Ethical & Sustainable Swimwear: What Makes a Brand Sustainable

Anytime you're in the water, you quickly realize that the ocean—the earth—is your playground. And just like the winds and tides shift and shape the waves we ride, we become attuned to the delicate balance and relationship we have with the real queen of the surf, Mother Earth.

As surfers and creators, sustainability is at the core of our brand. We are environmentally driven in all our business decisions. From materials, trims, factory, retailers, and even brand location, we put sustainability at the core. 

To us, sustainability is more than just a trend. It's the foundation of who we are and why we started this journey.

With sustainable fashion becoming an ever growing buzz word, consumers—and brands alike—should start to ask:  

What Makes a Brand Sustainable? 

Sustainability starts with a perspective that takes into account long-term impacts on:

• Environment
• Economy
• Society

Sustainable Design & Durability: 

Sustainable fashion considers the life cycle of the product from start (production) to finish (use and durability).

Instead of focusing on fast fashion and quick trends that create massive amounts of material waste from brands and consumers, we opt for a timeless, simplistic, minimalist design so that the life cycle of our swimwear outlasts unsustainable, quick-changing trends.

Sustainable Fabric:

In addition to design, sustainable fabrics that give back to the earth are essential to qualifying a brand as sustainable.

Our swimwear is made from 100% regenerated nylon yarn made from pre- and post-industrial waste such as ghost fishing nets and carpet fluff.

Instead of being disposed of in the landfill, they are recovered and transformed into the regenerated nylon that makes your SEPTEMBER swimsuit. Better for you, better for the earth. We are also doing our part to stop single use plastic by using plastic-free biodegradable hygiene liners.

Community Impact + Fiscal Responsibility:

It's important to remember that sustainability doesn't just involve environmental impact. It's about the culture you've built and the people who support you. Production is a big piece to truly being a sustainable brand due to its social and fiscal impact.

Our swimwear is manufactured at an ethical, family-owned factory in Bali. We believe in small run production over mass production. Quality over quantity. Supporting the community that helps us grow.

Fashion is a big industry, and sustainability is the responsibility of the brands and the consumers. It's a cultural shift in our mindset as creators and consumers. In 2017, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation reported that the average number of times a piece of clothing is worn before being discarded has decreased 36%, which is why focusing on timeless pieces that are durable AND fit beautifully are essential to us. Making them out of recycled fabric furthers our promise, and our products arrive at your door in compostable packages—just another way to reduce the overall carbon footprint.

As a consumer, you have the ability to choose products that support the earth, the creators, and the community. Going green doesn't have to be a compromise. It doesn't have to be a luxury. But it is an important decision for the future.