Range | £90–£100
Based out of London, Riz Board Shorts is a certified B Corp dedicated to ocean conservancy and sustainability. These swim shorts are made entirely out of plastic bottles, which means they can be fully recycled too at the end of their lifecycle. Plus, the brand guarantees the trunks for life, and they offer repairs as well as discounts for handing over your old shorts (called the Rizcycling). Talk about keeping waste out and style in.
Shop Riz Board Shorts
8. Tomboyx
Based In | Washington, USA Materials | Recycled water in production process, chitosan coating Size Range | XS–6X Price Range | $49–$99
UPF 50 stretchy fabric trunks? Yes, please. Tomboyx’s swim trunks are both size- and gender-inclusive, with colorful designs and tailored styles ranging through 6X. Ethically manufactured at a mill using renewable energy and recycled water, the brand then coats each pair in chitosan, an anti-microbial finish made from abandoned crab shells. Intentionally produced every step of the way.
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9. Bondi Joe
Based In | NSW, Australia Materials | Recycled plastic bottles Size Range | S–XXL for men, 2–12 for boys Price Range | $59.95–$99.95 AUD
Australian brand Bondi Joe carries sustainable swim trunks that are ready to wear from sunrise to sunset. Inspired by Sydney’s Bondi Beach, each eclectic pair is designed with 100 percent recycled water bottles, a carbon-free supply chain, and wrapped in plastic-free packaging. These swimming trunks are stylishly sustainable—or sustainably stylish, you choose! Either way, the whole family can look and do good.
Shop Bondi Joe
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