Shopping for bathing suits marks the start of any holiday plans and can be fun shopping with friends ready to enjoy the summer. But at times, changes in our bodies, our own insecurities, and fashion’s unsustainable guilt could get in the way. Lucky for us, we found a brand of sustainable swimwear that will not only make you look your best but also do it with a clearer conscience. Meet Gi’s Bikinis, a swimsuit PETA-certified brand from the US that is all about body positivity and sustainability at an affordable price.
By LLM Editorial team
Gi’s Bikinis is an online bathing suit line based in New Jersey, USA. It focuses on inclusivity, creating pieces that evoke confidence and comfort, and sustainability. Founded by Kevin Muso and Giovanna Dabbagh, the brand has come a long way since its conception, making it to Miami Swim Week and New York Swim Week within its first year.
Their bikinis and one-piece swimwear are comfortable, durable, and eco-friendly designs, made with biodegradable nylon. And, it’s 1 of only 26 swimwear brands in the world that are PETA-certified, and 1 in 6 within the US, a recognition they’re proud to wear.
Kevin, a NJ native with an Albanian background, sat down with us to chat about their sustainability practices and the role they play in the fashion industry. He also got to share with us their rapid growth, admitting he sometimes still needs to pinch himself to believe how quickly things seem to be working out for the brand. “I never really thought I would see myself starting my own swimsuit line. It still amazes me how far we have come in just 6 months.”
But as we all know, when we love what we do, and we believe in ourselves, we can do whatever we set our minds to. And Kevin’s journey wasn’t an exception. “I was incredibly inspired by reading about people starting their brands from scratch and building them up, and I thought I could do the same! My family gave me that final push to go for it. Their support gave me motivation, and I truly wanted to focus on creating high-quality, sustainable bikinis that are affordable.”
A perfect swimsuit for your unique and perfect body
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know how much we value self-love and body positivity, and we are strong advocates for empowering women to live life on their own terms. And this is one of the main reasons Gi’s Bikinis caught our attention.
On top of original and stylish swimwear pieces, this brand brings a powerful sustainability and body image message because they know just how important it is to be a part of the solution and bring positive action.
“With the rapid changes in social media, women are comparing themselves more than ever. With Gi’s Bikinis, we hope to continue reinforcing the message of self-love and the beauty of our differences. We are all unique and that should be celebrated”, adds Giovanna.
That’s why, the co-founder of Gi’s Bikinis proudly shares how sharing a positive message has become an integral part of their brand. “It is so immensely important for us to create swimwear that allows women to feel good in their skin and embrace their bodies. In addition to creating beautiful and sustainable swimwear, our underlying mission will always be to promote body positivity.”
“There is no perfect “bikini body”, there is only the feeling of empowerment and fabulousness when wearing Gi’s Bikinis”.
Sustainability pieces to look good and do good while enjoying the summer
Gi’s Bikinis are on a mission to demonstrate that quality bikinis can be produced using eco-friendly, PETA-approved materials. They aim to provide their customers with swimsuits that not only make them feel good but also look good. “Our commitment to quality sets us apart, and we want the world to know it”, explains Kevin.
To do so, the brand works with biodegradable nylon handcrafted in Brazil under ethical manufacturing practices. With it, they want to ensure the products are made with respect for the people who create them and the environment that surrounds us. “Because wearing swimwear that is curated ethically feels good, which is why we put so much emphasis on the eco-friendly aspect of our products. And by using sustainable materials, we are able to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize our impact on the planet.”
Additionally, the decision to choose biodegradable nylon was found after sturdy research in search of the right fit for their designs and also for the brand’s mission. “The biodegradable nylon was an amazing concept and seeing it and feeling how comfortable and durable it felt, we knew we found the perfect match. (…) Each piece contains high-quality fabric + Eco CO2 control + 50+UV protection + Fast Dry + Oeko Tex certified quality control procedures. 90% Poliamide / 10% Spandex”, according to Kevin from Gi’s Bikinis.
And that finding is what makes their swimwear so unique. Because we’re all very aware of how much waste comes from the fashion industry, and how fast fashion has made its way across the world, impacting everyone’s lives and strongly affecting our planet.
But we also know how much of a positive impact fashion can have on someone’s self-confidence when done right. And working towards making sure the right message is delivered while adhering to sustainable practices is enough of a reason to be a part of the industry, and be a part of the change. Because, as we’ve shown in previous issues, one person doing good every single day can have a massively positive effect on our environment.
“We think that fashion brands should all opt for sustainable fashion, we can preserve our planet and preserve our people by using ethical manufacturing. The quality of our material would also greatly improve. Sadly, this is the world we live in, big fashion brands focus more on profits instead of sustainability”, adds Kevin.
“We found it super important to advocate environmentally friendly products, what we do has an impact on our planet whether it’s big or small it ultimately adds up. We are already seeing the effects of global warming and all the ocean waste that is polluting our planet and causing harm to our wildlife. We also strongly believe that ethical manufacturing is a huge issue, there are so many sweatshops around the world, used by big corporations who want to exploit profits”.
How can I get my hands on a Gi’s Bikini swimsuit?
Gi’s Bikinis swimwear currently has 2 collections which can be found on their website at gisbikinis.com, and shipped worldwide for free. The pieces currently available, designed by Giovanna and Kevin, are part of their first summer collection titled “Evdomos”, alluding to Kevin’s Greek and Albanian background.
The 9 minimal yet elegant styles are timeless classic looks that combine simple utility with endless style choices. This unique collaboration adds a touch of authenticity and cultural heritage to every piece, making it truly special and one-of-a-kind.
“We truly wanted to incorporate a variety of different designs to showcase our vision. Initially, we planned to have 7 full set designs, but we ultimately included 9. The word “Evdomos” means 7 in Greek, which is significant to me as I am of both Greek and Albanian descent. I wanted to dedicate this collection to my heritage”.
“Our designs drew inspiration from the enchanting coastal landscapes of Albania and Greece, where my family spent their years surrounded by azure waters and sun-kissed beaches. The collection captures the essence of this breathtaking natural beauty, incorporating vibrant hues reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, delicate patterns reminiscent of seashells, and intricate details reminiscent of intricate Greek architecture.
Get the magazine!
Enjoy this and other inspiring stories in “Rebirth”.
August 2023 | Life Lovers Magazine.
Life Lovers Magazine® 