6 Arab-Owned Swimwear Brands To Support This Summer
By: Salma Heram / Arab America Contributing Writer
Struggling to find the perfect swimsuit for your summer adventures? No matter your style or lifestyle choices, Arab designers have you covered. Check out these six Arab-owned swimwear brands based all over the Arab world and diaspora, and start planning your beach getaway in style!
Léa the Label
Found by Lebanese designer Léa Daaboul, Léa the Label is a swimwear brand that champions sustainability and eco-friendly practices. With dozens of designs to choose from, that brand fosters creativity and individuality by allowing consumers to mix and match their bikini tops and bottoms. It also offers unique one-piece swimsuits and sarongs for those who prefer a little more modesty. All their pieces are resistant to chlorine and sun-tan oils, as well as UV-protective with a smooth feel.
Léa the Label pieces are made with recycled fabrics made with ECONYL® yarns in Italy, prioritizing sustainability. This process is detailed on their website training their product back to post and pre-consumer waste such as discarded fishing nets, fluff, industrial plastic waste and yarn, which is collected and processed in Slovenia to restore it to nylon raw material. This material is then generated into ECONYL® yarns, which are shipped to Italy to create quality techno fabrics that are then sent to Bali, where the final products are manufactured.
Hadia Ghaleb
Known for its vibrant colors and unique silhouettes, Hadia Ghaleb boasts the revolutionization of modest swimwear. Named after its founder, an Egyptian travel influencer, the brand seeks to bridge the gap between veiled and unveiled women, insisting on its accessibility for women of all cultures, religions, and lifestyles. All of Hadia Ghaleb’s designs are available in sets of two to five matching pieces, allowing women the choice to cover as much or as little as they desire. Additionally, the designs are offering summer or shorts sets, the former of which includes long-sleeved tops and full-length leggings, while the former includes short-sleeved tops and biker-style swim shorts.
Aside from its vast inclusivity, the brand also ensures quality products, utilizing UV-protective material and luxury fabrics. Now based in Dubai, Hadia Ghaleb has cemented itself as a leader in luxury swimwear across the Arab world and abroad.
KAI Collections
KAI Collections is an Egyptian swimwear brand most known for its men’s swim shorts. They boast a wide collection for men of all different connections and tastes, from bold unique patterns to simple solid colors. Although it is named after the Hawaiian name for the ocean and beach, KAI Collections is proudly an Egyptian brand. It works to support the Egyptian economy and boost local production, with a mission of defying the foreign brands only stigma prevalent in Egypt and the Arab world. As such, their swim shorts are manufactured locally in Cairo, Egypt.
While it is best known for its men’s swim shorts, KAI Collections offers other products, including men’s linen pants and shorts, t-shirts, and bucket hats, as well as women’s swimwear, cover-ups, and buckets hats. Additionally, KAI Collections offers a unique experience by offering a “Like Father, Like Son” line that allows young boys to match their swimsuits with their fathers. Additionally, their “Couples Matching Sets” allow for couples to wear matching swimwear, with women having the option between one-piece swimsuits and bikini tops with high-waisted bottoms.
HYDRO Swimwear
HYDRO Swimwear is an Egyptian modest swimwear line that proudly boasts a completely local production process, from designing to production, printing, and packaging done by local Egyptian craftsmen. Their designs are named after cities or regions in Egypt, including Cairo, Dahab, and Nubia, with options for those that like patterns as well as those who prefer solid colors. Additionally, they champion inclusivity, offering products designed with all body types in mind.
Furthermore, they go beyond just being a business within the fashion industry by giving back to their community. According to their “Impact” page, “HYDRO’s giving back journey started with our Loveworthy Collection in 2021 advocating for self-love and body-positivity.” In order to reinforce this message, they donated 10% of their proceeds to Ahl Masr Foundation, which treats burn victims all over Egypt. Now, they continue to give 10% of proceeds to various charities and those in need. They also value sustainability, using only eco-friendly materials in their packaging, ensuring it’s recyclable and biodegradable.
Maÿoh Beach Wear
Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Maÿoh Beach Wear is a swimwear brand whose mission is to provide women with the most luxurious beachwear, allowing them to make a statement while embracing the sunshine. Their collection includes one-piece swimsuits, bikinis, gorgeous beach handbags and totes, and beachwear options like sarongs and coverups. Maÿoh Beach Wear offers truly unique designs, with some silhouettes reminiscent of the 70s and 80s for those that love a retro look, while also offering newer patterns and cuts for those with a more modern taste.
Maya Square
Maya Square is a Montreal-based modest swimwear brand by Tunisian designer Mariem Mezlini. It offers a wide variety of swimsuits with different levels of modesty, along with matching beach tote bags. They also offers sarongs and coverups, complimenting the patterns featured on their swimwear, thus producing a full, put-together look. Maya Square products are quite affordable, with most products being under $100, making them perfect for the fashionable woman on a budget.
Swimwear For All
The Arab world offers a plethora of swimwear options perfect for your summer adventures. With a wide variety of options for men and women of all lifestyles, both veiled and unveiled, Arab designers and their breathtaking talents are sure to cater to all. With dozens of designs, silhouettes, and patterns, you are sure to find something suitable for your unique taste and style.
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