North Sails
Founded by an Olympic sailing champion, North Sails was initially specialized in the fabrication of, well, boating sails! As they evolved, they began to expand their activities — today they also create garments as perfect for a day on the water as they are for a sunny afternoon in town. A sponsor of the America's Cup, North Sails is also a significant supporter of the Tara Ocean Foundation, whose team travels around the world to study marine micro-organisms. The brand is also a donor of organizations like Coral Gardeners and SeaLegacy.
Laboratoires de Biarritz
The products made by Laboratoires de Biarritz pack a one-two punch: excellent skin care that also ensures the preservation of our oceans. With solar care based on red algae, this brand is a relative newcomer — they were founded in 2011 — committed to offering lotions that are just as good for humans as they are for nature. Along with their certified-organic line, it's also worth noting that their sunscreens respect the Hawaii law, which forbids the use of chemical UV-filters that are toxic to coral reefs. The brand is also a proud supporter of several non-profit initiatives, such as RespectOcean, Wings of the Ocean, the Water Family, and 1% For the Planet.
Awake Concept
Founded in 2018, Awake Concept is all about changing the watchmaking industry for the better. The concept? Watches that function entirely on solar energy — which eliminates the need for battery pollutants. They also include casings from RE:FN-S1®, a material obtained through the recycling of fishnets, and bracelets from Phoenix, a mesh produced from recycled marine waste. A sundial that's both green and eminently modern.
Apnée
What inspired Apnée's well-loved men's swimsuits? The desire to create pieces that lasted over time, while also touting reduced carbon footprints. The founders arrived at the idea of bathing suits made from the recycled result of waste collected from oceans and beaches. They're associated with Seaqual, a waste-collection initiative that turns trash into eco-responsible textiles, and SurfRider, a (not-for-profit) organization that works to raise public awareness. Indeed, Apnée has plenty to be proud of, not least of which is the fact that each pair of swim trunks is made from 10 recycled bottles.
Gili's
Swimwear made from recycled polyester, meant to resist salt, chlorine, sunshine, and that are dry in a flash? That was Gili's mission, and since the beginning they've been offering high-quality garments that aim to reduce textile waste. And since the ocean is a prime factor in their offerings, the brand is a backer of Project Rescue Ocean, where participants organize seaside waste-collection events.