Jump-start your summer with a stylish and sustainable bikini or one-piece swimsuit. From recycled fabrics to small, United States-based productions, these picks are as green as they are gorgeous. Take a peek at our selections below and get inspired!

1. Bold Blue Asymmetric One-Piece

“The Araks woman is achingly chic and forever cool,” and after taking a peek at the swimwear, we couldn’t agree more. Originally a lingerie line, Araks rolled out a swimwear collection in 2013. Manufactured in New York from fine Italian fabrics, Araks designs striking swimwear with an NYC vibe. This bold, gorgeously-hued asymmetrical one-piece would be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a conservative cut that still retains sexy details. When you’re done taking a dip, pair it with Bermuda shorts and sandals, or with a maxi skirt and heels. Priced at $325.

2. Tropical and Reversible Island Bikini

Elle Evans uses regenerate ECONYL lycra fabric, which is comprised of industrial waste from the world over, including discarded plastic dredged from the sea. The Australian brand’s swimwear is hand-sewn in studio by the owner and another seamstress, and is colored using non-toxic dyes. While you may never turn them over since this palm print is so darn beautiful, the island style bikini top and bottom from Elle Evans serve double-duty because they happen to be reversible. Try something new and wear the top with a pair of skinny jeans and heels for a look that’s perfect for balmy summer nights. Priced at $90 and $75.

3. Cheeky Black One-Piece

Known for sexy and chic wetsuits, bikinis, and one-pieces, the California-based brand, Abysse, is perfect for your inner surf goddess. The regular use of 100 percent Japanese limestone-based neoprene smoothie and 100 percent recycled Italian fabric make the wetsuits and other swimwear a conscious summer choice. Many of the designs could pull double-duty with other clothes, like jean shorts, and the different cut options are sure to appeal to the masses. This particular look is a throwback to the ’80s and features a sexy low scoop back that you have to see to believe! Priced at $200.

4. Trendy Palm Leaf Print Bikini

GREENLEE SWIM is crafted from more than 80 percent recycled fibers and manufactured in Los Angeles. The conscious brand believes the “GREENLEE SWIM girl is young and young at heart, hip and eco conscious, today’s version of the classic ‘California Girl.’” Beloved by women and celebs alike, this is definitely a business worth frequenting. The trendy palm leaf print bikini top and bottom are being spotted all over social media influencers, so you better get yours fast! Priced at $99 each.

5. Sexy Colorblock One-Piece

From the company name to the regenerated polyamide ECONYL fabric, this swimwear is highly sustainable. The site says, “Koru is the New Zealand Maori word for ‘spiral’ and is symbolic for new life, hope, spiritual growth, purity, and peace.” Like the company mantra, there is a circle of reuse and rebirth going on. Discarded fishing nets are spun into fabric and Koru has eliminated the use of harmful herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. The striking one-piece is ultra sexy. From the strappy back to the low-cut top and peek-a-boo sides, you’ll want to show off this swimsuit all season. Priced at $160.

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Summer is coming… Do you have your swimwear ready? You probably have something to wear to the beach, lake, or pool, but if you want to update your waterside wardrobe with something a bit more exciting, we’ve got some fun swimwear suggestions.

1. Crochet Monokini

Crochet is kind of the “it girl” of the swimwear world this year. I like this suit choice because it still kind of covers the stomach, but provides a lot of sexy silhouettes. This deep-v suit features a halter-top (a great choice is you’re afraid of breast spillage). If you would rather have a one-piece swimsuit that covers more, or a straight up string bikini, Free People has plenty of those available, too. Priced at $148.

2. Nanette Lepore Montecito Side-Tie Bottoms and High-Neck Top

I really love the top of this two-piece swimsuit because it covers everything. So, if you plan on bending, stretching, or doing anything other than laying out in the sun, it’ll provide some coverage. Also: This suit’s pattern is incredibly cute. Again, if you don’t dig this two piece, Anthropologie has plenty of other two-piece options with more coverage. The bottom of this suit is priced at $72 and the top is $84.

3. Floppy Straw Hat

You love your face skin, right? If so, you better cover it up when you’re outside. And what better way to cover your head, scalp, and face region by donning a cute, vintage hat. This hat is $33, from Etsy, and hails from the 1970s.

4. Vintage Sunglasses

In our opinion, fun swimwear must always include a nice pair of sunnies. And if you want a 1970s pair of frames to go under your floppy hat, we recommend this pair. As stated above, the sunglasses are vintage and feature sunny, orange frames. Priced at $40.82, from Etsy.

5. Cremieux Swimsuit Cover-Up

At some point during your waterside voyage you’re probably going to want to cover up and give your skin a break. When doing so, we suggest going comfy. This cover-up looks pretty dreamy and because it’s a white, cream color, it will go with anything. Priced at $24.49 from ThredUp.

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Woman on beach image from Shutterstock

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Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s about time to start looking for poolside or beach attire.

Don’t just resort to any old swimwear brand when it comes to your next purchase. Instead, opt for a swimwear brand that has the environment in mind. The following 5 swimwear brands use fabric and other packaging materials that are not only sustainable but also fashionable, comfortable and fitting.

1. Koru Swimwear

Using eco-friendly fabrics and responsible textile manufacturing processes, Koru Swimwear is an eco-friendly brand catered to women seeking quality, function, fashion-forward trends and a sense of environmental responsibility. Koru Swimwear considers the environment at ever point, from the recycled hangtags, to organic cotton accessory bags the swimsuits come in to the production of the fabric. Koru also offers apparel made from sustainable hemp linen and or organic cotton without the use of pesticides.

2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A has evolved into a fashion brand with an eco twist. Its EcoLux designs are produced locally in California and are made with a new superfine matter jersey swim fabric. The fabric uses Repreve recycle nylon fiber to conserve resources and LYCRA XTRA LIFE fiber to extend the life of each swimsuit far beyond that of traditional spandex products. Meanwhile, Vitamin A uses sustainable fibers like tencel and choose factories that conserve water and energy use. The company also donates a portion of its profits to environmental organizations.

3. Odina Surf

Founded in 2010, Odina Surf set off to fill a void in the swimwear industry for active women desiring a sustainable, highly-functional swimsuit that was still fashionable. The company worked with surfers, not models, to gather feedback on their suits’ fit and function. Odina uses recycled nylon and organic cotton tags. Their website is also hosted on a 100 percent wind-power server!

4. Zero + Maria Cornejo

Locally produced in NYC, Zero + Maria Cornejo is a swimwear brand that is owned and operated by women. It uses recycled materials when it can and is made out of 100 percent recycled yarn from pre- and post-consumer waste.

5. Curlee Bikini

Crafted in Austin, TX, Curlee Bikini’s EcoLUX Swimwear line began in 2009. Its suits are made from remnant, vintage fabrics and organic materials. The brand also specializes in one-of-a-kind bespoke suits. The company’s office is surrounded by bamboo trees and garden beds.

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Photo Credits: Koru Swimwear, Vitamin A, Odina Surf, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Curlee Bikini

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Tired of that thong song when your sexiest undies collapse from too many wash machine beatings?

One way to lessen the damage is my mom’s method of washing her lingerie in a mesh bag on the delicate cycle of the wash machine, keeping the fabrics separated from towels and other heavier cottons. Bags also help protect fragile fabrics from too much machine agitation. Sadly, Mom still uses Tide detergent on everything. I wheeze from the chemical odor and wince at the notion of wearing tender garments marinated in Tide!

Mesh bags with green detergents are a good way to clean sturdier cotton undies and camisoles  in the machine, and for those who like using bags, Good Housekeeping has some great tips.

But when it comes to silks, I prefer to hand wash and hang undergarments, hose, bathing suits and work-out gear, finding it goes further to sustain these daily necessities while also rushing them through the wash and wear cycle faster.

Here are some safe and gentle products for soaking our most fragile garments:

1. Baby Shampoo

Even before having babies, I began soaking my delicates in the sink with a thimble-full of baby shampoo. My late Aunt Lorraine, one of the best knitters in the Midwest, taught me this trick for handwashing knitwear. For my hose, good thongs and bras, I use organic products, like California Baby , $20, finding a very small amount goes a long way in making suds. I add about a tablespoon to a sink full of water (lukewarm for anything that doesn’t need stain removal and warmer for garments that are spotted). I rinse in clean water and drape the wet garments over a towel to air dry. Experts say not to hang hose or they stretch out, so I usually fold mine over the bathtub rim on a dry towel.

Another reason I love gentle baby shampoo is that I’m highly allergic to most scented shampoos and lingerie washes, and I have no reaction to this gentle alternative. When out of the shampoo, I have also used gentle baby soaps, simply lathering the bar a bit with my hands under the tap to make suds for soaking.

2. Forever New Fabric Care Wash

A product that has been on the market for 25 years, Forever New , $15 – $17, has several organic formulas that address various garments from lights and darks to swimwear, work-out wear and items in need of stain removal. It works great for hand-washing bras. I have a friend who is quite well endowed and she washes a dozen bras at a time and then strings them to dry inside her shower. The site is something to behold. It’s important to remember to reshape the cups when hanging to dry. The washing is easy: you just fill the sink with lukewarm water, add the liquid and swish with your hand to mix the soap. Rinse twice and dry. Your bras will have a longer life if you avoid the tumbling of the machine.

3. Hanky Panky

The maker of organic thongs and undies, Hanky Panky has introduced a biodegradable lingerie wash powder that is hypoallergenic, fragrance free and made in the USA. It’s sold at site like A Brief Affair for $8.50 for an 8 oz. jar. Be sure to follow the directions for mixing so you don’t make the wash too potent.

Main image: Daniele Butera

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Spring is here – the days are longer, warmer and suddenly there’s sexy in the air. And slight panic, as women everywhere realize that in just three short months their derrieres will be bare by the pool and on the beach.

Yes, it’s bikini season, ladies, and while tightening and tanning is totally your business, I’m happy to share with you a few of this season’s sexy and stylish bikinis. Because I believe the time is now to celebrate our bodies, and what better way to celebrate than to wear a bikini?

Here are a few of my favorites:

Loyale Hermosa Bikini

This sweet, flirty suit is made of 100% organic cotton and low impact dyes. Soft and subtle, the top offers extra coverage via an empire-like elastic waist-line. The sassy bottoms are just the right type of small, the “not-too” kind. Great coverage and still oh-so-sexy. The Hermosa is available in small and medium (large is sold out) at Beklina for $98.

Meadow Red Luna Bamboo Bikini

Made of bamboo and organic cotton with 2% spandex, the Red Luna is a slightly sophisticated bikini that says sporty with a touch of sweet. This basic two-piece has a cute bow-tie over the booty. Simple but definitely sexy, the Red Luna is available in XS-L at The Oko Box for $92.

Nikster Earth Bikini

This suit has a Brazilian bottom (a.k.a. itty bitty, teeny weeny) with a bandeau top. It isn’t for the modest or meek. The Earth Bikini’s special features are the bamboo rings perfectly placed on the hips and cleavage. The rings are hardly a new idea, but I’m never tired of their sassy implications. It’s made in the U.S. of bamboo, soy and organic cotton and comes in black or brown. Find the Earth Bikini in XS-L (top and bottom sized separately) at Nikster for $120.

Kelly B. Ruffled Wrap Bikini

This suit looks comfy without being frumpy and might be the perfect choice for those who like a more covered look. It’s sporty with a touch of girly. The ruffly wrap-around halter top is the comfy I was referring to, and the bottoms have gathers in just the right spots. It’s fully lined and made of 90% organic cotton with 10% spandex. The Ruffled Wrap Bikini comes in white and is available in XS, M and L at BTC Elements for $124.

JungleGurl Mikaela Bikini

JungleGurl is the brainchild of former model Natalie Golonka, who makes her one-of-a-kind swimsuits from the recycled vintage garments collected during her travels. The suits come in three styles, the Mikaela being your basic bikini with a triangle top and matching string-tie bottoms. It comes in a myriad of colorful and eye-catching fabrics and is available in sizes XS-L at JungleGurl for $220.

Machja Organic Sirena Bikini

The Sirena Bikini makes a unique statement with its strapless top and boy-cut bottoms made of organic cotton and spandex. I love the simple lines of this suit that say sexy, sporty and “I’m not your average bikini”. The Organic Sirena comes in cream with a pink floral print (low impact dye, of course!) or blue with a dark blue print, both available in sizes S-L for $72 at The Oko Box.

Aaron Chang Rincon Paradise Bikini

This suit has a slider halter top and string-tie bottoms, both reversible in black or an ocean-blue print that’s meant to mimic the surf. The Rincon Paradise Bikini is polyester, but wait”¦it’s eco kind, made using recycled plastic bottles. Better in the bikini than floating in the ocean, don’t you think? Available in S,M,L find it at Faeries Dance for $99.

Anna Cohen Teal Triangle Bikini

What you see is what you get, with some added eco for ease of mind. This simple, sexy swimsuit is made using leftover fabric from the manufacture of Olympic speed skater uniforms. Nothing extra, nothing wasted, just a low-low rise bottom and a double-tie triangle top. The Teal Triangle Bikini is available in small and medium at BTC Elements for $98.

Tropi-Ties Butterfly Bikini

Here’s another eye-catching and breathtaking summer suit, this one made from hemp, organic cotton and bamboo. More bamboo rings on the top and bottom, as well as string-ties around the neck and back. What I adore most is the cream-colored fabric with subtle but fabulous texture. Even better, the Butterfly Bikini is on sale for $79 at Tropi-ties (available in S-L).

I hope at least one of these suits appealed to your inner sexy, but more than that I hope yours is a summer full of self-celebration!

top images via Ashley Paige

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