As a fashion consumer, I like my pieces to be multipurpose (and season-less whenever possible). One-piece swimsuits are the perfect example of this versatility—and unlike a bodysuit, don’t have metal snap closures that can be uncomfortable, especially when worn for extended periods of time. I rounded up three sustainable one-piece swimsuits that seamlessly can be worn from the beach to a night out on the town.

ARAKS

Best known for their beautiful lingerie, Araks stepped into swimwear in 2014. “Swimwear was a natural extension of the lingerie brand,” founder Ursa Araks tells me. “I looked at designing swimwear as a way of taking care of my customers. I wanted to offer them more of what they liked but in a different category. I also get a lot of pleasure out of designing the swim line.  I love the bright colors and carving out graphic shapes on the body.  I think the Araks aesthetic is a unique and nice addition to what is available in the larger swim market.”

Araks’ bold swimwear range is produced in New York City and the brand utilizes ECONYL® fiber, recycled nylon materials from upcycled items like abandoned fishing nets as well as other pre and post consumer waste items. “Sustainability is a journey we’ve been on since our beginning, and it’s one that will continue to grow as solutions evolve,” she tells me. “I think of sustainability in a holistic way - from our employees and vendors, to design, the materials, and the spaces we work in. When I’m designing a collection, I’m always conscious about the overall sustainability. From the fabric to the trimmings, labels, and hangtags, I take everything into consideration.

The brand has several one-piece suits that would go well from day-to-night, but the Ursa in Plum really caught my eye with its ribbed texture and cut out detail that looks more like a knit than a swimsuit. “I love a lined pattern, it’s very modern and it’s also like a tonal stripe. I love stripes,” shares Araks. ‘The Ursa is a perfect example of a swimsuit that is versatile enough to wear in and out of the water. It’s great for layering with wide leg pants, a skirt or pareo for an easy beach to lunch look.” I love this suit. It is unique, sleek looking, it offers support in all of the right places (and it surprisingly keeps my bust in place), it’s a stunning color, and it looks great both at the beach and beyond. 

TABACARU SWIM

If vintage Hollywood glamor and sustainability are your thing, then Tabacaru Swim should definitely be on your radar. Launched last year, the brand is made in the United States and puts a premium on being both socially and environmentally responsible in its practices. 

“We focus on one piece swimsuits and high waisted swimsuits made with with simple flattering lines, the highest quality materials, and a Spanx like effect,” founder Stefana Tabacaru tells me. “I dream of women wearing my swimsuits and putting forward the best version of themselves. One that can eat, drink, and dance until the sun rises without a moment of feeling self-conscious. So, I make that swimsuit for all the women out there—the ones who battle every day against our insecurities, and win. After feeling making wearers feel confident, I also wanted Tabacaru Swim to feel like a staple piece in your closet, one that was season-less, timeless and could be worn over and over again for years to come. Can a swimsuit that can double as a body suit, and also as sort of shape wear be the new little black dress? WE HOPE SO!”

Tabacaru herself loves the idea of spending all day in swimwear. “I love to spend the day feeling glamorous by the beach, have a chic lunch, watch the sunset, and then continue into the evening without feeling like my magical day has to be broken up by having to go back and change,” she excitedly shares with me. “If your swimsuit is comfortable and you feel confident in it there is no reason why you can’t wear it all day! I believe that going from day to night in your swimwear is always best done by wearing a one piece, as they are almost always give a more elevated look and feel, and also give the type of coverage that feels more appropriate for the evening. I am also the type of women who loves a bodysuit and so when I started Tabacaru Swim I wanted to create a collection that focused on one-pieces that could double as both a swimsuit and a bodysuit. Also adding jewelry is a must!”

The brand has several stunning one-piece suits. But, the one-side strap detail of the Margo in Cappucino really stood out to me and I knew I would get a ton of use both by the water and apres pool. “It is one of my absolute favorites from the collections as well as one of the styles that I wear the most, especially doubled as a bodysuit,” Tabacaru tells me. “We now have it in 5 different colors, White, Black, Cappuccino (a gorgeous brown), Urth (a fabulous dark green), and Mars (a fantastic dark Red). The one shoulder style to me is also great to build outfits around.” Tabacaru is big on adding playful costume jewelry to round out her look. “I love the type of pieces that look great on the beach but that you also feel comfortable getting into the water with. With the Cappuccino Margo recently I've been loving layering gold pieces and diamonds around the neckline, and then some fun beaded more casual pieces for an arm party mixed with some diamonds and chic rings.”

The Margo looks great with jeans, pants, or a long skirt. “With a one-piece and a long skirt you don't need a top or to add anything for lunch. Then, for the evening transition, you don't need a change shoes because a floor length piece often eliminates the need for heals, and to me a long skirt with chic flats is the perfect summer night vibe. Then you can grab a jacket or a long-sleeve to throw on top to instantly say bye to your beach look, and also to save you from the sometimes evening drop in temperature.”

PANAREA COUTURE

After spending the summer of 2014 at her family vacation home on the coast of Italy, designer Valentina Shah discovered her grandmother’s beach collection from the 1960s and 70s. With her grandmother’s impeccable style in mind, Panarea Couture, a brand created to cater to the stylish traveler, was born. 

“Panarea Couture was named after the beautiful chain of volcanic islands just north of Sicily—a mystical and sophisticated summer destination for the discerning world traveler. With a ‘La Dolce Vita’ vibe, Panarea Couture embraces nostalgia of 70s glamour. The collection is anchored in high-design and quality construction with each piece aiming to enhance femininity, embracing sophistication and sensuality with a modern edge” Shah tells me. 

The brand utilizes high-end recycled made of ECONYL® yarn, a 100% regenerated nylon yarn derived from pre and post-industrial waste. “With an estimated 8-million tons of waste ending up in our oceans every single year with 640 thousand tons of fishing nets alone, the situation needs to change or by 2050 our seas will contain more garbage than fish,” explains Shah. “We need to change our approach radically, cohabiting with Nature in the best possible way, and considering the importance of a limited resource such as water. We need to be more deeply aware of this situation and change our mentality completely.”

All of Panarea Couture’s one-piece swimsuits, which are handcrafted in Italy, go from day-to-night effortlessly. But, the corset-styled quilted balconette Olivia one-piece in black that has a very Jean Paul Gaultier/Madonna vibe going on, stole my heart. “Our swimwear can easily translate to city life when worn as a bodysuit. The Olivia looks great paired with jeans or Cara Pant, which is a maxi palazzo pant,” Shah tells me. “From floor-sweeping vests of the reversible variety to slouchy culottes and crisp shirt-dresses, our collection has all you need to travel the world in style.”

Always looking towards the future, Shah recently partnered with former model and breast cancer survivor, Christine Handy, to create stylish swimwear offerings for women who have flat or concave breast shapes—something that is relatively non-existent. “Buying swimwear should be easier and comfortable. But for countless women, it’s daunting and stressful. When there is a gap in the market, it takes courage and creativity. Get ready for swimwear choices to expand and change forever,” says Shah. The collaboration will launch this November.