The Sampling Process Nobody Talks About
From Sketch to Swim: Where the Design Process Begins
It all started with a sketch.
A simple little drawing I’d been obsessing over for months - the one I knew I had to make real. It wasn’t just about a swimsuit; it was about creating the kind of flattering swimwear you’d put on and instantly feel “Oh. Yes. This is it.”
Sample 1: The Exciting-but-Not-Quite Stage
I finally connected with a seamstress, and a few weeks later, the first sample arrived.
A good starting point to build upon!
Changes were needed: the curvature under the bust wasn’t sitting right, the cut-outs needed shifting to flatter the bust, and that lower cut-out? It needed reshaping. I also wanted the hip cut higher to elongate the torso and create a natural hourglass shape.
Sure, I could’ve settled here. The suit was fine. But “fine” isn’t what That ‘Kini stands for. We’re about sustainable sculpting swimwear that supports, flatters, and makes you feel incredible. Every small detail had to be perfect.
Sample 2: The Power of Tiny Tweaks
Back to the sewing machine we went.
• Added more curve under the bust for a subtle lift.
• Made the bust cut-out slightly smaller.
• Connected the strap to prevent gaping when you move.
Small changes, big difference.
Sample 3: We Don’t Talk About Sample 3
*changes manufacturer*
Sample 4: Starting fresh
With my first-ever shoot just weeks away, I made the nerve-wracking decision to switch manufacturers. (Tip: if a manufacturer shows poor communication early on, RUN. It’ll save you A LOT of time and money).
Sample 5: Did There Really Need to Be a Number 5? ABSOLUTELY.
Here’s the thing - I spotted one tiny issue right before the shoot: the crotch length.
Minor? Yes.
Ignore it and stick to the release date? Absolutely not.
I sent my designs to an incredible pattern designer/pattern grader who, made the necessary adjustments to my patterns so the crotch was the perfect length, meaning no baggy bums (however small!).
Both my manufacturers made sure this was all done in such a short amount of time (🥹very grateful).
Why It Was Worth Every Stressful Step
FIVE samples later, I finally had what I’d set out to create: flattering, sustainable swimwear that sculpts in all the right places and makes the wearer feel confident.
That design became The Tropic Tides Swimsuit - the OG reversible swimsuit for That ‘Kini, and the inspiration for customer favourites like the Always Salty Bikini Top and Sandy Cheeks Bottoms.
The final product:
The Heart of Our Swimwear Brand
Designing swimwear isn’t just about pretty prints or trending colours. It’s about fit, function, and feeling - and I’ll go through a hundred samples if it means you get that feeling when you put it on.
💙 Ready to feel it for yourself? Shop our sculpting swimwear here.