8 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands For Men This Summer
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’ve researched and ranked the best sustainable swimwear for men — these shorts are made to last and use materials that are kind to the earth.
Looking for swimming trunks and men’s swimwear that you can wear this summer and for many summers to come? These brands use recycled materials like plastic bottles, ocean waste, and regenerated nylon for their collection and prioritize longevity and durability above all else. 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.
Why consider sustainable swimwear?
Swimwear crafted from eco-friendly materials sourced from recycled fabrics not only ensures comfort and stretch but also reduces waste in oceans and landfills. This approach supports a circular fashion economy, which is significantly better for the environment. Examples of these sustainable materials include plant-based polyamides, ECONYL®, and recycled polyester. Additionally, brands dedicated to sustainable swimwear focus on ethical production methods, striving to maintain a sustainable supply chain while guaranteeing fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.
Our Criteria:
Our team has worn and researched dozens of sustainable swimwear brands and read thousands of online reviews to select our top picks. We regularly update this list with new favorites that meet our criteria.
- SUSTAINABLE | Each of these brands prioritizes sustainable fabrics in their swimwear, including recycled and plant-based materials.
- SIZE INCLUSIVE | We’ve included a variety of sustainable swimwear brands offering sizes XXS–6X.
- ETHICS | Each of these swimwear brands produces sustainable swimwear using ethical, fair, and safe manufacturing practices, with many pieces made in the USA.
For one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis, and more, check out our guide to sustainable swimwear. And don’t forget a pair of eco-friendly sunglasses or a beach towel!
Best Overall | Patagonia, $75+
Most Affordable | Quince, $40
Most Size Inclusive | TomboyX, $49+
1. Patagonia
Materials | Recycled nylon or polyester
Size Range | XS – 3XL
Price Range | $75 – $129
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 quick-drying features and are ethically made. Surf’s up, friends.
Customer Review | “Patagonia’s board shorts have always been my choice and these are fantastic. . Great color, quick drying and ideal for anything on, near, or in the water.” – Dave (Read all reviews.)
2. Fair Harbor
Materials | Recycled poly
Size Range | S – 3XL
Price Range | $68 – $92
Fair Harbor’s swim trunks are made from 92% recycled polyester and 8% spandex, all from 11 recycled plastic bottles. Featuring a 6-inch inseam, BreezeKnit™ liner, 4-way stretch, and water-resistant fabric, these trunks combine style with practical details like side contrast stripes, a hook-and-eye front closure, and elastic side cinches. Available in various colors, including Navy Juniper and Red Hibiscus, they offer a sleek look inspired by James Bond’s iconic beach style while promoting sustainable practices.
Customer Review | “I love this bathing suit. Its comfortable dries quickly. Looks good too!” – Bryan B. (Read all reviews.)
3. Tomboyx
Materials | Recycled poly, OEKO-TEX certified fabric
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, each of these swim shorts are made using 8 recycled plastic water bottles. Intentionally produced every step of the way.
Customer Review | “I have never found a suit that didn’t cling to my body the instant it got wet. Body image issues, sensory issue…hate it. THESE DON’T! Yes, there’s the liner biker short like material, but the top short doesn’t cling to it. I’m not constantly peeling it off my body. I’m so in love!! Dries easily too.” – Vixen (Read all reviews.)
4. Buck Mason
Materials | Nylon from recycled ocean waste, Japanese nylon, cotton
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price Range | $98 – $148
Buck Mason, founded in 2013 in Venice, California, focuses on creating modern American classics with a commitment to timelessness, quality, and their California roots. Their Diver Cloth swim trunks, made from lightweight recycled nylon, feature a superfine lining, an elastic waistband with a drawstring, and multiple pockets for convenience. We’re loving that these swim shorts embody the laidback, effortless style of California while also being environmentally conscious.
5. Outerknown
Materials | Recycled polyester, recycled spandex
Size Range | S – XXL
Price Range | $78 – $168
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.
Customer Review | “Best boardies out there!” – Justin (Read all reviews.)
6. Quince
Materials | Recycled nylon, elastane extralife
Size Range | S – XXL
Price | $40
Quince‘s Italian Swim Trunks are your go-to for beach days, poolside hangs, and everything in between. Made with premium Italian fabric that’s quick-drying, fade-resistant, and tough enough to handle chlorine, sunscreen, and oils, these trunks keep their fresh look all season long. They’ve got built-in UPF 50 sun protection, a comfy elastic waistband with drawstring, and a handy zippered back pocket for your essentials. Plus, the mesh-lined brief adds comfort and support, and the recycled, OEKO-TEX certified materials mean they’re as kind to the planet as they are to your summer style.
Customer Review | “Soo good that I’ve bought 2 and I’m debating a third pair.” – Neil M. (Read all reviews.)
7. prAna
Materials | Recycled polyester blend, organic cotton
Size Range | S – XXL
Price Range | $64 – $78
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?
Customer Review | “Been swimming in these around a dozen times with same number washings. No signs of wear or deterioration. Fits as expected (32 waist). Waistband holds its shape and length is perfect for a board short. Contemplating an additional color….” – Al (Read all reviews.)
8. Bather
Materials | Recycled quick-dry nylon, recycled poly
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price Range | $55 – $150 CAD
Canadian-owned swimwear brand Bather is pumping out modern swim trunks with sustainable fabrics in mind. Made from 100% recycled materials, these swimwear pieces use fabrics like recycled nylon and cyclepet recycled polyester in quick-drying, and ergonomic styles. Bather also features handrawn prints on many of their patterned swim trunk options, plus the deep side pockets and thoughtful addition of buttoned back pockets will keep any essentials secure while your out swimming. Bonus: Everything is made steps away from their Downtown Toronto office.
Featured image by MeUndies
