Look, I’ve been in the apparel game long enough to know that finding a real swimwear manufacturer—one who doesn’t ghost you after the deposit, actually understands chlorine resistance, and won’t mess up your seam allowance on a 500-unit run—is like finding a quiet moment during fashion week. It just doesn’t happen often.
I’ve seen brands blow $200K on a launch because they picked a factory that claimed to use “premium ECONYL®” but was actually dumping in cheap polyester with a shiny finish. I’ve had clients come to me in panic because their suits stretched out after one wear. One brand had to recall an entire batch because the lining bled color in saltwater. Yeah, saltwater. Who tests for that? Apparently, not them.
So when someone asks me, “Who are the best swimwear manufacturers?”—I don’t just hand them a list. I hand them a survival guide.
And if you’re just starting out, or scaling up, or tired of being strung along by suppliers who talk a good game but can’t deliver—this is for you. We’re going deep on 10 real manufacturers, the kind I’ve either worked with, audited, or seen in action across my time building supply chains for over 5,000 small sportswear brands through Fexwear.
We’re not sugarcoating anything. No fluff. No “we partner with top-tier factories” nonsense. Just real talk—what they’re good at, where they fall short, and what you actually need to watch for when placing your first order.
Let’s go.
Fexwear
Alright, before you roll your eyes—yes, I’m talking about my own company. But not because I’m trying to sell you something. I’m mentioning us because if you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a partner who gets the full picture: fabric, fit, compliance, logistics, and damage control when things go sideways.
We started Fexwear because too many small brands were getting chewed up by factories that didn’t care about consistency. You’d get a perfect sample, then a bulk run that looked like it came from a different planet.
Now? We run our own factory, work with a vetted network of specialists, and handle everything from design to delivery—especially for activewear and swim lines. We’ve got certifications like BSCI, WRAP, OEKO-TEX, and we’re audited by SGS and BV. That matters when you’re selling in the EU or Canada and don’t want your shipment held at customs over a banned dye.
One brand came to us last year with a swimsuit line that kept failing stretch recovery tests. Turns out, their old supplier was using spandex that degraded in UV light. We switched them to a PBT blend, added a UV stabilizer, and now their retention rate is over 96% after 30 washes. That kind of detail? That’s what separates a one-season brand from one that lasts.
If you’re serious about quality and consistency, check out how we do things at Fexwear’s fabric recommendations —especially if you’re using recycled materials like ECONYL® or REPREVE™. And if you want to talk through your specific needs? Hit us up at contact . We’re up late, we’re online, and we’ve been where you are.
Bali Swim – Great for Low MOQs, But Watch the Pricing
Bali Swim? Solid name. Been around since 2016, but the team has decades of collective experience. They’re one of the few in Bali that actually offer low minimums—we’re talking 50–100 units per style. That’s gold for startups.
I worked with a client last year who was launching a sustainable swim line. She had the designs, the branding, but zero interest in committing to 1,000 units of a single style. Bali Swim took her on, helped refine the patterns, even sourced GRS-certified ECONYL® for her.
But here’s the catch: it’s not cheap. Their pricing is on the higher end. Not because they’re greedy—they pay fair wages, use quality trims, and have tight QC. But if you’re on a razor-thin budget, you’ll feel it.
Also, they’re transparent (which I respect), but that means they won’t cut corners. If your fabric takes longer to arrive, they won’t rush production and risk defects. So lead times can stretch.
Bottom line: If you value ethics, transparency, and low MOQs, Bali Swim is a strong partner. Just don’t expect bargain-bin pricing.
Lefty Production Co – Made in the USA, But Fit Can Be Tricky
Los Angeles-based, all production in the USA. That’s Lefty’s thing. And for a lot of brands—especially those marketing “American-made”—that’s a huge selling point.
They work with polyester, spandex, nylon, and have a solid team of pattern makers. I’ve seen their samples—clean stitching, good tension control, and they handle complex cuts well. One brand I consulted for used them for a high-end competition swimsuit line. The compression was spot-on.
But—and this is a big but—fit consistency can be an issue. I’ve had two different clients report that the same size in the same style came out differently across batches. One said the leg opening was tighter, another said the back gusset was off.
Why? Probably manual adjustments in cutting. When you’re not running automated spreads, small variances creep in. So if you’re doing a tight fit line, demand a golden sample and hold them to it.
Also, they’re not the fastest. If you need 500 units in six weeks, they might push back. But if you want US-made and are willing to pay for it, Lefty’s in the game.
Prototype – Made-to-Measure, But Styles Lag
Utah-based Prototype is doing something interesting: made-to-measure swimwear. That’s rare. Most factories batch produce. These guys build to order, which means less inventory risk for you.
Their suits are well-constructed, and they use decent fabrics—usually a blend of recycled nylon and spandex. One thing I like: they focus on fit range. You can get sizes from XS to 3X, which is still not common in swim.
But here’s the trade-off: style turnover is slow. They don’t churn out new designs every season like fast fashion brands. If you want the latest cut-out trend or mesh paneling, you might have to wait months.
I had a brand ask them for a reversible bikini with removable padding. Took 14 weeks from design to delivery. Not impossible, but not agile.
And yeah, they’re on the pricier side. But you’re paying for customization, not volume. So if you’re building a niche brand focused on fit and inclusivity, Prototype could be your play.
Swimwear Bali – High Volume, But Design Options Are Limited
Now, don’t confuse this one with “Bali Swim.” Different company. Swimwear Bali has been around since 2002, so they’ve got history. They’re one of the lowest-cost manufacturers on this list, which makes them attractive for brands doing high-volume runs.
They use Carvico, ECONYL®, REPREVE™—all the good recycled fabrics. And they’ve got a team of over 200 skilled Balinese artisans. That’s not just a buzzword; I’ve visited the facility. The hand-finishing on their lining is clean.
But here’s the thing: their design library is limited. You can customize colors and trims, but if you want a totally unique silhouette? Good luck. They’ll push back or charge a fortune for pattern development.
One client wanted a one-shoulder monokini with internal support. Swimwear Bali quoted $4,000 for pattern creation and a 12-week lead time. For that, I’d rather go to a specialist.
So if you’re doing basics—tankinis, classic bikinis, plus-size cuts—they’re solid. But if you’re innovating, look elsewhere.
Georgina – PH-Based, Chlorine-Resistant, But Limited Reach
Georgina Clothing Enterprise in the Philippines? Underrated. They’ve been around since 2013 and focus on swim, activewear, resort wear. All their fabrics are imported and OEKO-TEX 100 certified, which means no nasty chemicals leaching into pools or skin.
Their suits are 100% polyester, chlorine-resistant, and hold up well in salt and sun. I tested one of their samples through 50 wash cycles—stretch retention was still at 94%. Not bad.
But—big limitation—they currently only serve the Philippine market. They’re planning to expand, but right now, international shipping and compliance aren’t set up.
So if you’re based in SEA, great. If you’re in the US or EU? You’ll have to figure out logistics yourself. And trust me, customs clearance for swimwear with elastic components is not fun.
Still, keep an eye on them. They’ve got the tech, the certifications, and the fabric sourcing down. Just not the global reach—yet.
CN Swimsuit – Custom Orders, But Customer Service Is Hit or Miss
CN Swimsuit, based in Guangdong, China—same region we work from at Fexwear. They’ve been around since 2003, so they’ve seen the industry evolve.
They specialize in custom orders: racing suits, surf suits, performance swim. Their design team speaks English well, which is a win. Too many Chinese factories have a design team that can’t communicate changes clearly.
I’ve seen their bulk runs. The quality is consistent if you’re hands-on. But here’s the red flag: customer service is spotty. Multiple clients have told me they sent emails and got no reply for weeks.
One brand had a shipment delayed because CN Swimsuit didn’t confirm fabric availability upfront. No warning. Just silence.
So if you work with them, assign a dedicated project manager. Don’t rely on passive communication. And get everything in writing—fabric specs, delivery dates, QC standards.
They can deliver, but you have to manage them.
Bomme Studio – USA-Made, But Fit Issues Creep In
Bomme Studio, LA-based, full-package production for brands that want all USA-made apparel. They do swim, activewear, and even offer private label services.
Their strength? Product development. They’ll help you source fabrics, build tech packs, and even consult on marketing strategy. One brand I know used their private label line to test the market before launching their own designs.
But—fit problems. Not every time, but enough to be a pattern. I’ve seen suits come in too tight in the torso or with uneven strap placement. One client had to re-cut 30% of a 200-piece run.
Why? Probably scaling too fast. When you’re juggling design, production, and consulting, something slips. And fit is the first thing to go.
So if you go with Bomme, double down on sampling. Get multiple fit samples, test them on real bodies, and don’t skip the wear test.
Blue Sky – Florida’s Hidden Gem, But Slow as Molasses
Blue Sky in Daytona, Florida? Woman-owned, been around since 1995. They do everything in-house: pattern making, grading, sampling, production. That’s rare.
Their attention to detail is insane. I once sent them a sketch with zero tech pack—just a napkin-level drawing. They came back with a full pattern, seam allowance suggestions, and fabric recs. That’s skill.
But—slow. Like, “I might retire before my order ships” slow. One brand waited 18 weeks for 300 units. And the fit? Off. The cups were asymmetrical.
They care, but they’re small. No automation, no offshore backup. So if you need speed or volume, they’re not your move.
But for small batches, high-touch work, and brands that value craftsmanship over speed? Blue Sky’s got soul.
Mukura – Colombia’s Swim Specialist, But Fit Isn’t Perfect
Mukura Manufacturing in Colombia has 15+ years in swimwear. They’ve got dedicated production lines, specialized equipment, and a team that knows swim construction inside out.
They offer made-to-order and custom options, which is great for emerging brands. And they’re flexible—will work with you on small runs, fabric choices, even branding.
But—fit consistency is hit or miss. One client said their high-waisted bottoms ran small. Another said the padding shifted after one wear.
I think it’s a grading issue. Their patterns don’t always scale cleanly across sizes. So if you’re doing a size-inclusive line, demand a full size set of samples.
Still, they’re one of the few in South America with real swim expertise. And if you’re targeting LATAM markets, that’s a strategic advantage.
The Real Cost of Picking the Wrong Manufacturer
Let me tell you about a brand that came to me last year. They found a “great deal” on a swimsuit manufacturer—cheap, low MOQ, fast turnaround.
First red flag: no certifications. No GRS, no OEKO-TEX. They said, “We don’t need that for our US customers.”
Second red flag: the fabric felt off. Not stretchy enough, kind of plasticky.
I told them to test it. They didn’t.
Six months later? 40% return rate. Suits stretched out, colors faded, seams popped. They lost $220K in inventory and had to rebuild their line from scratch.
That’s why I keep pushing Fexwear’s fabric guide. It’s not just about feel—it’s about performance, retention, compliance.
And if you’re ever in doubt, talk to us. Even if you don’t work with us, get a second opinion. It’s cheaper than a recall.
Quick Comparison: What You Need to Know
Honestly, I’m beat. It’s 11 PM, and I’ve been reviewing QC reports all day. One factory sent us a batch where the elastic lost 20% of its stretch after three washes. Again.
If you’re still reading this, you’re serious. And I respect that.
FAQs – Straight Answers, No Fluff
What’s the best fabric for swimwear?
ECONYL® or PBT blends. We tested 12 recycled nylons last year—ECONYL® had the best retention. Just make sure it’s GRS-certified. See our full fabric guide .
How low can MOQs go?
Some like Bali Swim do 50–100. Most Chinese factories want 200+. If you need lower, consider deadstock fabric runs.
Do I need certifications?
If you’re selling in the EU or to major retailers—yes. OEKO-TEX, GRS, Bluesign. We had a client rejected by REI over missing GRS. Don’t be that brand.
How do I test for chlorine resistance?
Soak the fabric in chlorinated water (50 ppm) for 6 hours, then test stretch recovery. Should be >90%. We do this for every swim client.
Why do suits lose shape?
Usually bad spandex or poor lamination. PBT holds up better than Lycra in chlorine. Ask for the spec sheet.
What if my manufacturer ghosts me?
Happens more than you think. Always have a backup. And use a third-party inspector—don’t rely on factory self-reports.
So what’s your story?
Who’ve you worked with?
Who burned you?
Who saved your launch?
Drop a comment. Or better yet, hit us up directly if you’re ready to stop guessing and start building something that lasts.