What to Do With Old Bathing Suits? 16 Sustainable and Creative Ideas

Summer is around the corner, and it’s time to dust off your swimwear collection. As the weather changes, so does our wardrobe. And with each passing season, it’s time to pack away our old swimsuits and make room for new ones.

But what do you do with your old swimsuits that are outdated, ill-fitting, or have seen better days? Throwing them away is not the only option. Before you toss them in the trash, consider these 12 sustainable and creative ideas for reusing your old bathing suits.

16 Things You Can Do With Your Old Bathing Suits

1. Donate to a local swim school, thrift store, or women’s shelter

One of the easiest and most impactful things you can do with your old swimsuits is to donate them to those in need. Many organizations such as Carolina swim foundation, Goodwill, and Salvation Army, accept gently used swimsuits and distribute them to individuals who may not have access to swimwear.

Here are some steps on how to donate your old swimsuits:

• Research local organizations that accept swimwear donations, such as swim schools, thrift stores, or women’s shelters.
• Ensure that the swimsuits you plan to donate are in good condition with no holes, stains, or signs of wear and tear.
• Wash the swimsuits before donating them to ensure they are clean and ready for use.
• Drop off the swimsuits at the designated donation location.

Donating your old swimsuits is a great way to help those in need and reduce waste. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

2. Create a new swimsuit top

If you’re feeling creative and want to give your old swimsuit new life, consider creating a new swimsuit top with it. With a little bit of sewing skills and creativity, you can transform your old suit into a brand new top that you’ll love wearing.

Here are some steps on how to create a new swimsuit top from your old suit:

• Cut the top portion of the old swimsuit off, making sure to leave some extra fabric for sewing.
• Cut out a lining fabric for the top.
• Sew the lining to the top portion of the suit.
• Create straps for the top by cutting out strips of fabric from the leftover material and sewing them onto the top.
• Add any additional details, such as ruffles or bows, to give your new swimsuit top a unique look.

By repurposing your old bathing suit into a new top, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece that you can wear to the beach or pool. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste and be more sustainable.

3. Create a bathing suit cover-up

A bathing suit cover-up is an essential item for any beach or pool day, and you can easily create your own using your old swimsuits. By following a few easy steps, you can transform your old swimsuit into a practical and fashionable cover-up that you will adore wearing.

Here’s how to create a bathing suit cover-up from your old suit:

• Cut the fabric of the suit to your desired length.
• Add decorative elements such as fringe or tassels to the bottom of the cover-up.
• Create a belt or drawstring using leftover fabric from the suit to cinch the cover-up at the waist.
• Add any additional details such as pockets or buttons to make your cover-up even more functional.

By creating your own bathing suit cover-up, you’ll have a unique and sustainable item that you can wear to the beach or pool. In addition, you will contribute to the reduction of waste and support eco-friendliness by taking this step.

4. Create a kid’s bathing suit

If you have children or young relatives, creating a new swimsuit for them using your old suit is a great way to repurpose it while also providing new swimwear for the little ones. With a little bit of sewing, you can easily turn your old suit into a new bathing suit for kids.

Here’s how you can turn that old swim suit to a kid’s bathing suit:

• Cut out the fabric from the suit to fit the child’s size.
• Sew the fabric together to create a one-piece or two-piece bathing suit.
• Add any additional decorative elements such as bows or ruffles to make the suit more playful.

When you make a new swimsuit for a child out of your old one, you are giving it a new purpose instead of throwing it away. This way, the child can use it and you get to teach them about taking care of the environment by reducing waste.

5. Make a tote or beach bag

A reusable tote or beach bag is a great way to reduce your plastic bag usage while also showing off your personal style. Using your old swimsuit to create a bag is an easy and sustainable way to repurpose it.

Here’s how to create a tote or beach bag from your old swimsuit:

• Cut out the fabric from the suit to the desired size of your bag.
• Cut out two pieces of fabric for the handles of the bag.
• Sew the two pieces of fabric together to create the handles.
• Sew the handles onto the bag fabric.
• Sew the sides and bottom of the bag together.
• Add any additional decorative elements such as pockets or zippers to make the bag more functional.

By creating a tote or beach bag from your old swimsuit, you’ll have a unique and sustainable accessory that you can use again and again.

6. Make a swimsuit bra

If you’re feeling crafty and want to create a sustainable lingerie option, consider turning your old bathing suit into a bra. With a few simple steps, you can create a unique and comfortable bra that will be unlike anything else in your lingerie drawer.

Here’s how to create a swimsuit bra:

• Cut out the cups from the old swimsuit.
• Cut out a band for the bra using leftover fabric from the suit.
• Sew the cups onto the band.
• Add any additional details such as straps or lace to make the bra more personalized.

By upcycling your old swimsuit into a bra, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind lingerie option that is both sustainable and comfortable.

7. Use them as diaper liners

If you have young children or babies, transforming your old swimsuits as diaper liners is a practical and sustainable way to use them. The fabric of swimsuits is durable and can hold up to multiple washes, making it a great option for diaper liners.

Here’s how to use your old swimsuits as diaper liners:

• Cut the fabric from the suit into the desired size for your diaper liners.
• Place the liners in your child’s diaper as you would with any other diaper liner.
• After use, remove the liner and wash it with your other baby clothes.

By using your old swimsuits as diaper liners, you’ll be reducing waste while also saving money on disposable diaper liners.

8. Cut and stitch it into a pillow cover

Turning your old swimsuits into a pillow cover is an enjoyable and vibrant method of keeping the memories of your favorite swimsuits alive. With a little bit of sewing, you can turn your old suit into a unique accent pillow that will add some fun and personality to your home.

Here’s how to create a pillow cover from your outdated swimsuit:

• Cut out the fabric from the suit to the desired size of your pillow cover.
• Cut out a matching piece of fabric for the back of the pillow cover.
• Sew the two pieces of fabric together, leaving an opening to insert the pillow.
• Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert the pillow.
• Sew the opening closed.

By creating a pillow cover from your old swimwear, you’ll have a unique and personal piece of decor that you can enjoy every day.

9. Use them to create a colorful patchwork quilt

Creating a patchwork quilt using your previously used swimsuits is a great way to repurpose them while also preserving the memories of your favorite swimsuits. By cutting out different patterns and colors from your suits and sewing them together, you can create a unique and colorful quilt that you can cherish for years to come.

Here’s how to create a patchwork quilt from your old swim wear:

• Cut out different patterns and colors from your old swimsuits to create fabric squares.
• Sew the squares together to create the quilt top.
• Cut out a backing fabric and batting to fit the size of your quilt.
• Layer the backing fabric, batting, and quilt top together.
• Pin the layers together and quilt them using a sewing machine or by hand.
• Add any additional decorative elements such as binding or embroidery to finish off the quilt.

By crafting a patchwork quilt using your retired swimwear, you will own a distinctive and eco-friendly piece that you can cuddle up with on cool evenings or showcase as a wall decoration.

10. Use as a wet bag

A wet bag is a waterproof bag that is perfect for holding wet swimsuits or towels after a day at the beach or pool. Using your outdated swimsuit to create a wet bag is a sustainable and practical way to repurpose it.

Here’s how to create a wet bag from your outdated bathing suit:

• Cut out the fabric from the suit to the desired size of your wet bag.
• Sew the sides and bottom of the bag together.
• Add a drawstring or zipper to the top of the bag to keep the contents secure.

By creating a wet bag , you’ll have a sustainable and waterproof option for holding your wet swimsuits or towels.

11. Give your kid’s doll a new outfit

If you have young children or grandchildren, giving their dolls a new outfit made from your old swimsuits is a fun and creative way to reuse them. By using the fabric from your old suits, you can create cute and playful outfits that the kids will love.

Here’s how to create a doll outfit from that old or abandoned swimsuit:

• Cut out the fabric from the suit to the desired size for the doll outfit.
• Sew the fabric together to create a dress or swimsuit for the doll.
• Add any additional decorative elements such as bows or buttons to make the outfit more playful.

By creating a new outfit for a child’s doll, you’ll be recycling your old swimsuits while also providing new play options for the child.

12. Use them as cleaning cloths for your home

Transforming your previous swimwear to a cleaning cloths in your house is a functional and eco-friendly approach to minimize waste. The fabric of swimsuits is durable and can withstand multiple washes, making it a great option for cleaning up spills and messes.

Here’s how to use your old swimsuits as cleaning cloths:

• Cut the fabric from the suit into the desired size for your cleaning cloths.
• Use the cloths to clean up spills and messes in your home.
• Wash the cloths with your other cleaning rags and reuse them.

By using your old swimsuits as cleaning cloths, you’ll be reducing waste while also having a durable and sustainable option for cleaning up messes in your home.

13. Create hair ties

Turning them into cute and colorful hair ties that are perfect for keeping your hair in place is easy and fun to do, and you don’t need any special skills or tools to make them. With just a few simple steps, you can give your old swimsuits a new life and add a playful touch to your hairstyle.

Here’s how to create hair ties from old swim wear:

• Cut the fabric from the suit into long strips.
• Fold the strips in half and tie them into a knot at the end.
• Braid the strips together until you reach the end.
• Tie the end of the braid into a knot.

14. Cut and braid them together to make a unique belt

Using your swimsuits as a belt is a creative and sustainable way to add some fun to your outfits. By cutting and braiding the fabric together, you can create a colorful and unique belt that will be unlike anything else in your wardrobe.

Here’s how to create a belt from your old swimsuits:

• Cut the fabric from the suit into long strips.
• Braid the strips together until you reach the desired length.
• Tie the end of the braid into a knot.

By doing this, you’ll have a sustainable and unique accessory that you can wear with a variety of outfits.

15. Create a water bottle holder

By using the fabric of your old suit, you can create a protective and insulated holder for your water bottle. Cut the swimsuit to size and sew it into a water bottle holder to take with you on the go.

Here’s how to create a water bottle holder:

• Cut the fabric from the suit into a rectangle that is slightly larger than your water bottle.
• Fold the fabric in half and sew the sides together, leaving the top open.
• Fold the top of the fabric down and sew it in place to create a hem.
• Add a drawstring or zipper to the top of the holder to keep the water bottle secure.

16. Use as a car seat cover

Last but not least, you can cut your swimsuit to fit your car seat and use it as a protective cover when traveling to the beach or pool.

Here’s how to create a car seat cover from your old swimsuit:

• Cut the fabric from the suit to the size of your car seat.
• Drape the fabric over the car seat and tuck it in securely.
• Use safety pins or sewing to attach the fabric to the car seat for a secure fit.

Using your old swimsuits as a car seat cover is a great way to protect your car seats from spills and stains while also adding a pop of fun and color to your car’s interior.

Tips to Reuse Old Swimsuits

Here are some tips for recycling your old swimsuits:

• Assess the Condition – Before repurposing your old swimsuit, make sure it’s not beyond repair. If it has holes or is stretched out, it might be better to recycle it.
• Get Creative – Think outside the box when it comes to repurposing your old swimsuits. The possibilities are endless!
• Use the Right Tools – Make sure you have sharp scissors, a sewing machine (if needed), and other necessary tools before starting your DIY project.
• Consider Donating – If you don’t have the time or skills to repurpose your old swimsuits, consider donating them to a local charity or secondhand store.

Can you reuse swimsuits?

Yes, swimsuits can be reused in many creative and sustainable ways. As we’ve outlined above, there are a variety of ways to repurpose your old suits into new items such as bags, pillows, and even bras.

Can you donate swimwear to Charity?

Yes, many charities accept gently used swimwear for those in need. Look for organizations in your area that accept donations of gently used clothing items, including swimwear.

Are swimsuits recyclable?

Yes, some swimsuits are recyclable. Check the label to see if it is made from recyclable materials. You can also check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept swimsuits for recycling.

When should you throw out a bathing suit?

It’s important to regularly check your bathing suits for signs of wear and tear. If the suit is faded, stretched out, or has holes, it may be time to retire it. Also, if the fabric is no longer providing enough coverage or support, it’s time to find a new suit. It’s best to replace your swimsuits every season or every other season to ensure you have a suit that fits well and provides adequate coverage.

Final Note

There are plenty of sustainable and creative ways to repurpose your old swimsuits. Whether you donate them to a local organization, create a new swimsuit top or cover-up, or turn them into a unique accessory, you can give your old suits new life while also reducing waste. By being creative and thinking outside the box, you can repurpose your old swimsuits in a way that is unique, sustainable, and practical.

Do you have any other creative ideas for repurposing old swimsuits? Share them in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to reduce waste and find new ways to use the things we already have. And don’t forget to spread the word about sustainable fashion by sharing this article with your friends and family. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future. So, go ahead and dig out those old swimsuits and let your creativity flow.