One of the most flattering swimsuits
Jessica Salter in conversation with our founder & creative director
My big find this year is the new brand, Seabass, founded by Kayleigh van Ruiven, which has high necks and sleeves to protect skin in the same way you want to cover up children. It's no surprise, then, that the brand started as a cult kids' swimwear brand, founded in 2019 when Kayleigh and her husband were on holiday in Miami and wanted a stylish suit for their son, Bass. As the brand grew in popularity, "I had customers telling me how much they loved it for their kids, but could we produce a range for adults, too," van Ruiven says.
Her recently-released range of women's suits includes sophisticated one and two-pieces, with high-cut bikinis to elongate legs, long tankini tops (I'm a fan of the navy two-piece, and three layers of material to flatter any jiggly bits. The cut and prints are retro, without looking too kitsch and some styles feature a sailor collar. "The inspiration came from the idea of holidays on the Côte d'Azur," she says.
The fabric is also particularly innovative: not only does it provide UV protection, but it's made from recycled ocean plastic. "The idea is that we are contributing to the clean-up of oceans for the next generation," explains van Ruiven. A men's range of trunks and matching button-up shirts that can be swum in are also available - van Ruiven says the most popular styles are the ones matching little girls' suits. "We're seeing dads wanting to match their daughters."
Shop one of the most flattering swimsuits