How it all began
Hey, I'm Flo, the founder of Tamara™, a sustainable swimwear brand, inspired by spirited women, for spirited women.
Tamara™ was born at the beginning of 2024: after a challenging couple of years, I found healing in the sea. On land, I was lucky to meet inspiring women, and grow within a community of strong and supportive humans.
Having lived far from the ocean until my 20th birthday, getting to know and trust the sea took time, and help. One friend, who had taken up surfing a few years earlier, took me under her wing. Taking me along to the surf, picking the right waves, and encouraging me as my skills slowly improved. She shared her love of the ocean, her favourite surf books, movies, and stories, and set an example. Her name is Tamara.
Since then, I have been on countless road trips along New Zealand’s stunning coastline, completed a full year of daily ocean swims, and tried my hand at free diving and spearfishing. I have, in turn, had the privilege of introducing other women to these activities.
Looking back, the next step was obvious: I wanted to work with women, and it had to involve the ocean. Drawing from my experience as a dressmaker and graphic designer, I launched my first collection of swimwear.
Our suits are made for those women who aren’t afraid to claim their place in the lineup. They’re designed to move with you - whether you’re catching waves, diving deep, or chasing the next adventure. We hope our swimwear inspires more women to take the leap and dive in.
Bringing swimwear back to basics
At Tamara™, we’re a community of ocean lovers who value simplicity, and staying close to nature and the sea. Our suits are designed with one goal in mind: to let you focus on enjoying your time in the water without worrying about adjusting your bikini mid-session.
Made to feel like a second skin, our swimwear is snug, comfortable, and crafted from high-quality, four-way stretch materials. Whether you're catching waves, diving, or just soaking in the saltwater, our suits are built for all-day comfort and made to last.
Because we know you can't wait to jump in the ocean once you get near it, we've created styles that are super easy to slip in and out of. Made for water enthusiasts who dive in multiple times a day, our swimwear is designed for fast changes under a robie. All our styles are made to pull on from the bottom up in just a few seconds - they're made to keep up with you, so you can keep up with the waves.
With no clips, ties, or adjustable straps, there’s nothing to slow you down. You can spend your energy where it counts - chasing time in water, not straps.
For women, by women
Tamara™ was created by a woman, for women, with a single mission: to get more women in the water. Whether it’s supporting those already diving in or giving a gentle nudge to those on the shore.
Being in or near the ocean has been scientifically proven to boost mental health and overall wellbeing. We’re thrilled to see more women joining the lineup, as we know from science, but also from experience, that time spent in and around water makes us healthier and happier.
For those who have already embraced water-based activities, we design swimwear that puts comfort and practicality first. Our suits are made to support your lifestyle, ensuring you can focus on your passion without distractions.
We also understand that getting started often requires encouragement, or the help of a friend. That’s why Tamara™ dedicates 10% of its profits to funding water-based activity programs for women who might face barriers to participation. A way for you to become that good friend, helping another woman to experience the healing power of time spent in and around the ocean, leading positive change in your community.
Our commitment to the ocean
The ocean is our home, and we know that to keep enjoying its beauty, we must protect it - for nature, for ourselves, and for the generations to come.
Sustainability drives every step of our design process. From the materials we select to how our suits are disposed of, we ensure that every decision minimizes impact on the planet. Our suits are crafted using two innovative fabrics: ECONYL® and REPREVE®. ECONYL® is made from recycled materials like discarded fishing nets, worn-out carpets, and post-consumer waste, while REPREVE® repurposes recycled plastic bottles.
By eliminating extras like fabric tags, metal clips, zippers, or plastic accessories, our suits are designed to be easily repurposed at the end of their life, keeping them out of landfills. We also skip unnecessary waste - no plastic liners, only compostable bags, and no additional branded tags - because we trust that you already know the story behind your suit.
Swimwear built to last
At Tamara™, we believe sustainability starts with longevity. That’s why our swimsuits are designed with long-term use in mind. We use only premium-quality materials that are saltwater and chlorine resistant, ensuring your suit can handle years of wear and even your most daring water adventures.
Our designs feature simple, timeless cuts in solid colours rather than prints, so your swimsuit remains a favourite season after season. This approach helps break the wasteful cycle of fast fashion by prioritising durability and style that never goes out of date.
We’re firm believers in "less is more." Your suit is crafted to help you perform at your best while making you feel confident and comfortable. It’s not about stealing the spotlight - it’s about empowering you to get in the water and stay there.
Swimsuits made with love, truly
Love lies at the heart of everything we do: a love for the water and Mother Nature, a love for our craft, and a love for women - and, more broadly, for all the people who make Tamara™ what it is.
This love is reflected not only in the care and attention we pour into our products but also in how we treat our customers, team, partners, suppliers, and everyone we have the privilege to work with. We carefully select suppliers who uphold ethical practices - whether that’s through their approach to human resources, environmental policies, or quality of service. We critically assess every aspect of the process to ensure that everyone we collaborate with shares our values.
We firmly believe that business can be conducted without compromising on principles, and we’re committed to proving it.
When your suit arrives, we hope you’ll feel how much love has gone into creating it.