London-based knitwear innovator Sheep Inc. is making waves in sustainable fashion with the launch of the world’s first swim shorts crafted entirely from natural materials. Combining cutting-edge fiber technology and environmental consciousness, the new Merino Swim Shorts set a bold precedent for high-performance, eco-friendly swimwear that challenges the dominance of synthetic plastics in the industry.
A breakthrough in sustainable swimwear
In an industry long dominated by synthetic fibers and plastic-based textiles, Sheep Inc.’s Merino Swim Shorts represent a groundbreaking leap forward. Crafted from 100% ZQ-certified Reda Active Merino wool, these swim shorts are designed not only to meet the demands of active waterwear but also to drastically reduce environmental impact.
The shorts’ construction showcases a deep commitment to sustainability. The outer shell is made of fine Merino wool, a fiber renowned for its natural properties, while the lining uses a biodegradable mesh from Yarnaway. This combination eliminates the use of plastics entirely, making the product free from both plastics and harmful microplastics—pollutants that are a growing concern in oceans worldwide.
This innovation is the result of two years of meticulous research and development, reflecting Sheep Inc.’s mission to rethink conventional swimwear materials. According to Edzard van der Wyck, co-founder of Sheep Inc., “We wanted to prove that swimwear didn’t have to be plastic to perform. So we worked with the best natural materials on Earth, and the best people who knew how to shape them.”
Performance meets natural innovation
What sets the Merino Swim Shorts apart is the performance capabilities of Merino wool, a fiber traditionally associated with warmth and softness but often overlooked in swimwear. Thanks to the unique structure of Merino fibers, the shorts deliver several natural advantages over synthetic swimwear.
Merino wool is inherently odor-resistant, meaning the shorts stay fresh even after prolonged use in and out of water. This is a significant benefit for swimmers and beachgoers who value comfort without sacrificing hygiene. Additionally, Merino wool offers excellent temperature regulation, keeping wearers cool in hot weather and warm when temperatures drop—making these shorts versatile for a variety of climates.
The quick-drying nature of the Merino fabric is another key feature. Unlike conventional wool, which can be slow to dry and heavy when wet, the specially engineered Merino fiber used by Sheep Inc. has been optimized for aquatic conditions, allowing for rapid drying and lightweight wear.
Eco-friendly from start to finish
Beyond high performance, the sustainability of the Merino Swim Shorts extends through every stage of their lifecycle. Both the outer fabric and the biodegradable Yarnaway mesh lining are engineered to decompose fully in soil and marine environments, ensuring that at the end of their useful life, these shorts leave no trace behind. This commitment to circularity is a powerful statement in an industry grappling with the environmental fallout of synthetic swimwear.
Sheep Inc. also emphasizes transparency and traceability in its production process. Each pair of swim shorts features a woven Connected Dot™ tag, enabling consumers to track the journey of their garment—from the sustainable farms where the Merino wool is sourced, through fiber processing, to final manufacturing. This level of traceability supports ethical practices and provides customers with confidence in the product’s provenance.
As the world’s first carbon-negative apparel brand, Sheep Inc. is setting new standards for responsible fashion. Its focus on regenerative natural fibers combined with technological innovation demonstrates how luxury and sustainability can coexist without compromise.
Availability and brand vision
The Merino Swim Shorts launched on May 20 and are available online and in select retail locations, offered in four versatile colors that reflect the brand’s minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic. The shorts appeal to consumers seeking stylish, durable swimwear that aligns with their environmental values—a growing demographic increasingly unwilling to accept the status quo of fast fashion and plastic pollution.
Sheep Inc., primarily known for its knitwear collections for both women and men, continues to push boundaries with its conscious approach to production. By harnessing the regenerative potential of natural fibers and embracing transparency, the brand aims to reshape consumer expectations and industry standards alike.
Why natural materials matter in swimwear
The fashion industry is among the world’s largest polluters, with swimwear contributing significantly to microplastic pollution in oceans. Most swimwear fabrics are synthetic, often derived from petroleum-based materials such as nylon and polyester, which shed microfibers during use and washing. These microfibers are too small to be filtered by wastewater treatment systems and end up polluting aquatic ecosystems, threatening marine life and human health.
By creating swim shorts made entirely from natural fibers that are biodegradable, Sheep Inc. is addressing a crucial environmental challenge. The Merino Swim Shorts exemplify a new direction for swimwear—one where sustainability and style are inseparable. They demonstrate that natural materials, long associated with comfort and durability on land, can be engineered to perform in demanding aquatic environments.
A step toward circular fashion
The biodegradable properties of both the Merino fabric and the mesh lining are key elements in creating a product that fits within a circular fashion model. Unlike traditional swimwear, which often ends up in landfill or the ocean, the Merino Swim Shorts are designed to return safely to the earth without contributing to pollution.
This approach reflects a growing consumer and industry trend toward circularity—an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. It requires innovative materials and transparent production methods, both of which Sheep Inc. champions.
The future of swimwear is natural
As awareness of environmental issues rises among consumers, demand for sustainable alternatives to synthetic swimwear is increasing rapidly. Sheep Inc.’s Merino Swim Shorts are a timely response, proving that performance swimwear need not come at the expense of the planet.
With this launch, Sheep Inc. invites the fashion world and consumers alike to reconsider what swimwear can be. By blending heritage materials, forward-thinking design, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, the brand charts a hopeful course for the future of swimwear—and fashion as a whole.
Sheep Inc.’s Merino Swim Shorts stand as a pioneering product at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and luxury. Crafted from 100% natural Merino wool and biodegradable components, these shorts redefine swimwear by delivering high-performance, odor resistance, and temperature regulation without plastics or microplastics. As the fashion industry grapples with its environmental impact, Sheep Inc. offers a compelling vision of what responsible, high-quality swimwear looks like in the 21st century.
