OEKO-TEX® Certified Swimwear: What the Standard Means
When I started Midori, quality came first. As I learned more about how swimwear fabric is made and tested, material standards became part of that promise. In 2013, I found swim fabric certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and it helped shape the way I wanted Midori to grow.
What does OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 mean?
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is a testing and certification system for textiles. A certified article has been tested for substances that OEKO-TEX® identifies as harmful to human health. The testing applies to components of the certified article, not only the main fabric.
Certification is specific. It does not automatically prove that a fabric is biodegradable, carbon neutral or made from recycled fibers. It gives shoppers a concrete, third-party material standard instead of asking them to rely on a vague claim.
Why does certification matter for swimwear?
Swimwear sits directly against the skin, often for hours at a time. It is exposed to heat, sunscreen, saltwater and chlorine. Knowing that the fabric has been tested to a recognized harmful-substance standard provides useful information when you are comparing suits.
What OEKO-TEX® does and does not certify
- It tests against a defined list of regulated and non-regulated substances of concern.
- Requirements vary by how closely and sensitively a textile is used against the body.
- Certification applies to the submitted textile article or component.
- It is not the same thing as a complete environmental lifecycle assessment.
That distinction matters. Midori prefers specific language such as OEKO-TEX® certified, UPF 50+, small-batch and three-layer construction because those descriptions tell you something tangible.
Midori's swimwear construction
Current Midori bikinis use four-way stretch fabric and a three-layer construction made from outer swim fabric, a light lining and inner swim fabric. The goal is a soft, substantial feel that supports repeat wear without unnecessary bulk.
How to care for certified swimwear fabric
- Rinse your suit in cool fresh water after swimming.
- Hand wash gently with a mild detergent.
- Do not wring or aggressively stretch wet fabric.
- Lay flat or hang away from direct heat to dry.
- Rotate suits when possible so the fibers can fully recover between wears.
For complete instructions, read our swimwear care guide. To shop current colors and choose separate sizes, explore Midori mix-and-match bikinis.