by SUSTAIN THE MAG TEAM

Summer may feel like it’s coming to a halt, but in certain parts of the world summer is still here to stay. Before we know it, fall and winter will go by in a flash of an eye and summer 2022 will arrive hotter than ever both figuratively and truly. 

It’s never too late to or early to start thinking of the best swimwear that not only benefits the planet, but also feels good to put on. We recently spoke with Kathleen Sheppard, 25, founder of Tiller Swim based out of Venice, Los Angeles.  

It was Kathleen’s passion for both the ocean and the planet through sailing and swimming competitively growing up. She wanted to create something that was not a pollutant and swimwear that is meant to move as well as reversible so that you can have a two for one bathing suit all summer long. 

“Tiller is inspired by growing up on the ocean in Connecticut and spending my whole summer sailing,” said Kathleen. “The tiller is the part that steers the boat, which I thought was a great metaphor for guiding the way to our sustainability journey as a brand.” 

On top of their sustainability practices that we will share later, Tiller Swim partners with a company called Ecologi to plant a tree for every piece they sell. For them, this is a small way they can offset their production & shipping emissions. “We hope to continue adding similar initiatives down the line, specifically thinking of carbon offsets, up-cycling products and closing the loop with our materials.” 

Be sure to check out our full Q/A with Katheleen below from what prompted her to start Tiller Swim and what inspires her when it comes to designing and creating new styles. 

SUSTAIN: When starting your brand, what made you decide to incorporate sustainable practices?

Kathleen: In the initial stage of research, almost two years before I actually started the planning for Tiller, textile waste, mistreatment of garment workers and general bad practices in the apparel industry was something that I couldn’t ignore. I continued to research and keep my eyes open for alternatives because I did not want to be another contributor to the mess that the fashion industry was creating - it didn’t seem like enough for me to just make new designs without a cause. Once I learned about ECONYL, I knew that I was possible to use Tiller as a vessel to begin educating and contributing to the rewrite of how consumers should shop and what options brands should provide for them. 

SUSTAIN: Can you describe a little more about Tiller Swim's values and ethics behind the brand?

Kathleen: From the start, we have interwoven sustainability into our mission, but one thing that people often forget to include in their “green” efforts is the treatment of individuals in the supply chain. No matter what materials you’re using, whether they are recycled or organic or all-natural, there are people along the way that are prepping and creating these garments who are underpaid, overworked and put in unsafe conditions for the bottom line of the company. I realized early on that sustainability meant more than being “eco-friendly” in the actual products, it meant putting both people and planet at the forefront of everything we create -- after all, these sustainability efforts won’t mean anything if humans are being exploited for their work in the end. The actual supply chain and practices are going to continue to change and evolve, but part of embarking on this sustainability journey is being constantly open to finding better processes, materials and ways of doing things. 

SUSTAIN: What inspires you in your life when it comes to creating and designing?

Kathleen: I’m inspired by a combination of timelessness, effortlessness and functionality. We’ve set out on a goal to create pieces that are multi-wear and versatile to be able to mold to different personalities and lifestyles. One thing that is so great about giving flexibility in our pieces, whether it’s the reversible designs or tying and bikini in multiple ways, is the ability to give our customers creative say in how they wear our pieces and bring them into the world. It love seeing people wear one piece as a bodysuit out to dinner or coming up with a new way to style a piece that I had never thought of before. I believe that I’m only one piece of the design puzzle, but the other portion is having people make it fit and be comfortable for their bodies and style.

SUSTAIN: Which is your favorite swimsuit out of the collection? 

Kathleen: From the newest collection I gravitate toward both of the green suits, specifically the one piece. I love that it is a color that is extremely bright, but still such a classic that you can make it work for years to come. Swimwear is interesting because it is a functional, performance piece by nature, but the category has evolved to an item that you can take risks with and test into new versions of yourself. It’s not taken as “seriously” as everyday pieces, so it gives some wiggle room to try out fun colors, prints and designs, which is totally how I feel about the green/floral reversible suits.

SUSTAIN: What do you do to rest and take time for yourself when life and work gets busy?

Kathleen: I try to ground myself in one way or another on a daily basis. For me this can come in the form of fresh air, movement and nourishment. This can mean getting fresh air on a long walk to the beach, doing a yoga or pilates class (in-person or from home!) or eating a favorite comfort food, whether that is going out to dinner with friends or cooking something special at home. Additionally, sleep is a very important part of my day. I am the kind of person who needs at least 9-10 hours a night to function (I know…it sounds like a bit much) but if I’m really out of whack I love to go to bed early or sleep-in to recenter. 

SUSTAIN: What are some of your current favorite sustainable brands? 

Kathleen: Everlane continues to be my go-to for clothing and basics, but I have been more partial to thrifting and buying things second hand. Tiller sells at Artists & Fleas in Venice and I am a sucker for shopping at the market while we’re selling there. There are also so many great thrift and vintage stores all over LA, so it has made me much more creative and crafty to source items over a longer period of time -- not to mention it is much more rewarding and you end up with high quality, unique, one of a kind pieces (usually for a fraction of the cost of buying new). 

SUSTAIN: Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share with us?

Kathleen: In the immediate future we’ll be starting our retail partnership with a vintage & local collective in Venice called Adorned Collective right off of Abbot Kinney. If you’re in the LA area in October definitely come check out the shop, it is so beautifully curated and I’m thrilled to be alongside such inspirational brands. As for a bit farther down the line, we are working on our activewear line that will (fingers crossed) be launching in the late Spring. This is something we have been thinking about for a long while and I’m so excited to be bringing it to life this year! 

Photographed by Gabby Hall

Modeled by Alayna Suber