Plastic-free Swimwear... Naturally!

The History of Wool Swimwear – and Why Merino is Still the Best Choice

When most people think of swimwear today, they picture synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, or lycra. But before synthetics took over, wool swimwear was the go-to choice for swimmers around the world – and with the rise of interest in natural swimwear, plastic-free swimwear, and sustainable swimwear, wool is making a comeback.

Plastic-Free Swimwear: A Look Back

Everywhere you look in shops today, you’ll find swimwear made from Lycra, Spandex, Polyester, Nylon or blended synthetic fibres. It has become the norm to accept swimwear made from these plastic fibres – but swimwear wasn’t always synthetic.

Did you know swimsuits used to be made from wool? Dating back to the 18th century, most swimwear was created from natural fibres such as wool and cotton. However, during WWII these resources became scarce, and designers searched for ways to use less of them. It was during this time that synthetic fabrics were invented and introduced to the world – replacing much of the demand for natural fibre clothing.

Swimwear made with these plastic fabrics became popular due to their water resistance, but now we are seeing the harm of microplastics released into our waterways every time synthetic swimwear is washed. These microplastics pollute oceans, damage ecosystems, and harm marine life. Unlike synthetics, Merino wool is 100% natural, biodegradable, and not harmful to marine life. It breaks down naturally without leaving a trace.

The Comeback of Sustainable Swimwear

It’s time to look back to history – and embrace plastic-free, natural swimwear once again. As more people seek eco-friendly alternatives, sustainable swimwear made from Merino wool is being rediscovered. From surfing and ocean swimming to simply relaxing by the pool, Merino delivers performance and comfort – without adding to the world’s plastic problem.

Wool swimwear might date back centuries – but thanks to Merino, it’s also the future of plastic-free swimwear.

Why Merino Works in the Water...

Modern Merino swimwear is nothing like the thick wool of a century ago. Made from fine Australian Merino wool, it’s lightweight, soft, and perfectly suited for the water. Here’s why:

Benefits of Merino Swimwear

• Sun safe - UPF 50+
• Breathable
• Quick drying
• Naturally elastic
• NO SYNTHETICS or Micro-plastics

Eco-friendly & sustainable – Wool is renewable, biodegradable, and completely plastic-free – leaving no harmful microplastics in the ocean.

Sun Safe -Wool is made of keratin, a natural protein that absorbs UV radiation instead of letting it pass through to the skin.

Temperature regulating – Merino helps keep you warm after a swim and cool in the heat.

Quick-drying & breathable – Wool naturally manages moisture, so you won’t feel clammy.

Odour resistant – Wool resists odour build-up, unlike synthetics.

Soft & comfortable – Fine Merino fibres are smooth against the skin, even when wet.

Our Merino Underwear as Merino Swimwear 

Our Merino basics are great for swimwear! You can wear these pieces in the pool and beach and they are 100% Australian Merino!

Jane Milburn of Textile Beat took our Singlet and Full Briefs for a test drive in the pool and they passed with flying colours!

"They worked a treat. Not see-through, didn't sag when wet, warm and non-clingy on exit. Rinsed after swim and hung to dry until next swim. So far so good" - Jane Milburn. 

Jane Milburn testing our Merino Camisole and Full Brief during her daily swims. 2018

It's important to care for Merino clothing especially if you wear it in chlorine. Rinse straight away to remove chlorine and hang to dry until you can wash them in wool-safe detergent. Don't leave them to soak.

Benefits of Merino Swimwear

• Sun safe - UPF 50+
• Breathable
• Quick drying
• Naturally elastic
• NO SYNTHETICS or Micro-plastics

Our Swimwear Picks

Women's Singlet  Sports Brief, Panel Briefs , Crop Top, Full Panel Briefs, Bikini Hipster Briefs, Baa Bra

Singlet and Boyleg Briefs  - as a swimsuit 2 piece - Merino Wool Swim Top and Swim Shorts

Men and Women's Panel T-shirt - as a UPF50+ Rashy top

Classic Men's Brief - as men's essential swimmers

Action Back Sports Top

Women's Hipster Briefs paired with a Baa Bra - as a swim set

Men's Bike Pants or Men's Fitted Boxers  Bike Pants - as swim pants

These are just a few of our top picks for swimwear. All our underwear pieces for men, women and kids are great for swimming in! They dry quickly so you can wear them all day - jump in the pool, rinse off and wear under your clothes without having to get changed! 

CARING FOR your MERINO if SWIMMING in CHLORINE.

After swimming in chlorine, you’ll want to treat your Merino swimwear a bit more carefully than synthetic swimwear so it keeps its softness, colour, and fit. Please note - over the long term you will see colour fade and thinning of the fabric. Here’s the best routine to minimise this:

Rinse Straight Away – Cool, fresh water rinse as soon as possible.
Gentle Wash – Use pH-neutral wool detergent, cool water.
Skip Harsh Stuff – No bleach, no fabric softener.
Rotate – Limit time in chlorine; alternate with freshwater swims.
Refresh – Use wool conditioner occasionally to keep fibres soft.

1. Rinse immediately

• As soon as you can after swimming, rinse the swimwear thoroughly in cool, fresh water to remove chlorine.

• Avoid hot water—it can set the chlorine into the fibres.

2. Gentle wash

• Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle in cool water with a mild wool detergent (something pH-neutral and bleach-free).

3. Avoid long-term chlorine exposure

• Chlorine is harsh on all natural fibres, so try to limit the time the swimwear spends in chlorinated water.

• Alternate between pool and freshwater swims if possible.

4. Refresh the fibres

• If you notice the swimwear feeling a bit “crisp” over time, a wool conditioner can help restore softness.