Swimm
Location
Australia
Made In
Australia
Values
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Fair
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Made Locally
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Gender Equality
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Circularity
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Transparent
“Why swim in plastic when you can swim in wool?”
Founded by Chloe Peers, Swimm is an Australian sustainable swimwear label producing high-quality bikini tops, bottoms, and one-pieces from eco-friendly merino wool fabric. Thought up over seven years ago and launched during the pandemic, Swimm was brought about to reintroduce 1910s-inspired wool swimwear in a new and modern way.
Eco-Friendly Fabric
Whilst most other swimwear is made from virgin or recycled plastics, Swimm uses high-quality eco-friendly merino wool to craft their sustainable bikinis and one piece.
“I discovered people were searching for wool swimwear after swimming in their thermals when camping,” Chloe says of why she started Swimm and her decision to use merino wool for her sustainable swimwear. “I made up samples to swim in to test. I knew they were onto something so I took samples up north to boutiques and most people loved the swimwear.”
Merino wool, although not a seemingly conventional choice for water-based clothing, has thermal qualities, keeping the wearer warm in the cooler weather (and vice versa); is fast-drying; and is a completely natural fabric, which means it will break down at the end of its lifespan.
The specific wool material used for the Swimm garments comes from super fine, incredibly high-quality wool from an RWS Responsible Wool Standards accredited farm and is knitted by an ethically accredited textile mill in Victoria.
Mindful + Sustainable Production
Chloe and the Swimm team ensure the swimwear is crafted in an environmentally and socially responsible way. The bikini tops, bottoms, and one-pieces are manufactured in Melbourne by an independently contracted female seamstress.
This talented seamstress not only sets her own prices for all aspects of the production – from the pattern-making through to the cutting and sewing of the Swimm garments – but she also works within her own space and time frame.
In order to combat unnecessary wastage and to ensure a high-quality product, the Swimm swimwear is mindfully made in small batches. As for the packaging, Swimm prioritizes plastic-free materials, choosing instead to use 100% recyclable, biodegradable and compostable packaging.
Swimm is a sustainable swimwear brand for the 21st century. Led by Chloe, Swimm is a company producing high-quality eco-friendly swimwear that is as practical as it is sustainable; is prioritizing ethical and slow production; and is ensuring that minimal wastage is made in the swimwear creation process.
Want to know where Swimm sits and what they’re working on in terms of these 5 values? Hover over these values to find out.
Eco Friendly
The fabric is knitted from an ethically accredited textile mill using the highest quality wool that is produced from happy and well looked after sheep as animal welfare is only in the best interests for the finest wool fibre.
Fair
Being a small business we contract a female business owner/operator who sets her own prices for all production from pattern making, cutting and sewing of our garments. She works in her own timeframe, in her own workspace, with her own machinery.
Give Back
We have applied to collaborate with Reef Project to giveback from sales
Minimal Waste
Our fabric, cardboard packaging, shipping satchels, swing tags, stickers and cotton string are all recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
Transparent
The wool is from NSW and the fabric is knitted in Melbourne. Victorian garment production is in Melbourne, the packaging is made in Sydney and Melbourne.
Behind the Brand
““Why swim in plastic when you can swim in wool?” Founded by Chloe Peers, Swimm is an Australian sustainable swimwear label producing high-quality bikini tops, bottoms, and one-pieces from eco-friendly merino wool fabric. Thought up over seven years ago and launched during the pandemic, Swimm was brought about to reintroduce 1910s-inspired wool swimwear in a new and modern way.”.
What does a better tomorrow look like to you?
Gender equality, equal pay, politicians looking at the bigger picture in all aspects of governing, and the people having a say in how we are governed.
One book and documentary everyone should read/watch? Why?
Life After People is a documentary I found fascinating. It shows how nature reclaims itself from week to week if there were no people to control it. It also shows how man-made structures fall apart in time without maintenance.
What made you start your business?
I discovered people were searching for wool swimwear after swimming in their thermals when camping and I made up samples to swim in to test. I knew they were onto something, so I took samples up north to boutiques and most loved the swimwear. So, I went ahead and started the business.
Least favourite task as part of your day-to-day work?
There are two camps of people with my label. They either think of my wool swimwear as a ridiculous idea and they think the fabric will be like those old 70’s heavy knit itchy fishermen jumpers, or, they will love the idea and fully support it. So when putting myself and my label out there it can either be disheartening or encouraging.
What’s your favourite thing about being the founder of your brand?
I love that I am the first one to have started this label idea a few years ago. I do know other people have already copied my idea now, but that’s life. It was a large investment and risk to start this, as I did not know if it would take off with some people’s scepticism of using this fabric for a swimwear label.
What advice do you have for your teenage self?
Listen to your gut, it’s always right.
Best way to recharge?
Nature walks and swimming.
Like a light switch, if you could switch off being a brand founder and switch on a new career – what would it be?
Casting director.
What’s your suggested first step for someone wanting to shop more ethically?
It has finally become a big thing, so it’s a lot easier to find brands both online and down the street.
What’s your pet peeve about ethical fashion?
Large corporations saying they are when they clearly are not.
Is there a cause or social issue that is really important to you?
WWF is a big one for me.
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