Australian, female-founded swimwear label Sheila recently launched in the U.S., bringing its supportive and versatile styles to a whole new market. Made for land, sea and life, Sheila’s swimwear-meets-activewear pieces are designed intentionally for women on the move.
Founder Clare Barrins was inspired to start the brand in 2023 after wading through an abundance of narrow size runs and less-than-thoughtful designs in her own search for swim shorts. In designing the first collection, it was crucial her pieces were available in an inclusive range of sizes, ensuring customers felt accommodated and comfortable. Offering a flattering fit for every body, Sheila styles are full-coverage, supportive in all the right places, and they stay in place.
“Swimwear has a tendency to make us feel insecure, to ride up in the wrong places, not fit quite right and makes us feel more like we’d want to sit on the sidelines than be amongst the action,” said Barrins. “I want to change that. I created Sheila to encourage women to feel fearless, strong and sexy, like they can take on whatever the day throws at them.”
The collection, inclusive of 11 styles and eight colorways, priced at $45-$320, keeps versatility at the forefront. In Sheila, you can move comfortably and confidently throughout your day—from a morning swim in the ocean to afternoon pilates to a lunch date with friends.
Crafted from luxury recycled nylon, made of discarded ocean waste like fishing nets, carpets and plastics, Sheila is giving new life to what was once lost. Its fabrication is durable, thick and fully lined, providing a luxurious wearing experience that is worth the investment. Abiding by the Global Recycling Standard and holders of the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification, the brand is committed to sustainability with every stitch from sourcing to manufacturing.
After Barrins’ own personal experience with melanoma over 10 years ago, it was essential that Sheila featured fabrics with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) over 50 for essential sun protection. The high neck and full coverage designs help wearers feel comfortable and confident with limited sun exposure.
