Yes, we ship all over the world! Head over to our shipping page for more information.
Q&A
Orders & Shipping
How long does shipping take?
We aim to deliver all UK mainland orders within 3 working days with Royal Mail. For international orders, the delivery timeframe depends on the shipping option you chose at checkout. Head over to our shipping page for more information.
If you have already placed an order, please refer to your confirmation email which will show your chosen delivery method and the timeframe expected.
How much does shipping cost?
UK delivery is £3. For international orders, all available options and costs will be calculated at the checkout before you complete your order. Head over to our shipping page for more information.
How will my order be packaged?
Minimally. Our swimsuits are simply folded and slid into a mail bag, working as a protective sleeve for your swimsuit during delivery, nothing more.
We send UK orders in a paper mail bag. These can be reused, composted or recycled by popping it in your recycling bin. For international orders, we use 100% recycled plastic mail bags. These can also be reused and recycled. If your local council doesn't accept plastic bags in your recycling bin yet, most major supermarkets have plastic recycling bins available. Do keep checking in with your local council, as this information is continually changing.
We've made a conscious choice not to use compostable/plant-based plastic mail bags just yet. This is due to mixed and contradictory messages from both companies and councils. Most councils in the UK do not accept compostable plastics in the garden waste and often these bags get caught up in the recycling system which contaminates the lot.
Can I change the currency?
Yes, you can change the currency using the toggle in the main menu at the top of the website. Please note; we are based in the UK so all orders are charged in GBP (£). Currency conversion is for reference only. The final price may differ according to your bank/credit card provider/paypal conversion rate at the time of placing the order.
I live in the Channel Islands. Do I get charged VAT?
If you are a non-UK resident having your order delivered to a non-EU address (this includes the Channel Islands), the products are zero-rated and not subject to UK VAT. The total amount charged for your order will not change.
Can I cancel or make changes to my order?
If you wish to cancel or make changes to your order, please contact us within 15 minutes of placing your order. Regrettably we are unable to do this if your order if it has already been dispatched.
How do I check the status of my order?
You can view your order status anytime by using our helpful chat box at the bottom of our website. Select "Check order status", enter your order number (or the email address you used on your order) and we'll provide you with up-to-date information about your order.
If your order is "processing", this means it hasn't shipped yet. If your order has been shipped and you chose a tracked delivery service, a tracking link will appear which you can use to track your order.
How do I track my order?
Your tracking details are in your dispatch confirmation email. Alternatively you can track your order using our helpful chat box at the bottom of our website. Select 'Check order status', enter your order number or the email address on your order and we'll provide you with an instant link to your tracking information.
Please note; not all delivery options come with tracking, so if you would like the option to track your parcel please make sure to select Tracked or Express at the time you place your order. If you choose Standard delivery, you won't get a tracking number and we are unable to track it for you.
Is your website safe?
Yes! We use the secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption key length of 128-bits (the highest level commercially available) that ensures safe internet transmission of your person information. A lock icon will be showing next to your browsers URL bar right now - if you click on this it will state "connection is secure" which confirms that you are on a safe connection with us. We do not see or store your credit card details nor do we share your personal information with any third party.
Help! My order has been shipped to the wrong address?
We ship orders to the exact delivery address you provide us with at the checkout. Unfortunately we cannot make any changes to your address once your order has been dispatched and we are unable to re-direct it to another address.
If your order has been sent to an address that contains errors or missing information, the delivery company will most likely return it to us and we will contact you when we receive it back to arrange re-delivery or a refund. If you entered a valid address incorrectly such as your previous home address or a different door/flat/office number, then you would need to organise a way to retrieve it from this address.
Have I been overcharged?
To put it simply, no.
By law we cannot overcharge you and our online system is created in such a way that it is not physically possible to overcharge you.
Currency conversion is the most common misconception of being overcharged. We're based in the UK, so if you placed your order from another country and your bank statement is showing a different price, this is the currency conversion from GBP £ to your own countries currency.
For example: if you placed your order in the United States and it totalled to £30 GBP yet your bank statement is showing a charge of $50 USD, this is simply the currency conversion from GBP £ to USD $. All orders made on our website are charged in GBP £. Your credit card provider/bank/paypal will determine the exact exchange rate that you will be charged.
Returns & Refunds
What is your returns policy?
We accept returns on all swimsuits sent back to us within 28 days, providing that they are in their original condition with all tags, stickers and labels still attached. Visit our returns page for more information.
How do I make a return?
To make a return, simply follow the instructions on the returns form that came with your order. If you have misplaced your returns form, please contact us and we will send you a copy.
Can I exchange my swimsuit?
No, we don't do straight exchanges.
Our swimsuits are made in limited batches and can sell out quickly during certain periods, therefore we've found that the most effective way to service an exchange is for you to reorder via our website and send us the unwanted item back for a refund. This should ensure that the item you want is still available and you will receive it much quicker than having to wait for your return to process. Head over to our returns page for more information.
Have you received my return yet?
You'll know when we've received your return because we will notify you by email. Once we receive your return we will issue you a refund within 7 days. Your refund confirmation email will be sent to the email that's on your order.
Please note; we are not liable for undelivered/lost returns, so we recommend using a tracked/signed for service and keeping the postal receipt to be on the safe side. If you have a tracking number, you will be able to see when we have received your return and know that your refund is on it's way.
How long will it take to receive a refund?
We will issue you a refund within 7 days of receiving your return.
I've got a problem with the order I've received. Help?
We're sorry about that! In the rare case we mess up, please kindly let us know within 3 days of receiving your order and we'll work to fix it as quickly as possibly for you.
Sizing & Fit
Which size should I get?
The best way to figure out which size will fit best is to head over to our size guide and use the chart to find your equivalent size. Alternatively, if you have a measuring tape handy, compare your body measurements to the chart by following our 'How To Measure Yourself' instructions. If you're still unsure, check out our helpful sizing tips.
Tip: use the size guide as intended = as a guide. And remember that the fabric is stretchy so will work around the average measurements shown. If you are between sizes, order the smaller size for a tighter fit and the larger size for a looser fit. If your measurements are coming out at different sizes completely, go for your normal clothing size.
What should I do if my measurements are coming out at different sizes?
Internet shopping is great until you're trying to guess your size and the size guide just threw a spanner in the works too. The good news is our swimsuits are super stretchy and forgiving, so will fit a variety of different body shapes and sizes.
Tip: Use the size guide as intended = as a guide. And remember that the fabric is stretchy so will work around the average measurements shown. If you are between sizes, order the smaller size for a tighter fit and the larger size for a looser fit. If your measurements are coming out at different sizes completely, go for your normal clothing size.
Do your swimsuits fit tall girls and long torso?
We've made our swimsuits a little more generous in length along with added stretch, so to fit a wider variety of heights and torso lengths. The feedback we have had is generally positive amongst tall girls that usually have difficulty in finding one-pieces that fit well. Rather than sizing up to accommodate height/long torso, we recommend sticking with your normal size or ordering two to compare. As always it's totally down to personal preference, which is why you are more than welcome to return any that are unsuitable for a refund.
Do your swimsuits support larger busts?
Yes! We have received lots of positive feedback from our customers with larger bust sizes. Annie (38FF) has written a great review for the Outdoor Swimming Society, which you can read here.
There is no shelf-bra, wiring or cups - the bust support is created by the thick double fabric, tight stitching and the perfect height back that's low enough to flatter, but high enough to hold everything in place and keep you supported (similar to a sports bra).
As always it is totally down to personal preference, which is why you are more than welcome to return any that are unsuitable for a refund.
Do your swimsuits have padded cups?
No! Our swimsuits do not have a built-in bra, shelf-bra, under-wiring or cups. They are however fully lined with thick, high-quality fabric and there is space on the inner lining if you wish to sew some padded cups in yourself.
How should the swimsuits look and fit when being worn?
There is absolutely no right or wrong way to wear our swimsuits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
If you're going to be doing lots of swimming, diving or water sports then we generally recommend sizing down for a tighter fit so that it will stay in place and allow for some stretching with wear. It's also good to go tighter if you want the fabric to look totally smooth and hold-you-in all over. However just as many people favour a looser, more relaxed fit.
Do you make maternity swimwear?
Whereas we don't have a specific maternity swimsuit, we do have customers who wear our swimsuits during pregnancy. Click here to read some of the positive feedback. We've also created an instagram highlight showing some of our customers and their lovely bumps wearing our cozzies.
Sustainability
Where is your swimwear made?
Our swimwear is manufactured in China. Learn more about our supply chain here.
Are the swimsuits ethically & sustainably made?
We consider the human and environmental costs in everything we do and allow this to shape our small business. It is for this reason that we consider ourselves an ethical and sustainable swimwear brand. This is entirely objective depending on the individual, which is why we like people to make up their own minds and make conscious choices according to their own values. Learn more about our supply chain and sustainability efforts.
How do you recycle them from plastic?
Our swimwear is recycled from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste. PET plastic is what plastic bottles are made out of as well as lots of food containers and textiles (clothes, carpets). If you see the number #1 printed on plastic, this is PET. It's the most common type of plastic and the most widely recycled.
The plastic waste is sorted, shredded into clean flakes, melted, extruded and then spun into polyester yarn for our fabric. The amount of plastic that goes into making our swimwear is recorded by weight and is the equivalent of approximately 10 plastic bottles per swimsuit.
Did you know: all swimwear is essentially made from "plastic" - polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra and neoprene are all synthetic (man-made) fabrics. The only difference is that our swimwear is made from recycled plastic that was headed to landfill rather than creating new plastic and adding to the 100 million tons that still get's produced each year.
Are your swimsuits suitable for vegans?
Yes, our swimwear is vegan. Designed by animal-lovers for animal-lovers.
Will your swimsuits shed microfibers?
As microfiber pollution is highly complex, we've created a dedicated blog post on the subject where we talk all about the issue, from fabric (quality and weave makes a significant difference) to washing tips. We also put one of our swimsuits through it's very own shed test. Read it here.
How eco-friendly is recycled swimwear?
The most eco-friendly fabrics are those that derive from plants and animals.
We do not know of any natural or bio-alternative fabrics available for use in swimwear. Natural fabrics such as cotton and wool soak-up water, becoming heavy and see-through. Plus adding stretch to these fabrics usually requires elastane (plastic).
We are passionate about sustainability and marine ecology, however we are not scientists. The invention of brand new fabrics at this level is highly complex work done only by exceptionally skilled engineers. Our skills on the other hand are in swimwear design, production and running a small business. By using our knowledge within the fashion industry, we've been able to create an alternative in swimwear that aligns with our passion for sustainability.
The use of plastic in swimwear is not a new concept. All swimwear is made from "plastic" = polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra and neoprene are all synthetic (man-made) fabrics. The difference with our swimwear is that instead of making more new plastic, we've made it from existing plastic waste that was headed for landfill.
What measures are you taking when it comes to climate change?
Here are some ways we are working to lower our impact on the environment:
Recycling plastic into high quality swimwear.
Utilising green energy and waste reduction across our small business.
Rewilding our carbon footprint with Mossy Earth.
Supporting incredible charities and marine conservation.
Encouraging proper care to keep our swimsuits long lasting.
How long should the swimsuit last?
The lifespan of your swimsuit will depend on how you use and care for it, that's why we've written an extensive care guide to help you get the most wear out of your swimsuit.
Fabric & Care
Do they feel "plasticy"?
No, in fact our swimwear feels pretty luxurious. Our swimsuits are super soft, comfy and stretchy - you'd have absolutely no clue that they were recycled from plastic waste.
Did you know: all swimwear is essentially made from "plastic" - polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra and neoprene are all synthetic (man-made) fabrics. The only difference is that our swimwear is made from recycled plastic that was headed to landfill rather than creating new plastic and adding to the 100 million tons that still produced each year.
How should I wash & dry my swimsuit?
Our swimsuits are durable, quick to dry and won't fade in the sun. Read our full Care Guide for tips on wear and tear, washing, drying and dealing with chemicals like chlorine and sunscreens.
Are your swimsuits UV-protective?
Our swimwear has not undergone any official tests, therefore we do not have an official UPF rating. Polyester is generally highly resistant to UV radiation and has a very high melting point, which means it can stand more prolonged exposure to the sun without the material breaking down. Our fabric is also tightly woven which generally makes it harder for the sun's rays to penetrate through.
Are your swimsuits chlorine resistant?
As a conscious choice with the environment in mind, our swimwear has not been treated with any chlorine-resistant coating or chemicals. Polyester is a hardy fabric that is generally very resistant to chlorine. If you will be using your swimsuit regularly in a chlorinated swimming pool, visit our Care Guide for information on how to protect and prolong it's wear.
Everything Else
Do you have a press contact?
For press enquiries, please click here.
Can we collaborate?
If you are a charity or not-for-profit and would like to discuss a collaboration with us, please get in touch. We are not currently working with brands/influencers/affiliates. Our instagram is where we showcase our customers photos. Click here if you'd like more information on how to join the tribe.
Where are you based & do you have stockists?
We are based on the North West coast of England. We don't have any stockists, our online storeis the only place you can buy genuine BATOKO swimwear. The good news is we are open 24/7 (thanks internet!) andship worldwide.
Do you offer wholesale?
Do you do any other styles of swimwear?
We make one style of swimwear. To view our full collection, please click here.
Will you be extending your range at some point?
Maybe, one day! We're a small business and love being this way. Our focus right now is on making one exceptional product at a time, rather than making many styles at once that we cannot sustain. We've spent the last few years developing our swimsuit to get it to what it is today, carefully making tweaks along the way in response to customer feedback.
With this in mind, every bit of feedback is important to us as we use it to help guide our next steps. We have set up a dedicated feedback form where you can share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions with us. Thank you for your support.
To view our full collection, please click here.
Do you make children's swimwear?
Sometimes! We're not at the moment, but that's not to say we never will in the future.
Do you make swimwear for men?
We don't, however who knows what the future may hold!
Do you have any jobs or internship opportunities?
I'm a student. Can you help with my project/dissertation?
It's great to hear of so many students covering such important topics like plastic pollution and sustainable fashion. Although we are unable to fulfil interview requests or similar, we do have lots of information on our website which you are welcome to use. About Us, Q&A + Blog are all great places to start. You can also use the images on our website, all we ask is that you kindly credit accordingly when using the information and images provided.
Do you accept old swimsuits back for recycling?
We do not have a recycling programme just yet. Instead we encourage you to repair, sell or donate any old, unwanted clothes. If you are hesitant to sell or donate your worn swimwear, check out this instagram post which proves that there are lots of people willing/already buying used swimwear.
If you don't think your swimsuit is in good enough condition to sell or donate to charity, then check the links below:
Do you accept plastic waste for recycling?
We are currently unable to accept donations of plastic waste.
If you have collected rubbish from a beach clean, it's best to contact your local council for advice on what you can and cannot recycle in your area. Some councils may not accept specific plastic collected from beaches as it is too low grade and can contaminate/cause issues during the recycling process. So it's best to ask before tipping it all into your recycling bin.
TerraCycle also offer a variety of free recycling programmes, which you can view here.