Swimwear FAQs | Made of Water

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQs. Whether you're choosing your perfect fit, curious about our sustainable fabrics or need help with delivery and returns, you'll find answers to our most common questions here.

Sizing and fit

  • The size guide on each product page gives bust, waist and hip in centimetres. Still not sure? Send us your measurements and we’ll help you pick.

  • Yes. Our bikinis are sold as separate tops and bottoms, so each half can be the size that fits.

  • Styles vary, and each product page describes the cut. You can browse every cut in our one pieces.

Fabric and sustainability

  • Our own swimwear is made from ECONYL regenerated nylon, a fibre created from nylon waste. The fabric is Italian, soft and has two-way stretch.

    Prints use eco-friendly inks certified by OEKO-TEX. The other brands we stock use recycled fabrics too, such as REPREVE, and you’ll find the details on each product page.

  • We design in Cornwall and the swimsuits are handcrafted in Indonesia, in a solar-powered facility.

    The factory pays well above average, covers health insurance for staff and their families, adds an extra month of salary each year, limits working hours and pays for voluntary overtime.

    There’s a profit-sharing scheme, and part of the facility’s proceeds goes to grassroots groups supporting the environment and women’s education. The full detail is on our sustainability page.

  • Yes. Most of our swimwear is PETA Vegan Approved.

  • We make small batches instead of mass-producing, use regenerated fabric instead of new fossil-derived material, and pay the people who sew our suits fairly.

    We’d rather you wear one suit for years than replace a cheap one every summer, so we design for salt, sea and sun with minimal fading or stretching.

    You can read more about who we are and how we work.

  • In eco-friendly packaging from Noissue, with very little non-recyclable plastic. Noissue plants trees for every order of packaging we buy. Our own branded swimwear also comes with a small cotton bag for storage.

Wearing and caring

  • They’re designed for it. We test every garment in the Atlantic across all seasons. Cold water still deserves respect, so build up your time gradually and don’t swim alone. If you want extra warmth, take a look at our neoprene swimwear.

  • Hand wash only, then dry it in the shade. Keep it away from the tumble dryer and radiators.

  • Most of our swimsuits offer UV protection of 50+. Check the product page for details.

Delivery

  • In the UK, Royal Mail Tracked 24® takes 1 to 2 working days and Royal Mail Tracked 48® takes 3 to 5. Busy periods like Christmas and sale events can slow things down.

  • It’s free on orders of £65 or more, sent Royal Mail Tracked 48® (3 to 5 working days).

    Under £65, Tracked 48® costs £4.50 and Tracked 24® (1 to 2 working days) costs £6.95.

    Full details are on our shipping and returns page.

  • Email us with your order number as soon as you can. If your order hasn’t been packed yet, we can change or cancel it. Once it’s on its way we can’t stop it, but you can send it back within 30 days if it’s unworn with the tags on.

  • Yes, collection is free on every order. Collection times are limited, so get in touch first.

  • Yes. Europe is £10 with Royal Mail international tracked, and the rest of the world is £20 with a tracked courier.

    International orders ship with duties unpaid, so you cover any import taxes or customs fees, and we can’t tell you the amount in advance.

    European and international sales are final.

  • Busy periods such as Christmas and sale events can slow Royal Mail down. If your order is late, get in touch.

    Royal Mail only accepts claims 10 days after the expected delivery date, so we allow a three-week grace period before we refund or replace an order. We’ll open the claim for you.

Returns and exchanges

  • Yes, within 30 days of purchase if it’s unworn and the tags are still attached. Contact us first, then send it back with your order details and a contact number.

    If you want an exchange, include a return address. We suggest using a tracked service, because lost returns are the sender’s responsibility.

  • Refunds go back to your original payment method and take 5 to 7 business days to come through upon processing.

  • No. Items in our sale can’t be returned or refunded.

  • Made of Water, 58 Bezant Place, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1SJ. Please contact us before posting.

  • We’re sorry if so. Email us a photo of the problem with your order number, and we’ll do our best to arrange a replacement or refund as quick as possible. Please don’t wear or wash it first. This doesn’t affect your statutory rights.

Good to know

  • Made of Water, OHOY Swim, Sunward Bound and Winki Suits. Each is chosen for its fabrics and how it treats the people who make it.

  • Yes, you’ll find our gift cards in the shop.

  • Yes, Klarna and Clearpay are available at checkout.

  • We’d love to chat about this. Get in touch through our Become a Stockist page.

  • Use our contact page for help with sizing, delivery or an order.