Ever Wonder Why Swimsuits Are So Expensive? Here's the Answer
Have you ever wondered why swimwear is so expensive? Not simply for the subject matter. These suits require a great deal of design and engineering.
I will describe the many varieties of swimsuits in this article and explain why they are all more expensive than the typical pair of jeans.
Swimsuits are a challenge to wear. You want one that is both appealing and reasonably priced. In the end, when it comes to swimwear prices, you can be paying for more than just polyester and spandex.
The cost of a suit is mostly influenced by the fabric used, the suit's design elements, and the country in which it was produced.
Fabric quality often varies depending on price and durability, from cheap vinyl or nylon textiles to pricey Italian Lycra Spandex blends at the high end of the spectrum.
Do you ever ponder the price of swimwear? It seems to me that the taboo around wearing a bikini in public is a contributing factor.
In all honesty, retailers want you to purchase their goods and will increase the price because they are aware of our adoration for them. Although expensive, there are ways to avoid paying for swimwear!
Swimwear is rather pricey. They rank among the priciest pieces in a woman's wardrobe. Yet why?
It turns out that the fabric and design are the only factors that matter in this situation.
Depending on how long you want your swimsuit to last—from a few days at the beach to years of use without fading or stretching—swimsuit materials come in a range of quality and pricing points.
And then there's the design. Since designers have been creating fresh, new trends every year for decades, these items require not only more fabric than the average garment but also more time spent on research and development in order for each one to be distinctive from every other suit currently on the market!
Every year, I've noticed that swimsuit prices are rising. It frustrates me to see the pricing go up because I typically just buy one per season. I begin to wonder why they are initially so pricey.
There are a few reasons why swimwear is so expensive, but the majority of them have to do with the labor-intensive nature of their production.
One reason is because different fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, or spandex, which are all expensive, are used to make swimsuits.
Each component requires a certain amount of time to cut out, particularly if the pattern design is complex. Finally, remember to factor in delivery expenses.
Let's start now!
Reasons Why Swimsuits Are so Expensive
You're not the only one who has ever thought, "Swimsuits are too pricey." You could still be shocked to hear that this is the case for real, factual reasons, though.
Yes, designers want to make as much money as they can, and while that is a consideration, it is not the primary reason why you spend hundreds of dollars every summer to look cute on the beach.
Swimsuits are very pricey for such a small amount of cloth.
Yes, designers want to make as much money as they can, and while that is a consideration, it is not the primary reason why you spend hundreds of dollars every summer to look cute on the beach.
The causes, on the other hand, range from the kind of material utilised to innovation and designs.
1. You'll buy it
Yes, it is your responsibility (our fault) that a monthly car payment is equivalent to the price of a pricey suit. No matter the sector, businesses are aware that we will always desire the most up-to-date designs and technology.
If you enjoy wearing cosmetics, you may relate to this case. I have a makeup business with which I am OBSESSED.
I have to have every new product they release, especially new eyeshadow palettes!
For some people, swimsuits and swimwear are the same. Every year, new trends are worn by all the influencers.
I go completely bonkers and purchase all the swimwear, just like the eyeshadow palettes. The costs remain high because we are willing to purchase the next best thing.
2. Look good, feel good
For most women, purchasing a swimsuit is one of the most difficult tasks. Women have negative body image issues.
And what's this? Anybody's body portion that they might want to change is likely on full display while wearing a swimsuit.
Because designers are aware of our vulnerabilities, they can predict how we will look for a flattering swimwear. Which in this instance is a good thing. They go above and above to make sure the bottoms will fit your round, bulging, thin, or flat butt!
They do the same with your top half, even though it's difficult to make. You will channel these sentiments if your swimwear feels well and looks excellent.
Most people will pay hundreds of dollars without a second thought to feel attractive and confident.
The NPD Group, a business that specialises in retail information, conducted a poll on swimwear.
They discovered that the fit of a swimsuit is far more crucial than any other aspect. A swimsuit's fit is more important than its comfort, style, quality, or even its cost.
You read that correctly; In the eyes of the consumer, fit is more important than cost.
With this knowledge, you can guarantee your bottom dollar that businesses will raise their pricing if they are aware they are dealing with a quality product.
Sales of swimwear totalled $4.6 billion in 2017. Analysts predict that as suits get more expensive and equipped with cutting-edge technology, swimwear sales will only rise.
3. You need a new one every year
Designers are aware that clients purchase new bathing suits every year. As a result, women will discard their old outfits and get some new ones. Don't be concerned if this describes you—the author has no judgement to pass! I act in the same manner.
Every summer, a new swimsuit style brings with it a certain sense of excitement. If there was only one new swimsuit each year, I'd be deluding myself. Every summer, despite the fact that the old outfits still fit quite well, I purchase numerous new suits despite my bank account screaming "NO!"
Companies are aware of this. To meet our desire for anything new, they develop new fashion trends and textiles every year.
4. Fashion keeps changing
If you watched the Summer Olympics, you probably saw the latest in swimwear design and fashion!
The bodysuits that swimmers wear each year have new technology and designs.
The demand for humans to be better, quicker, and stronger drives constant innovation in technology and designs.
Unfortunately, these novel designs had to be outlawed because they performed so admirably at the 2012 Olympics.
The Olympic Committee forbade them because the technology was so advanced and records were being broken every day.
Though not at the Olympic level, new designs and fashion are also present in the daily lives of regular people.
You can use particular materials to stay warm in cold water or particular designs to make your butt appear better than it ever has.
Have you ever questioned how the top one-piece swimsuits for 2018 become such a mainstay on the market? From here, things will only grow better, but innovation is expensive.
5. There is more customization in the industry than ever before
Today, we have the ability to modify anything. You may now construct a suit in addition to customising your cars, house, phone, and business.
The cost of this customisation is disclosed. For instance, have a look at vanity licence plates.
For everyone who wants a vanity plate, there are additional fees in every state in the United States.
This is due to the fact that it is distinct from mass-produced, readily accessible items. That is comparable to bathing suits. Prices are increasing as there are more customised alternatives.
The bikini top and bottom must now nearly always be purchased separately. We occasionally have a bust that is an A cup while having a butt that is an XL since we are humans and not ideal extraterrestrial beings. or the reverse... Massive boobs, little butt.
Stress for the manufacturer results from swimsuits not being supplied in pairs. How many of each size and style to print is essentially up to them to guess. That always results in price increases, which prompts you to utilise your credit card.
6. Swimsuits are made from pricey materials
It's safe to suggest that swimwear would be less expensive now if the materials used to make my grandma's bikinis were still in use. Bathing suits from the 1940s and 1950s were composed of rayon jerseys and cotton mixes. That is just a fact; thankfully, that is not the case today. I'm not arguing that is ideal.
Polyester, neoprene, lycra, spandex, and nylon. These are the primary components of swimwear. Sadly, they are also somewhat pricey.
It is simple to understand why swimsuits are automatically a little more expensive than your favourite t-shirt when comparing the prices of spandex to any of the non-stretch materials, such as cotton.
Stretchy fabrics require specific machinery from manufacturers.
Sadly, because that equipment is more expensive than others, we, the customers, who are purchasing the goods, are responsible for paying for it.
7. You don't want a cheap one
I'm going to take you on a trip through your early years. When you were younger, do you recall going to Limited Too? You were in the mall looking for summer basics under $100 that you would adore as the end of the school year drew near.
As you browsed the swimwear racks, you came across the most ideal bikini ever. It included rainbows, sequins, and flowers. You simply HAD to possess it. It was amazing during the first few swim parties.
Then it started to disintegrate. Only one sequin was hanging on for dear life as it sagged and the lovely rainbow design began to peel.
But, ah, the days of affordable swimwear.
Both the cost of purchasing and producing that bikini was quite low.
These days, having a bikini that extends out is unaffordable. We need assistance as women in many different ways.
8. Swimsuits are multi-purpose
Sometimes it's a relaxed day when you go to the pool or enjoy the sand and salt at the beach.
You want to show off that summer physique that you've been working so hard on for the past several months, or you want to achieve the perfect tan.
In that situation, you already have a particular kind of swimwear in mind.
Or perhaps a volleyball or spikeball competition will take place simultaneously. Additionally, some of your buddies are bringing their skimboards and boogie boards.
Which swimsuit do you choose for this formal event? Today, designers create swimsuits that are ideal for each of these circumstances.
Swimsuits serve a variety of purposes.
They must remain in place whether you are being battered by a wave or diving onto the sand to save a spike.
The time it takes to make that ideal suit is worth a few dollars more.
9. The Pink Tax is a significant factor in women's fashion
Bags cost money. Because you pay the Pink Tax, you don't have any pockets and spend your paycheck on feminine hygiene items.
The Pink Tax is frequently referred to as price discrimination based on gender. This is due to the fact that pink was used in its creation.
After all, anything in that colour would be more expensive than items in other colours.
It evolved into overt gender discrimination over time. Many goods are far more expensive for women than they are for men (i.e. razors, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, swimsuits, etc.).
According to Vox News, shampoo sold at women costs 50% more than shampoo marketed towards males, while women's razors cost an average of 11% more than men's razors.
So it seems to reason that swimwear would be subject to the same price discrimination.
What's The Difference Between A $13 Swimsuit And A $300 Swimsuit?
Although every body is a bikini body, not every bikini is the same.
If you're looking for a swimsuit, you've probably seen Instagram ads for absurdly cheap swimsuits being promoted alongside suits that will cost you over a month's rent.
What do we need to know before purchasing a more expensive suit when it comes to a controversial item of clothing that has the potential to make or ruin our beach-going experience? Does it merit it? What actually distinguishes them?
We met with two folks who are fairly knowledgeable about the subject to obtain some answers before summer ends permanently.
At the Fashion Institute of Technology, Margaret Bishop teaches marketing and product development for textiles.
Co-founder and CEO of cult-favorite swimwear company Summersalt Lori Coulter offers designer quality at a more affordable $95 per suit.
Here is what they said.
1. The Fabric Is Everything
Unsurprisingly, the fabric plays a large role in price variation. This includes the fabric used to make the suit, whether or not it has a lining, and the different expenses associated with the fabric depending on its elasticity, support, and control.
To give us the stretch and recovery we enjoy, virtually all swimsuits now are constructed from fabric with a high elastane, spandex, or lycra content, according to Bishop. "For improved durability and coverage, you need a decent quality yarn and a high enough stitch density.
The cost of the fabric is affected by the number of stitches per inch, so if someone is attempting to save money, they might use less yarn and fewer stitches per inch, which would result in a less durable product and less coverage than you actually need from a swimsuit.
Bishop uses the example of consumers having to deal with see-through leggings when bending down in an inexpensive (and sometimes pricey!) pair of pants to illustrate the effects a lower stitch count has.
However, Bishop compares it to a garment you may buy to go out dancing in once, in which case you might not necessarily worry about the quality of the fabric. A cheap bathing suit might hold up for a wear or two.
She asserted that "quality does matter, especially with something like a bikini, where you need to have a specific amount of coverage." "Strategic lining in the bust line and front crotch area are signs of a higher-quality swimsuit.
Consider purchasing a swimming suit with figure control. The more dense fabric, additional lining, or a style with more ruching or gathering, which increases the overall amount of fabric, would likely result in a higher price point in that situation. That is essential."
2. Every stitch matters
According to Bishop, stitching is a further distinction between an expensive and a cheap swimsuit.
With any stretchy garment, the stitching is very crucial because you need the seam to hold when the fabric stretches, she explained. That necessitates paying closer attention to detail, which costs more time and money and makes the bathing suit more pricey.
Saying, "OK, we're going to have 12 stitches instead of 8 per inch," may sound insignificant, but it has a significant impact, she added.
Bishop advises evaluating the stitching of three or four suits with varying price points to determine whether there is a noticeable difference.
She remarked, "I might reconsider whether to buy the less expensive suit if I observed a real difference in how dense that stitching was, how close together the threads were. I understand that the seam might not last as long.
So, sure, it might be worthwhile to spend more money on a swimsuit of superior quality that has a solid seam, many stitches per inch, and a fabric that feels sturdy. Bishop, though, has some suggestions for what to test before you purchase if it isn't in your price range.
Bring a friend to the dressing room, she advised, and ask them to take pictures of you from all angles, even while you move, to see if you're getting the coverage you desire.
Going up a size might sometimes help with coverage, but not always. "I would also probably be more likely to choose something with a busy print that will visually divert your attention from any flaws in the cloth itself," she continued.
3. Brand Names Alone Can Drive Up Price
Unsurprisingly, there are times when a swimsuit's brand name is to blame for a price increase.
According to Bishop, "some brands are using a low volume, high profit business strategy, which requires them to make a higher profit per unit because they're selling fewer units. "That could be a purposeful branding move to be seen as more opulent."
Coulter said that the swimsuit's production and distribution are labor-intensive processes that come at a considerable cost.
However, she claims that selling directly to customers, as her firm does, helps reduce those expenses without compromising quality.
There are a tonne of middlemen in swimwear, she noted. "A major brand will sell the rights to an agreement to a third party that will aggregate 10 to 15 other brands and engage a different third party to represent those brands to major retailers. Those partners take a cut of the sale at every point of the supply chain."
We never imagined that math skills would be necessary for bathing suit buying, but if it takes counting stitches, inspecting seams, and testing fabric to feel better at the beach, count us in.
Why Celebs Pay so Much for so Little
Yes, you essentially live in your water-friendly clothing. (At least Selena Gomez is.) But if at any time you thought you might have spent too much for those two triangles connected by a string, you're not the only one.
Even independent-label bathing suits may be quite expensive. It's pretty standard for anything made by a luxury designer to cost an arm and a leg.
Do we really need to spend a fortune to be confined to the water, given how little fabric, the need for decorations, and wear you'll get from swimwear (compared to, say, purses or shoes)? We learned.
1. Quality Will Cost You
Apparently, Western Europe produces the best swimwear fabric, which results in greater material costs for brands and higher prices for consumers.
Shoshanna Gruss, the creator of the high-end brand that bears her name and is favoured by celebrities like Jessica Alba and Sasha Obama, stated, "We work with high-end mills, many in Italy and France, that have refined the technology in swimwear fabric.
The price of labour will also be important. Your bathing suit may cost more since it was created in America, where labour regulations set a minimum pay for workers, but affordable fast-fashion stores like H&M and Forever21 outsource production to frequently economically underdeveloped countries to minimise expenses.
2. Swimwear Is More Complicated Than You Think
According to Michelle Copelman, creative director of Solid & Striped, which is a company favoured by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Cara Delevingne, "the process to produce a swimsuit actually takes significantly longer than most items."
In essence, each machine needs to be adjusted for each new style, and the cloth needs to relax in between steps.
Shoshanna continued, "Once our final pattern is flawless, we add any particular trims and make sure the prints are positioned in the most attractive manner on the body.
However, it costs money to include those particulars. "Mills with specialised machinery can make these unique swimsuit fabrics, including eyelets, jacquards, and textures."
3. How to Spot a Quality Suit
When you stretch it, it shouldn't "pop" at the seams, Shoshanna recommended. It should keep its shape, and the cloth ought to feel strong yet opulent.
When you get in the water, does your suit feel like a diaper? It might not be well designed. "For example, we have underwire, gripper elastic, and frequently cups to offer the essential support to our bandeau styles."
To ensure that fashions maintain their shape, opt for two-way stretch fabric, which is also more expensive, advised Michelle. There is nothing worse than getting ready to put on a swimsuit and discovering it is overly big or worn through.
4. There Are Affordable Alternatives
Consider the possibility that you cannot afford a denim two-piece by Lisa Marie Fernandez or a Mara Hoffman geometric stunner like Selena.
Big-box stores frequently work with swimwear designers to produce comparable trendy items in a range of designs and sizes—something you can't always obtain with luxury names.
According to Target spokesperson Jessica Carlson, "Target's swimwear inventory provides something for everyone with literally hundreds of cuts, styles, colours, and designs in prices that vary from $15-$70 in sizes to fit everyone."
"We believe that everyone should be able to flaunt a fashionable, high-quality swimsuit this season, regardless of their financial situation or size. In order to ensure that guests can quickly discover the type and size they require, we have increased our selection by two this season."
Although these cost-effective solutions might not have high-quality Italian toggles, you can still find the basic components of a nice suit (stretch fabric, underwire, cups, etc.). Following that, it will be up to you, the astute shopper, to search for it.
