Portugal has emerged as a powerhouse in the global swimwear industry, combining centuries-old textile craftsmanship with cutting-edge sustainable practices and innovative design. The Portuguese swimwear market is projected to grow 6.22% annually through 2028, reaching $404.50 million, driven by both robust domestic brands and sophisticated manufacturing capabilities that serve international markets. From artisanal boutique brands to large-scale OEM manufacturers, Portugal’s swimwear industry represents the perfect fusion of European quality, sustainable innovation, and competitive pricing.

Portuguese companies are pioneering the use of recycled ocean plastics, ECONYL® regenerated nylon, and other sustainable materials, positioning the nation as a leader in eco-conscious fashion manufacturing.

Leading manufacturers driving global production

Portugal Textile stands as the country’s premier swimwear manufacturer, founded in 2007 by industry veteran Paulo Silva. Based in Vila do Conde, Porto, this $4 million annual revenue company operates as a comprehensive manufacturer and sustainable clothing development agency. Portugal Textile’s network spans 30+ Portuguese textile factories, enabling them to produce everything from performance competition swimwear to luxury resort beachwear.

The company has earned prestigious recognition, including Export & Internationalization Awards from Novo Banco and ranking among the Top 1000 Portuguese SMEs by Exame magazine in 2023. Their 20-point swimwear inspection system includes chlorine resistance testing, UV protection verification, and stretch recovery assessment. With certifications in GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Portugal Textile prioritizes sustainable materials and eco-friendly packaging while serving international brands seeking premium European manufacturing.

Portuguese brands making global waves

Cantê Lisboa pioneered the modern Portuguese swimwear brand movement when architects-turned-designers Mariana Delgado and Rita Soares launched the company in 2011. Born from a Brazil-inspired trip and the motto “It’s always summer somewhere,” Cantê Lisboa has grown from a small Belém atelier to multiple Lisbon locations including Chiado, Amoreiras, and Restelo.

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The brand creates artistic swimwear featuring signature tropical patterns—lemons, pineapples, flowers, birds, and butterflies—alongside retro prints and colorful designs. All production occurs entirely in Portugal within their Lisbon atelier, emphasizing artisanal quality and exclusivity. Their product range spans women’s, men’s, and children’s swimwear, plus beachwear accessories, with mix-and-match capabilities allowing customers to select different sizes for tops and bottoms.

LATITID revolutionized premium swimwear with their unique city-inspired collections since launching in April 2013. Founded by sisters Inês and Marta Fonseca alongside Fernanda Santos, the brand name fuses “LATITUDE + ATTITUDE” to capture their cosmopolitan spirit. From humble Facebook beginnings, LATITID now operates stores in Porto and Lisbon’s prestigious Príncipe Real area, plus seasonal presence in Comporta.

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The company experienced remarkable growth including 45% expansion in 2019 and 193% growth in 2020, with e-commerce representing 52% of turnover. Each collection draws inspiration from global cities—Porto, Barcelona, Istanbul, London, Capri, Cuba, and Rio de Janeiro—incorporating ready-to-wear trends into sophisticated beachwear. Premium Italian fabrics meet northern Portugal manufacturing, creating handcrafted pieces that serve markets across Portugal, Spain, Australia, Europe, the United States, and Qatar.

Conscious Swimwear represents the vanguard of sustainable fashion, founded in 2019 by former L’Oréal executive Joana Silva during her maternity leave. Based in Lisbon, this pioneering brand creates handmade swimwear in their atelier using 78% ECONYL® regenerated nylon derived from ocean waste, fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastics, combined with 22% elastane.

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The company operates with three local seamstresses possessing 30+ years combined swimwear experience, producing made-to-order pieces to minimize waste. As a 1% for the Planet member, Conscious Swimwear donates 1% of sales to Portuguese ocean-focused nonprofits. Their 100% plastic-free packaging includes biodegradable cotton rope labels and home-compostable shipping bags, while they work toward a fully circular production system enabling used swimwear recycling.

Innovative brands shaping industry trends

AUMAR Swimwear celebrates a decade of “passion to create and dream to inspire” since founder Mariana Silva launched the nature-inspired brand in 2014. Based on Lisbon’s Rua Passos Manuel, AUMAR draws deep inspiration from Portuguese fauna, flora, and geographical features, creating harmony between swimwear design and natural landscapes.

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The brand’s “Elements of Gaia” campaign emphasizes connection to earth’s elements through handcrafted pieces featuring floral prints, animal patterns, and colorful designs reflecting Portugal’s natural beauty. All production occurs entirely within Portugal, maintaining artisanal quality while celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary with renewed focus on “being better, not necessarily more.”

38 GRAUS brings Brazilian-inspired confidence to Portuguese swimwear since Marta Oliveira’s 2017 founding. The brand’s “Rise the temperature” philosophy centers on making women feel confident and fashionable through hand-designed patterns and unique cuts. Their small-batch production emphasizes quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship in specialized Portuguese factories.

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Recent expansion includes a children’s “Little Collection” and innovative collaborations like smartphone and AirPod covers with Salavisa. The brand’s aesthetic mixing vivid colors, textures, and unexpected formats has driven growth into international markets including Rio de Janeiro, while maintaining strong social media presence at @38_graus.

MISSUS champions inclusivity and sustainability since graphic designer Marta’s 2016 launch. The “100% Portuguese, 100% inclusive” brand operates from Oeiras Parque Shopping Center while serving women with “real bodies” through colorful patterns and classic shapes. Their motto “For girls who make their own Sunshine” reflects a body-positive approach emphasizing diversity and self-confidence.

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The brand transitioned to complete sustainability using ECONYL® recycled fabric from ocean plastic waste, with all bikinis manufactured in Lisbon. MISSUS maintains strong digital presence with 132K Instagram followers and offers international shipping, expanding reach while preserving Portuguese manufacturing heritage.

Conclusion

Portugal’s swimwear industry exemplifies how traditional craftsmanship can evolve to meet modern demands for sustainability, quality, and innovation. The sector’s projected 6.22% annual growth through 2028 reflects growing international recognition of Portuguese excellence in both manufacturing and brand development. From major OEM producers serving global fashion houses to artisanal brands pioneering ocean plastic recycling, Portugal has established itself as an essential hub for premium swimwear production.

The industry’s strength lies in its diversity—combining large-scale manufacturers with boutique brands, traditional techniques with sustainable innovation, and domestic market expertise with international export capabilities. As global fashion increasingly prioritizes sustainability and quality over fast fashion, Portugal’s swimwear industry stands positioned to capture growing market share while maintaining its commitment to environmental responsibility and artisanal excellence. The convergence of EU market access, skilled workforce, sustainable practices, and innovative design positions Portuguese swimwear companies for continued growth in the competitive global marketplace.

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I hope this article about the top 10 Portuguese swimwear manufacturers inspires you to take a similar approach and consider producing your collection here in Portugal with our help!