BEHIND THE SHAPES
SHAPES IN THE SAND began in 2012, when designer Alex Dash turned her love of print and swimwear design began at Ultimo TAFE. Even then, she was exploring regenerated fibres and imagining a more thoughtful way to create swimwear and activewear.
More than a decade later, that same curiosity still shapes everything we do. Alex brings together playful print, considered materials and Australian made production to create pieces that feel expressive, joyful and connected to nature. Inspired by Australia’s wild landscapes, plants and wildlife, each limited release is designed with personality, purpose and a lighter approach to making.
HONEST DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
We create Australian made swimwear and activewear that brings together playful print, considered materials and a love of the natural world. Using regenerated fabrics and natural fibres including hemp and organic cotton, our pieces are designed in limited releases with quality in mind.
We continue to explore ways to reduce our reliance on newly produced synthetics, minimise waste and support local manufacturing. Our regenerated fabrics are made from repurposed waste and printed locally using a water free process, while natural fibres are becoming an increasingly important part of what we create.
At the heart of SHAPES IN THE SAND is a commitment to thoughtful design, Australian biodiversity and supporting conservation projects that help protect the places and wildlife that inspire us.
ENVIRONMENT
Our swimwear and activewear is made locally in Sydney, Australia, with a focus on thoughtful production, responsible materials and reducing waste. From fabric choices to limited releases, we consider the environmental impact at every stage.
Our commitment extends beyond what we make. Through long term partnerships with organisations including HALFCUT, WIRES Wildlife Rescue, BirdLife Australia, Aussie Ark and Ocean Watch, we support projects helping to protect Australia’s wildlife and the habitats that inspire us.
LOCAL PRODUCTION
Our collections are created in collaboration with trusted local makers. Our Sydney based swimwear makers, Raymond and Ivy, run a family business and use minimal waste cutting techniques, with excess fabric returned to our studio for future use.
Our signature print stories are brought to life locally by Sublitech and Publisher Textiles, who work closely with us to achieve beautiful, considered results.
From print to production, each piece is thoughtfully designed and made with quality, longevity and purpose in mind.
PACKAGING
At SHAPES IN THE SAND, we are committed to reducing plastic across our packaging. Orders are packed using recycled, circular and responsibly sourced materials, from 100% recycled swing tags printed with non toxic inks to labels made from regenerated fibres.
We also use compostable hygiene liners and postage labels, helping to minimise unnecessary waste from the moment your order leaves our studio.
