Alright, listen up. If you’re sitting there with a sketch on your phone, a name for your brand, and zero clue how to turn that dream into actual bikinis hanging on a rack in a store or on a website, you’re not alone. I’ve seen it a hundred times. That spark? It’s real. But the path from “I want to make swimwear” to “my bikini line is selling out” is not just about design. It’s about who makes it, how they make it, and whether they’ll actually show up when the deadline hits.
And let me tell you something: most new brands don’t start with the right factory. They go for the cheapest quote, the fastest sample turnaround, or the one that says “we do everything.” Spoiler alert: those are usually the ones that burn you later. I’ve been in this game long enough to know what works—and what doesn’t—especially when you’re starting small.
You’re not some giant brand with a team of buyers and a QC department. You’re a founder. Maybe you’re even doing it all yourself. That means every decision matters more. A bad factory can cost you months, thousands of dollars, and your credibility before you even launch. A good one? It feels like a partner. Like someone who gets your vision and helps you build it without breaking your budget.
So, no fluff. No marketing jargon. This isn’t another listicle where everyone’s “best.” This is field notes from someone who’s walked through factories in Bali, chased samples in Los Angeles, and helped startups survive their first production run. I’m talking about the real players—the ones I’ve worked with, tested, and sometimes bled over.
If you’re serious about launching a swimwear line, especially as a startup, then you need to know these seven factories. Not because they’re perfect, but because they each bring something real to the table. And trust me, I’ve seen too many brands try to be everything to everyone. Focus on fit. Find the factory that gets you.
Now, if you’re ready to stop guessing and start building—really building—check out Fexwear , where we help founders like you turn ideas into finished products, from fabric sourcing to shipping. We’ve got the experience, the network, and the systems to keep things moving fast without sacrificing quality. I’ll link back to us later, but for now, let’s get into the names you need to know.
Bali Swim – The Eco-Forward Innovator with a Tiny MOQ
Let’s start with Bali Swim. Yeah, I know—Bali. Sun, sand, peace. But behind that serene vibe is a factory that’s actually doing something different. They’re not just saying “sustainable.” They’re using imported recycled fabrics—meaning they’re not relying on local waste streams, which can be inconsistent. That’s a big deal. Because if you’re trying to build a brand around eco-values, you can’t afford to have your fabric batch vary in color or performance.
Their minimum order quantity? Seriously low. Like, three days to a sample low. For a startup, that’s life-changing. You can test designs, tweak them, and move fast without locking down hundreds of units. That kind of agility is gold when you’re bootstrapping.
But here’s the thing I’ve noticed after working with five brands using them: while the sustainability angle is strong, the pricing? It’s not cheap. I’ve seen brands get quoted $18–$22 per unit for a basic bikini, depending on the fabric. That’s steep if you’re selling at $60 retail. But here’s the kicker: the quality holds up. I’ve had client samples from them last over 50 washes with no fading or stretching. That’s rare.
They also give back—grassroots women’s education, environmental causes. Not just PR. I’ve seen their reports. It’s real. So if your brand’s story hinges on ethics, this is one of the few places where you can say, “We’re not just greenwashing.”
Pro Tip: Don’t jump straight to full production. Start with a single style. Test the fabric, the fit, the packaging. Use their 3-day sample window to iterate. Then scale. I’ve seen brands blow up by starting small and nailing the product first.
Sunseeker – Where Innovation Meets Heritage
Sunseeker. Australia. Western. Sounds like a beachside dream, and honestly, it started that way. Back in the 70s, someone dreamed of a swimsuit that didn’t fall apart after one day in the surf. Fast forward 50 years, and they’re still making gear for people who actually use it—surfers, swimmers, adventurers.
What sets them apart? Durability. Their fabrics aren’t just “water-resistant.” They’re designed to withstand saltwater, UV rays, and repeated wear. I’ve worn their pieces on multi-day trips and come back with no pilling, no seam splits. That’s not common.
And they innovate. I remember working with a client who wanted reversible bikinis—something that was trendy but hard to source. Sunseeker didn’t just make it; they refined the process. The stitching was reinforced, the fabric double-layered, and the result? A piece that sold out in two weeks.
But here’s the catch: they’re not built for startups. Their MOQs are high—usually 200–300 units per style. And the lead time? Around 8–10 weeks. That’s not ideal if you’re testing markets.
Still, if you’re not just launching a line but building a brand with a clear identity—think adventure, performance, longevity—Sunseeker is worth the investment. They’re not chasing trends. They’re setting them.
Why I Recommend It: If you’re targeting an audience that values function over fashion, or if you’re selling to outdoor retailers, this is your go-to. It’s not about being cute—it’s about being tough.
Fexwear – The All-in-One Partner for Startups
Okay, let’s talk about us. Fexwear. I know it’s self-promo, but hear me out. We’re not pretending to be anything we’re not. We’re a full-service manufacturer and supplier based in Guangdong, China, but we operate like a boutique agency.
Our edge? We’re built for founders. Not corporations. We understand that you don’t have a team of sourcing managers. You don’t have time to vet 10 factories. So we handle it all: fabric sourcing, sample development, bulk production, quality inspection, logistics.
And yes—we do bikinis. But we also do hats, caps, activewear. Our range is broad, but our focus is tight: helping startups succeed. We’ve worked with brands that started with a single Instagram post and ended up on Shopify bestsellers lists. One brand grew from $5k in sales to $150k in under six months, thanks to a streamlined production process we set up.
We offer low MOQs, often as low as 50 units per style. That’s huge for testing. We also offer free design services—no extra charge. Just send us your idea, a sketch, or even a Pinterest board. Our 10 designers will turn it into a manufacturable reality.
The key? We’re not just a factory. We’re a supply chain partner. We work with verified suppliers, we audit quality, and we manage the entire flow—from concept to delivery. And if something goes wrong? We fix it. No finger-pointing.
Real Talk: I’ve seen brands fail because they tried to cut corners on quality control. At Fexwear, we inspect every piece at three stages: pre-production, during production, and pre-shipment. We weigh samples, check stretch recovery, test seam slippage. It’s brutal, but it saves you money in the long run.
If you’re overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or just want someone who gets your hustle, Fexwear is the place to begin. We’re not the cheapest, but we’re the most reliable for early-stage brands.
Lefty Production Co. – The Made-in-USA Powerhouse
Lefty Production Co. in Los Angeles? Yeah, they’re legit. I’ve been inside their facility. Clean. Organized. And yes—they’re proud of being “Made in the USA.” That’s not just a label. It’s a promise.
For brands that care about domestic manufacturing—whether it’s for branding, faster shipping, or ethical pride—this is the only option that delivers. They’ve been recognized by the LA Business Journal for exactly that. And it shows. Their quality is top-tier. Stitching is precise. Fabrics are premium. Even the labels feel better.
But here’s the downside: it’s expensive. And the MOQs? Usually 100–200 units. Lead time? 6–8 weeks. That’s not ideal for rapid testing.
But if your brand is built on transparency, local craftsmanship, or you’re selling to customers who pay a premium for “American-made,” this is non-negotiable. I’ve worked with a luxury resort brand that used Lefty for their swimwear line. The customer response? “It feels different. Like it was made with care.”
Important Note: International brands need to plan for import logistics, customs, and tariffs. It’s not just about cost—it’s about complexity. But if you’re okay with that, Lefty is unmatched for quality and integrity.
Georgina Clothing Enterprise Inc – The Start-Up Whisperer
Philippines. Taguig City. Georgina. I’ve heard this name whispered among indie brands for years. Why? Because they get startups.
High MOQs? Nope. They offer accessible options. Minimum orders as low as 30–50 units. That’s insane for a factory in Asia. And they’re family-owned. That means personal attention. You’re not a number. You’re a client.
One client of mine—just launched her brand—used Georgina to produce her first 100 units. She was nervous. They sent her updates every day. Fixed a sizing issue within 48 hours. Delivered early. She called it “a lifeline.”
Their focus? Swimwear, activewear, resortwear. They’re flexible. They’ll adjust patterns, suggest fabric swaps, even help with packaging. It’s not transactional. It’s collaborative.
But here’s the caveat: As you grow, scalability becomes a challenge. I’ve seen brands hit a wall at 500 units. Georgina’s capacity is limited. So if you’re aiming for national distribution or Amazon scaling, you’ll need to transition to a larger player later.
Still, for that first 100–300 units? Georgina is unbeatable. They’re the factory that treats you like a friend, not a job.
Mukura – The Latin Flair Factory
Mukura. Miami. USA. Colombian heritage. Now that’s a unique combo.
This one’s for brands inspired by bold colors, boho vibes, and a touch of sensuality. They specialize in Latin-inspired designs—think vibrant prints, intricate cutouts, flowing silhouettes. Their Boho Chic Trikinis? Wildly popular. Not just for beach lovers. For influencers, boutique shops, even pop-up events.
What’s cool? They’re US-based. That means easier communication. No time zones. No language barriers. Transactions happen locally. You can meet in person if needed.
And they’re flexible. They’ll work with early-stage projects. No pressure. Just honest advice. They don’t push you to commit. They guide you.
But here’s the trade-off: if you’re looking for global reach or mass-market appeal, Mukura might not be your best bet. They’re niche. And their volume? Smaller. Still, for brands wanting to stand out with personality, this is a gem.
Active Qstom – The Ethical Champion
Back to Bali. Another factory. Another reason to love Bali. Active Qstom.
This one’s all about ethics. They’re committed to sustainable practices, responsible craftsmanship, and eco-friendly materials. They use recycled fabrics, low-impact dyes, and fair labor practices. I’ve audited their facility. The workers were treated well. The workspace was clean. The waste was tracked.
Their focus? Custom bikinis and swimsuits. So if you want something truly unique—maybe a custom print, a specific cut, a one-of-a-kind design—this is the place.
But again: it’s not cheap. And the MOQs? Moderate. Still, if your brand’s mission is sustainability, this is the factory that aligns with your values.
Quick QC Note: I once had a client whose fabric degraded after 20 washes. Turns out, it wasn’t the factory’s fault—just poor fabric selection. That’s why I always stress: know your materials. Check certifications. Ask for test reports. Don’t assume “eco” means “durable.”
That’s where resources like Fexwear’s Fabric Recommendations for Sportswear come in. It’s not just for activewear. It applies to swimwear too. You need to know the difference between recycled polyester and virgin. Between Tencel and bamboo viscose. Because one might wick better, hold color longer, or biodegrade faster.
Final Thoughts: How to Choose Without Losing Your Mind
Look, I could write a whole book on this. But here’s the short version:
- Start-ups? Go with Fexwear or Georgina. Low MOQs. Support. Speed.
- Eco-focused? Bali Swim or Active Qstom. Real sustainability, not greenwashing.
- Performance + durability? Sunseeker. Built for real use.
- Domestic pride? Lefty Production Co. Worth the cost if it fits your brand.
- Latin flair? Mukura. Unique designs, US-based ease.
- Custom, one-of-a-kind? Active Qstom or Fexwear.
And remember: the factory isn’t just a vendor. It’s a partner. Treat it like one. Communicate. Set expectations. Audit. Test.
Don’t skip the small stuff—like shade banding or stretch recovery. I lost $9k once because a fabric roll varied 40% in wicking speed across the length. That’s not a typo. It happened. And it wasn’t the factory’s fault—it was mine for not testing properly.
So go ahead. Pick your factory. But don’t pick blindly. Do your homework. Ask questions. Get samples. Use tools like Fexwear’s Fabric Recommendations to make smarter choices.
And if you’re stuck, just reach out. We’re here. Contact us anytime. We’ll answer in minutes, not days.
FAQs
Q: What’s the lowest MOQ I can expect from a real factory?
A: 30–50 units is realistic for startups. Fexwear does 50. Georgina does 30. Don’t believe anyone promising 10 unless they’re a tiny workshop.
Q: How long should I expect for a sample?
A: 3–7 days is fast. 10+ days? That’s a red flag. We’ve seen brands wait 4 weeks for a sample—by then, their season’s over.
Q: Can I really trust a factory in Asia?
A: Yes—but only if you verify. Check certifications (GRS, OEKO-TEX), visit if possible, and demand photos/videos of the facility. We’ve audited 12 factories this year. Only 5 passed.
Q: Should I worry about fabric quality?
A: Absolutely. I’ve seen returns spike 15% due to cheap polyester that pills after one wash. Always test moisture-wicking (RET <15) and stretch recovery (>95%).
Q: Is “Made in USA” worth the extra cost?
A: Only if it fits your brand story. Otherwise, it’s just a price hike. But if you’re selling to eco-conscious shoppers, it’s a powerful signal.
Q: How do I avoid scams?
A: Never pay upfront without a contract. Use escrow. Demand samples. Check reviews. And if they don’t respond to emails? Walk away.
Let’s Chat: What’s Your Story?
So… what’s your brand? What’s your dream? Are you going for bold colors? Minimalist elegance? Sustainable credentials? Or just trying to get your first 100 units out the door?
Drop a line below. Tell me what you’re building. I’ll reply with real advice—no fluff, no sales pitch. Just straight talk from someone who’s been there.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the factory. It’s about you. And I’m here to help you win.