Teenie Weenie (Eco) Bikinis: Teeki
Teeki’s totally fierce Tigerlily top ($94) and Lola bottom ($68).
When the modern bikini first hit the beach in the 1940s, it caused a sensation: so little fabric, so much skin! But in order to make those two teenie pieces of material cling to a girl’s body—wet or dry—bikini-makers turned to chemically sourced synthetic fabrics like nylon and spandex. We’ve come a long way, baby. These days, brilliant sustainable swimwear designers are doing amazing things with organic materials, vintage fabrics and even recycled water bottles! And when they must turn to spandex for stretch, they’re using fair-wage labor and keeping their carbon footprint stiletto-sized. In fact, there are so many yummy eco-kini options to choose from, it’s hard to pick the perfect suit! Which is where we come in. We compiled a list of summer’s best sustainable swim sets—from retro chic to itsy-bitsy—that make vacation (un)dressing a snap!
Each Teeki bikini takes about 12 recycled water bottles to make—but you wouldn’t know it by the teensy amount of fabric involved. Handmade in California, these suits are totally ’80s trendy and not for the faint of heart, coverage-wise. But with details like ruffled edges, super long string ties, retro bra tops, black mesh overlays and sweet touches of repurposed vintage fabric, they have our hearts all aflutter.
A word of advice: A white bikini looks great on everyone except those with the fairest skin, so if you’re Snow White, stick to darker suits. And for decency’s sake, when you’re picking a white bikini, make sure to choose one that’s well lined, to avoid post-swim, um, scandal.
We love Teeki’s simple yet sexy (lined) Lola bottoms paired with the too-cute-for-words Tigerlily top with its big ol’ leopard print suspender straps. This sexy but still sporty white bikini will hold tight and look cool as you frolic in the surf, and it’s fierce enough for the wildest after-dark beach bash, too.
For more travel and style tips from Eco Chick Starre Vartan, including ethical destinations, gear reviews and restaurant critiques in locations near and far, check out the brand-new Eco Chick Escapes.
