About Windward Caye

Three years ago I was shopping for a new swimsuit. I'd worn my Land's End one until it was pilly, and the elastic had snapped inside the seams. It wasn't perfect - I had always worn something with a higher neckline over it anyway. Time to shop for a new one!

But I'd forgotten how difficult swimsuit shopping is when you want neckline, midriff, and at least some back coverage, and a swim bottom that makes it to mid-thigh. Brands that provided these things felt too matronly in both styles and prints. I wanted young, flirty, cute! I loved the fresh prints, feminine cuts, florals, and boho crochet edging that were coming onto the market..... and most of all I was dying to get one of those textured swimsuits that were taking the world of swimwear fashion by storm, but which I couldn't get in anything longer than a bikini bottom. I needed something in between a board short and a bikini bottom that met my own standards.

Then there is the issue of the industry standard shelf bra.  Those much-touted removable pads that slip out of place, fold over, and always end up upside down. The slim little elastic that doesn't support you. The one-size-fits-all cups that don't provide any shape. 

I finally found a tankini that looked promising: it had a high raglan shoulder and a cute(ish) print, but when it arrived, it had ZERO support. I'd wasted $78, and the fabric content was only 4% spandex! That's T-shirt level.  It had no shaping or compressing effect, it moved around on the body when in the water, it didn't even have a lining so it didn't feel that great against my skin, and it quickly lost its shape in the armholes and neckline.  It left me grinding my teeth and saying, "I wish I could just MAKE one!"

Wait a second. Why couldn't I? I'd been sewing since I was eight years old, I'd worked in bridal alterations for seven years, I'd made my own clothes since I was a teenager. I could definitely give this a shot!

Three years of research revealed a dizzying world of sewing techniques for stretch fabrics, testing fabric suppliers, draping my ideas on a mannequin, and drafting my own patterns. Sisters, mom, and friends modeled and gave feedback on fit, fabric quality, and cuteness factor. I tested which fabrics shrink or get stretched out, which linings feel the best on the skin, how much negative ease to subtract in order to get both stretch and have the suit be comfortably snug, and how to achieve the perfect armhole shape.  I battled through a hundred mistakes learning how to design and sew a versatile swim bra that met my own standard of "support". I upgraded the swim bra to maintain its elasticity even after prolonged exposure to chlorinated water. My design ensures reliable support swim after swim.

It was worth all the hard work. Last summer, I finally had a cute, comfortable swimsuit that I loved and felt confident in. I hope you love yours too!