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 a community 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.

Ethical production & eco-friendly materials

Hand Crafted Swimwear

We stay close to home—literally. Our swimwear, apparel, and accessories are made by small, family-owned manufacturers we talk to every single day. They’re our extended ‘ohana, and we’re proud to work with people we trust to uphold fair wages, safe conditions, and thoughtful production.

Sustainability is how we’ve done things from the start. We sew in tiny batches to avoid overproduction. We turn scrap fabric into scrunchies and headbands. We ship with compostable mailers and pack using recycled, plastic-free bags. Every decision, from our hang tags to our hardware, is made with the planet in mind.

We know the fashion industry has a long way to go—but at Tai Swim, we’re committed to doing better with every drop.

From Big Island to O'ahu

Hawai'i Grown

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. Her design career brought her to New York City, where she attended Parsons School of 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 & spent her savings on Tai Swim's first launch.

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. We integrate & honor the heritage of our islands in every aspect of our work. 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 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'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 today. We produce only 50-100 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.

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 ten. 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 Obsessed Origins

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.

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 raised in Hawai'i.

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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.