Nau- Swim: This Rule-Breaking Brand is Our Summer Crush
Interview by Jennifer Cooper
Photos courtesy of Nau- Swim
I am not, by nature, a fashion-conscious person, but I do want to live in a more beautiful world where people feel free to be their gorgeous selves. Which, now that I think about it, is fashion, right?
So with that, I’m welcoming you to our first ever swimsuit issue! Okay, so it’s less an issue and more a celebration of a swimsuit brand I absolutely love: Nau- Swim.
This woman-owned company is dedicated to sustainability. And since the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global emissions, that’s a commitment to our world and future generations.
This independent designer started her company in her 40s. I love when we write whole new chapters for ourselves! That’s freedom of expression. And I love that Nau- Swim creates custom-made suits that celebrate your beautiful body. You’ll feel so good you’ll want to plan a trip just to wear your suit!
I caught up with Kelly Gunn of Nau- Swim to talk about her rule-breaking brand (which is another thing I love: rebels!), how she hopes you’ll feel wearing Nau- Swim, and her idea of a perfect beach day. She lives in Hawaii, so you know she’s had a lot of them.
Okay, this is cliché, and I think younger generations are far more comfortable with their bodies, but as someone who grew up during the age of seriously f*d up body image messaging, I know so many women who still loathe shopping for swimsuits. Even my beloved O Mag recently published a piece, written by a man, telling women how to choose suits based on the body parts they want to minimize or maximize. In fact, I know you recently wrote a blog about it. So, why did you want to try to break into such a potentially emotionally-charged business?
The simple version: I live at the beach and I love swimsuits. Originally, I started sewing to make suits for myself! I found so many women were struggling to find suits that fit or were comfortable or cute in their size, so I tried creating some different styles that women around me were wanting.
With their feedback, I've continued to grow the styles and sizes I'm offering now and have even started creating a custom sizing option (First Class Pass!) for more inclusivity. Who doesn't love frolicking in the sun at the beach? Or having a pina colada by the pool? Let's feel comfortable and confident and look amazing while doing it!
I know you’re focused on sustainability. Tell me more about that?
I have an environmental background so having a sustainability pillar was going to be automatically ingrained into the company. Last time I checked, the fashion world is the second most polluting industry behind oil and gas and I did not want to be a contributor to it.
Here at NauSwim, we create small batch collections, made to order. All of the solid fabrics I source are recycled. All of the fabric scraps are recycled through a company called For Days.
Eventually, I want an online second hand "store" for resale.
My packaging is compostable and the garment bags dissolve in hot water! Sustainability encompasses more than just the environmental factor, it also involves society and economy. To date, I've worked with a dozen or more women owned businesses and the favorite part of my brand is using other artists to design all of the prints! I like to think we’re not only eco-friendly, but we’re also connecting with communities, artists and providing a source of income to others.
What do you hope women feel when they wear one of your suits?
Sassy and confident. A proper fit is key to an intimate garment like a swimsuit fitting and feeling good. And feeling good is more than what the swimsuit feels like against your skin.
There is an emotional component as well. I think we get stuck in society's 'boxes' too much and wear what "they" tell us to, instead of focusing on HOW we actually feel in the suit, both physically and emotionally. I not only want women to feel comfortable, I really want women to embrace their inner WILD side and break the tape on the boxes we tend to put ourselves in. At our age, we have strived for perfection for so long, it's time we loosen up and let our inner rebel out. Business in the front, PARTY in the back.
What’s your idea of the perfect beach day?
Some days it's clear calm waters so I can snorkel and see all of the fish! Some days it's no wind, a blanket, and my book. Some days it is backing up the truck with our surf boards, light wind, perfect peelers with lunch and beers at the truck after. Just being at the beach in the water is perfect!
Who’s with you? What’s in your beach bag?
All my people. Although on book days, I'm solo. In my bag I’ve got SUNSCREEN, Mad Libs, a book, lip balm, and my GoPro.
Running an independent brand can be tough, so how are you taking care of yourself these days?
It is tough! I'm doing my best. I do at least a 30 minute workout 4-5 days a week—I get cranky without it—and being in the water, either the beach or the bathtub. Oh, and sleep. A good night's sleep does all the work for me.
Many thanks to Kelly for being here! Visit NauSwim.com to find your next suit and dive in. Water is healing. So is loving your body.
Find Nau- Swim on Instagram: @NauSwim
Need a book for the beach? Try one of these.
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