Eco-conscious swimwear brand Shapes in the Sand, is all about Australian nature, from the prints to the styles. Using sustainable and recycled fabrics, the brand produces limited runs – two or so prints per season – in a range of cuts that have been designed to suit all ages and body types. 

Like many Australian swimwear brands, every collection comes with a rash top – the cover-up of the Aussie beach – and different styles of bottoms depending on how much, or how little you want to show. The prints are based on the natural environment, and the brand’s models are more natural than fake. 

“You, me, we are Nature Girls. Through sharing, learning and listening to one another we can do better. By making the right choices in our daily lives and understanding  how special this place we live in is, we can support a healthy future for our home,” says brand founder Alexandra Dash.

“The words ‘Shapes in the Sand’ represents the individuality of the female form. It symbolises how nature is imperfectly, perfect,” explains Alexandra on the brand’s website.

“The natural world is captured through the label’s energetic signature print stories that reflect its vibrant beauty. Through specially designed projects and partnerships with wildlife and environmental organisations, [we are] on a mission to create positive change for both the environment and its inhabitants.”

All manufacturing is done in Australia, with the aim of supporting a circular economy; the fabrications come from bio-based (plant) materials and recycled nylon from fishing nets and even carpet fluff! 

“Our swimwear is made from premium sustainable fabrics including a fibre derived from discarded ghost nets, known as Econyl and it’s helping to clean up our planet. We have also introduced a bio-based fabrication that is made up of 80% plant based polyamide,” explains Alexandra.

“Due to [the needs of] performance, swimwear requires a small amount of synthetic fibre to ensure stretch, shape retention and longevity. We understand that when your swimsuit is washed over time we need to be aware of our swimwear fibres the problem we face today with fibres entering our waterways and on into our oceans. Our swimwear is made using only the highest quality tight knit fabrications.” 

All their packaging is plastic free, and Shapes in the Sand also collaborates with a variety of non-profit environmental and cultural organisations.

Website: www.shapesinthesand.com.au Instagram: @shapesinthesandswim

Discover more interesting independent Australian fashion brands in Our Fashion Stories section.