Why we’re taking part in Black Friday - but not in the extreme way you’re used to
Black Friday is everywhere this time of year - huge markdowns, countdown timers, pressure to buy fast, buy more, buy now.
As a small and growing swimwear brand, I knew I needed to make a decision about whether That ’Kini would join in… and if so, how to do it in a way that actually aligns with what we stand for.
So yes - we ARE taking part in Black Friday this year…but not in the extreme way you may expect…
And here’s why:
1. I never want to encourage overconsumption - but a small, thoughtful discount feels right.
Black Friday is known for panic buying, impulsive hauls, and overconsumption… and that’s something I’ve never wanted That ’Kini to contribute to. As a new, small brand with intentionally designed, made-to-order pieces, the last thing I want is to push people to buy more than they need.
But offering a small, mindful discount gives people the chance to try my 'kinis without compromising the value of the product - and without encouraging unnecessary overspending.
It’s my way of saying thank you while still staying true to what I believe in: buying pieces you genuinely love and will wear again and again.
2. As a very small brand, huge discounts simply aren’t sustainable - but a small one helps new customers discover us.
I’m still so new in this industry, and right now, every order goes straight back into fabrics, sampling, and slowly building the brand. I don’t pay myself yet - everything gets reinvested.
A big discount wouldn’t just reduce “profit”; it would take directly from what keeps That ’Kini moving forward.
But a small, carefully considered discount?
That allows new people to try my pieces, supports growth, and still respects the true cost of handmade swimwear.
It’s me testing the waters with my first Black Friday - in a way that still feels aligned with my values.
3. My pricing is fair all year round - which is why a small discount is the most responsible option.
I don’t inflate prices just to slash them in November. My pricing reflects the reality of:
• UK-based production
• handmade construction
• high-quality fabrics and hand-drawn prints
Because my margins are genuinely fair, I don’t have huge reductions to make without compromising quality.
But again - a small, meaningful discount gives more people a chance to buy, in a way that still honours the value of each piece.
4. Every piece is handmade - and that craftsmanship deserves to be respected.
Each bikini is cut, sewn, and finished by hand. There’s real skill, time, and care in every single order.
Handmade products don’t fit into the “90% off” culture… nor should they.
But I can offer a gentle discount as a thank you - one that makes it easier for someone new to try my products without undermining the work that goes into creating each piece.
5. A small discount gives more people the chance to buy - especially those who’ve been waiting.
This is my very first Black Friday as a business owner, and honestly, I’m still testing the waters. I didn’t want to go extreme or encourage impulse buying.
Instead, I wanted to create:
✨ a chance for more people to try my brand
✨ a thank you for the support I’ve received
✨ a way for long-time followers to finally get the piece they’ve been eyeing.
Even a small discount can make a real difference - without compromising the value of handcrafted swimwear.
6. We’re clearing the last of our 2025 fabrics - before new styles launch in 2026.
Some colours, prints, and fabrics won’t be returning next year - especially with so many exciting new designs coming (fuller bust styles, adjustable cups, push-up fits… 👀)
This makes Black Friday the perfect moment to offer a little something back. A small, thoughtful discount lets people pick up those final fabrics before they’re gone, while still respecting the craftsmanship behind each piece.
So what does Black Friday look like at That ’Kini?
Thoughtful. Small. Sustainable.
A mindful discount - not a massive price slash.
It’s simply a way to say thank you for the support you’ve shown me since launching. Every order genuinely means the world.
If you do decide to shop with us this Black Friday weekend, this is just a small thank you from me to you.
With love,
Niamh
Founder & Designer at That ’Kini