What Does “Eco Swimwear” Really Mean? (Spoiler: Not Greenwashing)

Let’s face it: the word “eco” is everywhere. From dish soap to sneakers to swimsuits, everyone’s slapping the label on and hoping you don’t ask too many questions. But at Sandbar, we welcome the questions. In fact, we built our brand on the answers.

Because to us, eco swimwear isn’t a trend. It’s the reason we started.

So... what actually makes swimwear eco?

It starts with what it’s made of. Most traditional swimwear is produced with virgin polyester a plastic-based fabric made from petroleum. Not ideal for you or the planet.

Our swimwear, on the other hand, is made using recycled plastic bottles and post-consumer waste. Through an innovative process, we transform waste into high-performance fabric that’s soft, durable, and made to last without relying on virgin plastics.

But isn’t that just the bare minimum?

You’re not wrong. So we took it further.

For every single item sold, we fund the removal of 1kg of ocean plastic because we believe that being sustainable isn’t just about materials, it’s about impact. We work with verified global cleanup operations to ensure the plastic is actually removed and our customers can track their impact online.

So when you buy a Sandbar swimsuit, you’re not just avoiding harm you’re actively doing good.

Not greenwashing.... just green doing.

Greenwashing is when companies make vague or misleading claims about being eco-friendly. Like saying something is “sustainable” with zero transparency or third-party verification. It’s a marketing tactic, not a mission.

We’re not about that. We share the facts: where our fabrics come from, how much plastic we’ve removed, and what we’re working on next. (Spoiler: it involves even less waste and even more impact.)

Your swimsuit should tell a better story.

You deserve to know that your family’s swimwear was made with purpose. That it’s part of something bigger. That your kids can wear something fun and meaningful. That matching on the beach can mean matching values too.

So next time you see the word “eco"..... ask for proof.
And if you’re wearing Sandbar swimwear, you already have it.