Is the Swimwear Industry Diverse Enough?
Swimwear has been a part of culture in relatively close proximity to its current form since the 1910s. And since its inception, it has been by far the most revealing of the publicly accepted attire, celebrating our bodies’ form and function. So why do some of us, more than a century later, still feel uncomfortable in theirs?
Why does the swimwear industry, across its spectrum, appear to be very… binary?
No, not just that kind of diversity. Swimwear has been a part of culture in relatively close proximity to its current form since the 1910s. And since its inception, it has been by far the most revealing of the publicly accepted attire, celebrating our bodies’ form and function. So why do some of us, more than a century later, still feel uncomfortable in theirs? Why does the swimwear industry, across its spectrum, appear to be very… binary?
In their interview with InStyle, actor Asia Kate Dillon revealed how they struggle with existing swimwear options, stating that “We have these gender boxes that we're supposed to fit into when it comes to swimsuits, so I was always really uncomfortable.” However, when Dillon weighed in on gender neutral clothing, they elaborated, “All clothing is gender neutral. Clothing doesn't actually have a gender, it’s just that we have imbued stereotypical masculine and feminine qualities onto clothing. It is society that said a dress is feminine or that pants are masculine, right? It’s all fabric sewn together to fit someone's body."
So why is it that the most body-focused fashion industry, creates the least amount of perceived psychological and spiritual comfort for our said bodies? Perhaps, as any other business, with economic agendas driving the narrative, the world of swimwear is timid to challenge the imbued stereotypes placed on the most revealing public garb.
As PARAISO strives to be on the forefront of swimwear, not just shadow the trend, we would like to support our open-minded designers, and consumers alike - challenging the norm. For those seeking some future-forward non-binary swimwear options, or education on our bodies’ many forms, check out these brands:
CHROMAT — “As fashion designers, we have a responsibility to utilize our platforms to explode the historically narrow view of who is considered beautiful. Our decisions have the power to change our culture. We choose who is cast in our runway shows and campaigns and ultimately who is celebrated and considered beautiful. At Chromat we are committed to empowering women, femmes and non-binary people of all shapes and sizes through perfectly fit garments for every body. Swimwear has been a huge focus for me, because of the power that this single garment can have over how people feel about themselves. I wanted to take my focus on celebrating all body types to a garment that’s fraught with insecurity.” — Chromat founder Becca McCharen-Tran said at TED Talks.
Top and present image: Chromat
TomboyX — “We have an agenda. And it’s not a feminist agenda. It’s not a gay agenda. It’s all of those things. It’s a human agenda.” In trying to fill a need, Fran and Naomi, the founders of TomboyX, unwittingly unleashed an outpouring of emotion. The feedback from their customers let them know that they’re onto something bigger.
Image: TomboyX
Beefcake Swimwear – Mel, the founder of Beefcake, wanted to make eco-responsible swimwear that helps all body types and forms feel confident and comfortable. “Initially we figured our audience would be other LGBTQ+ folks, but we're selling all over the world to a wild range of gender expressions, ages, and body types. When you purchase a Beefcake swimsuit, you're getting a garment that is printed in small batches, cut, and sewn by people making a living wage in Portland, Oregon. Your order gets packaged up and taken to the post office by me or my fantastic wife.”
Image: Beefcake Swimwear
