UPF 50+ swimwear for real life
SUN PROTECTION, BUILT IN
Our fabric is rated UPF 50+ — blocking 98%+ of UV, all day.
SIZES XS-XXL
Designed and fit-tested across body types.
MADE FROM OCEAN WASTE
100% GRS-certified recycled nylon, OEKO-TEX® certified.
Made from fishing nets, carpets and plastics that would otherwise pollute the planet.
ACTUALLY STAYS PUT
No nip-slips. No ride-ups. No adjusting. Just wear it.
Wear everywhere
Stay-put comfort
Luxury
by design
Seriously
sun-smart
Women’s Swimwear Designed for Real Life
Sheila makes sustainable women’s swimwear built to move from the water to the rest of your day — early ocean swims, a pilates class, errands, a long lunch. Born in Australia, designed in California. Every piece is cut for a stay-put fit, made from GRS-certified 100% recycled nylon, and rated UPF 50+. Sizing runs AU 6–24 / US 2–20, and shipping is free on every order.
What makes Sheila different
Most swimwear asks you to choose between coverage, support and style. Sheila is designed so you don’t. ...
Sustainable swimwear, made from recycled nylon
Sheila is made from GRS-certified 100% recycled nylon, regenerated from discarded materials like fishing nets and ocean plastic. It carries STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certification, so every component is tested for harmful substances. It’s built to last — thick, resilient fabric that holds its shape and colour, so you replace it less often.
UPF 50+ sun protection, built in
Every Sheila piece is crafted from fabric rated UPF 50+, the highest sun-protection rating available, woven into the fabric rather than added as a coating that washes out. That makes it dependable cover for long days outdoors — without an extra layer.
Inclusive sizing: AU 6–24 / US 2–20
Sheila runs from AU 6–24 / US 2–20 and is designed true to size, with secure construction that holds across a wide range of body shapes. Detailed size guides make it easy to find your fit when buying swimwear online, and Try Before You Buy lets you check the fit at home first.
Modest swimwear with real coverage
For more coverage, the range includes high-waisted briefs, longer swim shorts and streamlined one-pieces — refined rather than restrictive, and built to stay in place. Confidence and function, without the constant adjusting.
From swim to studio to street
Sheila is built so you don’t need separate wardrobes for the beach, the gym and everyday life. The same stay-put fit and supportive fabric carry across all three — swimwear you can genuinely live in.
FAQs
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Sheila is built around three things most swimwear brands don't do together: UPF 50+ sun protection on every piece (not just select styles), size-inclusive design from AU 6–24 that's fit-tested across body types, and 100% GRS-certified recycled nylon. Every style is also designed to stay put — no riding up, no nip-slips — whether you're swimming laps, surfing or spending the day poolside.
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Every Sheila piece is crafted with fabric rated UPF 50+. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor — it's the swimwear equivalent of SPF for sunscreen. UPF 50+ is the highest rating available and means the fabric blocks at least 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Unlike sunscreen, UPF protection doesn't wear off, wash off or need reapplying.
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Sheila runs from XS-XXL (AU 6–24 / US 2–20) and is designed true to size. The construction is secure across a wide range of body shapes, and detailed size guides help you find your fit.
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Yes — Sheila is designed true to size. We recommend taking your usual size and checking the size guide on each product page. Between two sizes? Size down for a snug, compressive feel. Size up for a relaxed fit with room to move.
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Most Sheila one-pieces and tops include a shelf bra with removable foam cups that supports up to DDD/F (US) or E (AU) cup. Styles like the Ash Cropped Rash Guard are best suited to A–D cup. Specific bust support details are noted on each product page. If you're between sizes and have a larger bust, sizing up is generally the right call.
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Sheila was founded in Australia in 2023 by Clare Barrins. The brand is designed in Australia, manufactured by trusted specialist swimwear partners in China, and ships from warehouses in Melbourne, Australia and Menlo Park, California.
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Sheila works exclusively with manufacturers who meet high ethical standards. All fabrics are 100% GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified — meaning the recycled content is verified throughout the supply chain — and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, tested against more than 350 harmful substances. Packaging uses 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic mailers and FSC-certified recycled paper. Sheila is female-owned and founded.
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Yes. Sheila is designed to perform in the water, not just look good beside it. The recycled nylon fabric holds its shape and colour through regular pool use. If you swim in chlorine frequently, we recommend Black Sand — chlorine fades vivid colours over time regardless of fabric quality. Rinse your suit in cool water after every swim to extend its life.
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Yes. Sheila styles are built to handle more than the beach. Pieces like the Bindi Racerback Top and Ash Cropped Rash Guard are designed for active movement — swimming, gym, surfing, paddleboarding and daily wear. The stay-put construction (no ride-ups or slipping) makes them as practical for training as they are for lounging.
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Yes. The range includes high-waisted briefs, longer swim shorts and streamlined one-pieces that offer thoughtful coverage and stay in place. The focus is refined, functional coverage — confident rather than restrictive.
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No. Sheila pieces are fully-lined for opacity and support, so they stay opaque wet or dry and through movement.
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Yes. Tops and bottoms are sold separately so you can mix sizes and styles for the right fit — and this season’s Sundown Stripe print is designed to mix and match with the solid colourways.
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Shipping is free on every order — no minimum spend. Sheila ships across Australia and the United States.
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Rinse in cool water after each wear, hand wash gently and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing, machine drying and prolonged sun exposure to keep the fabric and colour at their best.
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We accept change-of-mind returns on anything bought online — just send it back unworn, with tags on, within 14 days. Return shipping is at your cost, and our full Returns Policy has the details.
SWIMWEAR BUILT FOR REAL LIFE
Sheila is a female-founded swimwear label offering UPF 50+ sun-protective styles in AU 6–24 (US 2–20). Every piece is made from 100% GRS-certified recycled nylon — sourced from fishing nets, carpets and post-consumer plastics — and certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. Designed to move with you through laps, surf, paddling and everyday wear without riding up, slipping or fading. Ships free within Australia and the United States.