Bantu Swimwear | Fabulous Cuts and All Sewn in Africa

African-made swimwear label Bantu founder Yodit Eklund considered going into investment banking after graduation. Her brother counseled otherwise, reminding her that she wanted to do something for Africa.

Founded in 2008, Bantu’s swimwear for men and women are wholly cut and sewn in Africa. “Whatever comes, whatever goes, Africa will always have beautiful beaches, Eklund says.

Paper Magazine reports that production is handled in Ethiopia, Cameroon and South Africa. Artisans from the Ivory Coast consult on the designs, which are currently stocked at Barney’s New York and will soon be at Opening Ceremony. Calypso carries the suits in summer in East Hampton and South Hampton.

Each season, Bantu improves its production — African manufacturing is one of Eklund’s passions — and broadens its offerings. (She has just introduced surfboards, made in South Africa.) But its focus remains steadfastly on giving back to the African community, in the form of jobs, as well as through a Bantu ambassador program that pairs underprivileged kids with surf instructors. As it turns out, despite running a surf-savvy brand, Eklund could use a little instruction herself. “I surf,” she says with a laugh. “But I’m very bad.”

Bantu is focused on saving and sharing the cultural heritage of Africa, showing that African style is full of vitality and life, and not only victimized or backward.

The Bantu website is a trip. Watch your volume control, because Bantu will give you a glorious high just listening. So get your glorious derrière over there for a short digital visit. Anne