What to Wear: Sun and Swim

Suggestions for high-style, low-impact summer essentials

As summer approaches all I can think of is wearing as little as possible and enjoying as much of the outdoors as I can, hence today I’m sharing my low-impact sun and swim favorites. 

If you want to purchase new sunglasses, one option is to look for styles that use bio-acetate.  Bio-acetate is made from responsibly harvested wood pulp – a biodegradable plastic alternative that is kinder to Mother Earth. Here are a few of my favorites:

Left to right top to bottom: Reformation Coline in black/pink, Reformation Joan in black, Ray Ban Original Wayfarer in Black, Reformation Brune in black/yellow, Stella Mccarney Rectangular Cat-Eye in black, Ray Ban Kiliane in yellow, Reformation Flore in black, Stella McCartney Falabella Oval in glossy dark havana, Stella McCartney Logo-Engraved Rectangular in shiny havana (currently on sale), and Ray Ban Bill Bio Based Earth Day in blue which are limited edition.

Stella McCartney remains the pioneer of sustainable luxury, and her sunglasses assortment does not disappoint. I tend to lean towards smaller frames as they fit my face better. Two of my favorites are the Falabella Oval Sunglasses and the Rectangular Cat-Eye. More about Stella’s sustainability efforts here .

There are many heritage brands that are working on bio-acetate styles, and one to note is Ray-Ban. With so many classic sihlouettes you can’t go wrong with this brand, but you do need to search bio based on the site as there are only a handful of styles that fit this description. In these instances where the brand is not all sustainable, I think it’s equally important to invest in what they do sell that is sustainable, because each week these companies are reading their sales, and the more the customer “votes” for the sustainable option by purchasing it, the more opportunity the customer has to change that business to be more sustainable.

If you aren’t in a rush to shop since these are now wait-list only, Reformation, another sustainable pioneer brand that you can learn more about here, partnered with Jimmy Fairly, a French eyewear company offering some very chic styles at a decent price. Choose your favorites and join the waitlist.

Swimsuits are one of my favorite things to buy. Especially living in the northeast, pulling out my suits is an annual ceremony of sorts. Of course there are suits I keep available all year for holidays or indoor swimming, but there is nothing like that time of year when suddenly swim is a staple in your wardrobe.

Personally I prefer solid colors or simple patterns in my swim. I like the idea of coordinating with my environment when I can. For instance if I’m surrounded by green I may wear a red or yellow suit. A pool in the city I may go for white or black. Somewhere tropical I may choose something brighter or white to make me look like I’ve been kissed by the sun, or a blue to match the water. 

Left to Right: Vitamin A Classic Set in Aegean Blue, Hunza G Jean Bikini in Lime, Fisch Regatta one-piece in Submarine Yellow, Hunza G Nadine Bikini in Black, Hunza G Brook Stripe Swim in Red/White

Whatever you choose, there are more offerings than ever for high-style low-impact swim. Here are a few of my favorites:

Hunza G : I own this green bikini pictured and absolutely love it. The fabric is very forgiving and fits a wide range of body types, and the prettiest colors. More about Hunza G’s low-impact practices here.

Vitamin A is responsibly made swim and beachwear designed in California. They have a wide range of classic styles and colors you will most definitely find a piece that works for you. More about their sustainability efforst here.

Fisch keeps popping up in my IG feed - you too? I looked into the brand and although it’s a limited selection I love their Regatta one-piece. Fisch uses ECONYL® a 100% regenerated nylon fiber made from ghost fishing nets and other nylon waste. More about their sustainable practices here.

Below are some recommendations on how to wear the swim and sunglasses together. Which color you choose for anything you wear also depends on your hair and skin color. Some colors will illuminate you more than others. For instance I have blonde hair and little tan, so if I chose the yellow swimsuit I might go with the yellow sunglasses, but if I had brown or black hair or darker skin I may go with the tortoiseshell. It’s all personal preference, which makes it fun!

If you have other high-style low-impact suits or sunglasses you recommend, please share!

xoK