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 reversible '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
At 14 years old, Tai saved up her first paycheck to buy a designer bikini she wanted. When the clasps corroded & the straps snapped after wearing it twice, she ditched that bikini and used her self taught sewing skills to hand-make her dream swimwear.
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, we must care for her as she cares for us. Incorporating these values from Tai's roots into her swimwear line started on day one.
From Big Island to O'ahu
Hawai'i Grown
Tai King is from Kealakekua and she learned to sew when she was a young girl. 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 sewing bikinis at home on O'ahu, managing a start-up swim store or overseeing wholesale accounts for massive retail chains, Tai knew that it wasn't forever - so she dropped out of college, quit her full-time jobs & spent her savings on Tai Swim's first handmade launch.
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.
Rooted in cultural celebration & dedication
To our planet
Inspired by her surroundings, Tai channels the vibrant hues and native floral patterns of Hawai‘i into every design, using original Hawaiian names to honor the places where she grew up. Each print reflects her deep connection to the ‘āina and commitment to preserving cultural identity through art and storytelling. Tai Swim stands apart with our use of high-quality ribbed recycled fabrics, chosen for their durability.
Today, you’ll find Tai at home on O'ahu with her husband Austin, chasing their puppies around the yard, or painting flowers with friends as she dreams up 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.
Bikini Obsessed Origins
Tai grew up across three Hawaiian islands, always living in cheeky bikinis. Her swimwear had to keep up with her active lifestyle: surfing, practicing hula, & endless outdoor fun.
We celebrate our island home with authentic prints only true locals would recognize. Tai's designs reflect her genuine Hawai'i connection & heritage, offering a brand authenticity that only comes from being born & raised in Hawai'i.
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.