Recycled String Bikini

Museum-quality art. Made for the water.

The Recycled String Bikini brings the paintings of Tremain Smith — a celebrated artist whose work is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art — to the most unexpected canvas: swimwear.

Tremain Smith is the mother of Sarah Tremain, the founder of this studio. Wearing her artwork isn't just a fashion choice — it's a way of carrying a living artistic legacy into the world, one wave at a time.

Made from recycled materials, this bikini is as conscious as it is beautiful. Available as a pair or as separates, so you can mix, match, and make it your own.

Product Story

Swimwear should do more than fit — it should empower. This bikini is printed with original encaustic paintings by Tremain Smith, reimagined as vibrant patterns for summer. Choose Luminous Spirit, a print that channels energy, clarity, and light, or Lotus Born, a celebration of growth, beauty, and the strength to bloom. Designed for comfort, movement, and creativity, the string bikini invites you to tie it your way and wear it like art.

Why It Costs What it Does

Unlike fast-fashion swimwear, this piece is created sustainably on demand, made only when you place your order. Pricing reflects the base production cost from our ethical print partner, Sarah Tremain’s design and brand development work, and a margin that sustains our West Philly studio and community programs. Every bikini helps reduce waste and keeps your purchase aligned with values of care and sustainability.

What Your Purchase Supports

Each order supports Sarah Tremain’s mission to merge fashion, art, and community impact. Your purchase sustains our studio, funds fair-wage creative work, and supports programming like Mend It Yourself workshops and Emotions in Color events. With every wear, you’re carrying a story of empowerment and intention.

Details

The bikini is crafted from soft, stretchy recycled polyester with a double-layered construction and UPF 50+ protection. The top includes removable padding, while multiple tie options allow you to customize your fit and style. Available in sizes up to 6XL, it offers inclusive sizing and options for swimwear lining color. Sustainably made to order, each set has a lead time of 2 to 4 weeks. Please note: due to double-layer stitching, a visible crotch seam may appear — a normal feature of the process that does not affect fit or function.

Care Tip
Rinse thoroughly after each wear to preserve color and fabric integrity.

Size Guide

Here at Sarah Tremain, I try to make sure our clothing is size inclusive because everyone deserves to have clothing that fits them properly and comfortably.