Leoa is designed, made and tested by me, Brigid, a lover of water and simple, clean cut design.

Sustainability and ethical production are extremely important to me, as is fit.

I am happiest when in or by water, and seem to have all my best ideas whilst swimming or in the bath. This is how Leoa came about.

I started Leoa with an aim to create sporty, yet aesthetically pleasing swim pieces, which are durable and flattering and hopefully help women feel empowered, adventurous and free.

Pieces are designed with active beach and river days in mind. I wanted them to work for long swims, surfs, channel exploring, rock jumping and the occasional rope swing too. I can confirm they do.

They’re also great for waterside chilling and sunbathing.

All Leoa swimwear is made from 78% ECONYL® recycled nylon and 22% Elastane. ECONYL® recycled nylon is made entirely from waste products such as abandoned fishing nets, carpets and post consumer waste and has all the same properties as virgin nylon.

ECONYL® recycled nylon is sun cream, oil and chlorine resistant, with excellent UV protection. It’s pilling resistant, retains its shape, compresses muscles and is also super soft and comfortable.

Where lining fabric is used it’s also ECONYL® made from 83% recycled nylon and 17% Elastane.

Our swimwear labels are recycled too. The yarn they’re woven from is made from PET bottles and is OEKO-TEX® certified.

All our packaging is plastic free and recyclable and we try to keep waste to an absolute minimum by turning our off cuts and scraps into hair scrunchies.

All our pieces are pattern cut and carefully handmade in our studio in Totnes, Devon, UK. We are part of a shared space at the Mend Assembly studio, a fun, inspiring and creative place to be.

Leoa is proud to be part of the growing slow fashion movement. Handmade swimwear takes time to make. Sometimes pieces may take a while to be restocked. Please be patient with us. Your swimmers will be well worth the wait and will last you many, many swims.

Let us know how you get on and happy swimming.