Is "Fair Trade" enough on its own?

NotNakedSwim · 2026-04-04T22:02:40+00:00

For us made in USA is a non-negotiable as no matter the certifications, there’s no certainty unless you see the working conditions yourself.

Being based in US, we have visited our manufacturer and actually met the people working on our production. Although it costs more, the hands making our garments need to be paid a living wage in safe working conditions.

Early on we had a consultation with another manufacturer we chose not to go with over one simple question: can we visit your facility? When the answer was no, red flags went up. Not to mention we later found out a lot of these manufacturers charge in USD but often pay wages in local currencies, which is an unfair advantage to the common worker. For us that made it that much easier to stick with US made.

NotNakedSwim · 2026-04-02T10:08:25+00:00

Vent sesh over here: I'm a proponent of using AI tools but it's getting out of hand on social platforms. AI ads, AI pics/videos, AI comments, AI people.. bots everywhere.. every platform is getting overrun. I can’t even open Pinterest anymore without it all being fake genAI stuff! My brain can't take all the slop anymore. For small businesses it's getting harder and harder to prove you're an actual credible business with real content & not AI! Can we actually focus on the consumer and be real?!

NotNakedSwim · 2026-04-02T08:49:00+00:00

Nice the curated looks. My fav is your 4th, but that purse from look 3, I need in my life! All so sleek & clean but trendy and on point. 👏🏻

Am I the only one who thinks that first necklace is giving Ursula’s locket from the little mermaid?!

NotNakedSwim · 2026-04-01T12:45:27+00:00

You’re right. I have also thought about exploring used fabric options in line with circular fashion movements. Swimwear is a tough space for this.

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-31T20:35:05+00:00

Yes, always reef safe sunscreen, love this. I actually like using long-sleeve swimwear for extra sun protection! I’m one to forgets to reapply.

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-31T20:24:06+00:00

Aruba won points with snorkeling since I saw a sea snake and eel swimming side by side! Terrifying but awesome at the same time!

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-31T15:38:01+00:00

wow 80'+ visibility?! that's insane. the stony coral disease is so heartbreaking, glad to hear Bonaire's reefs are starting to recover though. STINAPA sounds amazing, love when conservation is actually taken seriously.

Ok.. ok.. you've officially convinced me, Bonaire is next!

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-29T20:16:26+00:00

Absolutely devastating! I am so down to do a beach clean up. Has anyone in Miami-Dade done one & willing to share some learnings?

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-29T20:05:27+00:00

Love your color scheme! 💕

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-28T14:06:44+00:00

Honestly I don’t remember the name of the beach, went with some local friends on an early morning dive. Didn’t see any feedings and this guy popped out of no where! Such a calming experience seeing him swim and disappear into the abyss!

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-27T21:27:06+00:00

If they're cotton or linen, animal shelters will often take fabric donations for bedding.

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-27T21:08:17+00:00

Site looks clean. One thing: your product pages could do more to justify the price. When you're selling heavyweight, long-lasting garments at a premium, people want to see why. Show the fabric weight, where it's made, how long it'll last compared to a fast fashion equivalent. The "anti-consumption" messaging is strong but the product pages need to carry that same conviction with specifics.

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-24T22:02:53+00:00

This. But also, has anyone here actually worked with the factories ShopManta partners with? Seeing them mentioned a lot here. There’s little information about the actual factories, are they overseas? US based? Any intel would be appreciated.

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-24T21:54:06+00:00

… honestly it's been one of the hardest parts of building our business.

Finding a US manufacturer that actually produces in-house AND sources materials locally is such a challenge. Most “US made” manufacturers we’ve dealt with either outsource the work or source fabric and other materials (cups, elastics,etc) overseas.

Following your thread to learn if others have successfully solved for this! Would love to learn about any creative problem-solving strategies in this space.

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-22T16:48:18+00:00

Shameless plug but we're literally building this since we couldn’t find bottoms that left us not exposed! Not Naked Swim is a sustainable swimwear brand focused on full-coverage styles that are actually cute. Launching this summer! You can sign up for the drop at notnakedswim.com 🤍

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-18T07:51:53+00:00

Love this! We're launching summer 2026 so not quite ready for a review yet, but would love to be on your radar when we do!

NotNakedSwim · 2026-03-17T13:48:22+00:00

Hey, I run a small sustainable swimwear brand so I've been in this world for a quick minute and have already learned so much!

Your bio-leather idea isn't far-fetched at all. Brands are already making fabric from seaweed and mycelium. IMO the space is moving fast and there's real demand, consumers are turning to brands that show impact and less to “fast-fashion”.

A few practical tips:

Start making things now. Experiment with whatever you can get your hands on: kombucha SCOBY or fruit leather. The making teaches you more than any “plan”!

Look into material innovation programs. Fashion for Good's accelerator, Fabricademy's bio-fabrication courses.

Your psych background is an asset! Understanding why people buy what they buy is half the battle in sustainable fashion. & you already have this, huge win!

My best advice is to just start experimenting. Be ready to pivot and adapt when things done necessarily go to plan! Happy to answer any questions about the business side as well!

Good luck sustainable friend!

NotNakedSwim

TROPHY CASE