Hinton Magazine

Jul 1, 2024

Swimbarre: Redefining Swim and Active Fashion with Sustainability

Swimbarre is not just a swimwear brand; it's a testament to the elegance of mindful movement and the beauty of sustainable fashion. Founded with a vision to blend luxury swimwear with active living, Swimbarre embodies refined elegance and functional design. Inspired by the graceful movements of a woman at the pool, the brand celebrates the fusion of fashion and fitness. Through innovative use of eco-friendly materials and a commitment to ethical practices, Swimbarre is carving a niche in the industry, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand. This month we sat down with the founder to talk all things about the brand.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Swimbarre and how the idea of combining swim and active styles came about?

One sunny afternoon, our founder was captivated by the elegant movements of a woman at the pool. "Wearing a sophisticated crop top complemented by high-waisted bikini bottoms", she moved with confidence and strength, embodying the very essence of Swimbarre's ethos. It was a moment of inspiration - a spark that ignited a vision to create a brand that celebrates the fusion of luxury swimwear and active living.

Drawing from a passion for fashion and fitness, Swimbarre embodies the essence of refined elegance and mindful movement.

https://swimbarre.com/pages/about-us

Sustainability is at the core of Swimbarre's ethos. Could you elaborate on the brand's commitment to using eco-friendly fabrics like ECONYL® polyamide and recycled polyester?

Swimbarre's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of eco-friendly fabrics, specifically ECONYL® polyamide and recycled polyester. These materials play a significant role in reducing environmental impact and promoting circular fashion.

ECONYL® is a regenerated nylon made from waste products such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic. This innovative material is created through a process that involves:

1. Rescue: Waste materials are collected from landfills and oceans worldwide.

2. Regenerate: The collected waste is cleaned, sorted, and then broken down to its raw material state through a depolymerisation process.

3. Remake: The regenerated nylon is then transformed into new yarn, which is identical in quality to virgin nylon.

4. Reimagine: The beauty of ECONYL® regenerated nylon is that it has the potential to be recycled infinitely, without ever losing its quality. We believe circular design is the future and using ECONYL® is our first step on that journey.

Recycled Polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles and other discarded polyester products. The process involves:

1. Collection and Sorting: Plastic bottles are collected, cleaned, and sorted.

2. Shredding and Melting: The sorted plastics are shredded into flakes and then melted down to create polyester fibres.

3. Spinning into Yarn: These fibres are spun into yarn and used to produce fabric.

Swimbarre's Commitment

By incorporating ECONYL® polyamide and recycled polyester into their products, Swimbarre demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also offer high performance and durability, essential for swimwear and activewear. Swimbarre ensures that their eco-friendly approach extends beyond materials to include ethical manufacturing practices and minimal waste packaging, reinforcing their dedication to a greener planet.

Swimbarre's ethos aligns with the broader movement in the fashion industry towards more sustainable and responsible production practices, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Swimbarre emphasises a slower approach to fashion. How does the brand ensure high quality while producing no more than necessary?

Swimbarre’s emphasis on a slower approach to fashion, often termed "slow fashion," ensures high quality and sustainability by implementing several key practices. We produce limited quantities of each design, which helps minimise overproduction, reducing waste and unsold inventory ending up in landfill. We also offer a Made To Order service, at a higher cost so styles are made up for that customer order, ensuring excellent quality.

- We produce limited quantities of each design, which allows for attention to detail in each item, ensuring higher quality. A slower approach minimises overproduction, reducing waste and preventing unsold inventory from ending up in landfills.

- Using high-quality, sustainable materials like ECONYL® polyamide and recycled polyester ensures that Swimbarre's products are durable and long-lasting. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also known for their strength and resilience, which is essential for activewear and swimwear that needs to withstand frequent use and exposure to elements like chlorine and saltwater.

- Swimbarre is committed to ethical manufacturing practices, which include ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers and we are now producing some Made To Order styles locally.

- Timeless and versatile designs are another hallmark of Swimbarre’s approach. By creating pieces that are not trend-dependent, they encourage customers to invest in garments that they can wear for multiple seasons, thus promoting a longer lifecycle for each product.

The Carvico Eco Friendly Italian Fabric used in Swimbarre's collection is particularly noteworthy. What sets this fabric apart, and why was it chosen for the brand's products?

The Carvico Eco-Friendly Italian Fabric is a standout choice for Swimbarre’s collection due to its exceptional qualities and sustainability features. Here’s a detailed look at what sets this fabric apart and why it was selected for Swimbarre’s products:

Key Features of Carvico Eco-Friendly Italian Fabric

1. Sustainability: Recycled Materials Carvico fabrics are often made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, derived from discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and other nylon waste. This process not only reduces landfill waste but also minimises the environmental impact by repurposing existing materials.

Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production process of ECONYL® involves significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional nylon manufacturing, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.

2. Performance and Durability:

- Chlorine Resistance: Carvico fabrics are known for their high resistance to chlorine, making them ideal for swimwear. This ensures that Swimbarre’s products maintain their shape, color, and integrity even after prolonged exposure to chlorinated water.

- UV Protection: The fabric provides excellent UV protection, which is crucial for swimwear used in outdoor environments. This feature helps protect the skin from harmful sun rays and prolongs the fabric’s lifespan by preventing UV-induced degradation.

- Pilling Resistance: Carvico fabrics are highly resistant to pilling, ensuring a smooth and sleek appearance even after extensive wear and wash cycles.

3. Comfort and Fit:

- Softness and Stretch: The fabric is noted for its exceptional softness and comfortable fit, thanks to its high elasticity. This allows for greater freedom of movement, making it perfect for activewear and swimwear where flexibility and comfort are key.

- Shape Retention: The elasticity of the fabric also ensures that it retains its shape over time, providing a consistently flattering fit for the wearer.

Swimbarre aims to steer away from the throwaway culture of fast fashion. How does the brand encourage customers to make more creative and considered choices in their fashion purchases?

Swimbarre actively promotes thoughtful and sustainable fashion choices through various strategies aimed at educating and inspiring their customers. Here’s how the brand encourages customers to make more creative and considered choices in their purchasing decisions by:

1. Emphasis on Quality and Longevity

Durable Products: By focusing on high-quality, durable materials like Carvico Eco-Friendly Italian Fabric and ECONYL® regenerated nylon, Swimbarre ensures that their products last longer. This reduces the frequency of repurchases, encouraging customers to invest in fewer, better-quality items.

2. Timeless and Versatile Designs

Contemporary Classic Styles: Swimbarre offers timeless and versatile designs that can be worn across multiple seasons and various settings—such as swimwear that doubles as activewear. This approach steers customers away from trend-based purchases that quickly go out of style, promoting a more sustainable wardrobe. By designing products that have multiple uses, Swimbarre promotes versatility, reducing the need for multiple items and thus encouraging more thoughtful purchases.

3. Educational Content

Customer Education: Swimbarre provides educational resources about the importance of sustainable fashion. This includes information on sustainable fashion, the benefits of sustainable materials, and tips for caring for garments to extend their life.

4. Encouraging Mindful Consumption

Mindful Consumption: Swimbarre advocates for mindful consumption by encouraging customers to consider the longevity and versatility of their purchases. This involves promoting the idea of buying less but choosing better, which aligns with the principles of slow fashion.

Through these strategies, Swimbarre not only provides sustainable fashion options but also actively engages and educates their customers, fostering a culture of mindful and responsible fashion consumption.

Ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices are important to Swimbarre. Can you share some insights into how the brand ensures these practices are upheld throughout its production processes?

Swimbarre upholds ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices through several key strategies:

Ethical Labor Practices: Swimbarre ensures that all their manufacturing partners comply with fair labour standards, which include fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.

Sustainable Materials: Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Swimbarre uses sustainable materials - ECONYL® regenerated nylon yarn which is used to create the Carvico Eco-Friendly Italian Fabric. These materials are made from recycled waste, such as discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps, reducing the demand for virgin resources and lowering the environmental footprint of their products.

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Packaging: Swimbarre uses sustainable recycled packaging, to reduce the overall environmental impact.

Continuous Improvement: Swimbarre is committed to continuously improving their sustainability and ethical practices.

Swimbarre donates 2% of its sales to The Butterfly Foundation and Beyond Blue. Why are these organisations particularly significant to the brand, and how does Swimbarre align with their missions?

Swimbarre's decision to donate 2% of its sales to The Butterfly Foundation and Beyond Blue underscores its commitment to social responsibility and aligns with the brand's values of promoting overall physical and mental well-being. These organisations are significant to Swimbarre and align with their mission.

The Butterfly Foundation: The Butterfly Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing eating disorders and body image issues. Their mission is to create a world where people of all shapes and sizes feel comfortable in their own skin and have access to the support they need for mental and physical health recovery.

Swimbarre, as a swimwear and activewear brand, promotes body positivity and inclusivity. Supporting The Butterfly Foundation aligns with Swimbarre’s goal to help individuals feel confident and empowered in their own bodies, countering the often unrealistic body standards perpetuated by the fashion industry. By donating to The Butterfly Foundation, Swimbarre supports mental health initiatives specifically related to body image, which is a critical aspect of overall well-being and self-esteem for many of its customers.

Beyond Blue:Beyond Blue is an Australian organisation that provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, regardless of where they live or what stage of life they're at. They focus on preventing and treating mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Beyond Blue’s mission to improve mental health aligns with Swimbarre’s broader commitment to supporting holistic wellness. By contributing to Beyond Blue, Swimbarre helps ensure that individuals have access to crucial mental health resources and support. Supporting Beyond Blue helps Swimbarre give back to the community by addressing mental health issues that affect a wide range of people. This resonates with the brand’s values of inclusivity and support for overall health.

Swimbarre’s contributions to both organisations reflect a commitment to promoting physical and mental well-being. The donations signify Swimbarre’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, demonstrating that the brand is invested in more than just profit. This commitment helps build a positive brand image and fosters customer loyalty by showing that Swimbarre cares about important issues in society.

Transitioning seamlessly from swimwear to barre workouts is a unique aspect of Swimbarre's products. How does the brand ensure functionality and versatility in its designs?

Swimbarre's unique ability to transition seamlessly from swimwear to barre workouts is achieved through thoughtful design and choice of materials that ensure both functionality and versatility. Through the use of high-performance, durable fabrics and versatile, stylish designs, Swimbarre ensures that their products meet the functional demands of both swimwear and activewear.

Swimbarre uses high-performance fabrics like ECONYL® yarn used in Carvico Eco Friendly Italian Fabric and recycled polyester, known for their quick-drying and moisture wicking properties. These fabrics keep the wearer comfortable by efficiently managing sweat during workouts and drying quickly after swimming. These fabrics are also highly resistant to chlorine and UV rays, making them ideal for both swimming and outdoor activities. This durability ensures that the garments maintain their quality and appearance over time. The garments are designed to offer maximum flexibility and freedom of movement. This is essential for both swimming, which requires a full range of motion, and barre/Pilates workouts.

By creating pieces that are not strictly swimwear or activewear but a hybrid of both, Swimbarre encourages customers to make more versatile and sustainable fashion choices. This multifunctionality reduces the need for multiple outfits, aligning with the brand's ethos of thoughtful and minimal consumption.

Swimbarre’s products are designed with a keen eye on style, ensuring that they look good both in and out of the water. The fashionable designs make it easy for users to wear the same outfit to the pool and to a barre class (soon styles will transition to the resort bar), promoting a seamless transition between different activities.

The Swimbarre collection is available in sizes XS, S, M, and L. Are there any plans to expand the size range in the future to be more inclusive?

Swimbarre's current size range includes XS, S, M, and L, and they have added XL for their Made To Order styles. Swimbarre aims to expand its current size offer and it is an important consideration for the brand's future. We are also looking at sustainable fabrics that offer a unisize crinkle texture to allow us to continue with small quantities that offer versatile/uni sizing.

Swimbarre is dedicated to promoting body positivity and inclusivity, which aligns with their support for organisations like The Butterfly Foundation and Beyond Blue. Expanding the size range as the label grows is a natural extension of this commitment.

Market Demand and Feedback: Swimbarre considers customer feedback in their future design development plans to ensure that the brand remains responsive and adaptive to its customers needs.

Swimbarre's future size range expansion aligns with their values of inclusivity, body positivity, and sustainability. The brand's commitment to listening to customer feedback and staying current with industry trends would ensure that Swimbarre can cater to a broader customer base, making their products accessible to more individuals.

In terms of design, what are some key elements that Swimbarre incorporates into its swim and active styles to appeal to its target audience?

Swimbarre integrates several key design elements into its swimwear and activewear to appeal to its target audience. Swimbarre’s design strategy combines functionality, style, and sustainability to create products that appeal to their target audience. By focusing on high-performance materials, versatile and timeless designs, ethical manufacturing practices using sustainable materials, Swimbarre ensures that their swimwear and activewear meet the needs and preferences of eco-conscious, fashion-forward consumers.

Functional Design examples: Adjustable straps allow for a customisable fit, enhancing comfort during various activities.

Versatile and timeless designs: Swimbarre designs modern, timeless silhouettes that are not trend-dependent, allowing customers to wear them across multiple seasons and for multiple uses. Designs that transition seamlessly from swimwear to activewear reduce the need for multiple pieces, promoting minimalism and thoughtful consumption. This versatility encourages more sustainable fashion choices.

Fashion-forward aesthetics: Swimbarre’s designs are modern and elegant. The brand incorporates modern, elegant design elements that appeal to a stylish, health-conscious audience. This includes sleek lines, sophisticated color palettes, and fashionable cuts that enhance the overall aesthetic appeal without being dependant on trends.

Chlorine, UV resistance and performance materials: Fabrics like ECONYL® nylon used in the Carvico Eco-Friendly Italian Fabric are chosen for their chlorine and UV resistance and their quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties.

Sustainable and Ethical Practices: Swimbarre’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of eco-friendly fabrics like ECONYL® and recycled polyester. These materials reduce environmental impact and align with the values of eco-conscious consumers.

Collaborations can often be a way for brands to reach new audiences. Are there any exciting collaborations or partnerships on the horizon for Swimbarre?

Swimbarre has several exciting developments and partnerships in the pipeline. The brand is actively exploring collaborations that align with its eco-friendly and high-quality, luxury ethos. The brand is looking to engage with partners who share similar values of sustainability and innovation, to expand its reach and influence in the sustainable and luxury fashion space. The brands Swimbarre has currently collaborated with are Mare De Vetro and Noble & Precious. Both stunning jewellery brands in Australia that share sustainability values.

Future collaborations are anticipated to include partnerships with other eco-conscious brands, aiming to create unique, limited-edition products that appeal to both fashion forward and environmentally conscious consumers. Swimbarre's focus on thoughtful partnerships underscores its commitment to not just creating stylish swim and activewear, but also promoting broader sustainability and ethical production practices within the industry.

What challenges has Swimbarre faced in its journey towards sustainability, and how has the brand overcome them?

Swimbarre has encountered several challenges in its journey towards sustainability.

Sourcing sustainable materials was challenging. Finding high-quality, sustainable materials that meet the brand’s performance and aesthetic standards can be difficult.

Sustainable fabrics such as ECONYL® and recycled polyester are not as widely available or cost-effective as other materials, but worth it for the future.

Balancing sustainable practices with the pressures of business growth and profitability is a challenge. Sustainable practices often require more resources, research and time.

Swimbarre adopts a slower fashion approach, focusing on producing high-quality products in smaller quantities. This strategy not only reduces waste but also ensures that each product meets high standards. By educating customers on the value of sustainable fashion and promoting thoughtful consumption, Swimbarre aligns its business growth with its sustainability goals.

The swim and activewear industry is highly competitive, and standing out as a sustainable brand can be challenging. There is a need to continuously innovate and differentiate from other brands. Swimbarre focuses on creating unique, versatile designs that transition seamlessly between swimwear and activewear. This dual functionality appeals to eco conscious consumers looking for multipurpose, stylish garments.

Looking ahead, what are Swimbarre's future goals and aspirations, both in terms of product innovation and sustainability initiatives?

Swimbarre is poised for an exciting future with ambitious goals in both product innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Swimbarre is expanding it’s product range to include versatile sustainable resortwear. Swimbarre will continue to focus on creating versatile designs that seamlessly transition between different activities. This dual-purpose approach not only supports a minimalist wardrobe but also encourages thoughtful consumption among customers.

The brand is exploring new sustainable materials and technologies to improve the functionality and comfort of its products. Innovations in fabric technology that enhance moisture-wicking, UV protection, unisize and durability are on the horizon.

The brand is looking into circular fashion practices, which involve designing products with their end-of-life in mind. This includes creating items that can be easily recycled or upcycled, thus minimising waste and promoting a more sustainable lifecycle for their garments. New fabrications are being researched that are biodegradable at end of life also.

Swimbarre is committed to enhancing transparency in their supply chain. Future goals include providing customers with more information about the sourcing and production processes, ensuring that every step of their supply chain meets high ethical and environmental standards.

Lastly, how can customers engage with Swimbarre beyond purchasing products? Are there any community initiatives or events that the brand participates in?

Swimbarre's initiatives go beyond selling products, focusing on building a community around sustainability and well-being. Through donations to social causes, educational content, active social media engagement and soon participation in eco-friendly events.

Swimbarre is deeply committed to supporting environmental and social causes. The brand donates 2% of its sales to The Butterfly Foundation and Beyond Blue, organisations dedicated to mental health and well-being. These contributions not only support important causes but also engage customers in Swimbarre's mission to make a positive impact on society.

Swimbarre regularly shares educational content about sustainable fashion, environmental conservation, and healthy living through its blog and social media platforms. By providing tips and insights, Swimbarre encourages customers to adopt more eco-friendly practices and make informed decisions about their fashion choices.

Swimbarre engages with its community through social media campaigns that highlight sustainable practices.

Swimbarre is looking to soon offer further ways for customers to engage with the brand beyond purchasing products, emphasising community involvement and sustainable living. This will be via hosting events focused on sustainable fashion, health and well being sessions such as Pilates, barre and yoga. This will be done alongside other sustainable brand collaborations. These events promote a healthy lifestyle and also foster a sense of community among participants who share a commitment to sustainability and increase other brand awareness.

Swimbarre's journey is not just about creating stylish swim and activewear; it's about making a positive impact on the world. From their use of sustainable fabrics like ECONYL® and recycled polyester to their commitment to ethical manufacturing and community support, Swimbarre is leading by example. With a focus on quality, versatility, and timeless design, the brand encourages customers to make more thoughtful fashion choices. As Swimbarre looks towards the future, their dedication to innovation and sustainability ensures they will continue to inspire and empower their community, one elegant piece at a time.