Why Cheap Swimwear Isn’t Always a Bargain

1. Fabric: The first thing you feel.

Premium swimwear needs to withstand it all: salt water, chlorine, hot tubs, sunscreen, sand. 

Here, our luxury recycled nylon proves its worth on multiple fronts: it holds its shape, dries quickly, and resists sun damage and chlorine when cared for correctly. It’s an investment, but when you break it down per wear over multiple summers? You’re saving money (and time).

2. Ethical production: Paying workers fairly.

The harsh reality is that fast fashion keeps prices low by cutting corners. And those corners? They’re often people.

When you're paying $20 for a swimsuit, ask yourself: how much are the people who made it being paid? Are they working in safe conditions? Do they have rights and benefits?

At Sheila, we only partner with manufacturers who pay fair wages and maintain ethical working conditions. These partnerships aren't the cheapest option, but they're the only option we'll consider. Learn more here.

Yes, ethical labour costs more. But we believe it's non-negotiable—and we think you'll agree.

3. Design and construction: The devil's in the details.

Ever notice how cheap swimwear always has that one fatal flaw? Maybe the straps dig in, the bottoms ride up in all the wrong ways, or the bust support is more theoretical than actual.

That’s because thoughtful construction takes time, expertise, and quality materials. Fully lined designs, UPF 50+ fabric, adjustable straps, and 100% GRS-certified recycled nylon don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of countless design hours, multiple fittings, and meticulous attention to the small but mighty details.

We test our designs on real bodies, refine them, then test again. This process isn't cheap, but the quality it delivers makes it all worth it.

4. Sustainability: Choosing long-term over throwaway

The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, with tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill every single year. Cheap swimwear is a particularly big offender, as it's often made from synthetic materials that take centuries to break down.

When you invest in quality pieces that last, you're both saving money and reducing your environmental footprint.

Take our GRS-certified recycled nylon, for example. It’s crafted from discarded waste like fishing nets, carpets, and plastics, giving new life to what was once lost. Our STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification ensures that every component of our swimwear is tested against a list of up to 350 harmful substances, making our practices safe for our workers, our wearers, and the world.