Change of Scenery
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Conscious
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
7.2 out of 10
7 out of 10
6.2 out of 10
about
Change of Scenery creates swimwear and resortwear with a focus on sustainable material choices and non-toxic textile handling.
highlights
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified textiles
Recycled synthetic inputs
Sustainable packaging
sustainability
score:
7.2 out of 10
details:
Packaging
All packaging components are made from recycled or renewable materials, and designed for end-of-life recyclability or compostability. The tissue paper and stickers (from Noissue) are fully circular (they can be composted or recycled after use and are printed with FSC-certified paper and soy-based inks). Hang tag strings are made of hemp, a renewable and biodegradable fiber. Customer orders ship in EcoEnclose® mailers that are made from 100% recycled content and are curbside recyclable.
Material Sustainability
Change of Scenery’s products are made with a mix of recycled synthetics and certified organic natural fibers. The swimwear fabrics are composed primarily of Repreve® recycled polyester/nylon, blended with a small percentage of elastane for stretch. For example, one signature one-piece swimsuit fabric is 75% recycled nylon (Repreve), 12% conventional nylon, 6% spandex, and 7% metallic Lurex. The resort apparel (cover-ups, dresses, etc.) is made from 100% certified organic cotton fabrics.
The use of recycled polymers in swimwear significantly reduces dependence on virgin petrochemicals and diverts waste from landfills and oceans. The organic cotton (GOTS-Certified) in apparel is a renewable, biodegradable fiber and is processed with far fewer chemicals and less water than conventional cotton. Additionally, Change of Scenery uses digital printing for all prints and patterns, a process that minimizes waste by using less ink, fewer chemicals, and less water, and by allowing the company to print only the exact yardage needed for production.
Despite the overall positive material choices, not every component is sustainable. All swim pieces rely on spandex (elastane) for stretch and fit; this is a synthetic, fossil-derived material that is not recycled or biodegradable, and the brand has not indicated use of any alternative like recycled elastane. At end-of-life, the swimsuits (being mostly polyester and spandex) are not biodegradable and would ideally need specialized recycling; however, the brand does not yet offer a take-back or recycling program for old swimwear.
Energy Use and Footprint
Change of Scenery is a young, growing brand, and it has expressed the goal of minimizing its carbon footprint but has provided limited quantitative data on energy or emissions. In practice, the brand’s efforts to reduce its footprint are mostly indirect, via sustainable materials and packaging.
Waste Management
The digital printing process used for printed fabrics greatly reduces waste compared to traditional fabric printing. Digital printing not only uses less water and ink, but also enables printing only what is needed, avoiding excess printed stock and large volumes of contaminated wastewater.
The brand’s choice of materials sourced from waste (recycled bottle fibers) is another form of waste mitigation upstream.
Business Model
The ethos of Change of Scenery’s business model encourages quality over quantity, aligning with mindful consumption principles. Rather than fast-fashion style constant turnover, the brand focuses on a limited number of well-designed core styles. Also, the materials chosen (Repreve performance fabric and high-quality organic cotton) are known for durability.
non-toxic
score:
7 out of 10
details:
Firstly, the organic cotton used in all apparel is grown without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs. For the swimwear fabrics, the brand relies on Repreve recycled fibers which are produced by Unifi with an emphasis on safety and transparency. Repreve polyester and nylon fibers are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning they have been tested to contain no harmful levels of regulated substances (like formaldehyde, heavy metals, residual pesticides, phthalates, etc.). Additionally, Repreve yarns are made from post-consumer plastics through a process that is closely monitored (via U TRUST and GRS certifications) to ensure no contamination by toxic substances.
social responsibility
score:
6.2 out of 10
details:
Change of Scenery emphasizes that its products are made under ethical labor conditions, although details are somewhat generalized. We know the swimwear is produced in China and apparel in India, regions where labor practices can vary widely. On the Wolf & Badger ethical marketplace, Change of Scenery is tagged with the “Happy Worker” badge, indicating that workers are paid a living wage, no child labor or human trafficking is involved, and the factory complies with all local environmental regulations.
Change of Scenery’s product line is inherently 100% vegan. The brand does not use any animal-derived materials in its swimwear or resort apparel.
In terms of community involvement, charitable giving, or advocacy beyond the company’s own operations, Change of Scenery has a relatively low profile. Our research did not uncover any specific non-profit partnerships, donations, or community programs associated with the brand.
