Everything we do has an impact on our planet. Reducing consumption is the key since there are many environmental impacts of producing a garment in the first place. We've put together an updated guide about swimwear, its impact on the environment and how we can make better choices.
Microfibre shedding can be described as the detachment or fall-off of loosely packed or fractured fibers from the surface structure of textile materials.
Micro & Nano plastics
Polyester and microfibre shedding
We recognise that all polyester has an impact our planet. We believe textile construction can help us identify the risk of a polyester fabric shedding.
Environmental chemistry professor Dr Denise M. Mitrano from ETH research university in Zurich points out that "there is always potential for fibres to be released, but swimsuits aren't fuzzy, like fleece jackets. Their fabric has a dense knit, so they're less likely to shed microplastics during wear."
What is the best fabric to buy?
For swimwear we need stretch and a fabric that doesn't absorb moisture like a sponge. We recommend circular fibres as no new raw materials are needed for its production. They also allow us to reuse what is already there and this is part of a closed-loop system.
We suggest researching until you feel satisfied with a brands supply chain transparency before you purchase from them. From our own research we have identified too many businesses not showing enough transparency. We have also found there are uncertified fabrics where suppliers claim they are made from recycled materials. This is not always true.
Only buy what you need. By reducing consumption, we reduce the amount of waste and the amount of times we need to wash. Buy quality made garments so that they can be recycled after many years of use.
Fabric supply chain transparency
Benefits of our fabrics
Our VITA fabric is a high performance, sustainable techno-fabric made in Italy. Made of 100% recycled polyester from pre and post consumer materials. The fabric is mixed with a small percentage of Elastane to ensure maximum stretch. Our swimwear is made using a premium tight knit fabric construction that offers:
- Strong resilient fibers.
- Excellent colour fastness values
- Durable, resistant to shrinkage.
- Soft and comfortable fit
- Abrasion/pilling resistant.
- Quick drying.
- Chlorine Resistant.
- UV Protection.
- Holds its shape.
Circularity has been a core design value of SHAPES IN THE SAND since we launched our very first collection in 2013. To this day our collections are made from a certified regenerated fabric that benefits from a tight-knit fibre construction. Pre and post-consumer materials that would otherwise end up in landfill is given new life and turned into SHAPES IN THE SAND swimwear.
We are excited to continue our journey Sustainably Shaping Swimwear as we begin sourcing and testing new innovative textiles.
