Behind the Price: The Making of eit swim
We occasionally receive comments such as,
“It’s expensive,” or “It feels a little out of reach.”
It’s true — compared to many swimwear brands in Japan, our pricing sits slightly higher. And for those who don’t wear swimwear often, it may feel like a considered purchase. We’re writing this article to offer some transparency about how our pricing is determined — and what stands behind it.
When producing swimwear, the main costs include fabric, pattern development, sewing, and packaging. In addition, there are operational and production-related expenses. Below, we’d like to share more about a few of these elements.
Fabric
We use regenerated fabrics made from discarded materials. Recycled swim fabrics are more expensive per meter than conventional ones. The cost reflects not only the recycling technology itself, but also research and development to ensure the fabric meets the standards required for swimwear — stretch, durability, chlorine resistance, color depth, and performance.
The quality difference in swim fabric is very noticeable. How it feels against the skin. How smoothly it moves with the body. Whether it resists pilling when rubbed against a surfboard. We test carefully and select only what we feel fully confident in.
Craftsmanship
One of our core concepts is “connecting tradition and modernity.” This philosophy extends to our production.
Our swimwear is sewn in a long-established Japanese factory that has specialized in stretch fabrics since the post-war era, passed down through generations. We place deep trust in their high level of craftsmanship and their ability to understand subtle design nuances.
It would be easy to reduce costs by producing overseas. However, from the very beginning, we have chosen to prioritize domestic production — to support local skills, employment, and technical heritage. This commitment remains unchanged.
Prints & Patterns
Each year, we collaborate with artisans and creators who work with traditional Japanese crafts and ancestral knowledge. We do this out of respect for Japanese techniques, artistry, and handwork — and from a desire to help share them more widely.
For original prints, we approach pricing with respect. We avoid aggressive negotiation and commission the work at the price proposed by the artisan whenever possible. Because these patterns are born from advanced skill and deep cultural knowledge, printed pieces are priced slightly higher than solid-color styles.
Small-Batch Production
Orders to factories must be placed months before release. Producing in large quantities would reduce cost per piece significantly. However, without knowing exactly how many customers will purchase, overproduction carries risk — both financially and environmentally.
More importantly, the idea of “produce more to sell more” does not align with our values.
We choose small-batch production, even if it raises the cost per unit. In return, we design pieces to be timeless rather than trend-driven — swimwear that can be worn for years, not just a season. And if pieces remain, we do not discard them.
Packaging
For online orders, we keep packaging as minimal as possible. A protective plastic sleeve is necessary to safeguard delicate swimwear during distribution. To reduce environmental impact, we use biomass-based bags that reduce petroleum-derived plastic by 10%. These cost approximately 1.6 times more than conventional plastic packaging.
Each piece is then wrapped in Awa Washi, a traditional Japanese handmade paper with over 1,300 years of history. We hope to share the quiet beauty of this craft — and that it may be reused to wrap a small gift for someone else.
Reading this, it may sound as though we spare no expense. In truth, there are still compromises. If we pursued every ideal fully, costs would rise significantly. Instead, we draw thoughtful lines and make the best possible choices within balance. Our pricing reflects a fair consideration of these elements.
”A Piece for Years to Come”
If someone were to describe eit swim as “a lifelong piece,” we would feel honored. We use durable fabrics*, and design with ageless, trendless sensibility. Our customers range from their teens to their seventies. Bodies and moods may change, but with care, these pieces can be worn for a long time.
If you ever have questions about pricing or our brand philosophy, please feel free to reach out.
*Durability depends on storage, frequency of use, and care. Please avoid machine washing, tumble drying, or prolonged sun exposure.