Anatomy of a Lime Ricki Swimsuit
Here at Lime Ricki, we made it our mission to create high-quality swimsuits for women of all ages and body types. As a women-run small business, we believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their skin – this means we’re very selective about the swimsuit materials we choose for our suits! In fact, the anatomy of a swimsuit is actually super interesting, and the swimsuit design process can vary depending on whom the suits are intended for. For example, our plus-sized and mastectomy-friendly swimsuits are made with the same quality materials, but they feature a few modifications to make them more beneficial for these women.
If you want to know how our expert design team creates the newest looks each season, then this is the post for you! Read on to discover more about the Lime Ricki research, manufacturing, and editing processes we use to bring our new collections of stylish, modest swimwear to life. In addition to the behind-the-scenes of our design process, we’ll also share how we alter our basic designs to be more inclusive, focusing on our swimwear for plus-sized women and those who have undergone mastectomy surgeries.
Modest Swimwear for Every Body at Every Age
At Lime Ricki, we are proud to support and work with women of every age. We believe that by working with others, we get a better collection of swimsuits designed to support all sorts of needs. From our seasonal models to our employees, we get excited to collaborate with new people and celebrate every opportunity to represent women in the swimwear industry – that's why we still never airbrush or photoshop our models! Our designs were created to be inclusive, modest, flattering, and stylish, all at the same time.
As sisters who proudly belong to the women-over-50 crowd, we are also huge proponents of maintaining and prioritizing an active, healthy lifestyle. We do our best to incorporate features into our suits that make them ideal for people like us who live active lifestyles. In the past, we have designed swimwear that easily transitions to activewear, as well as various pieces that can double as both a swimsuit and exercise attire. Our swim dresses are a great example, as they’re perfect for just about any occasion. Whether your kids' activities keep you busy, or you just feel like activewear keeps you more energized, we get it and design with you in mind.
But our design process goes further than the swimsuits’ silhouettes; we spend just as much time choosing the perfect patterns and bold colors that are meant to boost everyone’s confidence. Some of our unique designs are created with color blocking, pattern mixing, or strategically draped and ruched fabrics. This creates a more balanced silhouette, which is flattering on every woman, regardless of body type. Additionally, our swim styles also offer more coverage than the average swimsuit, particularly in the hips, thighs, chest, and tummy areas. This is intentional on our end, as we aim to provide more comfort and modesty.
Ultimately, we believe that the coverage of our suits paired with the stunning designs are what makes us adored by so many women. We understand the struggle of shopping for a swimsuit all too well, and we know that the experience can be even more daunting for those of us who prefer a look with more coverage. Sure, there might be plenty of one-pieces and tankini options, but they’re never as cute as the traditional bikinis. Instead, these "blah" suits often only come in boring colors and patterns – how are you supposed to feel confident in that kind of suit? We were tired of the limited (and ugly) options, so we decided to do something about it. And thus, Lime Ricki was born; we’ve been designing the kind of swimsuits we’d want to buy ever since.
Plus-Size Swimsuits: So Every Body Can Feel Cute and Confident
At Lime Ricki, we believe that every body is a beach body, no matter what shape or size. We’re proud to offer inclusive sizing in all of our swimwear collections, carrying swimsuits up to 4X. We have designed these suits accordingly; our plus-size swimsuits are created with different accommodations in mind to meet the unique needs and preferences of plus-size bodies. Our plus-size swimsuits are not just larger versions of regular swimsuits. Instead, they are tailored to fit and flatter the unique curves of a fuller figure. These suits are made from high-quality, stretchy swimsuit materials that provide extra support while enhancing the natural shape of the body. For our swimwear, we’ve chosen a well-researched blend of nylon and spandex that offers plenty of comfort without sacrificing the support you need in a suit.
One of the key features of Lime Ricki's plus-size swimsuits is the use of adjustable straps. The straps on our swimsuits are wider and adjustable, providing extra support for those with larger busts. Additionally, the straps are designed to be comfortable and not dig into the shoulders, making them ideal for long days at the beach or pool. There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a day in the sun, but struggling due to an uncomfortable swimsuit. With Lime Ricki suits, you can say goodbye to your days of feeling awkward and stiff, and instead focus on what really matters – getting back in the water, and boosting your confidence in the process.
Another essential design aspect of our plus-size swimsuits is the use of strategically placed patterns and colors. These patterns and colors help to accentuate curves and draw attention to the areas of the body that the wearer wants to highlight. They are also intentionally placed to create a slimming effect, so you can feel confident and beautiful while having fun in the sun.
It’s important to note that these patterns are the same ones we use for our straight-size swimsuits – we don’t alter them for larger sizes, so everyone can enjoy the same stylish prints and bold colors that make Lime Ricki swimsuits so adored. This is a drastic difference in comparison to some of the plus-size suits you’d find in the average store. Instead of relying on dark colors and slimming designs, our goal is to provide plus-size women with the same fashionable options that are usually (unfairly) reserved for straight-sized women.
Mastectomy-Friendly Swimsuits: Designed For Women Like Us
We love every piece of swimwear that we've designed, but some collections hold a special place in our hearts. We understand that for women who have undergone a mastectomy, finding a swimsuit that is comfortable, flattering, and functional can be a seriously difficult task. As breast cancer survivors ourselves, we understand the unique needs of these strong women. Nicole was diagnosed with breast cancer three times in her twenties and carries the BRCA1 mutation that causes us to be at a higher risk. Jennifer also carries this mutation, and she beat ovarian cancer in her 40s! While Colette does not carry the mutation, she’s been by our side through it all.
Since we have such a personal relationship with breast cancer, we feel a deep connection with other women who are in the fight at well. Because of this, we used our cancer experience to design swimwear specifically tailored to meet the needs of others who have undergone the surgery. Our mastectomy-friendly swimsuits aim to provide swimwear that helps you feel secure and confident in your body while enjoying your time in the water.
There are many additional features included in the design of these suits that aren’t found in a traditional Lime Ricki swimsuit design. Our mastectomy-friendly swimsuits feature a pocketed bra with adjustable straps, providing the necessary support for prosthetics. The pocketed bra is also designed to be comfortable and not irritate sensitive skin. Additionally, our mastectomy-friendly swimsuits feature the use of the same high-quality, stretchy fabrics that provide support and enhance the natural shape of the body. While these are the same fabrics we use for all of our suits, the nylon-spandex blend is extremely soft and comfortable, making it ideal for women who have undergone surgery and may have sensitive skin.
But our mastectomy swimsuits are more than just a comfortable line of swimwear. We really wanted to create stylish suits that would boost the confidence of women who have or are currently battling cancer. These styles include higher necklines, adjustable straps, comfortable fabrics, and additional support. The swimsuits feature patterns and colors that are both trendy and timeless, making them a great choice for women of all ages and styles.
As you can see, this is a cause that’s very close to our hearts, and we’re incredibly proud of our mastectomy-friendly swimsuit collection. If you’d like to check out our adorable options, feel free to browse the Flourish and Bloom collection – a line we created in partnership with our friends at Stage. These swimsuits were designed to celebrate strength and joy in every stage of life. Plus, a portion of every purchase from the collection is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in support of women and families searching for a cure.
Behind-The-Scenes of Our Design Process
Now that we’ve reviewed the basics of how we create inclusive suits for all bodies, let’s take a closer look at our swimsuit design process. The general design process at Lime Ricki begins with a team of designers who come up with various ideas for new swimsuits. These ideas are then presented to the rest of the team, including our product development and marketing members, for feedback and refinement. Our design team also takes into account feedback from customers, including their preferences for colors, patterns, and styles.
Once the design is finalized, we create a sample of the swimsuit, which is then tested for fit, comfort, and durability. Lime Ricki is committed to creating swimsuits that fit well and feel comfortable, so we always ensure that each swimsuit is designed with the customer in mind. For this process, we pay close attention to three aspects: materials, fit, and style.
High-Quality Materials
We use a variety of materials in our swimsuits, including nylon, spandex, and polyester. These materials are chosen for their durability, stretch, and comfort. At Lime Ricki, we also use eco-friendly materials, such as recycled polyester, whenever possible. We’re always trying to reduce our environmental impact as often as we can!
Additionally, one of the unique features of Lime Ricki swimsuits is the use of UPF 50+ fabric, which is a specially-treated material that protects from the sun's harmful UV rays. This feature is particularly important for customers who spend a lot of time outdoors or participate in water sports, but it’s beneficial for anyone who’s going to be exposed to the sun. For more information about our materials and our SPF swimwear, check out another, more in-depth post for your guide to our swimsuit materials.
The Perfect Fit
At Lime Ricki, fit is a top priority. We proudly offer a wide range of sizes, from XS to 4X, to ensure that every customer can find a swimsuit that fits well and feels comfortable. In addition, we also design a wide range of swimsuits in various styles, including one-piece, two-piece, and tankini. This allows us to accommodate different body types and preferences, allowing every woman to find their dream swimsuit from Lime Ricki.
To make sure our customers find the perfect fit, we provide detailed sizing information on our website, including exact measurements for each size we offer. Additionally, our Fit Finder quiz is a resource we provide to aid our customers in finding the right swimsuit size. This quiz was designed by a professional bra fitter and uses measurements from thousands of real women. Based on your response, we’re able to recommend different sizes and styles that will work best for you. Customers can also contact our customer service team for assistance with sizing and fit!
Wide Range of Styles
Here at Lime Ricki, we’re best known for our stylish and colorful swimsuits. We offer a wide range of prints and patterns, including florals, stripes, and solids, to appeal to different tastes and preferences. We also have numerous designs in a variety of styles, including high-waisted bottoms, halter tops, and off-the-shoulder tops, to accommodate different body types and styles.
In addition to our regular swimsuit collections, we also feature limited edition collections, which include unique prints and styles that are only available for a short time. We love designing these collections because they’re a great way to keep our brand fresh and exciting while also appealing to our lovely customers who are looking for something unique and special.
Responsible Production
Our suits are made in responsible factories right here in the United States. We value the long relationships we have built with our factories and consider them not just partners in our business, but also friends. We visit the factories each year (often multiple times each year) to ensure our suits are sewn with the quality and care that we expect and to make sure conditions and practices are safe and ethical for all of the sewers and workers.
We’re proud to share that all of our swimwear is produced in small batches to reduce our environmental impact. We do not order over-stock fabric so we can reduce excess yardage, and we look for creative ways to use remnants, like making hair scrunchies or using them for prototypes in the design process. It's important to us to be as responsible as we can during the manufacturing process.
We hope this post on the anatomy of a swimsuit has provided some interesting insight into our design process. Whether you're plus-size or have undergone a mastectomy, we have a swimsuit that will fit and flatter your unique curves! Lime Ricki swimwear is made from high-quality, stretchy fabrics that provide support and enhance the natural shape of the body. Specialized designs also feature adjustable straps and pocketed bras, providing the necessary support for larger busts and prosthetics.
Lime Ricki swimsuits are designed to provide comfortable, supportive, and flattering swimwear options that help you feel confident and comfortable in your body. What makes our swimwear perfect for you? Let us know and tag us in your posts on TikTok or Instagram!