Len Swim is a small, family-run boutique children’s swimwear label created on the beautiful beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. With 3 young children, they understand all too well the chaos that comes with parenting. Sick of fighting to get their kids in and out of wet swimwear, they were inspired to make their own beach days easier, safer and more fun. Their long sleeve infant and children’s swimwear takes the stress out of nappy changes, toilet training and bathroom breaks, and their signature snap suit swimwear and leisure range has been designed to last through the long days and promote independence and adventure. Here, founder Bianca La Ferlita talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind Len Swim, the challenges they have overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
We are fortunate enough to live on the Mornington Peninsula and have the bay as our backyard. Inspiration sorted! Being a mum of 3 young kids, we were knee-deep in the beautiful trenches of baby and toddler mayhem, like a lot of other people. One of the activities I always dreaded with the kids was the chaotic moments after swimming lessons or wrapping up at the beach. It was annoying to fight them getting in and out of wet swimwear, especially when there is more than one of them! Putting wet bathers back on cold little bodies after toilet trips and nappy changes while in long sleeves was a nightmare. Enter Len Swim! Born from a mix of wanting to make our water play days easier, as well as creating a sensory friendly solution for others we knew would also greatly benefit from it. It’s been incredible for children with sensory issues and disability too. It’s for EVERY body. All swimwear is sustainably made, sourced, and has snaps to make changing incredibly easy, as well as other sensory friendly components like wider sleeves, no tags, and large rear zips with guards.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Slowly, so slowly. We were sourcing while pregnant, then strapping our newborn to us while we shot the first samples, and now just wrangling all the things in between kinder runs. It was chaotic, but to this day, this business has so graciously worked around our family needs and I am forever grateful to it for that. We are loving the journey of evolving. There has been a lot of trial, error, coffee, and more error! You never stop learning, that’s for sure.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
For us, it was finding the perfect cut and fabric blend. It was so important it was representative of sustainability and style. A lot of the baby swimsuits were either too tight around the leg or too loose up top, so getting a good fit was harder than initially thought. We did a lot of trials with a lot of little bodies! It also took us quite a while to nail the swimsuit with the right recycled fabric. It felt like some days we were never going to get there. There were a LOT of samples, but once we had it figured out, we knew we were on to something great!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Ha, like a toddler finding its feet! I rely on a mix of flexibility, my husband, and I feel very lucky that my third up until now has been a real cruiser. I think giving 100% to whatever it is you’re doing at the time has been a big help mentally for me. So, when my kids are in front of me, they are the only thing I am focused on. Same goes for the business. It helps eliminate the mum guilt, and the distraction. Also understanding and realising everything is a choice. Don’t want to do something? I no longer do it. It’s been a great way of clearing space for the stuff that actually matters.
