Sustainability
What is PYRATEX®?
Sustainability
We are thrilled to share our latest swimwear collection using PYRATEX® Power 3 fabric, a newly developed fabric that we are the first to use for swimwear, and that moves us closer to our goal of fossil fuel-free collections. Since 2015 we've been committed to creating less harmful fashion to people and the planet. For years, we have created fossil fuel-free ready-to-wear collections (synthetic fabrics like polyester are derived from petroleum). The only seemingly intractable problem in our quest for petroleum-free materials was in our swimwear.
We are thrilled to share our latest swimwear collection using PYRATEX® Power 3 fabric, a newly developed fabric that we are the first to use for swimwear, and that moves us closer to our goal of fossil fuel-free collections. Since 2015 we've been committed to creating less harmful fashion to people and the planet. For years, we have created fossil fuel-free ready-to-wear collections (synthetic fabrics like polyester are derived from petroleum). The only seemingly intractable problem in our quest for petroleum-free materials was in our swimwear.
Swim fabric is typically a composition of spandex, polyester, or nylon, so it has the qualities we expect from swimwear, like stretch, quick drying, and antibacterial qualities. For our PS23 collection, though, we partnered with PYRATEX® to create Power 3 fabric composed of 89% TENCEL lyocell x micro and 11% elastane, bringing us one step closer to our goal of synthetic-free swimwear.
Swim fabric is typically a composition of spandex, polyester, or nylon, so it has the qualities we expect from swimwear, like stretch, quick drying, and antibacterial qualities. For our PS23 collection, though, we partnered with PYRATEX® to create Power 3 fabric composed of 89% TENCEL lyocell x micro and 11% elastane, bringing us one step closer to our goal of synthetic-free swimwear.
The development was a long time coming. Dana Davis, our VP of Sustainability, explained, "Finding an alternative for our swimwear has always been a priority. In 2015 we were able to transition to recycled fibers, but ultimately, our goal is to move away from those petroleum-based materials for multiple reasons, one being just the extraction of the raw materials themselves, then the processes, and then microfibers. This is a great step in the right direction. Next stop is removing the elastane". PYRATEX® Power 3 fabric replaces nylon and polyester with a cellulosic fiber made from dissolved wood pulp (from canopy-approved resources).
The development was a long time coming. Dana Davis, our VP of Sustainability, explained, "Finding an alternative for our swimwear has always been a priority. In 2015 we were able to transition to recycled fibers, but ultimately, our goal is to move away from those petroleum-based materials for multiple reasons, one being just the extraction of the raw materials themselves, then the processes, and then microfibers. This is a great step in the right direction. Next stop is removing the elastane". PYRATEX® Power 3 fabric replaces nylon and polyester with a cellulosic fiber made from dissolved wood pulp (from canopy-approved resources).
We started working with PYRATEX® in 2020 to see if they could develop a plastic-free swim fabric as successfully as their other naturally derived fabrics. After years of iteration and testing, it has finally arrived. The PYRATEX® Power 3 collection for PS23 is a selection of black, timeless swimsuits that, because of the unique look and feel of the fabric, are multifunctional, worn with ease poolside or as a bodysuit or undergarment.
We started working with PYRATEX® in 2020 to see if they could develop a plastic-free swim fabric as successfully as their other naturally derived fabrics. After years of iteration and testing, it has finally arrived. The PYRATEX® Power 3 collection for PS23 is a selection of black, timeless swimsuits that, because of the unique look and feel of the fabric, are multifunctional, worn with ease poolside or as a bodysuit or undergarment.
While the journey for a completely synthetic-free swimsuit is incomplete (PYRATEX® Power 3 is still 11% spandex to allow for stretch), we are excited about this innovative collaboration and to have moved one step closer to creating a 100% fossil fuel-free collection.
While the journey for a completely synthetic-free swimsuit is incomplete (PYRATEX® Power 3 is still 11% spandex to allow for stretch), we are excited about this innovative collaboration and to have moved one step closer to creating a 100% fossil fuel-free collection.
Photography Credits:
Photographer and Creative Director: Mara Hoffman
Stylist: Rachael Wang
Models: Annika Hartje, IMG Worldwide and Lizzy Yusuff, Ford Models
Hair and Make Up: Sadhvi Babu
Jewelry: Lizzie Fortunato & Bleecker and Prince
Manufacturing images provided by PYRATEX®
Photography Credits:
Photographer and Creative Director: Mara Hoffman
Stylist: Rachael Wang
Models: Annika Hartje, IMG Worldwide and Lizzy Yusuff, Ford Models
Hair and Make Up: Sadhvi Babu
Jewelry: Lizzie Fortunato & Bleecker and Prince
Manufacturing images provided by PYRATEX®