Best Sustainable Swim Shorts for Men UK 2026
Why Recycled Ocean Plastic Makes Better Swimwear
Most men's swim shorts are made from virgin polyester, a petroleum based synthetic that contributes to microplastic pollution, carbon emissions, and textile waste. They're cheap to produce, cheap to buy, and designed to be replaced every season.
We took a different approach.
Every pair of Rolf Skeldon swim shorts is made from SEAQUAL® yarn, produced from plastic waste recovered from our oceans and beaches, and made in Plymouth, UK. They cost more than fast fashion alternatives. They also last considerably longer, perform better, and exist for a reason beyond filling a landfill at the end of the season.
What is SEAQUAL® Yarn?
SEAQUAL® is a certified recycled polyester produced from marine plastic collected from oceans and coastlines by the SEAQUAL Initiative. That plastic waste is processed, converted into recycled PET fibre, and spun into a high performance yarn used in premium textiles.
The environmental difference compared to virgin polyester is significant:
- 37% lower CO₂ emissions
- 34% less water consumption
- 40% less energy use
The resulting fabric is soft, quick drying, and durable. It improves with wear rather than degrading, which is the opposite of what most synthetic swimwear does.
Every SEAQUAL® product carries Oeko-Tex® certification, confirming it's free from harmful substances.
Rolf Skeldon x SEAQUAL
Our swim shorts are made from 70% SEAQUAL® yarn recovered from ocean waste and 30% rPET from recycled plastic bottles.
They're cut to a classic mid thigh length with three mesh pockets, an adjustable drawstring waist, and mesh lining for comfort and support. Available in five colours, every pair is made to the same standard in our Plymouth factory.
When you buy a pair, you're directly supporting the SEAQUAL Initiative's ongoing work to recover plastic from our seas. That's not a marketing line. It's how the supply chain works.
Fast Fashion vs Sustainable Swim Shorts
| Fast Fashion | Rolf Skeldon | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Virgin polyester from petroleum | SEAQUAL® recycled ocean plastic |
| Environmental impact | High CO₂, microplastic shedding, landfill | 37% lower CO₂, 34% less water, 40% less energy |
| Durability | Loses shape and fades within 1-2 seasons | Maintains performance for 4+ seasons |
| Manufacturing | Long supply chains, variable standards | Made in Plymouth, UK |
| End of life | Difficult to recycle | Recycled material, designed for longevity |
What to Look For in Sustainable Swim Shorts
Not all sustainable swimwear claims are equal. Here's what actually matters:
Certified recycled content. SEAQUAL® and similar certifications verify that recycled material claims are genuine and independently verified. Look for the certification mark, not just the marketing language.
Single or low-mix fibre construction. Swim shorts made from a single fibre type are easier to recycle at the end of their life. Blended fabrics with multiple synthetic types typically end up in landfill regardless of what the brand claims about sustainability.
UK or local manufacturing. Shorter supply chains mean lower transport emissions and better oversight of production standards. It also means the brand is more likely to know exactly how their product is made.
Durability over disposability. A sustainable swim short should last multiple seasons. If the brand doesn't talk about longevity, that's worth noting.
Transparency. Brands that can tell you specifically where their materials come from and who makes their products are worth more trust than brands making general sustainability claims without substance behind them.
How to Care for Your Swim Shorts
Proper care extends the life of any swimwear significantly.
Rinse in fresh water immediately after swimming to remove salt, chlorine, and sunscreen residue. These degrade fabric over time more than washing does.
Machine wash inside out on a gentle 30°C cycle with a mild detergent. Skip fabric softener, it coats synthetic fibres and reduces their performance properties.
Air dry in shade rather than tumble drying. Heat damages elastic and synthetic fibres faster than almost anything else.
Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods when not in use. UV exposure fades colour and weakens fabric over time.
With straightforward care, a well made pair of swim shorts will remain in excellent condition for many summers.
FAQs
Are sustainable swim shorts as durable as regular ones? Yes, often more so. SEAQUAL® yarn is engineered for strength, shape retention, and fade resistance. Premium recycled fabrics typically outlast fast fashion alternatives by several seasons because they're designed for longevity rather than low cost production.
What is SEAQUAL® yarn and how sustainable is it? SEAQUAL® is a certified recycled polyester made from plastic waste recovered from our oceans and beaches. Compared to virgin polyester it produces 37% lower CO₂ emissions, uses 34% less water, and requires 40% less energy to produce.
How should I wash my swim shorts? Rinse after swimming, then machine wash inside out at 30°C on a gentle cycle with eco-friendly detergent. Always air dry rather than tumble drying.
Are UK made swim shorts more expensive? They have a higher upfront cost than fast fashion alternatives. Over multiple seasons of use the cost per wear is considerably lower, because they don't need replacing every year.
Do sustainable swim shorts shed microplastics? All synthetic fabrics shed some microfibres. Recycled options like SEAQUAL® reduce overall plastic waste by giving existing materials a new life and encouraging fewer purchases overall. Using a microplastic catching laundry bag further reduces shedding during washing.
Shop the full collection of UK made SEAQUAL® swim shorts
