South Beach Boardies

Growing up on Cocos Islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean gave Kirsten Lopez a love for the sea from a young age.

Early memories of playing with hermit crabs on pristine beaches with her twin sister in this tranquil paradise instilled a respect for nature that remains firm today.

As an adult, travelling the world, with stints living in Europe and Southeast Asia, only added to Kirsten's appreciation for mother nature before returning to Perth and finding her sunny spot in South Fremantle.

Finding it hard to source stylish women's and sustainable kids' board shorts planted the initial seed for South Beach Boardies. The,n working in sustainable travel, an article on the destruction of the hermit crabs in her childhood haven prompted her to create a business to make a difference, however small.

It's an independent, ethical, family enterprise (Kirsten, now a mama to four young boys, runs the biz with partner Tim) creating eco-friendly beachwear using luxurious fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles sourced from sustainable fabric mills. This high-quality recycled polyester is quick-drying and lightweight, with more durability than its virgin equivalent.

South Beach Boardies also prides itself on using ethical factories with products made by skilled workers and a commitment to eco-friendly, zero-waste production processes.

An extensive range of boardies, bathers, rashies (including elegant wraps for women) and a unisex kids range, made so they can be handed down, are made in limited edition prints.

Many prints have a bright and bold Australian theme, including a new block colour range in blues and teals.

Men's trunks come in Retro and stretchy short versions; women's bathers have a fifties-style slant. Boardies are designed to be worn from the street to the sand. Kids designs are made to match, material-wise, for fashionable families. Or, if wanting something truly unique, you can book time with Kirsten to design your own one-of-a-kind pair during a half-day workshop.

Clothing extends beyond bather,s with a central table in their flagship store overflowing with accessories. Bucket hats, hoodies, and T-shirts using 100% recycled material are printed locally in East Fremantle.

Lightweight, slimline, and fast-drying Freostyle beach towels made from 100% sustainable Turkish cotton have a nifty pocket hidden into the towel to store keys and cash while you swim. Lightfeet Recycled flip flops, Avocado Zinc and Sunbutter reef-safe sunscreen, Frank Green re-usable cops, Mokoh prints, Lumby Making recycled plastic jewellery, Vasse Virgin skincare, Green Toys, and wooden sunglasses (made from recycled skateboards) are also up for grabs.

Photo credit: Emma Sutton