Creating comfortable, high-performance swimwear, while minimizing production waste is key to the mission of Minnow Bathers. This means designing, producing, and shipping bathers in a responsible fashion.

SLOW FASHION & MINIMAL WASTE DESIGN
Unlike most fashion lines, Minnow produces one collection each year. We consciously design less and keep our collections small in order to produce garments at a reasonable pace. This allows us to produce our bathers by hand, locally, in Toronto, Canada. This is important because it enables us to focus on quality which enhances the value of the piece. Additionally, we benefit by working to customer demand which reduces unnecessary production costs and waste.

In a continued effort to reduce waste, all bathers are developed using minimal-waste pattern-making and fabric design techniques. Our more recent collections are made from chlorine-resistant and UV-blocking fabrics produced from 78% Econyl recycled plastic yarn and 22% spandex. We also use a digital printer in Montreal. As an independent manufacturer, we feel this is important because this reduces energy usage while minimizing consumption levels.

TEXTILE DESIGN
Since 2017, we have worked with artist and commercial designer Daniel Innes. Daniel has a traditional approach to design, working mainly by hand to create custom textile designs for our collections. Daniel is currently developing an artist residency in Hyōgo, Japan. You can check out more of his work here.

In addition, we periodically collaborate with artists whose work we admire. You can read more about our artist collaborations here.

CONSERVATION
In an effort to offset a portion of the environmental impact of production, Minnow donates a percentage of each sale to various nature conservation organizations throughout the year.

WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EMPLOYEES
Our employees are provided a living wage and safe working conditions. All overtime is voluntary. Minnow Bathers complies with equal employment rights and anti-discrimination laws, and provides training and upskilling to all staff.

PACKAGING
We aim to use recyclable and biodegradable shipping materials and keep packaging as minimal as possible, which means free of unnecessary wrapping. Our suits are wrapped in tissue and simply placed in the mailer. We post all bathers in compostable mailers from Ecoenclose. These mailers can be reused and composted. Toronto customers may also request local pick-up from our studio which eliminates the need for a mailer.

Click here to see our sizing chart. If you are uncertain about your size please send your bust, under bust, waist, and hip measurements to info@minnowbathers.com and we will happily assist you. Please note our bathers do not include padding or structural support.

CARE
Hand wash in cool water with a mild washing detergent. Lay flat to dry. Do not use bleach or tumble dry. Please avoid rubbing against rough surfaces as this can cause pilling of spandex.

EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
Due to health and hygiene regulations, Minnow cannot accept the return of worn bathers. However, you may receive a refund or exchange any unworn suits. In this case return shipment is paid for by the customer. Please mail all returns with a note to:
1130 College St
Toronto Ontario
M6H 1B6

We ship worldwide. All items are made to order and will usually arrive within 1-4 weeks after its shipping date. If tracking is to be provided, we will notify you of your tracking number within 48 hours of its shipment. All parcels are posted via Canada Post. Please contact us if you would like an item to be rushed. Please note that rushed items cost more and payment is expected before shipment. Minnow cannot be held responsible for items not received on time or if your parcel goes missing in transit.