Can swimwear really be sustainable if it's made out of plastic? Throughout this series, we've championed natural fibres—linen, cashmere, merino wool, and organic cotton—over synthetic materials and plastic.
So why are we now talking about swimwear made from plastic? Because swimwear is different.
Natural fibres simply don't perform well in water. They absorb moisture, lose shape, take forever to dry, and break down quickly in chlorine and saltwater. For swimwear to actually work, the best current option available to us is synthetic performance fibres.
We're constantly in conversation with our manufacturers about plastic-free swimwear alternatives. While access to the technology isn't quite there yet, it's something we're actively pursuing. As the industry evolves and new innovations emerge, we'll be first in line to adopt truly plastic-free solutions.
At the moment, the question is more about: do we choose to create more plastic for our swimwear, or use and recycle what's already in existence?
That's where REPREVE® comes in.
What Is REPREVE®?
REPREVE® is the world's leading brand of recycled performance fibre. It's sourced sustainably by transforming plastic bottles into certifiable, traceable, high-performance yarn that's perfect for swimwear, activewear, and performance essentials.
Unlike virgin polyester (which is made from petroleum), REPREVE® gives new life to plastic that would otherwise pollute our oceans and landfills. The result is a fabric that performs just as well—if not better—than conventional synthetics, while significantly reducing environmental impact.
REPREVE® is:
- Certified and traceable – Every yard of REPREVE® fabric can be traced back to its recycled source through U Trust® verification
- High-performance – Durable, supportive, quick-drying, and specifically engineered for swimwear
- Sustainable – Reduces plastic waste and prevents ocean pollution
- UPF 50+ – Provides excellent sun protection
REPREVE® proves that you don't have to choose between performance and sustainability—you can have both.
At Le Edit, we've chosen not to create more plastic to bring our Swimwear to life, but to recycle what's already there. And that's what makes it sustainable.
How Is REPREVE® Made?
The journey from plastic bottle to swimwear is a fascinating process:
1. Collection
Plastic bottles are collected from areas within 50 km of coastlines that do not have a formal waste or recycling system. These are "ocean-bound" plastics—bottles that would otherwise end up polluting beaches, waterways, and marine ecosystems.
2. Cleaning & Shredding
The collected bottles are thoroughly cleaned and shredded into small pieces, removing labels, caps, and contaminants.
3. Melting & Flaking
The shredded plastic is melted down and transformed into high-quality plastic flakes—the raw material for REPREVE® fibre.
4. Fiber Production
The flakes are then transformed into REPREVE® fibres through a specialized process that turns waste into fabric. This process uses significantly less energy and water than producing virgin polyester.
5. Yarn & Fabric
The REPREVE® fibres are spun into yarn and woven or knitted into fabric—durable, supportive, and perfect for high-performance swimwear.
The final product is a certified, traceable fabric that performs beautifully while keeping plastic out of our oceans.
Why is REPREVE® a better Choice than other Swimwear?
Stops Ocean Pollution
By choosing REPREVE®, you're stopping plastic bottles from polluting our oceans. Each piece of REPREVE® swimwear represents bottles intercepted before they could harm marine life and ecosystems.
Protects Marine Life
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health. Sea turtles, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic for food or become entangled in debris. By reducing plastic waste, REPREVE® helps protect the creatures that call our oceans home.
Reduces Plastic Waste
REPREVE® diverts millions of plastic bottles from landfills and oceans every year, giving them a second life as high-performance fabric instead of sitting in the environment for hundreds of years.
Lower Environmental Impact
Producing REPREVE® uses:
- Less energy than virgin polyester production
- Less water
- Fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- No new petroleum extraction
High Performance
REPREVE® fabric is specifically engineered for swimwear. It's:
- Durable – Resists fading, stretching, and wear from chlorine, saltwater, and sun exposure
- Supportive – Provides excellent shape retention and support
- Quick-drying – Dries faster than many conventional fabrics
- Comfortable – Soft, smooth, and feels great against the skin
- UPF 50+ – Offers excellent sun protection
Certified & Traceable
REPREVE® is U Trust® verified, meaning every yard of fabric can be traced back to its recycled source. You can trust that your swimwear is genuinely sustainable, not just greenwashed marketing.
The Final Verdict
Virgin polyester swimwear creates new plastic from petroleum, contributes to fossil fuel extraction, and adds to the plastic crisis.
REPREVE® swimwear intercepts existing plastic, keeps it out of our oceans, and performs beautifully—without compromise.
By choosing REPREVE® swimwear, you're investing in pieces that:
- Perform beautifully in and out of the water
- Protect you with UPF 50+ sun protection
- Keep plastic bottles out of our oceans
- Support ethical, transparent production
- Last for years with proper care
Discover our sustainable swimwear collection and make a positive impact with every swim.