Tips and Tricks for Starting Your Own Sustainable Swimwear Brand

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1

Find the Right Manufacturer

Choosing the right manufacturer is the cornerstone of building a successful swimwear brand. Look for one who specializes in sustainable practices and has experience working with startups. Key points to consider:

  • Track Record: Ensure the manufacturer has a history of producing high-quality swimwear.
  • Transparency: Choose a manufacturer that provides clear communication about costs, timelines, and processes.
  • Sustainability: Verify their commitment to eco-friendly practices, including the use of recycled or biodegradable materials.

2

Don't Overpay – Compare Prices

While quality is essential, it doesn’t mean you should overpay. Bali has numerous swimwear manufacturers; get quotes from at least two or three suppliers to ensure competitive pricing. This approach will help you balance cost and quality effectively.

3

High-Quality Fabrics are Key

The quality of your swimwear fabric can make or break your brand. Opt for imported materials like:

  • Carvico® and ECONYL® (Italy): Known for their durability, elasticity, and sustainable composition from recycled materials.
  • REPREVE® (USA): Made from recycled plastic bottles, offering an eco-friendly alternative with high performance.
  • Imported fabrics are often far superior to local Bali-sourced options, ensuring a better feel and longer lifespan for your swimwear.
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4

Ensure Your Manufacturer Stocks Fabrics and Colors

Partner with a manufacturer that keeps a good stock of fabrics and colours on hand. This provides significant benefits:

  • More Color Options: Manufacturers with imported fabrics in stock can offer a wider range of colours compared to those who rely solely on local options or need to import fabrics in bulk (typically 70-meter rolls).
  • Faster Production: Avoid delays caused by waiting 4–6 weeks for imported fabric to arrive.
  • Flexibility for Small MOQs: Stocked fabrics allow you to order smaller quantities while still accessing a variety of colours, helping you stay agile and cater to diverse customer preferences.

5

Digital Printing on Nylon – A Superior Choice

At Swimwear Bali, we digitally print on Nylon, which offers unmatched softness, organic, true-to-life colours, and a luxurious, super-soft feel. This method:
  • Benefits: Produces sharp, true-to-life designs that are soft to the touch.
  • Durability: Holds colour well even after repeated use and exposure to sun and chlorine.
  • In contrast, other Bali swimwear manufacturers often use sublimation printing on polyester, which:
  • Feels rougher against the skin.
  • Produces neon bright colours and nowhere near as true to eye colour printing as digital.
  • Choosing digital printing on Nylon sets your brand apart in terms of quality and customer satisfaction.
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6

Prioritize Design and Fit

Collaborate with your manufacturer to ensure your designs align with your vision and fit well. This step often involves creating custom patterns and grading to cater to various sizes. Opt for a supplier who offers 2D Auto CAD digital pattern making, as working digitally on your patterns creates swimwear that offers superior body sculpting properties, shaving years of the wearer.

Ultimately, a well-fitted swimwear piece can significantly boost your brand’s reputation, with customers returning time and time again to place new orders.

7

Understand Sampling and Bulk Order Processes

Sampling is crucial to perfect your designs before committing to bulk production. Ask your manufacturer about their sampling process, timelines, and how they handle revisions. Ensure you’re clear about order minimums and lead times for bulk production.

8

Think Long-Term with Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a commitment. Choose materials and manufacturing processes that minimize waste and reduce your environmental impact. Highlight your sustainable practices in your marketing to attract eco-conscious customers.

9

Focus on Packaging and Branding

Sustainable swimwear brands often extend their eco-friendly philosophy to their packaging. Use biodegradable or recycled materials for packaging and invest in branding that communicates your commitment to sustainability.

Additional Tips:

  • Build a clear brand identity that resonates with your target audience.
  • Start small with a focused product range to establish quality and consistency.
  • Take advantage of our expertise in manufacturing while leveraging imported fabrics for a premium product. Send an email, chat on WhatsApp or schedule a call-back with a swimwear specialist today.