Synthetic-free swimwear

Images: marahoffman.com

The vast majority of swimsuits are synthetic because synthetic fabrics have performance qualities necessary for stretch, durability, and resistance to chlorine, saltwater, and sunlight. But the materials come at a cost to the environment, requiring massive amounts of energy and petroleum for their production while creating non-biodegradable waste along the way. Around 2015 when Mara Hoffman started making a sustainable ready-to-wear clothing line, the New York-based womenswear brand also started looking for a way to do the same for its swimwear.

Now seven years later, the brand has done it. Mara Hoffman’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection features three different swimsuits made from a bio-based fabric. The material is called Pyratex Power 3, and it was developed in collaboration with Spanish material design company Pyratex. Together they provide the most sustainable swimwear fabric available, containing just 11% elastane. The companies intend to continue their research for a fully sustainable solution while leading the sector away from dependence on synthetic materials.