It’s 2019, So of Course We’re Buying Plant-Based Swimwear

You’ve swapped plastic straws for metal. You carry around cotton totes for grocery shopping. You’ve adopted a mostly vegetarian diet (or at least started practicing Meatless Mondays). Going green to save the planet has never been easier—or chicer—which is why it’s time to refresh your swimwear drawer with the latest and greatest.

Enter: plant-based bikinis. Yes, much like your beloved vegan restaurant, the California-based brand Vitamin A is turning to greenery to update its swimsuits for the year 2019.

Made from a raw material that originates from the castor bean, the super-soft ribbed fabric is created in a way that’s less harmful to the environment than most other swimwear. How, you ask? Well, the plant-based fiber requires less water and energy in the production process, which means it’s greener overall. Oh, and each of the swimsuits made from BioRib (the name Vitamin A uses to describe its plant-based creations) is quick-dry and thermoregulated, which ensures you won’t be sweating in your suit after an hour in the sun.

Vitamin A has long been known as a trailblazer in the swimsuit field. Designer Amahlia Stevens was producing sustainable beach-apropos designs over 20 years ago, way before that phrase became a veritable buzzword. The range currently includes sexy bikinis and cute one-pieces made from recycled nylon and recycled cotton, all manufactured using mindful practices.  

“Obviously, recycling is great and we all need to do it, but if we can avoid having anything to do with plastic products in the first place, that’s even better,” Stevens said on a panel during Nu Wave Swim at Miami Swim Week.

Luckily for avid beach-goers and pool-hoppers, Vitamin A’s plant-based swimwear also comes in a mix-and-match variety of cheeky bottoms and full-coverage tops (and vice versa)—plus a long-sleeve bodysuit. Shop the styles below.