Why Is This So Expensive?

“Why is this so expensive?”  This is a question we have been asked on numerous occasions and the easiest, shortest, most honest answer is, “You get what you pay for.”  We’ve all been afflicted by “sticker shock” at one time or another and wondered about why an item of clothing can cost this much, so today we are here to help answer this question about our own merchandise as honestly as possible.

First and foremost, Sandpipers does not sell “fast fashion”.  We believe very strongly in brands that create high quality swim and resort pieces that are meant to last as long as they are properly cared for (more on that below!)  Many of our brands are also doing their best to lighten their carbon footprint and be kinder to the planet overall and this practice doesn’t come cheap either.  The location where an item is made, how it is made, and by whom it was made also plays a big factor in the overall price of a fashion garment.

Brands like Bond-eye Australia and Vitamin A in California create nearly all of their popular items in an eco-friendly manner with sustainable fabrics.  Australian brands Seafolly and Sea Level also have popular collections that are made of regenerated nylons and brands like L*Space and the Colombian brand Maaji also produce collections with eco-friendly fabrics and elements.

Quality and construction are also a key factor where price is concerned.  Mass produced, fast fashion knock-offs that are made cheaply and with cheap labour are not meant to last a significant amount of time because the companies that produce these items want you to have to keep re-purchasing them.

Design elements also come into play where price is concerned.  Brazilian brand VIX creates impeccably constructed swimwear from Brazilian lycra with hardware details that include 24k gold plated embellishments that infuse a level of luxury into their pieces that is unmatched.

Another thing you will notice about investing in higher end swimwear is the quality of the fit, and construction.  Fabrics that hug the body and flatter the curves are only as good as the way they are constructed into a well fitting, flattering silhouette that supports the human figure whether you are 17 or 70.  I challenge you to compare the fit of your $10 H&M Bikini top to that of one made by Maaji, VIX, or Vitamin A.  I can guarantee you will see and feel the difference!

Another thing to consider when buying a top quality swimsuit is that you cannot just toss it in the washer and dryer like a t-shirt or denim. Quality fabrics require quality care.  You wouldn’t treat an expensive cashmere sweater like an acrylic sweater and the same goes for high end swimwear.  Always wash your swimsuits and bikinis by hand using mild detergent (better yet a detergent meant for swimwear that will remove chlorine and salt!) and lay them flat to dry out of the sun.  It’s also a good idea not to wear your high end swimsuits in a hot tub or jacuzzi.  The high level of heat combined with the higher amounts of chlorine in these environments will break down lycra and delicate fibers causing your suit to break down over time and lose its luster and shape.  We recommend 100% Polyester swimsuits for these types of harsh environments.

We hope this answers that question for some of you and in the future we will be deep diving more on specific brands and why they are priced the way they are.  Also remember we are always here in-store and Online to answer any questions you have about the swim and resort products we sell!