PS. Lets Give Back

Prairie Swim was founded on a love for the land we were raised on and the places we are grateful to explore. We know how lucky we are to have fresh water lakes to jump into, and clean beaches to walk on. That’s why we are committed to doing our part to help minimize plastic and ensure that our products are safely recycled and re loved. In addition to being members of 1% For the Planet, here is our commitment. 

What is it?

An initiative from Prairie Swim to promote sustainability in the swimwear space.

  • REWEAR- Its chic to outfit repeat
  • REUSE- Normalize swapping swimsuits in good condition
  • RECYCLE- Dispose of textiles safely so they can have a new life

 Re Wear

  • We have decided that in order to be a part of the change in the fashion industry, we must first start by changing the fashion cycle. Here is what we are doing differently:
    • Limited Sales and Markdowns
    • Only restocking as needed 
    • Classic cuts and colours
  • We purposely create classics that can be easily mixed and matched with sizes that are sold as separates to ensure the perfect fit, as everyones bodies are different
  • Accepting Exchanges. We don't want suits in landfills if it doesn't fit you. Thats why we work with you to get you in the right suit, or a store credit if we don't have what you need right now

Re Use

  • We have opted to use the most durable fabric we were able to source. One that allows stretch, movement and breathability while still holding up to the elements to prevent pilling, discolouration and overall aging of swimwear. We encourage hand washing and proper care, and styles with ties that can grow with your changing body.
  • We have previously partnered with organizations like Dress For Success and The Upside to encourage re use of clothes and beauty products, which many of our influencers we work with have an abundance of. We raise funds to support organizations with these values.

Re Cycle

  • Prairie Swim is encouraging people to drop off their pre loved swimwear or mail it to Prairie Swim Headquarters in Toronto. All swimwear and activewear are welcome – any brand, any condition- freshly washed due to extra precautions surround COVID-19, and we will be the ones sorting it to ensure anything in good condition gets re homed. The textiles are then sent to the nearest recycling textile plant, or donated to an organization that can large scale recycle textiles. For every suit you send us to be safely recycled, you'll receive a $10 credit. 

Why are we talking about this?

  • A pillar of the Prairie Swim business is to create high quality, durable swimwear that can last over the seasons and is easy to mix and match
  • Swimwear and athleisure are extremely intimate by nature and subject to sweat, salt water, sunscreen. Because of this, they are harder to donate, resell, or even swap with friends.
  • Many people do not know how to recycle their textiles and it is not convenient to do so
  • The rise of fast fashion in swimwear- PS started as a drop shipping company, and then immediately saw why these companies are so bad for the environment, and began manufacturing ourselves.
  • The use of microfibers
    • Microfibers are common in form fitting clothes with stretch, like swimwear and activewear. Microfibers are found in Spandex, Lycra and Polyester and are difficult materials to break down organically due to their tiny nature. The microfibers often find their way into drinking water and water ecosystems. Basically, every time you wash or buy microfibers, you are contributing to tiny bits of plastic entering our waterways. Because of this, we are actively seeing eco friendly fabrics that we can incorporate into our growth. 

What will we do with the recycled pieces?

  • All textiles that cannot be reworn or re used will be going to a recycle plant that can safely and efficiently recycle microfibers
  • Any profit from the recycled materials will go back into our efforts to make our production more sustainable. This includes funding research for textile programs, etc.

Our goals include better understanding our own impacts, contributing to the larger body of research currently under way and, ultimately, finding ways to improve our practices in response to more knowledge.