How Much Does It Really Cost to Manufacture Swimwear? A Complete Cost Breakdown

Hi there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably dreaming about starting your own swimwear line, and I’m excited to help you explore that possibility. Whether you’re passionate about bikinis, love the beach lifestyle, or have always wanted to see your name or logo on a tag, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s dive into what it really takes to bring your bikini collection to life, we’ll cover everything from understanding the costs involved to figuring out how much you can potentially earn. Trust me, it’s not as daunting as it might seem!

Getting Started: Let’s Talk About Your Vision

The first thing we like to do is help you get a feel for what we can create together. We often suggest starting by checking out some of our ready-made styles. Why? Well, it’s a great way to see the quality of our work, experience the fit, and, most importantly, touch the fabrics. Our fabrics are something we’re really proud of—they’re sourced from two of the best mills in the world (Rosset and Santa Constancia), and they feel absolutely luxurious. Plus, they’re UV 50+, eco-friendly, and sun-safe.

Everything we produce is 100% made in Brazil, a country that’s world-renowned for its swimwear. We work with ethical, family-owned facilities, where our seamstresses are part of the family, and everyone is paid fair wages. We believe in doing things the right way, so you can have peace of mind knowing your bikinis are made with care and integrity.

Once you’ve got a few samples in hand, you’ll have a much better sense of what’s possible. Then, you can share your ideas with us—send pictures, details, and anything else that helps us understand your vision. We’ll work together to bring your designs to life.

Fabric Selection: The Heart of Every Bikini

When it comes to swimwear, the fabric is everything. The feel, the stretch, the way it looks in the sun—it all comes down to the materials you choose. We source some of the best fabrics available, comparable with the very best in the world, and they have that silk-like feel that just screams luxury.

The cost of fabric can range from $4 to $15 per yard, depending on the material. On average, you’ll need about half a yard to a full yard per swimsuit, so the material cost per piece can range from $2 to $15. We’ll help you pick the perfect fabric that aligns with both your vision and budget.

Eco-friendly Certified Fabrics Fluity from Santa Constancia. 

 

Labor Costs: Quality Made in Brazil

Labor is a big part of the production cost, and it varies depending on where you choose to manufacture. We’re based in Brazil, where we can offer exceptional quality at a fair price. Our labor costs range from $15 to $25 per swimsuit, but what you get is so much more than just a product—you get a piece of our passion, our decades of experience, and our commitment to excellence.

When you’re ready, we’ll create a prototype for you. This costs $150 plus FedEx shipping, and we usually have it ready within two weeks. It’s an important step to make sure everything is just right before we move on to production.

Private Labeling: Make It Your Own

One of the best parts of this process is seeing your brand come to life. We offer private labeling with a minimum order of just 80 bikinis. You can mix and match styles, sizes, and colors—whatever you think will best represent your brand. For around $2,000, you’ll get 80 private labeled bikinis, each customized with your logo on the tags and labels.

We’ll work closely with you to ensure your branding looks perfect, and then we’ll handle the production and delivery. It’s that simple.

Packaging and Shipping: We’ve Got You Covered

Once your bikinis are ready, we’ll package them up and send them your way. Packaging costs range from $0.50 to $2 per unit, and shipping adds another $1 to $3 per swimsuit. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way so there are no surprises.

Sales, Marketing, and Making a Profit

Now, let’s talk about selling your bikinis. Marketing is key, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and a simple e-commerce website, you can reach your customers without spending a fortune. Setting up an online store is a one-time investment, and you can do it for around $750 using platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace.

When it comes to pricing, we recommend marking up your bikinis by 100% to 150%. For example, if your cost per bikini is $25.82, selling them at $51.64 gives you a nice profit margin. You’d need to sell about 40 bikinis to break even, and after that, it’s all profit!

Some of our clients even mark up their bikinis by 200% or more, especially if they emphasize the unique qualities of their products with great branding and professional photoshoots.

Quality Control: Ensuring Perfection

We take quality control seriously. Each piece goes through multiple inspections to ensure it meets our high standards. This adds about $0.50 to $2 per unit, but it’s worth every penny to ensure your customers are happy.

Total Cost Per Bikini Set

  • Fabric Costs: $8
  • Labor Costs: $12
  • Trims and Accessories: $2
  • Private Labeling: $1
  • Packaging: $1
  • Quality Control: $1
  • Shipping (FedEx Economy): $5

Total Cost Per Bikini Set (Top + Bottom): $30

According to an article in the New York Times, the cost of producing swimwear in the United States can be significantly higher.

Detailed Cost breakdown of a bikini set.   

Summary

When you add up all these components, the average cost to produce and ship each bikini set is $30. This breakdown gives you a clear understanding of where your money goes—from the high-quality fabric and ethical labor practices to the custom branding and shipping.

This transparent breakdown helps you see how your investment contributes to creating a premium product that’s ready for the market. Whether you’re selling these bikinis online, in physical stores, or both, this $30 per set gives you a solid foundation for pricing your products and calculating your potential profits.

 

Why Choose Us?

Why Brazil? Why us? Well, we’ve been doing this for decades, and we’re passionate about what we do. Our swimwear is 100% made in Brazil, using the best fabrics in the world, and produced in ethical, family-owned facilities. Our seamstresses are like family, and we believe in paying fair wages and treating people with respect.

But it’s not just about the product—it’s about the relationship. We’re here to support you every step of the way because your success is our success. We’re not just a manufacturer; we’re your partner in this exciting journey.

If you’ve got questions or ideas, I’m here to help. Let’s make something amazing together!