Let's Talk Preloved Swimwear

When it comes to shopping preloved fashion, most people are happy to browse dresses, handbags, shoes and activewear. But mention preloved swimwear and you may be met with a raised eyebrow.

Let's discuss…

The hesitation around buying preloved swimwear usually comes down to one thing: hygiene. It's understandable. Swimwear sits close to the skin, and many people instinctively place it in the same category as underwear. But if we stop and think about it, is buying preloved swimwear really that different from buying swimwear in a store?

Leslie Amon RRP £195 Now £60

Every day, countless swimwear pieces are tried on in changing rooms before being returned to the rail. Even when hygiene liners are in place, most of us don't know how many people may have tried on a garment before we purchase it. Yet we rarely think twice about taking it home.

And what do we do when we get it home? We wash it.

Just as we would with underwear, bodysuits, activewear or swimwear purchased brand new, most people wash these items before wearing them. It's simply good practice, regardless of whether the item is new or preloved.

Cin Cin RRP £270 Now £50

The reality is that preloved swimwear doesn't have to mean heavily worn swimwear. In fact, many of the swimwear pieces we receive at Wardrobe by Rebecca have only been worn once for a holiday, a photoshoot or a special occasion. Some arrive completely unworn with their original tags still attached.

Every item is carefully inspected before it is accepted for resale. We assess condition, cleanliness and overall quality to ensure that anything listed on our site is suitable for its next owner. In addition to this, items previously worn are carefully cleaned by us before being offered for resale. If we wouldn't feel comfortable selling it, it doesn't make it onto the website.

Monday Swim RRP £180 Now £50

Beyond the practical considerations, there's also the environmental impact to think about. Many swimwear fabrics are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and elastane. These fabrics can take decades to break down and often rely on resource-intensive manufacturing processes. While sustainable swimwear brands are becoming more common, the most sustainable garment is often the one that already exists.

By choosing preloved swimwear, you're helping to extend the life of a perfectly good item, reducing demand for new production and keeping quality pieces in circulation for longer. It's a simple way to make your holiday wardrobe a little more sustainable without compromising on style.

Cin Cin RRP £270 Now £70

Fashion is changing. Preloved luxury handbags were once considered unusual. Now they're widely embraced. The same shift is happening across all areas of fashion, including swimwear.

So perhaps it's time to rethink the taboo.

If you'd happily buy a preloved designer dress, why not a beautiful swimsuit that's been carefully inspected, professionally presented and ready for its next adventure?

At Wardrobe by Rebecca, we're proud to give exceptional pieces a second life. Because great swimwear deserves more than one holiday - and the planet will thank you for it.