Why Are Organic Swimsuits Hard to Find?
Finding a truly organic swimsuit is challenging because swimwear needs to be durable, flexible, and resistant to water, sun, and chlorine. Most swimsuits are made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex, which provide the necessary stretch and quick-drying properties but are derived from petroleum-based sources. Natural fibers like organic cotton or hemp, while more natural, don’t perform well in water—they absorb too much moisture, become heavy, and lose their shape.
The Issue with PFAS and Other Chemicals
Many swimsuits, especially those labeled as water-repellent or stain-resistant, may contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—also known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. These chemicals have been linked to health concerns, including hormone disruption and cancer. Additionally, some swimsuits may contain dyes, plasticizers, or antimicrobial treatments that can introduce unwanted toxins.
How to Find a Safe, Non-Toxic Swimsuit
When shopping for safer swimwear, OEKO-TEX® certification is one of the best indicators that a product is free from harmful chemicals. This globally recognized certification ensures that fabrics have been tested for substances that could be hazardous to human health. GOTS is another great textile certification but only pertains to natural fabrics such as cotton.
Why Have We Listed OEKO-TEX® Certified Swimwear?
OEKO-TEX® certified swimwear offers numerous benefits, making it a safer and more sustainable choice. The certification ensures that fabrics are free from over 100 toxic substances, including heavy metals, pesticides, PFAS and formaldehyde. It is also ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, as certified fabrics are tested to be free from allergens and irritants, making them particularly suitable for babies and children. Additionally, OEKO-TEX® prioritizes eco-conscious production by enforcing responsible chemical use and sustainable manufacturing practices. Another key benefit is its focus on safety in everyday wear—certified fabrics undergo testing for colorfastness and pH balance, ensuring that dyes won’t bleed onto the skin or be absorbed if a child chews on the fabric.
Which Chemicals Does OEKO-TEX® Test For?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) – Common in water-resistant fabrics, but restricted under OEKO-TEX®.
Heavy Metals – Such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can be toxic with prolonged exposure.
Formaldehyde – A carcinogenic substance sometimes used in textile finishing.
Azo Dyes & Carcinogenic Dyes – Some synthetic dyes release aromatic amines, which are linked to cancer.
Pesticides & Chlorinated Phenols – Often found in non-organic cotton, but banned under OEKO-TEX®.
Phthalates & Plasticizers – Used to soften plastics in synthetic fabrics, but can be endocrine disruptors.
Allergenic Disperse Dyes – Certain dyes used in polyester can cause skin irritation and are restricted.
A Note about Prices
Safer swimwear options like OEKO-TEX® certified swimwear tend to be more expensive due to several key factors related to materials, production, and certification costs.
First, higher-quality, non-toxic materials are more costly to source. Many conventional swimsuits use cheap synthetic fabrics treated with chemicals to enhance water resistance, elasticity, and durability. In contrast, OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics must meet strict safety standards, requiring safer dyes, non-toxic treatments, and often more sustainable or recycled materials, all of which increase production costs.
Second, rigorous testing and certification fees add to the price. To earn OEKO-TEX® certification, manufacturers must undergo extensive lab testing for over 100 harmful substances, ensuring fabrics are free from heavy metals, PFAS, formaldehyde, and other toxins. This process is ongoing, requiring regular retesting to maintain certification, which adds to operational expenses.
Additionally, ethical and environmentally responsible production practices raise costs. Many OEKO-TEX® brands prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable manufacturing processes. Unlike fast fashion brands that cut costs by mass-producing cheaply in unregulated factories, these companies invest in ethical labor practices and environmentally friendly production methods, which naturally results in higher prices.
Finally, smaller production scales also contribute to the cost. Unlike major fast fashion brands that mass-produce at a lower cost per unit, sustainable and certified brands often produce in smaller batches to ensure quality and ethical sourcing, leading to higher per-item costs.
Below are our picks for safer swimwear options. We have included more affordable synthetic but certified options, pricier options with more natural materials, and some in-between.
Women’s
Berry Jane $44 – $78 (Amazon link)
Materials:
Recycled polyester and spandex
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Arena Women’s Bathing Suit $39.45 – $54.06 (Amazon link)
Materials:
100% Polyester
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Note: It appears that some of their items have OEKO-TEX certification while others don’t. Read product descriptions and look for certification on the garment to verify purchase.
Second Summer £30 – £125
Materials:
Nylon, Spandex
Certifications:
OEKO-TEX
Tomboyx $46 – $99
Materials:
80% polyester, 20% spandex
Certifications:
OEKO-TEX
Midori $74 – $150
Materials:
LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ (spandex/elastane)
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Reset Priority $79 – $160
Materials:
Xtra Life Lycra®
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
YouSwim $159
Materials:
12% EU-sourced elastane, 88% EU-sourced nylon
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Natasha Tonic $60 – $200
Materials:
Hemp/ Organic Cotton/ 4% Lycra
Certification:
EcoCert
Swimm $180 – $200
Materials:
96% Australian Merino Wool, 4% elastane
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Men’s
Industry of All Nations Board Shorts $115
Materials:
100% Organic cotton
ARENA Men’s Performance Icons Solid Low-Waist Shorts $48
Materials:
100% Polyester
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Note: It appears that some of their items have OEKO-TEX certification while others don’t. Read product descriptions and look for certification on the garment to verify purchase.
Unisex
Rawganique Beach Shorts $109.95
Materials:
100% hemp
Certifications:
None
Kids & Babies
Hanna Anderson $31 – $50
Materials:
Recycled nylon, spandex
Certifications:
OEKO-TEX
Midori $44
Materials:
LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ (spandex/elastane)
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Arena Girls Performance Swimsuit $44.37
Materials:
100% polyester
Certifications:
OEKO-TEX
Green Sprout Girls Swimsuit with built-in swim diaper $29.99
Materials:
Shell: 85% Recycled Polyester/15% Elastane
Shell: 100% Recycled Polyester
Certifications:
OEKO-TEX
Berry Jane Girls Rash Guard $39
Materials:
Recycled polyester and spandex
Certification:
OEKO-TEX
Pure Earth £34.00 (UK-based)
Materials:
98% organic cotton, 2% lycra
Certifications:
Cotton organic used but finished garment doesn’t appear to have any certifications.
Primary $24.50 – $59
Materials:
Polyester, spandex
Certifications:
Fabric and thread is OEKO-TEX certified but finished product doesn’t have certification.
GreenSprout Swim Diaper $11.89 (Amazon link)
Materials:
100% Polyester
Certification:
OEKO-TEX