Whether you live somewhere warm where you’re constantly spending days at the beach or pool, or you’re planning you next vacation, you need to know about these sustainable, inclusive, Canadian women owned brands!
I’m originally from Canada and I love supporting local brands from back home, especially when the brands are founded and owned by young women.
I now live on a tropical island so a bikini is basically my daily uniform, and I used to do huge hauls from fast fashion brands to stock up on beach and swimwear for insanely low costs, but recently I’ve switched to only buying sustainable fashion and swimwear.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, which are at no cost to you. It just helps support me so I can continue to put out free content for you like this! Thank you for your support!
I have three main reasons for making the switch to sustainable swimwear:
1. Quality of Products
Not only were these fast fashion pieces falling apart after wearing them only a few times, they weren’t exactly repairable due to the low quality materials and manufacturing of the pieces.
2. Sizing
The sizes of fast fashion pieces are almost impossible to predict. With a lot of these pieces being made in factories in countries such as China, the sizing runs way smaller than sizing would in, for example, North America. I usually wear a size medium, but in some fast fashion sizes I need a large just to ensure I have basic coverage. Speaking of coverage - a lot of these swimwear pieces are designed to be extremely sexy and minimalist, which doesn't work for everyone for a variety of different reasons.
3. Ethical Concerns
If you do any research into well known fast fashion brands, you’ll find countless articles on the ethics of these companies. From poor working conditions for their factory workers, with insanely long shifts, to environmental pollution and contributing to landfill waste.
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion encompasses design, production, and distribution processes that consider environmental, social, and ethical impacts. From reducing carbon footprints to promoting fair labor practices, sustainable fashion seeks to minimize harm to the planet and its people.
One of the most innovative ways eco-conscious fashion brands are contributing to sustainability is by transforming plastic waste into fashionable swimwear. Recycled plastic bottles are collected, cleaned, melted, and spun into fibres, which are then used to create stylish, durable, and eco-friendly swimwear. By repurposing plastic waste, these brands are not only reducing pollution but also conserving resources.
Shopping my two favourite brands alleviated all of my concerns regarding quality of products, sizing options, environmental impact and working conditions for those actually making the pieces.
Let me tell you more about them!
Londre Bodywear was founded by two Canadian women, Ainsley Rose and Hannah Todd, who wanted to create high quality products that are flattering for every women's body type; with the lowest possible environmental impact.
Image Credit: Londre Bodywear
Ainsley and Hannah are geniuses when it comes to their social media marketing, using trends and humour to push the boundaries and get their message out there. Every post features their products and really entices you to look more into the brand. Their transparency and relatability is refreshing and it’s so awesome to see the CEO’s of the company actively engaging directly with their audience, to not only grow their brand but to build an authentic community of women.
I literally can’t stop raving about my Londre pieces because they are so so comfortable and flattering!! It’s honestly hard for me to pick something else, and my friends are going to think I don’t own many clothes based on how often I wear the same Londre pieces, to different occasions!
Their swimsuit options with the scrunch bottom have to be my favourite from their swim. They sit higher on your hips, hiding that strip around your waist that always seems to not fit in swimwear properly; and the shape around your butt makes it look round and perky - even if you’ve been neglecting your squats lately. It’s double lined and made with a compression fabric that really just molds and fits to your body.
The Banded Stretch Bottom: Sculpting Clay | The High-Leg Scrunch Bottom: Fiesta Red | The High-Leg Scrunch Bottom: Fleurs De Nuit
Image Credit: Londre Bodywear
The Corset One Piece: Only Blue Skies | The Reversible Minimalist: Buttercup Yellow/Wildflower | The Crossback One Piece: Fuego Pink
Image Credit: Londre Bodywear
I styled my High Leg Scrunch Bottoms with The Bandeau and I was surprised with how well the top stays up! I honestly haven’t worn a strapless bikini top that stays up that well and I’m not constantly tugging on. Even while swimming I felt supported and secure and not worried that every wave would take my whole top away with it!
The Sport Scoop Top: Blue Butterfly | The 1813 Puff Shoulder Top: Fiesta Red | The Triangle Top: Fresh Cut Green
Image Credit: Londre Bodywear
But my top favourite product from Londre is The Only Long Dress. I was first drawn to it because of the Sea Rainbow pattern; I could just envision how stunning it would look with tropical backdrops. But when I put it on for the first time, I was shocked at how soft yet flattering it felt. It hugs every curve perfectly, but is also stretchy. It feels like super high quality swimwear which makes it light and breathable.
These dresses are so versatile that I would say you NEED to buy one for your vacation. They can be worn as a beach cover up, walking around during the day, or can be worn out to dinner or an event in the evening. These dresses would even be perfect to wear to a wedding!!
The Cowl Halter Dress: Fresh Cut Green | The Cut Out Maxi Dress: Matte Black | The One Shoulder Maxi Dress: Toast
Image Credit: Londre Bodywear
Sustainability
So how are they made, and what are they made from to make them sustainable? Londre suits are made out of recycled plastic bottles mixed with a byproduct of shells called Chitosante. Londre Bodywear products are ethically made right in Vancouver, Canada and all workers are paid over minimum wage.
Londre has already taken over 1 million plastic bottles from the beaches and streets of Taiwan to create their pieces.
You can read more details on all of the above here!
Sizing
Londre's sizing is inclusive and ranges from XS to 4XL.
They offer a lot of assistance in choosing the right size, including this Shop by Fit feature and detailed Size Guide.
Pricing
Single pieces range from $68 to $198.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out their Final Few section, or get a crazy deals with one of the Mystery Bundles if you’re indecisive about which style to choose anyways.
And don’t forget to always use my code “MADISON15” for an extra 15% off your entire order!
Note: this discount code won't work on top of major sales, such as Black Friday.
Okay, just a few last favourite pieces I have to show you:
The Un-Cover-Up Mesh Sarong: Sea Rainbow | The Bow: Flat White | The Short Mesh Sarong: Heavenly Bodies
Image Credit: Londre Bodywear
Now let me tell you about my other favourite brand for sustainable beachwear...
Hoaka is a swimwear and apparel brand born out of Montreal. Elisabeth Rioux is the founder and owner - she’s a single mom and absolute girl boss! Her personal story and how she built such an empire so young is super inspiring.
Hoaka is such a fun brand, not only with the colours, patterns and styles of their products; but with their social media campaigns and interaction. The brand often does girls trip giveaways, where girls from anywhere in the world can win spots to join Elisabeth, her friends, and her Hoaka crew to bucket list destinations across the world to hangout with them and be featured in Hoaka campaigns.
Elisabeth proves you can be a boss and own your own company, travel the world to your dream destinations, all while being an incredible mother, and enjoying being young and having fun with your girlfriends. This positive attitude towards life definitely translates into the brand, because when wearing Hoaka I swear you just feel more sexy, fun and confident.
Hoaka has different swimwear types and materials. Some of them are made of neoprene, which totally throws me back to the Tumblr days when every other post was a girl in that neoprene bikini I know you remember. Neoprene is actually really flattering and offers great support.
I recommend you size up if you’re in between sizes for Hoaka suits made of neoprene; or choose adjustable bottoms, like the ones that tie on the side. The neoprene is so supportive due to the thick material, but it doesn't offer any stretch at all.
Then there’s the EcoHoaka suits, made from recycled plastic bottles, but you’d never know with the soft, smooth material. This is definitely my most worn swimsuit - the Ayla Sage Green Ecohoaka Set.
Here are some Hoaka sets that give me total Barbie vibes:
Image Credit: Hoaka
Mommy & Me bathing suits have to be the cutest ever, and Hoaka has a range of different patterns for your littles to match in.
Daisy Lilac Flowers Ecohoaka Set | Lilac Flowers Matching Swim for Girls | Lilac Flowers Matching Swim for Boys
Image Credit: Hoaka
These convertible tops are amazing, you can make so many different styles with them! With different bottom options available, you can get a few pieces to mix and match with and end up with dozens of different looks!
Image Credit: Hoaka
Sustainability
Hoaka makes their pieces sustainable by using recycled polyester - from recycled plastic bottles, planting 10 trees per order contributing to offsetting carbon emissions, and using 100% compostable material to make their packaging.
You can learn more here!
Sizing
Hoaka sizing ranges from XS-XXL. There is a size guide linked to every product page, as the sizes run differently depending on the material.
Hoaka has a collaborative collection with brand Lachapelle Atelier where they've created suits that go up to size 5X-L.
Image Credit: Hoaka
Pricing
Use my code “madiartymko10” for 10% off your entire order!
This code can be applied on top of sale prices, and there’s no limit on how many orders you can use it on.
Hoaka also sells apparel, and it is insanely comfortable…literally feels like a second skin. The material is thin, but stretchy and remains opaque. It’s just so comfortable I could literally live in it!
My favourite are these skorts, with the built in shorts underneath.
Image Credit: Hoaka
So perfect for vacation since you can have multiple looks with just a few pieces, and they pack up so small!
Hoaka has other styles of apparel also, like comfy sweatshirts and joggers, biker shorts, leggings, and even matching looks for your little one!!
Image Credit: Hoaka
Mint Comfy Joggers for Baby & Kids | Shady Pink Comfy Crew Neck Sweatshirt | Brown Comfy Crew Neck Sweatshirt for Baby & Kids
Image Credit: Hoaka
Hoaka has also recently launched Activewear with the two following colours and styles:
Image Credit: Hoaka
I hope you enjoyed this post showcasing my favourite sustainable beachwear fashion looks.
I hope you learned more about my two favourite brands - or even got a stunning and sustainable piece for yourself! Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for more.
Commentaires