April 18, 2023 | 0 min read
As shoppers and parents today, many of us are trying to find more eco-friendly options for our kids. It can be an adventure out there trying to weed through all of the marketing messages, to find better options for your kids and the planet. Searching for swim options can be especially tricky, considering that the majority of swimsuits (and all clothing today) are made using synthetic fabric.
According to Statista, in 2021, synthetic fibers accounted for approximately 64 percent of global textile fiber production. And for swimwear, we can understand why – from stretchability to durability, synthetics still generally make sense for swimwear today.
But synthetics are definitely not the best option for the planet. Not only are they derived from fossil fuels, they use a lot of energy to create and are not biodegradable, meaning they contribute to additional waste.
Fortunately, there are many recycled options on the market today, that are re-imagining waste to create new materials, while reducing the demand for additional petroleum.
When we search for kids swimwear, we always opt for recycled swim options first.
TO NOTE: while recycled options are better, they are still made using
synthetics. Since these fabrics shed microfibers when washed, we always
recommend using a reusable microfiber catching bag like the Cora Ball or GuppyFriend in the washing machine, to help keep those microplastics out of our waterways.
Nothing is perfect, but here’s what to look for in eco-friendly swim for kids–
From rashguards to girl’s suits, City Threads Recycled Nylon swim collection checks all the above boxes. Find styles in every color of the rainbow that offer great UPF protection, so your kids can focus on having fun in the sun.
* Please note that our Recycled Polyester styles that are printed are the only recycled styles that are not OEKO-TEX certified.
Written by: City Threads Cofounders Shayna Samuels & Joe Willis, and Kestrel Jenkins, responsibility consultant & host of the Conscious Chatter podcast.