Swimsuits made for every woman
Union Swimwear wants to take the stress out of the search for the perfect bathing suit
It’s no secret that finding the perfect swimsuit can be a struggle.
But, when Amy Bonner got frustrated with her swimwear search, instead of choosing an ill-fitting suit that was the least offensive among the rest, she decided to make her own.
What started as one swimsuit quickly turned into a brand and the Vancouver-based Union Swimwear was born.
Bonner stepped away from her swimsuit business to chat with Postmedia News about her company, what makes it different and where she plans to take things from here:
Q What is Union Swimwear?
A Union Swimwear is socially responsible and the reversible one-piece swimsuits are cute AF. A portion of the profits are donated to HOPE International Development Agency (HOPE International) — specifically to provide clean water to communities in need. HOPE International exists to improve the supply of basic human necessities for the neediest of the developing world through self-help activities, and to challenge, educate and involve North Americans regarding development issues. Union Swimwear has recently donated enough to purchase our first well in Cambodia.
Q When and why did you first start the brand?
A Union was born about a year ago. I moved up to Squamish — started a fulltime accounting role, working from home. I had a lot of time on my hands and I felt like I wasn’t getting the social aspect of working in an office. Plus, I wanted something creative, fun and also wanted a way to give back. I was really struggling to find a one-piece swimsuit that really fit my body the way I wanted. A friend of mine suggested I just sew my own — I had tried sewing in the past and was no good at it — even though my mom is an avid sewer — her house is complete with a sewing room, including three different sewing machines.
Q Did she help with that first design?
A I mocked up some sketches and my mom sewed the first sample! I searched for a Vancouver manufacturer and couldn’t find one that made sense, price-wise, if I wanted to offer at the reasonable price point of $85, plus being able to donate a portion from every sale to HOPE International. Long story short, I created a suit for myself and made it into a business because I wasn’t feeling fulfilled with my current state of life. Since then, I’ve moved back to the city and gotten more involved in all the fun-collab stuff that goes along with creating a Vancouver-based brand. For the record—I still have my fulltime job and also do financial consulting for two public companies in addition to my job and UNION swimwear. My life is quite full, but I am extremely efficient with my time and I don’t watch TV.
Q What makes Union different from other swim brands?
A For one — our suits are reversible and they’re really thick — which holds you all in. Two — they’re conservative, yet sexy. The fact that they’re not too low in the front or too high on the sides — but still low in the back makes them the perfect suit to wear on holidays with your kids or with jean shorts while shopping at Whole Foods.
Q Who is the target customer?
A The real girl — these suits are meant for everyone. They’re like magic — in that they seem to fit every body type. Even maternity. They’re meant to make you feel comfortable and sexy.
Q Where are the swimsuits designed/made now?
A The suits are designed by yours truly — in Vancouver. I get them manufactured at a small-batch manufacturer in Bali — perfect for startups since there’s no minimum-order quantity.
Q How much are the Union Swimwear pieces?
A They’re $85 online Since they’re reversible you’re really getting two for the price of one.
Q And where can people check them out?
A Online at unionswimear. com. We also have a kick-ass Instagram account @union. swimwear. We’ve been hitting up some markets and are planning on doing some pop-up shops.
Q Lastly, what’s next? Any plans to expand the style offering?
A There’s been lots of talk about doing matching kids’ ones, perhaps some prints, and I’ve been getting a lot of interest in a men’s line. We just launched three new colours this summer, so we’re just going to stick with the six colours this season and start planning for the summer 2019 in the fall.