It turns out that recycled swimwear’s not just made for women and kids. In fact, there are so many men’s swimwear brands making swimwear from recycled fabric we think you never need to buy men’s trunks made from virgin plastic every again.
By choosing to buy recycled swimwear, not only will you be using waste and reducing our reliance on resources you will also be supporting companies who are:
- Change fashion as we know it.
- Uncovering new ways to use plastic waste.
- Striving for a truly circular economy.
On top of that, you will get some pretty cool swimming trunks!
Before you dive in, there are a couple of essential things to go over. We always encourage you to reduce and reuse first, so ask yourself the following questions.
- Do you really need another pair of swim trunks?
- Are your old trunks still wearable?
- Can you get them second-hand?
Below are some of the swimwear brands we like.
PrAna
PrAna mission is “Clothing for a Positive Change” or, in short, C4PC!
They encourage you to start asking questions about your clothes and help change the way clothing is made. Not only do they use recycled polyester in their swimsuits for men and women, but they use 100% organic cotton in their other pieces.
PrAna partner with several charities and are not afraid to get their hands dirty. From beach cleans to sending aid when natural disasters strike, they find a way to help.
Fair Harbor
Growing up on the beach, the founders of Fair Harbor had instilled in them a love and respect for the ocean. They refer to their hometown as a barefoot community, where all you need was a swimsuit and a bike. They wanted to do something positive about the growing plastic waste problem, so they started Fair Harbor.
Their swimwear is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Through their processes, they transform them into eco-friendly swimwear fabric. So far, they have upcycled over 2 million bottles. They also have a recycling program for your old boardshorts. We love companies that take their products back at the end of their life.
Quiksilver
Quiksilver has been around since 1969. Created by two Torquay locals who started making boardshorts in their garage at home. Now based in California, Quiksilver is now one of the world’s largest brands of surfwear.
“Recycled for Radness” is their campaign slogan for their men’s swimwear shorts that use recycled swimwear fabric. They use Repreve, a recycled polyester fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
Boden
Boden’s main priority is to make clothes that last. Their goal is to get us to wear their stuff for a really long time. They even offer a 1-year guarantee on their products and a 3-month return policy on most items.
Their swim shorts are made with recycled polyester. Not only will they last but they are already supporting the circular economy. Be sure to check out their care guides to look after your garments.
Vissla
With a forward-thinking philosophy, Vissla is taking on the world. Coconuts and recycled plastic, not something you would expect to be a thing! Well, they have done it.
Vissla has taken the waste husks from coconuts and combined them with Repreve, a recycled polyester, to make their own unique fabric called Coctex®. They say the properties of this fabric are everything you could ever wish for in a pair of trunks.
Ecoer
Turning fashion production into something slow and deliberate with sustainability at the forefront is the goal of Ecoer Fashion. Their mission is to make high-quality, eco-friendly, and economical clothing that doesn’t break the bank—or the planet.
They use recycled and sustainable materials that are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Recycled Standard to make men’s and women’s clothes and accessories. Their recycled boardshorts are made with recycled polyester and nylon.
Cotopaxi
Made with recycled nylon these are not just a pair of board shorts, they are a pair of do-it-all outdoor shorts with a sustainable twist.
Cotopaxi creates high-quality outdoor apparel, backpacks, and accessories known for their vibrant colors, functional features, and durable construction. Cotopaxi dedicates 1% of its annual revenue to various nonprofits that focus on alleviating poverty and empowering communities in the regions where their products are made.
Everlane Swim Shorts
Everlane’s Renew is a collection of outerwear and fleece made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
In 2018, Everlane committed to eliminating all virgin plastic from their supply chain. Now thanks to their commitment and Renew collection 97% of their apparel and 45% of their footwear materials containing plastic fibers are made with certified recycled fibers.
Tree Tribe
Tree Tribe is an eco-conscious brand focused on creating sustainable and environmentally friendly products inspired by nature. With a deep commitment to reforestation efforts, Tree Tribe plants trees for every purchase made, helping to restore and preserve forests around the world.
Their product range includes stylish and functional items like backpacks, apparel, accessories, and stationery, all made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled plastics.
By blending fashion with environmental responsibility, Tree Tribe aims to inspire a greener lifestyle and promote the beauty and importance of nature in our daily lives.
Outerknown
Kelly Stator’s brand Outerknown is proving you can make great clothes with a full commitment to sustainability. Their mission is “To transform the way we outfit the world by inspiring an industry to reimagine design and embrace circularity”. They have a plan to achieve this by 2030.
Currently, 90% of the fibers that Outerknown use are organic, recycled, or regenerated, and they still work to improve that percentage. Their men’s swimming trunks are made from recycled polyester and recycled spandex.
Somewhere Sunny
Somewhere Sunny make swimming trunks so good you will want to wear them everywhere, and you can! Run, swim, surf, do yoga, or even just sit and enjoy the afternoon at a cafe.
You can also be proud that they’re made from recycled polyester, with 12 recycled plastic bottles in each pair of trunks.
Hurley
Hurley is a popular clothing brand that’s recognized for its association with surf and beach culture. They also recognize the importance of protecting the planet and strive to create products that reflect this.
Hurley is actively working towards incorporating more sustainable fabrics into its clothing line. They’ve partnered with organizations like the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and the Textile Exchange and also introduced some recycled fabrics like recycled polyester.
Me Undies
MeUndies is known for its comfortable and stylish underwear and loungewear. But they also make recycled polyester trunks.
With a focus on quality, comfort, and fun designs, MeUndies aims to provide customers with the ultimate in cozy essentials. MeUndies also embraces inclusivity by offering a diverse range of sizes to ensure everyone can find their perfect fit. As a result they have gained a loyal following and become a go-to brand for those seeking comfortable and eco-friendly underwear options.
Six Islands
Six Islands care about the effects of global warming and so decided they wanted to contribute to a circular economy. They make swim trunks with recycled materials.
For every sale, they donate to a good cause like SEE Turtles Organization, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and other high-impact initiatives.
Palma Swim
Palma Swim founder, Quiria Rodriguez Romano, was inspired by the recovery of her island of Puerto Rico after the devastating Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Seeing all the plants and trees growing back stronger, she created Palma Swim. A line of swimwear representing all the palm trees that stood and the ones that will stand in the future. Helping to remind people of the beauty to be enjoyed.
They use recycled polyester fabric made from recycled plastic bottles in their men’s swim trunks.
They donate 3% of their sales to a citizen engagement organization, Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Accion Inc. Its main goal is to inspire young people to make Puerto Rico their life project.
The Tropics
Their products are for enjoying the ocean, not destroying it! The Tropics brand is part of the solution.
Named after the tropics, the regions of the earth in the middle of the globe and home to about a third of the world’s people. They make their swim trunks out of recycled plastic: Repreve, to be exact, a recycled polyester fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
Members of 1% for the planet means they take responsibility for the planet and give back 1% of their profits. They also get their hands dirty and support the community by joining in on monthly clean-ups throughout Miami.
If you are in Miami, why not jump over to their website and join one of their clean-ups. If you can’t make it, you can support the clean-ups by purchasing a t-shirt.
Junk in your trunk
With a straight attitude, Junk in Your Trunk realizes just buying a pair of swim trunks can’t save the world. However, they point out that a swimsuit made from recycled plastics is better than a swimsuit made from virgin plastics. We agree, and hopefully, you do too.
So with any luck in the process, you might learn something else from them, like how to clean up after ourselves a little better. At least you’ll find some unique men’s swim trunks in the process.
Riz Boardshorts
Riz Boardshorts was established in 2009 when the founders decided it was time for something better in men’s swimwear. Their swimwear is made in Europe in small batches to keep waste to a minimum. Their designs are inspired by endangered fish, flowers, and insects hope to raise awareness and inspire appreciation of this wonderful world of ours.
What we really love is that they have their own return program. Rizcycle allows you to return your old swimwear shorts for a voucher, and they will rehome, repair, or recycle them. Plus, they will repair your recycled boardshorts for as long as you have them.
Bluebuck
Bluebuck describes a man who combines the rugged and the natural, a strong sense of self combined with a responsibility for the environment. Bluebuk believes in action. So everything that they do acts to minimize their impact.
They make men’s swimwear shorts out of SEAQUALTM, a fabric made from upcycled marine waste. The waste is a mix of plastic bottles and plastic packaging collected through collaborations with fishermen and small charities. Not only do they use this fabric to make recycled swimwear, but they also make eco-friendly underwear and socks.
And there are plenty more
There are plenty more brands making recycled men’s swimwear so keep looking if you haven’t found what you like.
- Nautica
- Tommy Bahama
- Salty Crew
- Frank and Oak
- United by Blue
- Patagonia
- Riz Boardshorts
There are plenty more brands making recycled men’s swimwear, so keep looking if you haven’t found what you like.
https://au.oneill.com/search?q=RECYCLED&_=pf&pf_t_category=Product%20Category%7CBoardshorts
https://en.segsea.com/pages/devenez-ambassadeurs-segsea
https://bonobos.com/search?term=RECYCLED
Volcom
The inspiration came to the founders of Volcom on a snowboarding trip back in 1991, and since then, Volcom has spread across the world.
Volcom was built on their ‘True To This’ beliefs. They are committed to the environment and responsible sourcing. Their core drivers are Strong Oceans, a Stable Climate, and a Smart Society.
Volcom is a lifestyle brand making skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding apparel for women, men, and kids. Check out their Eco-True range of sustainable clothing to find their recycled clothing.
Volcom uses recycled polyester (Repreve) and nylon (Econyl) along with some recycled and organic cotton.
The Wrap
You can make a difference just by choosing to buy swimwear made from recycled fabric. There are many different types of swimwear fabrics made from recycled materials like Econyl and Repreve. Take a look at our Buy Recycled Brand Directory too.
If you are interested in knowing more, then check out our guide to the future of swimwear. Or check out 35 brands making recycled swimwear for women and 16 Brands Making Gorgeous Recycled Swimmers For Your Kids.
Find more ways to vote with your wallet in our buying guides.
- Buy Recycled: Sunglasses
- Buy Recycled: Backpacks
- Buy Recycled: Wallets for Women
- Buy Recycled: Swimsuits for Kids
- Buy Recycled: Swimsuits for Women
- Buy Recycled: Leggings & Activewear
- Buy Recycled: Shoes
- Buy Recycled: Dog Products
Or head over to our Buy Recycled Guides Page to find more.
