Zara styling a sustainable bathing suit from Dekota Swim at the beach

Behind the Fabric: What Makes a Bathing Suit Truly Sustainable in Australia


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Introduction

Hey babes, let’s get real about the swimwear drawer situation. We’ve all been there: hyped for the holiday, excited for beach pics, only to find your bikini from last season looking… tragic. The straps are stretched, the fabric is pilling, and the colour? It’s giving “washed-up pool toy” instead of “sunkissed goddess.” That’s why finding a sustainable bathing suit in Australia that actually lasts beyond one summer is a total game-changer.

And the cycle continues — buy, wear twice, toss, repeat. Not only is it draining your bank account, but it’s also adding to the massive pile of swimwear waste that ends up in landfills every single year. Gross.

Here’s the tea: a sustainable bathing suit isn’t just about being “eco” (although yes, planet vibes matter). It’s about choosing quality-first swimwear that’s designed to last beyond one season — pieces that hug your body, stay vibrant, and don’t fall apart mid-vacay.

That’s why I’m obsessed with what we’re building at Dekota Swim. We’re not perfect, but we are intentional: smaller batch runs, timeless designs, and plastic-free packaging. Swimwear that’s made for longevity, not landfill.

In this post, I’m breaking down what actually makes a bathing suit sustainable, how to tell the difference between fast-fashion flops and forever pieces, and which bikinis from Dekota Swim are about to change the way you pack for holiday in Australia.


What Really Makes a Bathing Suit Sustainable?
Many brands love to slap “eco” or “green” labels on their bikinis without providing receipts. Let’s cut through the noise. A genuinely sustainable bathing suit comes down to three things:

  1. Longevity – Durable fabrics that won’t fade, stretch, or tear after one summer.

  2. Timeless Design – Cuts and styles that won’t look outdated in six months.

  3. Conscious Production – Smaller batch runs that avoid overstock waste, plus packaging that doesn’t trash the planet.

At Dekota Swim, although we’re not currently using recycled fabrics, our focus is on swimwear designed to last. Every piece is crafted with durability in mind — think: straps that retain their shape, vibrant colours that withstand chlorine, and silhouettes that remain iconic season after season.


Holiday Heroes: Sustainable Bathing Suits That Last
So which bikinis are actually giving “forever summer” energy? Let me introduce you to my holiday lineup:

The Statement Print
The Maya Bikini is a work of art in swimwear form. Bold, playful, and designed to pop against any backdrop, she’s the bikini you’ll pack for every trip because she works. And unlike fast-fashion prints that fade into sad pastels, this one is designed to retain its colour season after season.

File name: maya-bikini-fruit-salad-dekota.jpg
Alt text: “Maya Bikini Fruit Salad sustainable bathing suit styled on holiday”

👉 Explore our full bikini two piece styles for more summer-ready prints.

The Forever Black
Every babe needs a black two piece bathing suit. Enter the Penelope Bikini – Black: sleek, timeless, and as versatile as it gets. Poolside glam? She delivers. Casual morning dip? Still chic. This is the bikini that never goes out of style.

The Pop of Colour
Holiday = colour confidence. The Brooklyn Bikini – Peach exudes that juicy, playful energy that screams summer without resembling a passing trend. Pair with a linen skirt and gold hoops, and you’ve nailed effortless holiday chic.

The Modest Chic
Sometimes you want more coverage without looking like you raided your aunt’s swimsuit drawer. The Lyra Bikini – Pink is that perfect balance: flattering, supportive, and built for movement. She’s ready for beach volleyball, snorkelling, or just sipping iced lattes by the shore.


Why Longevity Matters

Fast fashion wants you to believe bikinis are disposable. The industry thrives on convincing you that you need a new swimsuit every summer (or worse, every holiday). But let’s be real: most of those cheap pieces don’t even make it through a season without losing their shape, fading in the sun, or sagging after a dip in the pool.

Now compare that to a sustainable bathing suit designed with quality-first fabrics and construction:

  • One flimsy bikini = maybe 5 wears before it’s too stretched out to look good.

  • A Dekota Swim sustainable bathing suit = 50+ wears without fading, sagging, or giving up on you halfway through your trip.

Longevity doesn’t just mean durability — it’s about value. A bikini that lasts multiple seasons saves you from the constant rebuy cycle, giving you more space in your suitcase and your budget. It’s an investment in timeless style, less waste, and the confidence of knowing your bikini will always have your back (literally).

Instead of tossing and replacing, you’re building a curated swim drawer of forever pieces that feel just as good in year three as they did on day one.


FAQs — Your Swim Questions Answered

Q: What is a bikini model bikini?
It’s the type of bikini that looks like it stepped straight off a runway. Flattering, eye-catching, and always camera-ready. At Dekota Swim, the Scarlett Bikini – Silver and Maya Bikini – Aztec give exactly that “bikini model” energy.

Q: What makes a sustainable bathing suit better?
Durability + timeless design. A sustainable bathing suit doesn’t stretch out, fade, or lose shape after one summer. Instead, it gives you confidence and consistency season after season. That’s why investing in quality-first swimwear, like Dekota’s, means you’ll look good and feel suitable for way longer.


How to Shop Smart
Buying swimwear can feel like a gamble — but not with Dekota.

  • Detailed fit guides (so you don’t have to guess).

  • Honest reviews from real women.

  • Styles designed for every body type.

👉 Discover our complete sustainable swimwear collection.
👉 Learn more about our story and values on the About Us page.

Pro tip: When buying swimwear online, always check return policies (we’ve got you covered there, too). Order two sizes if you’re unsure and keep the one that fits like a dream.


The Dekota Swim Difference
At Dekota Swim, we’ll never pretend to be something we’re not. Our bikinis aren’t made from recycled fabrics yet — but they are designed to last. That’s our version of sustainability: fewer replacements, timeless design, and swimwear you’ll love beyond one season.

Think of it as slow fashion for your swim drawer: less panic-shopping, less waste, more main character energy.


Final Thoughts
Babes, your holiday suitcase doesn’t need a mountain of fast-fashion bikinis that fall apart by July. It requires a curated lineup of sustainable bathing suits — quality-first, timeless, and designed to make you feel confident season after season.

With Dekota Swim, you’re not just buying a bikini. You’re investing in your future summers.

👙 Shop the sustainable bathing suit collection here and start packing your dream lineup.

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