high-quality, functional, original dream bikinis.
Our Story
At 14, Tai saved up for her first designer bikini… until the clasps corroded and the straps snapped after two wears. So she made her own, and never stopped. We keep it small, intentional, and sustainable because good bikinis shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense.
Every piece is made like your best friend designed it. Someone who knows exactly how you want your bikini to fit and how good you want to look in it, for endless seasons.
Hawai'i Grown
Meet Tai.
Raised across three Hawaiian islands, Tai grew up living in bikinis. Surfing, dancing hula, and spending every day outdoors. Her designs celebrate Hawai‘i through hand-drawn prints that reflect the places and culture she calls home.
Originally from Kealakekua, Tai learned to sew as a young girl and later studied at Parsons School of Design in New York before dropping out and returning home to start Tai Swim. What began as a few handmade pieces has grown into a brand rooted in authenticity, creativity, and aloha.
Hand Crafted
We keep it close to home.
Our swimwear, apparel, and accessories are made by small, family-run partners in Indonesia and China who we talk to every day. Together, we ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and mindful production.
Sustainability since day one.
We sew with regenerated nylon made from recycled plastic bottles. We produce in small batches to avoid overproduction, turn leftover fabric into scrunchies, and ship plastic-free using compostable materials. Every detail, from our hang tags to our hardware, is chosen with care for the planet.
OUR WHY
For the art.
Tai and her husband, Austin, hand-draw every print, channeling the vibrant colors and native florals of the islands into each design. Using original Hawaiian names, Tai Swim honors the places she grew up while preserving cultural identity through art and storytelling.
At home on O‘ahu, you’ll find Tai and Austin at the beach with their dogs, or painting flowers that often become the next collection.
Tai Swim Today
Tai Swim is committed to preserving the delicate ecosystems & rich traditions that make our Hawaiian islands unique. We collaborate with Native Hawaiian artists, contribute annually to local non-profits, volunteer, & support efforts to reduce the negative impact of tourism.
For us, it’s about more than making swimwear; it’s about advocating for a harmonious balance between traditions & the future. Our commitment extends to educating others about the importance of mālama 'āina & supporting indigenous communities. Tai Swim aims to elevate the voice & talent of Hawai'i, highlighting it as a place of rich culture & creativity, rather than a mere tourist destination.
Ambassador Program
With the launch of the Ambassador Program, Tai Swim boldly forges ahead into a new era of diversity & inclusivity. Recognizing the importance of representation, this initiative sets the stage for individuals from all walks of life to join the Tai Swim team.
As a brand rooted in cultural awareness & social responsibility, this program not only celebrates the diversity of its ambassadors but also empowers them to amplify their voices and stories. Tai Swim's Ambassador Program stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to fostering a community where individuality is embraced.
Tai's First 50 pieces
In a landscape dominated by fast fashion, Tai Swim proudly champions small batch production. Our first handmade collection sold out in a single store and we continue this tradition of small drops, today. We produce only 50-100 pieces per style, ensuring every bikini is exclusive and carefully quality-checked.
We focus on small-scales by using sustainable materials & ethically creating. We maintain an intimate connection with our community by creating designs influenced by customer input. Our swim is available in just a few select stores, a testament to our commitment of quality over quantity.
Worth the Price
Tai grew frustrated with overpriced, low-quality swim brands in Hawai'i. Sizing was inconsistent, fabrics deteriorated quickly, & designs were repetitive. As a teen, she saved up to start her own brand, dreaming of affordable, high-quality bikinis.
Known as 'the bikini IT girl,' Tai would dig through friends' collections, hunt down sample sales, & sew her own swim. She envisioned a brand that used superior ribbed materials for added support & durability, creating unique prints that truly represented Hawai'i. Fast forward to today, Tai Swim embodies that dream, offering reliable, stylish swimwear starting at $20 in our sale section, perfect for those who live in bikinis daily.
Sewing, Stitching, & Repairing
Tai is a self taught seamstress & started obsessing over sewing when she was 8 years old. As soon as she got a needle & spools of thread from her mom's closet, the wheels were in motion.
She would hem clothes, make curtains, repair carseats & dive into any fashion project that involved stitching & binding seams. In high school, Tai's side job was sewing custom bikinis for her friends. Some of her first college projects were gowns made from recycled paper bags & scrap materials to compliment bikinis made from regenerated nylon. She was making eco friendly swimwear before the fabric options were widely known.
Giving Back
When they're not packing online orders, you can find Austin & Tai volunteering with her classmates at her alma mater or out with the Kailua community covered in mud from a lo'i restoration day. Follow us on socials to see what we're up to!
Sustainability Promise
From working with zero waste retailers to delivering local orders by hand, we're committed to paving the way for a better future.
Hawai'i & Tourism, How you can help
Hawai‘i’s delicate ecosystem had a rare chance to recover during 2020’s tourism slowdown. It’s crucial to understand your impact, respect the land, and support the Native Hawaiian community.
Ethical Production
It is important to know where & how your clothing is made. Doing your due diligence to make sure you are supporting brands that align with your values is the first step in being an ethical consumer.