What Is ECONYL? Why We Make Our Swimwear From Regenerated Nylon

Econyl Fabric: What Is It and Why Do We Love It?-Ocean Soul Swimwear
The short answer

ECONYL® is a regenerated nylon made by Italian company Aquafil from nylon waste such as old fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastic. The waste is collected, cleaned and chemically regenerated back into nylon that performs the same as new, oil-based nylon. That means swimwear made from ECONYL® is just as stretchy, strong and chlorine resistant as regular swimwear, without needing new crude oil. At Ocean Soul we make our swimwear from Italian ECONYL® because it lets us build suits that last and keep waste out of landfill and the ocean.

The ocean gives us everything - so we do our best to protect it. Econyl is a regenerated nylon made from post-consumer waste including discarded fishing nets, industrial plastics, and fabric scraps. Where traditional nylon relies on petroleum, Econyl transforms what already exists into high-performance swimwear that's built to last.

Olive Bali bikini bottom made from ECONYL
ECONYL turns waste into high quality swimwear fabric.

At Ocean Soul Swimwear, we are proud to use Econyl fabric to craft our eco-friendly swimwear, reducing our environmental footprint and contributing to a cleaner planet.

Why We Choose Econyl for Our Swimwear

Why We Choose Econyl for Our Swimwear

Discover why Econyl fabric is our choice for sustainable swimwear-combining eco-friendly innovation with durability and style.

Environmental Impact

Econyl plays a significant role in reducing waste both on land and in our oceans. By repurposing discarded materials that would otherwise contribute to pollution, Econyl helps prevent waste from ending up in landfills or marine ecosystems. Choosing Econyl means supporting a circular economy, where resources are reused, reducing our overall carbon footprint.

Exceptional Quality

Econyl doesn’t compromise on performance. It possesses the same properties as traditional nylon, offering exceptional durability, elasticity, and resistance to chlorine and UV rays. This makes it the ideal material for creating swimwear that can withstand the elements while ensuring comfort and longevity.

One piece swimsuits made from ECONYL

Versatility in Design

One of the standout qualities of Econyl is its versatility. It can be seamlessly used in a variety of swimwear styles and paired with other sustainable materials such as organic cotton or recycled polyester. This flexibility allows us to create unique, stylish, and eco-friendly swimwear designs that cater to every adventure.

Transparency and Accountability

Econyl is a certified sustainable material, ensuring that its production process and supply chain are traceable and transparent. This accountability allows us to confidently share information about our materials and their environmental credentials, giving our OSB tribe peace of mind with every purchase.

Why Econyl Matters to Us

Why ECONYL matters to Ocean Soul

At Ocean Soul Bali, Econyl is more than just a fabric-it’s a commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation. By choosing Econyl, we are making a conscious choice to protect Mama Earth, reduce waste, and offer our customers swimwear that feels good-inside and out.

From its positive environmental impact to its high-performance qualities, Econyl empowers us to create products that align with our values and resonate with our community.

How does ECONYL compare with regular nylon?

ECONYL® regenerated nylon Virgin nylon
Raw material Nylon waste (nets, scraps, carpet) Crude oil
Performance Same as new nylon Standard
Stretch and recovery Excellent Excellent
Chlorine and salt resistance High in quality fabrics High in quality fabrics
End of life Can be regenerated again Usually landfill
Biodegradable? No No
Long Sleeve Swimsuit Sulawesi Nautical
Made from Italian ECONYL®
Long Sleeve Swimsuit: Sulawesi Nautical

Our original long sleeve swimsuit, sculpting and secure, with UPF 50+ coverage.

$230 AUDShop the Sulawesi →
One Piece Swimsuit Mentawai Nautical
Sleeveless, same fabric
One Piece Swimsuit: Mentawai Nautical

The Mentawai one piece in regenerated nylon, made to move from surf to sunset.

$200 AUDShop the Mentawai →

From fishing net to swimsuit

It is worth pausing on how remarkable this is. A fishing net, lost or discarded, might drift for years, tangling marine life. When it is collected and regenerated, the nylon in it can be turned back into fine, high quality yarn. That yarn is knitted into fabric, cut and sewn in Bali, and becomes the swimsuit you wear on your next surf. The ocean gives, and some of what we took is given back.

Every ECONYL swimsuit carries a small story of waste turned into something worth keeping.

What ECONYL feels like to wear

If you have never worn ECONYL, it feels like a high quality swimwear fabric: smooth, soft, with good stretch and recovery. Because it is a nylon, it performs like the swimwear you know, holding its shape in salt water and sun when cared for well.

Olive Sumatra high waisted bikini bottom
Same performance as virgin nylon, made from waste.

Making it last

The most sustainable thing you can do with any swimsuit is wear it for years. Rinse after every swim, hand wash gently and dry in the shade. Rotate two suits if you swim daily.

High Waisted Bikini Bottom The Sumatra
Made from ECONYL
High Waisted Bikini Bottom: The Sumatra

The Sumatra high waisted bikini bottom, smooth and secure.

$80 AUDShop the Sumatra →

Swimwear made from regenerated nylon

Every Ocean Soul swimsuit is made from Italian ECONYL® and designed in Bali.

Shop the collection →

12 month quality guarantee. Easy returns and exchanges.

Questions we get asked

What is ECONYL made of?

ECONYL® is made from nylon waste such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastic, regenerated into new nylon.

Is ECONYL good for swimwear?

Yes. It performs the same as new nylon, with excellent stretch, recovery and resistance to chlorine and salt.

Is ECONYL sustainable?

It is a lower-impact choice than virgin nylon because it is made from waste and can be regenerated again, but it is not biodegradable.

Who makes ECONYL?

ECONYL® is made by Aquafil, a company based in Italy.

Does ECONYL swimwear last?

Quality ECONYL® swimwear lasts well, especially when rinsed after use and dried in the shade.

Explore Our Sustainable Swimwear Collection

When you choose an Econyl swimsuit from Ocean Soul Swimwear, you're not just buying swimwear-you're joining a movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Want to learn more about choosing eco-friendly fabrics? Dive deeper into our blog: Sustainable Swimwear That Lasts: What to Look For.

Together, let’s make waves of change-one eco-friendly swimsuit at a time.

SHOP our Collection of Sustainable Econyl Swimwear

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