Introducing: Nightswim, The Loungewear Brand That’s Way Serious About Sustainability

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Searching for your next loungewear brand? Look no further than Nightswim. With comfy shorts, net bottoms, bikini tops, and wraps, you’ll find everything you need for the ultimate chill day.

Aside from their absolutely adorable beach- and lounge-wear, Nightswim is a company with a mission. Teaming up with WCA (Wildlife Conservation Association) in Costa Rica, Nightswim donates 1% of their sales to marine conservation.

We spoke with Diana Ganem, the founder of Nightswim, about starting the brand, the trials and tribulations they’ve faced, and their core values — read on for our conversation!

Use the code CONSCIOUSFASHION for 20% off your first purchase from Nightswim!

Q: What was the inspiration behind Nightswim, and how did that dream become a reality?

A: Nightswim was born out of my desire to become my own boss and take control of my time. I wanted to express myself without boundaries and also develop a business that I truly felt reflected my values in sustainability and ethical practices. After holding a merchandising position at a women’s contemporary brand, I was exposed to the injustices of fashion — I didn’t want to be part of it anymore, I wanted to create responsibly and give back. To live a more fulfilled life via my creative outlet.  

It was also a combination of traveling to foreign countries. I saw how the poorest of people, who didn’t have all the materialism we were used to in the States, were happier than many of the people back home. Having that experience — and having my father pass away — gave me a different outlook on life. I started to value community, experiences, and a simple life over the fast-paced fashion scene I was living in LA.  

After a major break, I went back to work in LA for a brand and nothing about it felt right. I wanted to live a more fulfilled life, fashion started to feel superficial. I wanted to have a purpose with my craft. I decided to quit that job and move to Indonesia to start a business. A business that had a purpose, was aligned with my values, and allowed me to live the life that I wanted near the beach. That’s where the idea of Nightswim came to fruition. 

As for the aesthetic behind the brand, I am fascinated by the mystery of life, by the nocturnal, by a feeling of serenity experienced while floating. It’s like the shooting star in the night sky. It’s a feeling that I try to convey in my branding. 

Q: What was the most difficult part of starting the brand, and how did you overcome that obstacle(s)?

A: I think the biggest obstacle at the beginning was finding the right factory partners — there’s an ethical and sustainable element that makes it that much more challenging. It’s always challenging to find a reliable manufacturer, but sourcing fabrics that were sustainable 4 years ago was more challenging. I looked for so long for a specific fabric to fit my designs; I could find many options in conventional fabrics but none that were eco-conscious. I had to develop my own terry and this took some time. Nowadays, the demand for eco-conscious material is larger so mills are listening and putting out more options for designers.

Q: Tell our readers a bit about your brand’s values and how you commit to fulfilling them consistently.

A: Nightswim’s values reflect my values, which is a promise I made to myself before starting the brand. I wanted to create from a place of respect toward the environment and the people creating the clothing. I think part of living a fulfilled life is honoring your values in all aspects of your life. Nightswim is an extension of me; it’s a reflection of how I treat Mama Earth. After travel, some life challenges, spiritual revelations, and living abroad — my pace became slower, I connected with nature and I experienced community. I understood that to be happy, you had to give back – not only to people but to Mama Earth who so kindly provides for us. 

Every step of the way, I dissect how Nightswim can best represent this foundation of values. I committed to this and continue to commit even if it’s more complicated than conventional fashion. It’s gratifying to know that I try my best — from educating our community to the fibers to the pay rate we offer our sewers and so on.

Q: Tell us about your new line, PAUSA: what makes this line different/unique from what you already have, and what are you most excited about with the launch of this line?

A: PAUSA. came from a time when the world experienced a complete halt due to the pandemic lockdowns. I was lucky enough to be in Costa Rica, and I used this extra time on my hands to be fluid and create without expectation. I didn’t know if we’d survive and I didn’t know what the future had in store for us, but I created to create and be present. The added pressure to create and produce was lifted off, so in a way, PAUSA. was a gift to me. 

I’m most excited that I introduced Cupro, intending to transition out of our rayon, and I replaced our terry with an organic version. I’m consistently challenging the brand to be as sustainable as possible and this is a step in that direction. I also intended to create new styles while keeping the previous collection in mind. I wanted to build on it — I wanted people to understand that conscious fashion isn’t about trends, that it isn’t about changing your wardrobe every season. I try to revive what is considered dormant. You can see that half of the PAUSA. collection is from the VISIONS 001 collection.

Q: What separates you from other similar brands, and why should our readers become customers of Nightswim?

A: I would hope that readers resonate with the brand’s values as much as they resonate with the styles. I think living a conscious lifestyle means you take into consideration how and what you consume. What you consume leaves a footprint. I would say there are brands out there doing plenty of greenwashing. There are some that are genuinely in tune with what I speak of but it’s a rare sighting in the world of fashion. Especially one that is as committed to it as I am.

I’m telling you, really I’ve complicated my life by making this commitment. Many business people don’t consider this a savvy operation but for me, that’s not the priority here. People + planet come before profit. I can keep explaining how we do this but it’s long — I rather readers head to our We Give A Damn section on the site if they are intrigued.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to leave our readers with, and where can we connect with you online/on social media?

A: I’d love to invite your readers to connect with us, to learn and grow together. To sign up to join our ever-growing conscious fashion community. We have Nightswim Sessions in which we come together to share wellness tools and grow in all aspects of life. You can connect with us on Instagram @Nightswimbrand or on-site at www.nightswimbrand.com.

Use the code CONSCIOUSFASHION for 20% off your first purchase!

Have you heard of Nightswim? Which pieces are your favorites? Tell us in the comments!

Website: www.nightswimbrand.com | IG: @Nightswimbrand

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