SKYBAK

SKYBAK Swimwear is a luxury swimwear brand created exclusively for tall and long bodied women. Founded by London based Helen Skybak, a former model turned designer. SKYBAK eco friendly swimwear that celebrates the unique proportions of taller women.

Every piece in the SKYBAK collection is made using sustainable fabrics such as Eco yarn and Carvico VITA. These premium materials are celebrated for their durability, refined texture, and resistance to sunscreen, chlorine, and wear.

IRK wanted to find out more about this sustainable swimwear brand with a niche market.

IRK: Helen would you like to Introduce yourself.

Helen: I’m the founder of SKYBAK. A specialist swimwear brand exclusively designed for tall women and those with long torsos. I’m a former model who transitioned into the events industry, where I’ve worked across a wide range of sectors. From global music festivals, luxury weddings to major corporate sporting events.

My time as a model allowed me to maintain a strong connection with the fashion world and I always felt a passion for designing clothing.

IRK: Tell us about your journey and how you came about designing your own swimwear range.

Helen: My journey to launching SKYBAK Swimwear began during the pandemic when I had a unique opportunity to create something meaningful. At six feet tall with a long torso. I’ve always struggled to find quality one piece swimsuits that fit my body properly. Traditional swimwear brands often neglect tall women and those with longer torsos, resulting in uncomfortable, unflattering, and ill-fitting designs.

I realised there was a significant gap in the market for high quality, well designed swimsuits. Specifically tailored for taller women and those with longer torsos. Standard swimwear sizing leaves tall women exposed to wardrobe malfunctions. Lack of support, and discomfort—especially when it comes to elegant one piece swimsuits. Inspired by my own frustrations. I set out to create a luxury swimwear brand that serves tall women and long torso body types.

My goal was to offer a swimwear collection that is not only stylish and sophisticated. But also engineered to fit tall women’s bodies perfectly. By focusing on innovative design, premium fabrics, and inclusivity, I wanted to redefine how tall women feel in swimwear. It’s about embracing elegance, confidence, and comfort—no compromises.

IRK: I understand you’re not a trained fashion designer. What challenges did you face starting out?

Helen: As a new swimwear designer, I faced numerous challenges. While I brought my own creative vision and passion for creating swimwear for tall women. Learning the intricacies of swimwear design—from structure and support for taller bodies. To creating styles that cater to the unique proportions of long torsos—required constant refinement and dedication.

I dedicated countless hours to researching, sketching, and refining designs. I drew inspiration from the lingerie industry. Focusing on construction techniques that provide shaping and support where it’s most needed for taller women. Through numerous fittings, adjustments and iterations. I was able to refine my designs and create a collection that I am truly proud of.

The process was invaluable and continues to shape my growth as a designer. Today, SKYBAK Swimwear stands as a premium brand for tall women and those with long torsos. Providing luxurious, perfectly fitting swimwear that combines beauty with comfort.

IRK: How did you overcome the challenge of creating a swimsuit to fit a longer body?

Helen: Designing swimwear for long torso bodies required understanding specific measurements, proportions, and the unique needs of tall women. While it may seem like a niche product, designing swimsuits for long torsos is more inclusive than many people think.

I relied heavily on my own experiences with ill fitting swimwear. Gathering insights from other tall women who shared similar struggles. I learned that simply extending the length of swimsuits isn’t enough. Instead, I focused on ensuring that all design elements, such as underwire support, adjustable straps, and flexible leg heights. Work cohesively to create a flattering, balanced silhouette.

During the product development process, I conducted numerous fit sessions. Including myself and fit models representing a range of body types. This ensured that our swimsuits not only look incredible but feel fantastic on various tall and long-torso body shapes.

IRK: Can you tell us a little about the fabric Skybak uses. Why choosing it was so important to you?

Helen: At SKYBAK Swimwear, sustainability and ethical fashion are at the heart of everything we do. Choosing eco-friendly materials for our swimsuits was a natural decision. Because we believe that looking good and feeling confident shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet.

For our launch collection, we chose Ecoyarn and Carvico VITA. Two cutting edge, recycled fabrics made from industrial plastic, discarded textiles, and reclaimed fishing nets. By using these innovative materials, we’re doing our part to reduce waste and conserve resources. While also offering our customers the quality and durability they deserve.

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just fabric choice. We take pride in our manual cutting process and small-batch collections. Which minimize waste and ensure each piece is crafted with care. Even our packaging is made entirely from recyclable and biodegradable materials.

But sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. The fabrics we use are luxurious, durable, and built to last. They’re resistant to sunscreen, chlorine, and wear, which means they retain their shape, colour, and performance after many swims. This dedication to quality reflects our belief that swimwear for tall women should not only fit beautifully but also stand the test of time.

IRK: How do I buy SKYBAK?

Helen: The best way to purchase SKYBAK swimsuits is directly through our website. There, you can explore our entire collection. Read more about our sustainable practices, and discover the perfect fit for your long torso.

We’re also excited to share that SKYBAK will soon be available on several popular online platforms. Making it even easier to find your ideal swimsuit. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming partnerships!

IRK: What does the future hold for SKYBAK?

Helen: Our mission is to continually innovate and expand our collection to celebrate and empower tall women and those with long torsos. Inspired by the timeless glamour of classic cinema, our debut collection merges iconic retro femininity with modern sophistication. With clean lines, elegant silhouettes and a refined colour palette. Each piece is crafted to feel both luxurious and effortlessly chic.

Building on this foundation, we are developing a new collection of tall-friendly two piece swimwear and resort wear for next summer. These pieces will maintain our unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and exquisite design—crafted to enhance confidence and embrace individuality.

As SKYBAK grows, our dedication to creating beautifully made, eco conscious swimwear for tall women remains at the core of everything we do. Every woman, regardless of her height, deserves to feel elegant, confident, and celebrated.

Read Helen’s Little Black of London