“We have 50 per cent of our 2018 collection made from closed loop, recycled ‘Econyl’ fibre base cloths,” creative director Amelia Mather says. “We are also working with our mills to develop exclusive sustainable bases for us. We have always prided ourselves on uniqueness. I remember back at college when ‘sustainability’ had these daggy, crafty connotations, not anymore! It’s certainly shifted and so happy to be part of it.”

“We want to know when we come to work each day we are making a positive impact on our industry that we love so much,” she said, confirming the brand is in continual talks with their manufacturers to ensure they reduce harsh chemicals and their environmental footprint.

Her advice for consumers is simple: get educated, support brands that are doing good work, and stop buying into fast fashion.

A sustainable step forward for Tigerlily.

As one of Australia’s most-loved swimwear labels, Tigerlily has a lot to live up to. Whether it be providing us with the ultimate holiday wardrobe (because we all know three new pairs of swimmers are essential when travelling overseas) or giving our existing one a much needed refresh, the local label has come through summer after summer.

But as it turns out, the brand are doing more than keeping us looking good at the beach: they’re actually saving the planet, too. Proudly sustainable before it was cool (the brand have been ethically producing swimwear for over a decade), Tigerlily’s renewed focus in 2018 is one of reusing, recycling and creating swimwear we can wear without any guilt.

“Stop buying cheap product that you wear once and throw away! Buy pieces that that transcend a season, opt for quality fabrics that last. You get what you pay for. Learn about fibres, some are more environmentally friendly than others, Linen for example is naturally a great sustainable base,” she advises.

“Read up on how to care for the fibres that make up the fabric of garment you purchased. Avoid standard dry-cleaning which uses toxic chemicals, use a guppy bag to wash synthetics that could leach microfibres into our waterways and line dry to save energy are just a simple few ways to be conscious in your everyday decisions.”

And for when do you invest? Mather is an advocate for all things colour and print—it is the Tigerlily way, of course.

“Minimalism is on the out! I’m not a minimalist so am biased. I still believe plain colour swimwear will be important but it’s so oversaturated, I think detailing and craftsmanship will be a key [trend], a unique point of difference with precision cut. Life’s too short to wear disposable bikinis, buy quality that makes you feel great and that lasts.”