The brainchild of New York-based Hana May and Los Angeles-based Madison Green, Sets Swim is a swimwear brand launched with a bikini, wrap and scrunchie, all of which are packaged as a set in a drawstring bag. Sized from 0-8, the debut collection is available in six colors: onyx, chocolate, lilac, money green, mango and cloud.
Created to simplify vacation travel, best friends May and Green conjured up the concept for the label following a New Year’s Eve trip that didn’t go exactly as plan.
Priced at $199, SETS is sized between 0 to 8 sizes instead of the 0-20 standard sizing and will launch its debut collection on June 10, 2022 on setsswim.com.
Check out our exchange with SETS founders May and Green below.
Snobette: Your press release talks about a failed New Year’s Even trip. Can you elaborate on that story?
SETS: “We were out shopping in New York and found this white feather dress, think Clueless, and looked at each other and decided we needed to go to Las Vegas. We proceeded to plan this elaborate trip and made several dinner reservations, and a million other plans. But you know how group chats go, and at the last minute we took the white feather dress to Los Angeles and celebrated New Year’s there.”
“We woke up New Year’s Day a little foggy, but somehow had the clarity to chat about our resolutions and we realized we would accomplish them better together than apart because we had complementary skills. The funniest part is there’s still tags on that dress, no one ended up wearing it. And the silver lining is SETS was born!.”
Snobette: From a design standpoint, what is different about a SETS string bikini?
SETS: “First of all everything comes as a set. So you always have a coordinated look ready to go. It’s perfect for anyone who tends to overpack when traveling. The Isabella bikini is a core style. She’s skimpy and cheeky if you want her to be, but she can also be pulled out a bit for days you want a little more coverage. The bottom is high cut and ultra flattering and the top is a classic bikini, it can be ruched and tied and worn a ton of different ways.
“We’ve lost track of how many trips we’ve taken together. We end up living in bikinis on the majority of these trips, so we’ve become pretty particular on what makes the perfect suit. Hana was looking for a good tanning bikini that could also be worn under a look, so something not too bulky. So we put the adjustable tabs on the bottom so that clothes could sit flat on top.”
“Madison has always been disappointed in the range of plus size swimwear. It was either super matronly or didn’t provide enough coverage, no in between. Basically we made a sexy silhouette that was also versatile enough to go to brunch. We took a lot of time with fittings. We did separate fittings for standard sizing and plus size to make sure we got the perfect fit and coverage for all.”
Snobette: What did you learn about design and production that you did know before?
SETS: “Everything! There’s not enough space on this page lol. But seriously it’s been so fun this deep in our careers to pivot to a new area of fashion. We’re still learning more every single day. Probably our biggest bit of advice would be to pad your timelines. And then pad them again.”
Snobette: What is your goal for SETS?
SETS: “We want to be the link that’s sent in every girl’s group chat once the trip has been confirmed!
