We are based on the North West coast of England. We don't have any stockists, our online store is the only place you can buy genuine BATOKO swimwear. The good news is we are open 24/7 (thanks internet!) and ship worldwide.
We'll happily accept returns on all swimsuits sent back to us within 28 days. All we ask is that they are still in their original condition with all tags, stickers and labels still attached. Visit our returns page for more information.
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 United Kingdom so all orders will be charged in GBP (£). Currency conversion is for reference only and so the final price may differ according to your bank/credit card provider/paypal conversion rate at the time of placing the order.
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.
All mainland UK orders generally arrive within 3 days. For international orders, the delivery timeframe depends on the shipping option you chose at checkout. Please refer to your confirmation email which will show your chosen delivery method and the timeframe expected.
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.
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.
If you wish to make changes to your order, please contact us within 15 minutes of placing your order. Please note; we cannot make changed to your order if it has already been dispatched.
If you wish to cancel your order, please contact us within 15 minutes of placing your order. Please note; we cannot cancel your order if it has already been dispatched. If this is the case, you will need to wait for the order to be delivered and then either send it back to us or refuse delivery.
To make changes to your delivery address or any other details, please contact us within 15 minutes of placing your order.
Please note; 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 address contains an error or missing information, the delivery company will most likely return your order to us and we will contact you to arrange re-delivery once we receive it back. 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 retrieve it from this address yourself.
We are unable to add additional items to existing orders manually, instead the best way to do this would be to place a new separate order which we can combine with your current order and issue you a refund for the excess delivery costs paid. If you wish to go ahead with this, please contact us within 15 minutes of placing your order to let us know, so that we can put your current order on hold. You will then need to place the new order and send us an email with your new order number.
We cannot change the shipping method on existing orders unfortunately, instead the best option would be to cancel your current order and place a new separate order with an alternative shipping method. To go ahead with this, please contact us within 15 minutes of placing your order, as we cannot make any changes to shipping once your order has been shipped.
Your order is sent to the exact delivery address you provide us with at the checkout. We print this directly onto the front of your parcel so there are no human errors or auto-fill mistakes at our end. 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. Please note; 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 retrieve it from this address yourself.
The email address on your order is where we send all your order and shipping confirmation details to. To change or update the contact information on your order, please contact us.
We try to keep packaging as minimal as possible, which means it's free of individual plastics and wrapping. Our swimsuits are simply folded and slid into a mail bag. The mail bag essentially works as a protective sleeve for your swimsuit during delivery, nothing more. We send UK orders in a paper mail bag. For international orders, we use 100% recycled (and recyclable) plastic mail bags by EcoEnclose. The paper mail bags can be reused, composted or recycled by popping it in your recycling bin. The recycled plastic mail bags can also be reused and recycled. If your local council doesn't accept plastic bags in your recycling bin yet, most major supermarkets now have plastic recycling bins available.
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. E.G. 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. Please contact us if you would like this confirmed.
We'll happily accept returns on all swimsuits sent back to us within 28 days. All we ask is that they are still in their original condition with all tags, stickers and labels still attached. Visit our returns page for more information.
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. Visit our returns page for more information.
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.
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.
Once we receive your return we will issue you a refund within 7 days. Refunds exclude all postage costs.
Please note; we are also not liable for undelivered/lost returns, so we recommend using a tracked service and keeping the postal receipt to be on the safe side.
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.
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.
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.
Our swimsuits have been tested by us up to an E cup for swimming (they are designed specifically for swimming in, not just fashion). We have also received positive feedback from customers with larger bust sizes. The support is created by the strong-hold fabric/stitch with extra support coming from the higher back which helps keep everything supported and in place (similar to a sports bra).
Of course it all comes down to personal preference, which is why you are more than welcome to try one and return it for a refund if you find that it's not suitable for you.
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. We choose to keep the swimsuit free of these additions for two reasons: to keep it minimalistic for a wide-range of uses and to ensure the swimsuit is made of 100% recycled materials.
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.
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.
Our swimwear is manufactured in an audited factory in China that takes necessary measures to avoid both environmental degradation, along with following and respecting the labour principles set out in the BSCI Code of Conduct which ensures a fair and safe working environment for all it's workers. This ethical business behaviour ensures that all workers have increased awareness of both their labour rights and human rights, along with access to grievance mechanisms if they feel their rights are not being met. BSCI principles also include fair pay, no forced or bonded labour, no child labour or workers below the legal minimum age, decent working hours (observed by law), no discrimination and equal opportunities. We feel a great amount of responsibility to maintain a stable business relationship with our supplier, which is turn gives the factory a reason to invest in continuously improving it's working conditions.
In addition to using recycled materials, we also digital print our swimwear. Not only does this produce amazing vibrancy, but it saves water and energy too. Digital printing allows for precision, which means we can pre-cut our fabric and use the exact amount of ink needed for each swimsuit. This leaves us with very little wastage overall and works as the most ecological printing method for our recycled fabric.
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.
No, in fact our swimwear feels pretty damn 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Thank you for your interest in stocking BATOKO. Unfortunately we do not currently offer wholesale. The re-sale and distribution of BATOKO swimwear for commercial reasons if strictly prohibited.
We sometimes get asked if we will be bringing out any different styles of swimwear e.g. bikinis, rash guards, menswear, boy shorts and although we'd never say never, we don't have any immediate plans to extend our range. 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. Being such a small business comes with it's limitations and so we feel it's important to focus our efforts on making one exceptional product rather than making many products that we cannot sustain just yet.
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.
We love to hear from other likeminded, sustainable brands and businesses. If you have an idea for a collaboration, please send as much detail as possible in an email to hello@batoko.com. We regret that we are not always able to respond immediately. If we like your idea and feel our businesses are a good fit, we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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, Help Center + 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.
We don't sorry! However we love nothing more than showcasing our customer photos on instagram to our 140k+ strong tribe. If you would like your photo to be considered, please tag @batoko or hashtag #batokoswimwear.
We do not currently accept used swimsuits back for recycling unfortunately. This is due to the current lack of recycling facilities available within the UK, followed by the cost implications of existing return-recycle programmes. Instead we encourage you to follow our Care Guide to ensure that your swimsuit lasts a really long time.
We also encourage you to donate any old, unwanted clothes to charity. Always try to repair clothes first before binning them. If it's beyond repair, don't forget to check with your local council on what you can recycle in your area. Household tips generally have textile bins for recycling available and this is a much better option than landfill.
We are currently unable to accept donations of plastic waste unfortunately.
If you have collected rubbish from a beach clean for example, please contact your local council for advice on what you can and cannot recycle in your area. Some councils may not take in plastic collected from beaches or lakes as it is too 'low grade' and can cause issues during the recycling process. For this reason, we encourage you to ask your council first before tipping it all in your recycling bin.
Other BATOKO's in existence that aren't recycled swimsuits include:
The Batoko Plum plant. A small shrubby tree native of the Philippines that can be found in clearings and at the edges of the tropical rainforests of Africa and Asia. It can grow up to 25 feet high and produces a bright red Batoko plum. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked, fermented to make wine and the bark, leaves and roots are used in herbal medicines and as treatment for snakebites.
The Batoko family name. Yep, Batoko is also a family name (we occasionally get tagged in the odd family facebook snaps too).
