In a world where swimwear often caters to the few, Nomads Swimwear is designing for all without compromising on luxury, sustainability, or style.&nbsp;

Founded by model-turned-designer Taylor Long, Nomads Swimwear has emerged as a trailblazer in reshaping the conversation around inclusive fashion. Now, with the launch of the new Neutral Collection and an eye on global destinations like St Barth, Nomads proves that great swimwear and radical inclusivity can and should coexist. In our interview, Taylor opens up about the art of timeless design and the future of swimwear for all.

JENNY MANNERHEIM: Taylor, tell us about the inspiration behind the new Neutral Collection. What destination or mood sparked this particular launch?
TAYLOR LONG: Since we are typically a print-driven brand, I like to mix in some pieces that are more neutral and simplistic. When deciding what color I wanted to do, I took into account the Pantone color of the year, which is a gorgeous Mocha. I decided to do a Nomads' version that is slightly lighter in tone and named it Latte.
JM: Nomads is known for its commitment to size-inclusivity. How does this collection continue to redefine what luxury swimwear looks like for all body types?
TL: As with every collection, each piece is available in sizes XS-5X (the equivalent of US dress sizes 0-32). Our size range is one of the most expansive in the swimwear market and broader fashion industry. This collection is no exception and continues to show designers and brands that it's possible to design inclusively across straight and plus sizes.
JM: The pieces are made in a woman-run factory in Colombia. Why was this an important decision for you, and how does it reflect the values of Nomads?
TL: Celebrating and uplifting women is a core principle of our brand. So, it is incredibly special to partner with an artisanal factory and have our pieces handcrafted by Colombian women of a certain age who earn a livable wage.
JM: Sustainability is at the core of your brand. Can you share some of the eco-conscious practices behind the Neutral Collection&mdash;from materials to packaging?
TL:&nbsp;The pieces in this collection are made with biodegradable nylon, which, upon entering a landfill, will begin to break down on its own. Thus, the pieces are not just sustainable but circular since we are thinking of the garment's life cycle. We also use biodegradable mailers and hangtags made from recycled materials.

JM: How do you balance timeless design with innovation in a category as trend-driven as swimwear?
TL: I'm incredibly intentional about the pieces we introduce because although incorporating trends is important to a point, we are a small brand and aren't able to introduce new pieces with every collection and season. So, it is imperative to design pieces that can stand the test of time in design and quality because I want them to be what our customers reach for and wear season after season.
JM: As a plus-size model turned designer, how has your personal journey shaped the mission and aesthetic of Nomads?
TL: Through my experiences as a plus-size model and designer, I saw the need for a brand like Nomads. I started modeling while studying fashion design and was struck by how matronly and modest the pieces I had to model were. Think swim skirts, skorts, and tankinis...It was never anything cool and sexy only matronly and modest. I thought to myself, this can't be all that's out there for curvy and plus-size women like me. I also noticed that we were only taught to design for straight sizes in design school, so I made it a point to teach myself how to pattern, drape, and construct for all sizes. When it came time to do our senior capstone collections, I decided I wanted to do size-inclusive swimwear, which was the impetus of me creating Nomads. I went into development on the brand a month after I graduated and launched the following year in Covid.

JM: Can you describe some of the hero pieces in the Neutral Collection and how you envision them being styled beyond the beach?
TL: The Bay Set, Shoreline One Piece II, and Isle One Piece are some of my personal favorites. The one pieces make great bodysuits and can easily be paired with trousers or skirts. The Bay top is really chic when styled with high-waisted denim.
JM: St Barth is synonymous with effortless luxury and travel. What role do destinations play in your creative process&mdash;and what dream location is next on your radar?
TL: Our brand is destination-inspired, meaning I use travel to inspire collection colors and prints. Some dream locations on my list are Ibiza, Thailand, and Greece.
JM: What challenges have you faced as a disruptor in the swimwear industry, and how do you stay motivated to push for change?
TL: Establishing a wholesale presence was initially difficult, given our expansive size. It took a lot of back-and-forth and convincing to get our retail partners to see that customers beyond size 2X exist and that they want to shop at these retailers. After I was able to convince the retailers to carry our full-size range, they had to update their company-wide purchase ordering systems to accommodate our size range. We are now the most size-inclusive sustainable brand carried by each retail partner.
It is now more complex than ever to continue making strides in the fashion industry, given the emergence of the "thin is in" trend and the rollback of DEI (which size-inclusivity is often considered a part of). But this only strengthens my mission and motivates me to drive meaningful change.
JM: How do you hope to connect with the St. Barth clientele, and what makes Nomads a perfect fit for their lifestyle?
TL: When I visited the island, I saw bodies of all shapes and sizes, but the swimwear offerings in the stores and hotel boutiques did not reflect this. I hope to find the perfect resort partner so that the St. Barth clientele can experience Nomads and see that we are a brand that celebrates their bodies at every size. By supporting us, they can also do good for the planet since we use luxurious, biodegradable, and compostable fabrics, making us the perfect fit for their St.Barth lifestyle.

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@nomadsswimwear

Where Sustainability, Luxury, and Inclusivity Meet

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