Meet the Local Swimwear Startup Making Eco-Friendly, Reversible Bikinis

Photo courtesy of Dawne|Florine

KK Sample spent 10 years working in supply chain management for other people's fashion brands before she decided to launch her own label. Her company, Dawne Florine is taking on the $20 billion swimsuit industry with a line of eco-friendly, reversible bikinis. As Sample would say, skinny-dipping is the most sustainable option, but DF is number two.

So what makes DF suits different? The first collection is made with Nylon Repreve, a sustainable fiber that's comfortable, durable, and doesn't fade. That sounds like standard swimwear jargon, but Repreve is unique because it's made from reclaimed nylon fiber waste. The fabric, a superfine matte jersey, is nearly weightless with a silken texture that minimizes problem areas and fits like a second skin. Tops and bottoms are only $72 each, so it's a relatively affordable line.

“Reducing waste while increasing durability was important to me,” said Sample. “With Nylon Repreve, instead of sending nylon waste to landfills, we’re making something beautiful.” 

Beyond her textile selection, Sample has also worked to reduce textile waste on the cutting floor, and uses scrap fabric for her brand's labels. Plus, the line is woman-owned and produced in a woman-owned workshop in Los Angeles.

The first Dawne Florine collection includes reversible, mix-and-match bikini tops and bottoms. The tops come in three styles, the Lauren, the Cameron and the Aubree. The bottoms come in two styles, the Emily and the Whitney. Each piece is meant to vary in coverage. All styles are seamless and fully reversible so you get two colors in one suit, which—technically—means you don't have to buy as many bikinis this summer. 

Check out the current Dawne Florine lineup below. To order, scamper to dawneflorine.com.