Pros and cons

  • Manifactoring in Portugal

    We decided to manufacture in Portugal as they are a leading area for swimwear production. Still keeping production in the EU saves travel. It is also much more cost-effective than making in the UK. We want our products to be affordable and not price people out. We don’t want to compromise on ethics and sustainability.

  • Pros

    More cost-effective (if we made in the UK we would be having to charge over £100 for a pair of pants)

    SMETA audit

    RSC audit

  • cons

    Not made in the UK/ more travel miles

    Language barrier makes conversations take much longer

    Harder for us to check in on production and practices

  • Econyl Fabric

    Made in the Eu, so less travel to us and the factory. We decided to go with this fabric because it’s performance is amazing and this will mean the products are fit for purpose leading in longer wear and less to landfill.

  • Pros

    More cost-effective (if we made in the UK we would be having to charge over £100 for a pair of pants)

    SMETA audit

    RSC audit

    Made in Italy

    Recycled materials

    Leading producer of sustainable materials

    UPF 50

    Non-Piling

    Chlorine resistant

    Amazing performance

  • cons

    Not a natural material

    Microplastics

  • Trim

    TENCEL (wood pulp)

    Certification means that we can trust that it’s been manufactured with ethical and sustainable practices.

  • Pros

    Biodegradible

    Renewable materials

    Sourcing partner has really impressive standards

  • cons

    Can’t be dyed

    Haven’t tested against chlorine/ longevity

  • Gusset

    Made from OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton. Purchased in the UK and sent to Portugal.

  • Pros

    Certifications

    Nice and light so will wick water easily.

  • cons

    Travel from the UK to Portugal and back. This is not an efficient way to the source.

  • Hoops, Sliders and Clasps

    We decided to use the factory provided hoops clasps and sliders. We couldn't find a recycled alternative. We will continue to look and plan to update this aspect of the suits.

  • Pros

    Metal, not plastic

    Their durability is tested

    They’re functional

  • cons

    Low traceability

    Not recycled

  • Packaging- Recycled Parcel paper and a Stamped Logo

    We don’t think we need cardboard packaging boxes. It seems overkill, so we’re keeping it simple with recycled parcel paper. As we grow and learn we will probably do something more bespoke.

  • Pros

    Recycled

    Light (saving transport fuel)

    Buy from the local plastic-free store, therefore, supporting small businesses

  • cons

    Sourcing is not very transparent.

    Paper, trees etc.

  • Postage with Royal Mail

    We went with Royal Mail because I really like our local Postie Mike.

    I really trust Royal Mail and so yeah!

  • Pros

    Supporting small communities

    Can collect from the house daily

    Saving my petrol and time

  • cons

    Not very sustainable

    No longer a public service

  • Labels

    We are still figuring out what we want to do about labels.

    How necessary are they? Is it extra material for no good reason or does having them give enough benefit for the extra materials?

  • Pros

    Gives accountability to brands

    Helps customer connect and remember the brand

    Fewer mistakes with sizing and returns

  • cons

    Scratchy or if printed on fall off over time

    More material

    Another process

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