It's always been a bit of a challenge to find inclusive swimwear, especially when the current trends seem to revolve around increasingly flimsy designs. That's why we've made it our mission to find (and celebrate) swimwear designed for all body types, whether that's a bikini for big boobs, long-sleeved swimsuits, bikinis for smaller chests, or swimming cozzies with added tummy control.
One swimwear brand that's been making major moves in the inclusivity department is Zoah, which was founded and designed by Danielle St James, the chief executive of Not A Phase: a charity which supports transgender adults across the UK.
Zoah was launched to “support the unique needs of trans women, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.”
Danielle St James described the inspiration behind the new trans-inclusive swimwear line, saying, “As a trans woman it is rare to find a product which has been designed specifically with you in mind. As a result you end up having to make do with what is available on the market. When it comes to swimwear, historically, that has meant coming up with makeshift solutions which often involve layering up multiple garments to ensure you feel secure.”
She continued, “Not only is this stressful, as you can never be completely confident, but it is also really painful. As a trans woman I want to be able to have access to products that meet my individual needs, that are comfortable and look great – rather than being overly sexualised or cliche in their representation of femininity, as products aimed at trans women so often are.
“This was the inspiration behind the launch of Zoah in 2021. We began with the release of a range of underwear designed specifically for those that tuck and the community loved it. The new swimwear collection takes all of the features that were perfected with the development of the Zoah brief, and repurposes them for swimming, tanning or socialising in the sunshine.”
The new swimwear collection has been specifically designed for transgender women who prefer to tuck, which is a method of creating a flat appearance in the groin area. It features a “custom-made combination of power mesh, a blend of nylon and polyester which is both strong and durable, and Lycra, known for its elasticity."
A press release adds: “Together, these fabrics deliver a specialist fit to empower both pre-op and no-op trans feminine individuals to move freely and comfortably.”
The first product to be released in the swimwear collection is a two-piece bathing suit available in two colourways: plain black and leopard print. You can take a sneak peek at two of our favourite products from the collection, here:
Black Ribbed Bikini BottomLeopard Print Bikini BottomThe Zoah swimsuit is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXXL from www.Zoah.shop.
If you experience any pain during tucking, it's recommended to stop immediately. If you feel any consistent pain after tucking, it's recommended to contact your GP. For more information, visit https://genderkit.org.uk/
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
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