THE TAI SWIM MISSION IS TO CREATE DREAM BIKINIS THAT ARE HIGH QUALITY, FUNCTIONAL & ORIGINAL.
Growing up in Hawai'i, Tai could only be found wearing swimwear. As a young girl, she envisioned creating the perfect 'kini: one that feels like a second skin, uses sustainable materials, & features unique, hand-drawn prints inspired by her island home.
Dreamt up in her childhood bedroom, Tai Swim was born on Oahu in 2019. Our bikinis are for the cheeky girl from the tropics who needs her swimwear to look great season after season.
Our Story
Tai saved up her first paycheck to buy a designer bikini she wanted. When the adjustable clasps corroded & the straps snapped after wearing it twice, she realized something had to change.
In Tai's personal life, her love & care for the planet started in childhood on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Surrounded by her culture & the untouched beauty of the islands where she was raised, she learned very quickly that in order to thrive with our planet, must care for her as she cares for us. Incorporating these values & cultural inspiration from her roots into her swimwear line started on day one.
Rooted in cultural celebration & dedication
To our planet
Drawing inspiration from her surroundings, Tai infuses her designs with the vibrant hues & intricate patterns of native flowers, bringing forth a deep connection to the 'aina. She uses the original Hawaiian names for her prints, honoring the landmarks she grew up with & appreciating the indigenous history of her home. This intentional choice aligns with Tai's role as an advocate for native rights & keeping Hawai'i's cultural identity alive.
In a market crowded with repetitive designs, Tai Swim stands out by using high-quality, ribbed recycled fabrics that provide unmatched support & durability. Tai's commitment to authenticity and cultural respect is reflected in every piece. Tai Swim is not just a brand but a community, bringing people together through their love of swimwear.
Ethical production & eco-friendly materials are non-negotiables
Hand Crafted Swimwear
Tai Swim works closely with our small, family-owned manufacturers who produce our swimwear, clothing & accessories. To ensure fair living wages, ethical high quality of life & sustainable production, we are in close communication every day. Our manufacturers are our dear friends, family, & the most essential part of our team.
Designing sustainably is our priority. While the existence of a swimwear brand inherently poses sustainability challenges, Tai takes meaningful steps to mitigate this. From producing in small batches & using leftover fabric for scrunchies to shipping with compostable mailers & sourcing recycled materials, Tai Swim aims to set a higher standard. We understand that creating new products has an environmental impact, but our commitment to eco-friendly practices makes Tai Swim a better choice compared to our competitors.
From Big Island, to Kaua'i, then finally, O'ahu
Tai's Origins
Tai is from the Big Island of Hawai'i & spent her baby days in Kealakekua. After a few island hops from Hanalei to Kaimuki through her mom changing jobs, Tai graduated from ‘Iolani School on a full scholarship, where she was fortunate enough to learn from some of the best teachers, artists & designers in their field. Her design career brought her to New York City, where she attended Parsons The New School for Design. There, Tai was able to combine her love of fashion, swimwear & art with her natural affinity for business & merchandising.
Whether she was managing a start-up bikini store or overseeing wholesale accounts for retail conglomerates, Tai knew that it wasn't forever - so she made her childhood dream a reality. She dropped out of college, quit her full-time jobs & launched Tai Swim.
Indigenous Impact
Tai Swim Today
Tai Swim is deeply rooted in the culture & well-being of our Hawaiian islands. We are committed to preserving the delicate ecosystems & rich traditions that make Hawai'i unique. Unlike many brands that simply use Hawai'i as a backdrop, we integrate & honor our heritage in every aspect of our work. Our efforts include collaborating with Native Hawaiian artists, contributing annually to local non-profits, volunteering, & supporting 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 our traditions & the future. Our commitment extends to educating others about the importance of respecting our land & supporting native 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.
The Team Grows
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 family.
As a brand deeply 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 Makes her first
50 pieces
In a landscape dominated by fast fashion, Tai Swim proudly champions small batch production. Our first handmade pieces, crafted in 2019, sold out in a single store, & today, we continue this tradition. We produce only 50 pieces per style, ensuring every bikini is special and built to last.
Unlike big brands that claim sustainability but churn out mass-produced items, we focus on small-scales. Not only do we use sustainable materials & ethically create, but we also maintain an intimate connection with our community. Each piece reflects a collective effort, with designs influenced by customer input. Our swim is available in just a few select stores, a testament to our commitment to quality over quantity. By keeping production truly small batch, we minimize our ecological footprint & offer unique, high-quality bikinis that stand out.
$220 for one top? Be so for real.
Committed to Affordability
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.
Fine, I'll do it myself
Sewing, Stitching, & Repairing
Tai is a self taught seamstress & started obsessing over sewing when she was in fifth grade. 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 made extra cash by sewing custom bikinis for her friends. In college, some of her first projects were gowns made from paper bags & scrap materials to compliment bikinis made from regenerated nylon. She was making eco friendly swimwear before the fabric options were widely known.
Bikini Obsessions Begin
On Day One
Tai grew up across three Hawaiian islands, living in cheeky bikinis since she can remember. Her swimwear had to keep up with her active lifestyle—surfing, practicing hula, & endless outdoor fun.
Unlike many brands that use Hawai'i as a mere backdrop, Tai Swim celebrates the islands with authentic prints only true locals would recognize. Unlike those who move here & label their bikinis with superficial 'aloha' or 'Hawai'i' names, Tai's designs reflect her genuine connection & heritage, offering an authenticity that only comes from being born & raised in Hawai'i.
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See what we're most proud of
Sustainability Promise
From working with zero waste retailers to delivering local orders by hand, we're committed to the planet & paving the way for a better future.
Hawai'i & Tourism, How you can help
Hawai'i is a delicate ecosystem that was allowed time to heal during 2020's tourism reduction. Educating yourself on your impact as a sustainable traveler & doing your part to pay reparations to Native Hawaiians who have had their land stolen is crucial for the future of our islands.
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.