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Find yourself getting tired of going swimming in a DIY get-up that looks like it’s just been thrown together, fishing out your brother’s oversized t-shirt, leggings from yesteryear, and a makeshift wrap for your hair? This has been the case for most women globally who feel uncomfortable with the swimwear styles available on the current market. These situations are a common experience amongst plus size women, women of faith, or even some who just wants to cover up and get tanned less.
LYRASWIMS was created through one such woman, Ikram Zein’s struggle to find swimwear that suited her lifestyle. As someone who dressed modestly, and loved the outdoors, swimming and keeping fit, intertwined with a keen eye for fashion, swimwear that incorporated all these things was deemed an impossible task.
“I’ve been there. So, when it came to my next holiday abroad, and struggling to find something modest and weather appropriate to tackle the waters in, I decided to create my own range of swimwear that reflected my style, beliefs and philosophy.”
Ikram was finally able to get it started after a year of making mood boards in her bedroom, talking to women of all faiths and none on the high street about the difficulties they faced when swimming or heading to the beach. She set to work and was able to create the LYRASWIMS range which launched in December 2016.
Inspired by some of her favourite looks, modified to the level cover she hoped to achieve, the LYRA brand has all the elegance of classic Hollywood, Moroccan beach cool and minimalist design. The swimsuits are made from light weight, fast dry, premium quality Italian Carvico fabric with High UV protection and can be bought as a full set, or separates, including a chic turban style head covering, leggings, and long line, long sleeve tops, so that it can create the fit and cover needed.
LYRASWIMS isn’t just for women of faith only. As not all of its customers are noted to be Muslim. This particular brand also offers range women wanting to cover up for sun protection or feel body-conscious. Nigella Lawson, the famous celebrity, was also spotted wearing a burkini on Bondi beach in 2011 covering up to avoid a tan.
“Our brand has seen women all around the world enjoy our swimwear range, including prominent news anchor Noor Tagouri and Olympic fencing champion Ibtihaj Muhammad.” Says Ikram.
LYRA is also a recognised supporter of the #ThisGirlCan campaign; having designed a range of swimwear that fits the needs of all women to help increase participation rates in swimming. Through ‘LyraSwims’ campaign they went on to tell the real story of women who exercise through swimming, creating an extremely a body-positive platform.
Lyra aspires to reflect the beliefs, values, and philosophies of women from all walks of life. The brand also takes pride in the fact that they are not only fashionable and purposeful but also ethical. Through the whole journey that a Lyra swimsuit goes through – from designing, choosing the fabric, all the way to production – respect and integrity are valued.
Since launching her brand, Ikram has showcased her designs at London Modest Fashion Week and looks to expand the brands range with more design savvy, adaptable active wear for the contemporary women.
Photo credits: Lyra Swims
