Swimwear & The Environment
Shapes in the Sand collections are made from premium sustainable recycled and bio-based fabrications that are helping to keep our planet clean. By using fibres that are derived from pre and post consumer materials and well as renewable resources we are supporting circularity.
Our swimwear is made using on the highest quality tight knit fabrications. To ensure the longevity of your Shapes in the Sand swimsuit and to help you begin to take steps to helping keep our oceans clear from unwanted synthetic particles, we've put together a guide.
Shapes in the Sand Washing Instructions
Swimwear
If you prefer washing your swimsuit in the washing machine, please put on a
gentle cycle and ensure the swimsuit is washed inside a Guppyfriend Washing Bag. If you don't have a washing bag please rinse your swimsuit in a bucket. Once you are done, dispose of the water somewhere that is not down the drain. Hang out to dry in the shade.
Apparel
Our resort collection is made from LENZING™ ECOVERO™ derived from certified wood pulp. We recommend a hand wash or delicate machine wash for your resort garment. Do not tumble dry as this fabric will shrink. Line dry in shade and a gentle iron or steam is preferred.
How can you minimise microfibre shedding?.
At Shapes in the Sand we recognise that Recycled polyester has is negative impact on the environment too. It’s important when purchasing a recycled polyester garment to look at the fibre construction. Textile construction plays an important role in identifying the shedding of a polyester garment. Environmental chemistry professor Dr Denise M. Mitrano points out that there is always potential for fibres to be release, but swimsuits aren't fuzzy, like fleece jackets. Their fabric has a dense knit, so they're less likely to shed microplastics during wear.
What is the best fabric to buy?
Reducing consumption is the key since there are other environmental impacts of producing a garment in the first place.
Buy less! Only buy what you need. By reducing consumption, we reduce the amount of waste and the amount of times we need to wash. Buy quality made garments so that they can not only be recycled after many years of use but to also ensure quality fabric.
How do I wash my synthetic garment?
Use a laundry bag that is made from a natural/untreated fabric.
Minimise the amount of times you use your washing machine and use a gentle
cycle that won't aggravate the fibres, releasing them from the garment.
Born out of an appreciation for the natural world and an affinity for the outdoors, SHAPES IN THE SAND is an Australian swimwear and lifestyle label that has been contributing to sustainability within the industry for over a decade.
In 2012, Alexandra Dash founded SHAPES IN THE SAND while studying Fashion Production and Textile Design at Sydney’s Ultimo TAFE. Recognising the environmental impact of the fashion industry, Alex dedicated her final year to exploring circularity and responsible manufacturing, establishing the foundation for the distinctive playfully Australian identity that SHAPES IN THE SAND embodies today.
With a Diploma in Sustainable Living, Alexandra has not only crafted a unique brand but has also played a role in encouraging responsible practices within her community and the broader fashion landscape. SHAPES IN THE SAND stands as a testament to her commitment to both purpose driven design and environmental responsibility.
"Our commitment is to sustainably shape exceptional Australian made swimwear by implementing purpose driven approach. We strive to foster a movement towards thoughtful fashion decisions, empowering people to make choices that benefit both themselves and the Earth. Our purpose is to encourage and support the protection of native wildlife and habitat through community-based conservation partnerships." - Alexandra Dash
Circular Design
Circular fabrics form the lively canvas for the imaginative Australian textile prints of SHAPES IN THE SAND, each design celebrating the natural world with attention to detail and vibrant, colourful considerations. Since the very beginning, SHAPES IN THE SAND has consistently centred its values around circularity, local Australian manufacturing, and community-based conservation.
At the core of the labels commitment is a closed-loop system, where pre and post-consumer materials seamlessly reenter the production cycle, giving rise to new life. Fibres are sourced from diverse materials, including plastic waste destined for landfills, discarded ghost fishing nets, and other pre and post-consumer items like carpet fluff.
Fabrics, originating from Italy, adhere to the stringent OEKO-TEX® recycled standards, ensuring sustainability throughout our supply chain. Printing takes place locally in Sydney, Australia, using a method that is water-free and avoids harsh chemicals. This commitment not only guarantees the durability of our prints but also reflects our dedication to minimizing environmental impact. Through this eco-friendly approach, we assure you of vivid, enduring, and colorfast prints, inviting you to embrace both style and sustainability in every piece from SHAPES IN THE SAND.
Environment
SHAPES IN THE SAND swimwear is made locally in Sydney, Australia. We propel a minimal waste approach across all areas of the business. We consider the environmental impact of each process involved from the sourcing right through to the distribution of our capsule collections.
An outstanding commitment towards local conservation is recognised through the valuable partnerships we have formed. Supporting local not-for-profit organisations including WIRES Wildlife Rescue, BirdLife Australia, Aussie Ark and OceanWatch, Shapes in the Sand has provided critical support towards helping to protect vulnerable native species and habitat.
Local production
SHAPES IN THE SAND collections come to life through our partnership with a local swimwear manufacturer. A production house, run by the skilled artisans Raymond and Ivy, is a small family-run business based in Sydney. Operating with a commitment to sustainability, patterns are meticulously cut using minimal waste practices to minimise leftover fabric remnants. Any remaining fabric is carefully taken back to our studio and repurposed.
Each SHAPES IN THE SAND collection is crafted to be unique and is produced in small quantities, a choice to prevent garment waste and overproduction. We firmly believe in the philosophy of choosing garments thoughtfully and ensuring longevity. By adhering to these principles, we aim to make a positive impact on both the fashion industry and the environment, providing our customers with pieces that are considered and made for their intended purpose.
Our packaging
SHAPES IN THE SAND has a zero plastic packaging policy. Your swimwear is packed using only recycled, circular and sustainably sourced materials. All packaging comes from responsible certified sources.
Swing tags are made from 100% recycled card using non toxic inks for printing. Logo and Care Labels are made from regenerated fibres derived from recovered materials.
Swimwear bottoms and one pieces are lined with compostable hygiene liners, replacing the plastic ones that are widely used in the industry.
We're a Global Commitment signatory - part of the Plastics Economy to help eliminate problematic plastic especially within our manufacturing ; supplier to business where it's a little more challenging. Our Commitments are:
1. Take action to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging by
2. 100% of plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable
3. 100% post-consumer recycled content target across all plastic packaging
