Sustainable swimming kit
Looking for durable swimming kit that’s made with recycled or surplus materials, without compromising on performance? Look no further!
CORCAMAR Pull Buoy and Kick Board
£50
Pro: Strong environmental credentials
Con: Extra weight and longer to dry
I immediately loved the aesthetic and idea behind Corcamar’s pull buoy and kick-board. These two basic tools are staples of almost every pool swimmer’s kit bag and are usually made of polyethylene foam. This is cheap, lightweight and durable, but can take centuries to break down in landfill or fragment into microplastics. Cork is both sustainable and biodegradable. But how does it compare in use? Cork can be two to three (or more) times denser than polyethylene foam, and I immediately felt this. They are noticeably heavier and provide less floatation. However, this is not necessarily a disadvantage as it holds your arms and legs closer to their natural swimming position. They also feel better against your skin. I particularly liked the smooth finish on the pull buoy. The kick-board has a rougher surface and I lost a few cork crumbs while swimming. SG
PASSENGER Drifter NetPlus® Swim Lined Short
£44.95
Pro: Can be worn as regular shorts
Con: Not for speedy swimming
Never one to pass by a contour inspired print, I was delighted to try these new swim shorts by Passenger. They’re made from NetPlus, which is created from recycled fishing nets sourced directly from the fishermen before the nets reach the end of their useful life and end up in our oceans. Made with firm, well-structured fabric and 18” in length, the Drifter shorts can double up as regular shorts, so they’re great for travelling light. While they won’t win any awards for speed in a training session, they’re great for outdoor dips as they’re robust and quick-drying. SC
DAVY J The Zero Trace Swimsuit
£120
Pro: Exceptionally flattering fit
Con: Might not wear a scoop back for a long training session
While many brands use recycled materials, it’s rare to find a fully biodegradable swimsuit! The Zero Trace Swimsuit is a great blend of active fit and leisure style. We loved the high front and racer-cut neckline, while the compressive fabric didn’t budge during a training session. The scoop back was fairly high, which meant we didn’t fear the straps slipping and the medium-high leg combined with full coverage on the bum was a perfect combination. JT
FINISTERRE From Wetsuits Recycled Changing Mat
£65
Pro: Made with surplus wetsuit material
Con: Heavy and doesn’t fold up small
In 2022, Finisterre collected over 1,000 used wetsuits from their community, with an aim to give them new life. Working with their friends at Circular Flow, this thick padded mat made with recycled wetsuits, is the first product to come out of the collaboration. Designed to protect your wetsuit when you’re getting changed on rough hard ground, the changing mat then turns into a bag to carry your wet gear thanks to a sturdy draw cord. This is not a lightweight, easy to pack away kind of a changing mat. It’s generously sized, robust and built to last. If you drive to your swim spot and have space to hang it at home, it’ll last you for years. JT
NUOCEANS Sandals
£85
Pro: Exceptionally comfortable
Con: Not the lightest sandals
With their distinctive colourful midsole made from discarded flip-flops that wash up on Southeast Asia’s beaches, there’s no mistaking these sandals. And that’s kind of the point – this contrast confetti-like layer is as much a statement as it is a style choice, a chance for the brand to shake things up and drive change. A slip-on style that’s ideal to take you to the water’s edge but not actually wear in the water, the sandals were comfortable from the moment I slipped them on thanks to the recycled cork footbed with its cushioned foam layer. The straps are easy to adjust and made with a recycled vegan leather-look material. JT
ZONE3 OWS Renew Long Sleeve Swimsuit
£70
Pro: UPF 50+ sun protection
Con: Bit of a wriggle to take off
As fans of Zone3’s sustainable OWS Renew range, I was excited to try out this new and updated long sleeve swimsuit, featuring an abstract contour-inspired pattern on the sleeves with a pop of vivid orange for visibility. It’s crafted with Eco-Friendly Xfinity Renew Fabric, which is made from recycled polyester yarn. Although it’s slightly less flexible than some swimwear fabrics, this updated design has a more generous fit than last year’s range; it was true to size and fit like a glove. The flatlock seams meant that it didn’t chafe even on longer swims, too. It’s lightweight and incredibly fast drying which, together with the UPF 50+ protection, makes it ideal for travelling and summer swims. It also has an extended size range (size 8-20). JT
ZOGGS Extender Mid Jammer
£38
Pro: Long lasting and made from recycled materials
Con: Muted colours
Buy these jammers for their durability. I’ve got a similar pair of Zoggs jammers made with an older version of their Ecolast fabric from before the pandemic and they’re still going strong despite weekly use. The new version, made with Ecolast+ (made from recycled plastic bottles) comes with a lifetime guarantee. I happily use these for training and river swimming. They’re comfortable, fit well with a drawstring waist and are sleek through the water. They’re also 100% chlorine proof, so shouldn’t fade or degrade with use. The only downsides for me are the dark colours and subtle design. I’d prefer something brighter but that’s obviously a personal preference. SG
SEASHELL Organic Heavyweight Socks
£15
Pro: Super stretchy and breathable
Con: None
Considering how thick and snug these 100% organic cotton socks feel, they are remarkably breathable. Allowing air to flow through the fabric, they kept my feet comfortable whatever the weather. And I certainly put them through their paces, wearing them to the gym, when travelling in baking temperatures and pulling them onto damp feet after cold lake dips. They felt warming after a cold swim, but still breathable enough for warm weather. Plus they’re really stretchy, which makes them easy to pull on with cold hands. Plus, they wash well and I loved the vibrant ocean inspired pattern. I can’t fault them. JT
RED Women’s Long Sleeve Changing Robe Alter Evo
£159.95
Pro: Ultimate protection from the cold, rain and wind
Con: The wrists cuffs are quite snug
A changing robe is a proper investment. It’s likely to be one of you most well used pieces of kit, so you want to buy wisely. We’ve tested a lot of changing robes, and the Alter Evo range – which comes in a range of eight block colours made from recycled polyester plus one style made from surplus material – feels like a hug. Wearing it post-swim feels comforting, reassuring and protective. We didn’t want to take it off. Its peaked hood fits over your bobble hat and keeps the wind and rain off your face. It has great pockets, a two-way zip with a storm flap, and a ridiculously cosy fleece lining. Finally, this robe is made to last. It’s washable at 30C and, with proper care, it should continue to be your fave piece of swimming gear for decades. RC
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews. Last updated Jul 2025. Main photo: RED.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
You May Also Like
Water drawn
Celebrating different abilities
