The World's Raddest Swimwear
Sensi Graves Bikinis combines performance, function, and fashion. We started the company in 2012 based on a need we saw in the market, and over the past 7 years we’ve continually produced swimsuits that look amazing, stay put, and empower women.
Now we're upping the rad factor even more with our vision of becoming the most ethical, transparent and sustainable swim line out there. That starts with transitioning to all recycled fabrics made from reclaimed fishing nets and recycled plastic bottles.
The Why
In 2012, professional kiteboarder Sensi Graves launched her eponymous swimwear label, Sensi Graves Bikinis, to meet the demands of her sport. After losing one too many string bikinis in the surf, she decided to tackle the job herself and design suits that actually stay on in rough conditions.
Today, at Sensi Graves Bikinis, we design swimwear that’s made to stay put. Our core mission: to design swimwear that’s both fiercely functional and fabulously feminine. Our values include not only making great product but also protecting the places we play.
We aim to produce swimwear that makes you feel awesome, but we also want to make products that are truly eco-friendly. This campaign is our commitment towards increased sustainability and transparency. With your support, we can make the most eco-friendly swimwear out there.
We have chosen to make the entire 2020 line out of recycled fabrics! With this campaign, we are launching 5 tops and 5 bottoms available for pre-order. This campaign features a few of our best selling pieces as well as some new additions that all told, make up the most comfortable, flattering and supportive swimwear around. Get excited... We dive into the product specifications below!
Why Back Us
We have been designing and producing innovative swimwear for 7 years with sustainability built into the business from the beginning. With this campaign, our backers will put us on the pathway towards becoming one of THE most transparent, ethical, and sustainable clothing brands on the market.
We need YOU: people who want innovative swimwear, but without sacrificing environmental responsibility.
Your funding will help us:
The How
For our 2020 line, we’re partnering with Salem, Oregon facility, KAM, to implement high quality manufacturing with acute attention to detail that enables superior efficiency and fewer carbon emissions than overseas production.
Utilizing local manufacturing is just one piece of the puzzle. Moving forward we are committed to using only fabrics made from up-cycled or recycled materials; primarily plastic bottles, reclaimed fishing nets and nylon off-cuts. These fabrics reduce the global warming impact of nylon by up to 80% compared with virgin materials.
For every Sensi Graves top you buy, you’re keeping 5 plastic bottles out of the ocean.
We carry our commitment through every detail of our swimwear, by using compostable hygienic liners and packaging, recycled hang-tags and packaging and organic cotton labels.
Transparency in action; here's where we currently source from:
About the Fabrics
In partnership with two fibers manufacturers, Econyl® and Repreve® we've committed to fabrics that have less impact on the world, with the ultimate goal of creating a closed-loop, take back system for old swimwear.
Repreve®, is one of the world’s leading performance fibers made from recycled materials. Repreve transforms recycled bottles into an amazing fiber. Compared to making virgin fiber, Repreve offsets using new petroleum and therefore conserving water and emitting less greenhouse gas in the process.
Econyl® starts with rescuing waste such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic from oceans and landfills. This waste is then regenerated into yarns and textiles to be repurposed into apparel and more. Econyl’s vision is a circular system in which Econyl products, once at the end of their lifecycle, can re-enter the system at the beginning and be regenerated anew.
For every 10,000 tons of Econyl® materials used, 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved.
Both fiber companies make excellent quality materials that hold up over time, are soft to the touch and feel amazing against the skin.
Includes 10 body style options to mix and match to find your perfect suit. All fabrics are UPF 50+. Each body style is available in a selection of colors. Surveys will be sent for size and color post-campaign.
Alexa top
A full-coverage, high-neck and super-supportive top. The Alexa top is specifically designed for women with larger busts and smaller rib cages. The multi-strap cross back disperses support across the entire back and enables all over cinch-ability. An adjustable back enables you to get the perfect fit.
Aurora bottom
This surf bottom is designed to stay put no-matter what. The drawstring waistline enables cinching for maximum staying power. And the elastic over the booty keeps everything tight and right. With a scrunch butt, the Aurora is both flattering and fun.
Colleen top
This fully reversible bikini top has hidden seams for added comfort, a one-inch under-bust elastic band for staying power and thick shoulder straps for comfort and durability. The Colleen bikini top is a comfortable sports top that has sexy strap-back detail and a low scoop neck front for crowd-pleasing wearability. Doubles as a sports bra.
Kyla bottom
The Kyla reversible bikini is our standout cheeky bottom. And because it's reversible, it’s like you get two super awesome bikini bottoms for the price of one! These bottoms are seamless and very comfortable.
Stacy top
Adjustable, comfortable and supportive, the Stacy top features cross back straps, pads and a ruched front. This top is designed for larger bust sizes and will hold your girls in. With good coverage and excellent support this top is made to work. Has removable soft bra cups.
Nika bottom
Brand new for 2020, the Nika bottom is a flattering high-waisted piece that looks ah-mazing. This top features a seamless waistband for a smooth, comfortable fit and a high leg in the front for a flattering look. Moderate coverage.
Issy top
The Issy top is quickly becoming our favorite piece in the line-up. This top features a beautiful strappy back, 1" under bust elastic for superior hold and excellent bust coverage to keep you feeling tight and right. Removable soft bra cups.
Jennifer bottom
Our best selling bottom! These bottoms are so comfortable you won’t want to take them off. With zero elastic around the booty, the Jennifer bottoms won’t cut into your cheeks. Featuring a ruched detail in the back to create a flattering shape.
Claire top
Cross back straps allow for easy cinch-ability when you're ready to get busy and provide optimal staying power. A great option for women with larger busts and smaller rib cages but super flattering on a variety of body types. No bra cups means not having to worry about any adjustments.
Amanda bottom
Reversible moderate coverage bikini bottom. This bottom is super comfortable. The raised sides and front allow for more coverage and provide a smoothing effect.
Behind the Magic
Sensi Graves is a professional kiteboarder, entrepreneur and speaker. In 2007, she tentatively signed up for a kiteboarding lesson in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and immediately fell in love. Just two years later, she applied to be a kiteboarding coach, relocated to the East Coast, and started collecting accolades. The Hood River, Oregon, competes at international kiteboarding invitationals, garners continuous coverage in kiteboarding magazines, and leads women's kiteboarding retreats worldwide.
As a professional athlete and active woman, Sensi knows what it takes for swimwear to stay put.
Head of customer service and sales, Victoria Williams is a lawyer-gone yoga teacher whose sought after classes and sold out retreats make her a legend in the field. Her years of yoga practice and avid surfing and snowboarding make her an excellent product tester as well as expert in the line.
Professional kiteboarder Colleen Carroll was team Sensi's very first team rider and athlete. Colleen is a top level athlete having claimed podiums around the globe. She’s won the prestigious Triple-S Invitational 4 times, has been awarded the AWSI female kiteboarder of the year 3 times, and has been showcased in publications worldwide. Colleen continues to progress her skills on the water and thrives on sharing these with others.
Hired to help bring professional and democratic fit to the 2020 Sensi Graves Bikinis line, Stephanie and Kozet of The Squad bring years of product and fit expertise.
Stephanie Muhlenfeld has 16 years of product experience with brands including Victoria’s Secret, Aerie, Nike, and Evelyn and Bobbie. She also holds 8 patents across 3 companies.
Kozet Mitchell spent 14 years at Nike across multiple departments as a key innovator and maker. Kozet’s love for product, and persistent dedication to ensure a product is designed and developed to its full potential is an exceptional quality that is hard to find.
Interested in becoming a part of our team? Through our ambassador program, we seek to build community, encourage female empowerment and spread high vibes.
Known for bikinis that are made to move in, our swimwear keeps up with your ultimate lifestyle. Our main customer base is in the United States but we are looking for ambassadors to help us grow worldwide. Help us spread the Sensi Graves Bikinis mission, wear awesome suits and make money along the way. Apply today and join our growing community.
Funding Breakdown:
This is an opportunity to be part of something special! You are being given the chance to help create change in how swimwear is manufactured.
The funds raised from this campaign will help pay for the regenerated and recycled fabrics and put a down payment on our 2020 order with our Oregon-based manufacturer.