SHAPES IN THE SAND was founded in 2012 by Alexandra Dash while studying Fashion Production and Textile Design in Sydney.

Aware of the impact that the fashion industry has on our planet, Alex began sampling recycled materials and circular processes.

Born out of an appreciation for the natural world, SHAPES IN THE SAND is known as the good-natured Australian made label that has propelled sustainability within the Australian swimwear industry for over a decade.

"Our commitment is to sustainably shape exceptional Australian made swimwear by implementing a circular and purpose driven approach. 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 have become the canvas of Shapes in the Sand’s playful Australian textile prints as they celebrate the natural world through colourful considered design. Shapes in the Sand’s core values of circularity, local Australian manufacturing and community-based conservation have been a core focus since the label launched its first collection in 2013. 

Our fibres are part of a closed loop system where pre and post consumer materials are fed back into the production cycle to create new life. The materials we use are derived from items that include plastic waste destined for landfill, discarded ghost fishing nets and other pre and post consumer materials like carpet fluff.

Our fabrications come from Italy and meet OEKO-TEX® recycled standards. Our fabrics are printed locally in Sydney, Australia using a printing method that does not require water or any harsh chemicals. Through this method we promise you rich, vibrant colourfast prints.  

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. 

Shapes in the Sand’s 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.

WIRES WILDLIFE RESCUE

THE WIRES PROJECT.

OCEANWATCH AUSTRALIA

TIDE TO TIP.

birdlife australia

Powerful Owl Project

Local production.

Shapes in the Sand collections are brought to life by our local swimwear partner. Our production house is a small family run business operating in Sydney operated by makers Raymond and Ivy.

Our patterns are cut using minimal waste practices to ensure there is minimal remnant fabric leftover. The leftover fabric we take back to our studio and repurpose. 

All Shapes in the Sand collections are unique and made in small quantities to prevent garment waste and over production. We believe in choosing a garment well and making it last.

Our packaging.

Shapes in the Sand has a zero plastic packaging policy. We package your swimwear using only recycled, circular and sustainably sourced materials. All our packaging comes from responsible sources.

Our swing tags are made from 100% recycled card using non toxic inks for printing. Our Logo and Care Labels are made from regenerated fibres derived from recovered materials. 

Our swimwear pants 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