In honor of Earth Month, and as we transition from chilly weather into warmer weather, we are highlighting Black-owned sustainable swimwear brands that are making a positive impact on the fashion industry and the environment. As fast fashion companies continue to mass produce poor-quality pieces revolving around fleeting trends, these brands work hard to design and produce timeless pieces with high quality, sustainability, and inclusivity kept in mind. 

Arrow + Phoenix

Arrow + Phoenix (A+P) prides itself as a conscious lifestyle brand founded by New Orleans native, Kayla Bell. Bell started designing swimwear in her youth when she was met with the difficulty of finding swim tops that fit her cup size. As such, A+P offers a multitude of designs and a large range of cup sizes from A to H. Every piece at A+P is handmade to order in Paradise, Nevada with recycled materials. The brand makes sure to continue its conscious efforts even in the process of mailing. They use recycled materials such as wrapping products in recycled paper and sending them out in recycled mailers. They even offer a program where buyers can mail in their old bikinis and get discounts on their next purchase. Arrow + Phoenix offers sizes XS-4XL.

Formation Recommendation

Bold Swim

Founder, Tiffany Asmoah, is very transparent when it comes to her brand, Bold Swim, and how they practice sustainability. The brand uses Amni Soul Eco® fabric which is a biodegradable yarn. Bold Swim lists every material they use with the help of in-depth graphics, even explaining how sustainable the packaging is. The brand also donates every five dollars to one of its partners, Amplify, which shares the same view, caring for the Earth’s environment. Bold Swim offers size XS-3XL.

Formation Recommendation

Jade Swim

“The right cut of jade brings out beauty. It’s classic with an edge.” Founded by Brittany Kozerski, Jade Swim offers simple yet luxurious designs. All items are designed in New York, then produced in California. The swimsuits come only in solid colors, as it requires less water in the creation process than patterned fabrics would. Kozerski’s pledge to sustainability extends from production to the process of carbon-neutral shipping. Jade Swim offers sizes XS-L.

Formation Recommendation

lemlem

Liya Kebede, an Ethiopian supermodel and actress, founded lemlem after a trip back to her home country. The name stems from the Ethiopian language, Amharic, and means “to bloom.” While visiting Ethiopia, Kebede was inspired by the local artisans and the intricate Ethiopian woven patterns. She wanted to create a vibrant and fun clothing brand with pieces that you could wear no matter the occasion. lemlem is committed to being as sustainable as possible. Every piece is 100% responsibly produced in Africa, even upcycling leftover fabrics and creating items like scrunchies, pouches, and rugs. lemlem partners with local artisan workshops that provide safe work environments, living wages, social protections, and more. lemlem offers sizes XS-L.

Formation Recommendation

Selfish Swimwear

Designer and founder, Naomie Caron wants to empower women of all ages and shapes. She created Selfish Swimwear to help women step out with more confidence and style in their swimwear while keeping sustainability in mind. Every piece at Selfish Swimwear is handmade locally in Montreal, Canada with the utmost attention to detail. Selfish Swimwear even provides a repair service with a one-year warranty on all pieces, in case a buyer comes across any problems. They use chlorine-resistant fabric made from recycled fibers so that each piece lasts longer, compared to nonchlorine-resistant fabrics. Selfish Swimwear offers sizes S-2XL.

Formation Recommendation

Investing in sustainable swimwear such as those from the brands listed above will be beneficial for the environment in the years to come. Plus, with the varying styles and options, you don’t have to worry about finding the right swimwear for you.

Want to read more from our Black and & Green series? Check out our piece on sustainable women-owned brands here!

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As the conversation surrounding sustainable lifestyle becomes more prominent, Black women continue to be at the forefront of the movement pushing it forward. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are honoring a few Black women-owned brands practicing sustainability and eco-consciousness.

Hyper Skin

If you’re someone who has hyperpigmentation and dark spots, Hyper Skin is the brand for you. CEO and Founder Desiree Verdejo had struggled with dark spots throughout her youth and couldn’t quite find a product that was specifically made for her skin. So, she took matters into her own hands and started Hyper Skin, an inclusive skincare company for all complexions and skin types. Hyper Skin prides itself on being a vegan, cruelty-free, and hydroquinone(skin lightening agent)-free brand. After receiving so much love throughout the years over their dark spot serum, Hyper Skin struck a deal with Sephora and you can now find Hyper Skin products in stores and online. 

Formation Recommendation:

Míe

Based and exclusively produced in Lagos, Nigeria, Míe carries an assortment of clothing from dresses and trousers, to tops and jumpsuits. The brand specializes in clothing made with natural and breathable fabrics perfect for looking chic, yet staying cool in warmer climates. Founder Damie Idowu makes sure that Míe uses natural fabrics like 100% linen, which is a natural fiber that uses less water in production, and is the most biodegradable in fashion. You can shop Míe online through their website.

Formation Recommendation:

Yam

Inspired by her late mother who taught her about jewelry making, Morgan Thomas founded Yam. From earrings to necklaces, bracelets, and rings, each piece at Yam is handmade from the process of upcycling and proudly made to order, making every piece unique. The brand is very transparent about the production of its pieces and the sourcing of the materials. As stated on their website, Yam uses a lot of recycled and deadstock materials to craft their unique designs, even going to the lengths of making sure that shipped orders are sent in biodegradable and/or recycled packaging. You can purchase your piece through their website, in-store at the MoMA design store, or from one of their many stockists listed here.

Formation Recommendation:

Interested in more Black & Green content? Read about Black women-owned brands here!

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Still looking for the perfect gift but want to find something that aligns with your values and also supports small businesses? Formation has got you covered. To make your holiday shopping experience easier, we picked out a few items from our favorite Black-owned brands for your loved ones.

Valerie Madison Letter Charm Necklace

Mented Cosmetics Best in Class Holiday set

Born Indigo Blanco Candle

Bready Beauty Mud-Mask

Afro-Vegan Cookbook

Sol Throw Blanket

These six products are just a few ways to support Black-owned, clean and sustainable brands. Not only will the purchase bring out all the feel-good emotions, it will also prove you to be an attentive gift-giver to your family and friends.

Want more gift guides? Check out Everything EnVi’s Editors Want for the Holidays here!

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As we move toward a more eco-friendly society, brands have been making sustainability their number one priority. For years, Black women have been at the forefront of the sustainability movement with almost little-to-no recognition. To celebrate women’s month, we’ve spotlighted a few of our favorite Black women-owned and led beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands. 

Golde

Golde is a beauty and wellness brand that roots its product ingredients almost entirely in superfoods. It was founded in 2017 by Trinity Mouzon Wofford and her partner out of their one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. Wofford sought to create a brand that was inclusive, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Within a few short years, the brand has grown exponentially, and the products are now featured on Urban Outfitters, Target, and Gwyenth Paltrow’s curation website, Goop. The highlight of the products is not only their all-natural ingredients like papaya, matcha, turmeric, and coconut (to name a few) that leave you feeling guilt-free, the aesthetically pleasing packaging also catches your eye. Golde plans to continue its global expansion in 2022.

Formation Recommendation:

BREAD Beauty Supply

Although it hasn’t been on the scene for long, BREAD Beauty Supply has already established itself as one of the top haircare brands on the market. Founded by Maeva Heim in 2020, BREAD Beauty Supply prides itself on providing hair care essentials that are clean, easy, and fun to use for curly and textured hair. The brand’s first launch included wash day essentials such as its award-winning cleanser, hair mask, and hair oil. Since then, their product lineup has expanded to include a hair cream, scalp serum, and detoxifying mud mask. All of their products are vegan and use sustainable (and aesthetically pleasing) packaging. BREAD Beauty Supply is available for purchase on their website, Sephora (US/AU/NZ), and Cult Beauty (UK).

Formation Recommendation:

PUR Home

PUR Home prides itself on its non-toxic, green home cleaning products. As traditional cleaning supplies usually have harsh and dangerous chemicals, the world of natural cleansers isn’t new. Even DIY remedies such as white vinegar for glass cleaner or baking soda for stainless steel appliances have been around forever. But what sets PUR Home apart is its dedication to building a community around its products and bringing it back to people. 

According to its website, the company supports local sustainability efforts, participates in community gardens and volunteer opportunities. They also advocate for clean water, fair trade, and ethical labor globally. Their products come in biodegradable and recyclable packaging, and their high-quality ingredients used are plant-based and sulfate and cruelty-free.

Like many Black women in the eco-friendly sphere, founder Angela Richardson started her natural journey with her hair care products and gradually progressed to cleaning supplies. Founded in 2017, the company and its products have been featured in Pharrell & Jay-Z’s 2020 “Entrepreneur” music video and on the Today Show. 

Formation Recommendation:

Want more? Check out Formation’s Black-Owned Sustainable Brands piece here!

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As we move toward a more eco-friendly society, brands have been making sustainability their number one priority. A silent leader in this movement is Black-owned brands, ranging from makeup and skincare to feminine products. In any crisis, it is the most vulnerable who are impacted most and when it comes to environmental justice, communities of color are no exception. For years, Black women have been at the forefront of the sustainability movement with almost little-to-no recognition. EnVi’s Formation team will highlight a few of our favorite Black-owned brands each month in Black & Green: where inclusion, ethics, and sustainability meet.

Mented Cosmetics

Combining sustainability with inclusivity, Mented Cosmetics is achieving it all. Cofounded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, the two aim to “always put women of color first.” As Black women who navigated professional spaces, the two opted for a nude lipstick. This is reflected in their brand, which has a variety of lip products. Woven into the frames of the brand, is a focus on makeup that can fit anyone. Launched in 2016, the brand has since found success. Despite this, the journey was not easy. As two Black women looking to launch lipsticks alone, they were often rejected. At a time when brands were seeing immense traction for lipsticks, Black consumers had many issues finding their perfect lip. Aside from their dedication to inclusivity, they also are sustainable. Aiming for quality, the brand’s clean beauty products are non-toxic and paraben-free. The brand has since expanded their collection to foundations, eyeshadows, and more. Mented Cosmetics products can be found at Ulta and online. 

Formation Recommendation:

Topicals

When it comes to skincare, some brands advertise their products as ways for individuals to achieve one of the ultimate beauty goals: clear and “perfect” skin. Brands like Topicals, on the other hand, actively disrupt this narrative. Co-founded by Olamide Olowe, Topicals’ mission, according to their website, is to “transform the way you feel about skin through effective science-backed products and mental health advocacy.” Since its launch in August 2020, the sustainable brand has released a small lineup of vegan and cruelty-free products with powerful ingredients that are beneficial for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. In addition to their products, Topicals informs their consumers about the science behind common Black skin concerns (such as hyperpigmentation and eczema) and raises awareness about the relationship between skin health and mental health through their social media. The brand also consistently highlights Black creators and beauty experts and emphasizes the importance of knowing that “you make skin look good,” not the other way around. Topicals’ Faded Serum and Like Butter Mask have garnered multiple Beauty Awards wins from publications such as Byrdie, ELLE, and Glamour. Topicals products are available to purchase at Nordstrom, Sephora, and online.

Formation Recommendation:

The Honey Pot Co.

The Honey Pot Co. is a feminine care company that makes natural products that are easier on the body. According to their website, The Honey Pot Co. “specializes in natural, plant-derived feminine wellness products that freshen, support, and balance while leaving you feeling healthy and clean.” Founded by Bea Dixon in 2014, the Black-owned company started when Dixon (like most Black women) took her health solutions into her own hands after a spiritual dream. Realizing her natural, plant-based methods could be helpful to the masses, she began to mass-produce sustainable feminine care products. Only one of 40 Black women to ever raise one million dollars in capital, Bea had the door slammed in her face multiple times until Whole Foods and Target agreed to sell The Honey Pot Co. products in-store in 2017. Now available in retailers across the United States, The Honey Pot Co. aims to continue to make their products more accessible.

Formation Recommendation:

Eager for more Formation content? Then read about small Black-owned K-pop business, High Hope Shop here!

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