Beachwear is experiencing a profound transformation. More and more people
are looking for swimwear that is not only beautiful to wear, but that also
expresses a different way of living and interpreting our relationship with the
body, nature, and consumption. Sustainability has become a widely shared
sensitivity, yet it is often difficult to navigate promotional language and terms
like “green”, “responsible”, or “regenerated” used in a superficial way.
Recognizing an ethical swimsuit means looking beyond the surface:
examining the materials, where it is produced, how it is designed, and how
long it is made to last. It is an approach that prioritizes quality, well-being,
and transparency, and it is central to the philosophy of Festa Foresta, an
Italian brand of beachwear and underwear that places sustainability,
inclusivity, and comfort at the heart of its aesthetic and production choices.
In this article, we explore what truly defines an ethical swimsuit, highlighting
the value of a minimalist and natural design that follows the body without
altering it.
Sustainable swimwear: regenerated materials and transparent
supply chains
Material selection is one of the most important aspects when assessing
whether a swimsuit is truly sustainable. Traditional synthetic fabrics such as
nylon or polyester require fossil resources and contribute to pollution during
production. For this reason, responsible brands choose regenerated or
recycled fibers that maintain performance while reducing environmental
impact.
Festa Foresta primarily uses ECONYL, a regenerated nylon yarn obtained
from recovered fishing nets and industrial waste, and recycled PET
polyester. These fibers are elastic, breathable, resistant, and maintain
their shape over time. Beyond performance, they represent an act of respect
toward the sea and the surrounding ecosystems.
However, sustainability is not only about the fiber itself: it also concerns the
supply chain. An ethical swimsuit is produced in conditions that ensure fair
labor, traceability, and genuine collaboration with artisanal workshops.
Festa Foresta works exclusively with Italian ateliers located between the
Marche and Lombardy regions, where every piece is sewn by skilled
seamstresses who dedicate time and care to each stitch.
Minimalist bikinis and one-pieces: essential design that enhances
the body
Ethical beachwear challenges the idea that swimwear should shape or
constrain the body according to predetermined beauty standards. Minimalist
design focuses on comfort and harmonious lines. It means choosing soft
silhouettes, clean cuts, and materials that adapt to the body without
restricting or compressing it.
An ethical swimsuit is not designed to “hide”, “reshape”, or “correct”, but to
follow the natural form of the body. Festa Foresta develops each model
with inclusive fit testing on different body shapes, ensuring that comfort is
accessible and not exclusive. The color palette is inspired by nature,
embracing tones like sand, butter, terracotta, sea blue, and moss green,
expressing calm and authenticity rather than seasonal trends.
This aesthetic does not renounce femininity, but redefines it through
softness, ease, and presence.
Ethical handmade beachwear: why slow production matters
Another key aspect in recognizing an ethical swimsuit is its durability.
Sustainability expresses itself over time: a garment designed to last is always
more sustainable than one created to be replaced frequently.
Festa Foresta’s production is based on slow, artisanal processes, with
models developed carefully, tested, refined, and produced in limited
quantities to avoid waste and overproduction. Packaging choices also follow
this principle: recyclable, minimal, plastic-free materials that reduce the
environmental footprint.
Longevity also depends on how the garment is cared for. Washing swimsuits
in cold water, avoiding direct sunlight during drying, and storing them
properly helps maintain elasticity and color, extending the product’s life.
Responsible beachwear: a new natural and inclusive aesthetic
Choosing an ethical swimsuit means embracing a visual and sensory
culture that values authenticity. Minimalist beachwear is not a trend, but a
way of living the body with respect and freedom. It encourages a sincere
relationship with one's image, recognizing that beauty does not arise from
perfection, but from self-awareness.
Festa Foresta interprets this vision through swimsuits and underwear
designed as a second skin, created to accompany everyday life, the sea,
and movement.
Choosing minimalist beachwear means choosing an aesthetic that does not
expire, because it is not built on trends, but on balance between form,
material and sensation.
