This swimwear brand is To Dive For

ToDiveFor are a sustainable swimwear whose colourful cossies are lovingly handmade in Britain.

I advocate for buying second hand for nearly everything from footwear to books – I love how it minimises waste and saves money. However much I love second hand, I draw a line in the sand when it comes to swimwear. Therefore, in preparation for my mission for winter sun, I sought out swimwear brands whose manufacturing practices cause as little environmental harm as possible.

Luckily for me, there are many ethical swimwear brands to choose from. Abysse make their swimsuits out of recycled plastic bottles, which I commemorate. Unfortunately, they charge a pretty hefty fee to ship to the UK, but I’d recommend them to any friends in the States looking for an ethical swimwear alternative to the high street. If you’re on the hunt for a one piece, then make Batoko your go-to, who also use recycled materials to create their playfully printed suits. Plus at only £40 a pop, Batoko’s suits will let you save your money for that beachy holiday you’ve been dreaming about.

When I wanted a bikini to wear on my holiday on Mexico’s west coast, I turned to UK-based brand ToDiveFor. All of their swimsuits are handmade in the UK, meaning that their manufacturing practices follow European labour laws. Buying apparel that is made near to where you lives means that it isn’t travelling so far to arrive at your door, reducing the carbon footprint of that item. So you can minimise your own footprint by saving those air miles to get your ass to the beach.

For sustainability bonus points, ToDiveFor posted my order in plastic-free packaging that looked a bit like a packed lunch.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Bikini from ToDiveFor, shorts from Urban Outfitters 6 years ago, Dior sunglasses from Vestiaire Collective, vintage scarf made by my mom (worn as a headband).