"Look good, feel good, and do good"
At The Swim Set, we use Yamamoto neoprene because it is the best in the world for performance, comfort, and sustainability. Made from limestone instead of petroleum, Yamamoto neoprene is lighter, stretchier, and more durable than conventional neoprene. It molds perfectly to the body for a second-skin fit, meaning less water entry, better warmth, and freer movement in the ocean.
Yamamoto has spent decades perfecting their neoprene, focusing on premium quality and environmental responsibility. Choosing Yamamoto means choosing a wetsuit that feels better, performs better, and lasts longer — helping you swim stronger and more comfortably, season after season.
Look Good - Our journey began with searching for a chic, functional, versatile wetsuit. We wanted it to have a superior fit, and extra warmth but it had to look good too.
We weren’t interested in another boring black wetsuit. Or perfecting a technical race wetsuit, which is notoriously difficult to get on and off. Who needs that at 6 am?
We wanted colour and design.
We wanted panels to enhance our curves, lines to lengthen our legs.
A fit that covered and contained all our individual shapes - bums, boobs - the works.
We wanted a smooth feel inside and out. No more scratchy seams or neck chafing.
We are coldy cats, so we needed our suits to be warm. 3mm neoprene will give you the extra mm to keep you toasty all year round.
So, after many months of samples, wear testing, and discussions with our manufacturer, we believe we have come up with wetsuits that tick all the boxes. The Swim Set wetsuit is a timeless, essential piece for any water woman’s wardrobe.
Feel Good - Everyone knows if you feel good, you perform better.
So not only do our wetsuits feel great on the skin but you feel good about wearing them, as they are made consciously, with the environment in mind.
In our search for sustainable neoprene we realised that it’s a tricky material to source. All neoprenes are not made the same.
After much reading and research, we chose 100% limestone neoprene from Yamamoto, the world’s leading manufacturer.
Yamamoto introduced its first neoprene wetsuits in 1961, developed for the Japan Defence Agency. Manufactured in Osaka and backed by ISO13485 certification, this eco-friendly neoprene stands out for its tightly structured closed-cell composition, ensuring a higher standard of quality than conventional neoprenes.
"Through the supply of wetsuit materials dedicated to quality, performance, environment, people, and innovation, we create the world where people can enjoy their own Blue." This is YAMAMOTO’s mission.
You may ask how a material affects the quality of our wetsuits
Warmth - For us, warmth was a first concern. Being cold is the guaranteed way to have a bad morning swim! The hydrophobic properties of the Yamamoto neoprene are designed to keep you warm and will allow you to save more energy for your swim. And because it absorbs less water, it is also dries quicker.
Durability - Yamamoto's exclusive closed cells construction process, delivers a very durable neoprene, without loosing the wetsuit's stretch features. The wetsuit will not get loose or weigh more over time. Because of the stretch capacity of this neoprene, there is less pressure on the seams which makes your wetsuit last longer. Also because the super stretchiness makes it easier to get on the neoprene is less likely to get finger nail marks or tears.
Stretchy - Yamamoto neoprene only absorbs 2% of its weight in water (98% waterproof versus 70% for an oil-based neoprene), which keeps it light in weight. The stretch capacity of the neoprene is close to the skin's one, hence the strong sensation of comfort when wearing it. Your wetsuit will feel like a second skin and you can keep an excellent range of movement.
Organic -Yamamoto neoprene is known for causing fewer allergies than traditional neoprenes. Made from 100% pure limestone, it is more gentle on the skin. The Yamamoto materials are even approved for medical use with the ISO 13485 norm.
What makes it different - Limestone-based neoprene differs from petroleum oil based neoprene in that it has a higher-density, closed cell structure. These closed cells are essentially air bubbles packed tightly together within the structure of the neoprene. There are several functional benefits of this, including increased elasticity and durability, decreased weight and water absorption and improved heat retention- all important factors in a high-quality suit.
We have laminated our neoprene inside and out with super stretchy nylon spandex. The luxurious, buttery feel of this premium product means it’s elasticity makes it easy to put on and most importantly it means the wetsuit doesn’t chafe.
Stitching is not only a design feature. Our long sleeve wetsuits are glued and blind-stitched using water based, non toxic glue. This seals the seams to keep warmth in and water out.
Swimming for us is about our daily dose of vitamin Sea. Our day is not complete without it. We believe that salt water cures everything, boosting your immune system and activating what we call "happy" endorphins.
Shared exhilaration and euphoria is how most swimmers report feeling after a swim but we just like to say…
"you never regret a swim"
Swimmers are communities of friendly people. Turn up to any ocean beach in Australia or around the world and you will find a group of inclusive, friendly souls. The ocean invites us all to enjoy her. All body types, all levels, all interests — all you need is a smile and the will to get wet.
Do Good - We’re not perfect but we believe every little thing helps our planet.
We want our grandchildren to be able to enjoy the wonders of the ocean like we have been able to. From turtles in Heron Island to our friendly resident turtle at Balmoral, where we swim daily.
So we produce consciously and produce less. Small runs mean no excess stock. No excess stock means no land-fill.
Our manufacturers and suppliers have the following certifications:
Yamamoto neoprene is ISO 13458 certified. Organic cotton is OEKO TEX certified. Our Supplier is BSCI-certified
Our wetsuits and tees have printed care instructions onto the garment removing the need for labels, that more often than not end up in the bin.
Our shipping envelopes come from Hero, and are 100% compostable, eco-friendly packaging.
We transport with AusPost who are working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
As sisters we care for our local community. We have been volunteering with our local swim club, the Balmoral Beach Club, for over 15 years. We are also on the organising committee for our local, annual ocean swim event, the Balmoral Swim for Cancer. An event that raises much-needed funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Small steps to leave the planet as we have enjoyed it and to support worthy causes to hopefully make a difference.
