We're a swimwear brand, so the ocean isn't just our inspiration — it's the reason we exist. And no part of the ocean is more alive, more beautiful, or more fragile than the coral reef. These underwater cities cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet they hold up an astonishing share of life on Earth. Here's why they matter, and why protecting them is part of who we are.
Small footprint, enormous impact
Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea, and the comparison holds. Despite occupying a tiny fraction of the ocean, reefs support roughly a quarter of all marine species at some point in their lives. Fish, turtles, crustaceans, mollusks, and countless organisms depend on reefs for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Take the reef away, and that entire web begins to unravel.
Reefs protect people, too
Their value isn't only ecological. Reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing wave energy before it reaches the shore. That barrier protects coastlines from storms, flooding, and erosion, shielding communities and habitats that would otherwise be exposed. Reefs also underpin the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people through fishing and tourism. A healthy reef is quietly doing a job no seawall could match.
They may hold answers we haven't found yet
Reef ecosystems are treasure chests of biodiversity, and scientists are still discovering what lives there. Compounds derived from reef organisms have already contributed to medical research, and much of the deep ocean remains unexplored. Organizations like the Schmidt Ocean Institute are constantly documenting new species and mapping habitats we've never seen — a reminder that when a reef is lost, we may be losing answers to questions we haven't even asked.
Why reefs are in trouble
Reefs are under pressure from several directions at once. Warming ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, where stressed coral expels the algae it depends on and turns ghostly white; prolonged bleaching can kill a reef. Ocean acidification weakens the coral's ability to build its structure. Pollution, including plastic waste and microplastics, smothers and poisons reef life. And that last one hits close to home for anyone in the swimwear industry: much of that plastic begins as disposable synthetic products, discarded and broken down into the ocean.
Where a swimwear brand fits in
This is exactly why our choices as a brand matter. Swimwear made to last and made responsibly means less waste heading toward the water. Fabrics that reuse existing plastic mean less new plastic in the system. And partnerships with ocean science — like our collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute — connect our community directly to the research working to understand and protect these ecosystems.
We can't rebuild a reef with a swimsuit. But we can refuse to be part of what harms them, and we can use our platform to keep reefs in the conversation. Every customer who chooses durable, responsible swimwear is part of that too.
What you can do
You don't have to be a marine biologist to help. Choose swimwear built to last instead of disposable fast fashion. Use reef-safe sunscreen, which avoids the chemicals known to damage coral. Never touch or stand on coral when you snorkel or dive. Cut single-use plastic where you can. And support the science: following and sharing the work of organizations like the Schmidt Ocean Institute keeps ocean research visible and funded.
The reef gives the ocean its color, its life, and much of its resilience. Protecting it isn't a side project for us — it's the whole point.
Learn more about our work with ocean science in our recap of Miami Swim Week 2026 and our collection created with the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
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