Summer is officially here in Australia and what better way to celebrate than shining a spotlight on some Australian-made swimwear labels? While some people dread swimsuit shopping, I am not one of them. All I can think about right now is how to best maximise my beach/pool time over the coming months. Gimme all of the lycra! We’re pretty spoilt for choice here in Australia when it comes to swimwear and several new and noteworthy labels keep popping up each year. For this post I’ve decided to focus on labels that, to the best of my knowledge, manufacture their garments in Australia and partake in ethical practices. These are the local Aussie swimwear brands that I’ve got my eyes on this summer.
BAABY is an Australian swimwear label designed and made in Melbourne. All the designing and sampling is done in-house in Melbourne and every style is tested on various body types to ensure an ideal fit. All pieces are ethically and locally manufactured, and created using regenerated and sustainable luxury Italian lycra.
Camp Cove Swim is an Australian designed and made swimwear label founded by Katherine Hampton. The label is known for its fun prints and retro styling, with designs to suit a range of body types. All garments are ethically manufactured on the South Coast of New South Wales. All fabrics are printed in Sydney and recycled fabrics are incorporated into the lining of swimsuits.
Good Studios is a sustainable clothing and homewares label founded in 2012 by Anny Duff. The label focuses on ethical values and embraces sustainable practices wherever possible. The swimwear range is made from a mix of up-cycled or recycled nylon and extra life lycra and all garments are ethically manufactured in Adelaide.
If you’re after pared-back swimwear in classic, timeless cuts then this is the label for you. Founded by Tuyen Nguyen and Michael Lim in 2013, this Sydney based label is well on its way to becoming a cult Aussie favourite. Every piece is made and designed in Australia using the highest quality European fabric and many of the styles are made from recycled lycra.
Vege Threads is a low impact menswear and womenswear label founded by Amy Roberts. Their eco swimwear range comprises of a range of basic designs and is made using a mix of recycled nylon and extra life lycra. All of their Australian-made products have accreditation from Ethical Clothing Australia.
[Images, clockwise from top left: Baaby, Camp Cove Swim, Vege Threads, Good Studios, Her.]