The world of performance swimwear just got a greener update. Arena, the brand synonymous with competitive swimming, has launched a new line of swimsuits featuring Lycra EcoMade, a fiber that swaps fossil fuels for plant-based ingredients. It’s a material shift that promises the same stretch and recovery athletes rely on, but with a significantly lighter environmental footprint.
For years, spandex has been the backbone of swimwear, giving it that essential second-skin fit. The catch? It’s typically made from petroleum. Lycra EcoMade changes the formula by incorporating renewable inputs derived from corn. The result is a fabric that performs just as well—resisting chlorine, holding its shape, and drying quickly—while reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. Arena is integrating the material into its latest competition suits, signaling that high-performance gear can evolve without sacrificing durability.
This debut comes at a time when the swimwear industry faces mounting pressure to clean up its act. Microplastic shedding and synthetic fiber production have long been environmental blind spots. By adopting Lycra EcoMade, Arena is betting that athletes and recreational swimmers alike will embrace a suit that doesn’t compromise on speed or comfort. The move also nudges the broader textile market toward bio-based alternatives, proving that innovation and sustainability can coexist in the pool.
Originally reported by WWD