Designed by and for women with every size (XS to 3XL, as well as long torso options), fit preference (well-made, well-cut suits that look great, keep everything where it should be, and feel so comfortable) and occasion in mind (not to mention, collabs with the likes of Demi Moore), Andie is the perfect go-to swimwear this summer and beyond. And it’s finally in Canada! We chatted with founder Melanie Travis to learn more. —Noa Nichol
Hi Melanie! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
Hi! I’m Melanie, the founder and CEO of Andie Swim. I was born in France, but grew up in New York City. I worked in startups for years before starting Andie. I started Andie from a personal pain point around shopping for swimsuits—I found it a miserable experience and believed there just had to be a better way!
What is Andie? What products do you offer and why are they unique? (Also, any significance behind the name?)
Simply put, Andie is swimwear by women, for women. Andie was created to make swimsuit shopping a breeze with stylish staples that fit the modern lifestyle. So whether you’re lounging by the pool, catching a wave, or relaxing with a yoga session, we can help you find the perfectly fitting suits for any occasion. We chose the name Andie as we wanted a name that feels approachable—going back to our goal of being a virtual best friend that can provide support through the vulnerable parts of shopping for swimsuits.
How does it feel to launch in Canada? What niche do you hope to fill in the Canadian market/for Canadian consumers?
It’s been incredible being able to officially launch in Canada and meet our Canadian customers. It seems Canadians love to spend time on beaches and lakeside, enjoying the great outdoors or relaxing through a yoga session, and we wanted to be that go-to swimsuit brand for all their needs. Our mission of providing a wide variety of quality and reasonably priced suits while offering an easy shopping experience still stands true, and we’re excited to introduce Andie to the Canadian market.
We love the Andie philosophy of well-made, well-cut suits that look great, keep everything where it should be, and feel comfortable. How has customer response been to these qualities, and more?
Since our launch in 2017, we’ve seen incredible reception and feedback on our styles and options. Our suits are designed with body inclusivity in mind and we’re proud of the wide range of sizes and cuts we have available.
Sizing wise, what can we expect from Andie swimwear? In the same vein, tell us about your Fit Experts, and how they can help (especially with online shopping, which is never easy when it comes to bathing suits!)?
Love this question. The idea of Andie came to me when I was personally shopping for a swimsuit one day. I know the stress that comes with buying and wearing a swimsuit. It really is the most naked you’ll be in public. I wanted to make sure that Andie is able to address those concerns. One of the ways we’re making swimsuit shopping easy and comfortable is through our Fit Experts. They’re what we call our virtual BFFs that will have your back and help with every step of your swim shopping journey. Starting from fit advice, sizing support and try-on tips, this service is available for our new and existing customers. Best way is to get in touch over email or through a scheduled phone appointment.
Is there a sustainability component to these suits?
Absolutely—sustainability is one of our core values at Andie. We have a fully sustainable supply chain, from certified green factories to recycled hang tags and poly bags. Our swimsuits themselves are made from recycled nylon fabric, sourced from recycled water bottles!
What are some tried-and-true fan faves, in terms of Andie styles, and what makes these so popular? Also, tell us about your recent collab with Demi Moore!
We have an evergreen collection that has been a tried-and-true fan favourite and it’s a line that has been with us since the beginning. As a starting point, check out our one pieces like Tulum, Amalfi, Mykonos and Malibu. They’re some of our best-selling styles, and have been worn and loved by tens of thousands of women. We had an absolute blast working with Demi Moore on her first-ever swimwear line. We really leaned into that iconic, glamorous, vintage-inspired look and made the collection with every woman in mind. Demi’s been a friend and long-time supporter of Andie and we are so excited to work on this collaboration with her.
Final, personal question: which Andie suit have you been rocking all summer?!
Oh this is a tough question! It’s hard to choose just one because it differs depending on what I’m doing that day. But if I had to choose, I’ve been especially loving the Malibu one-piece and the Valencia two piece—they’ve been in rotation all summer.
Win! An Andie Swimwear Suit!
Congrats Jodie G. of Grande Prairie, AB, who will receive an Andie swimsuit of their choice, valued at approximately $124! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.
August 24th, 2022 at 9:35 am
I like Bikinis as one piece swimsuits do not fit me well
August 24th, 2022 at 11:16 am
My preference is bikinis. My insta handle is allikitten06@gmail.com
August 24th, 2022 at 11:27 am
My preference is a one piece suit, and I really like her Malibu one.
Super chic.
@nicolthe_pickle
August 24th, 2022 at 11:51 am
I prefer swimsuits, but I wear both. It depends on the bathing suit.
@stephy905
August 24th, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Hello. I would love to win one of your swimsuits!
@carrie.turtle
August 24th, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Hello. I would love to win a swimsuit!
Thanks
@carrie.turtle
(I hope I didn’t accidentally comment twice)
August 24th, 2022 at 3:14 pm
I prefer swimsuits. @asherares
August 24th, 2022 at 4:45 pm
My wife and I prefer swimsuits. @coach_Daves9
August 24th, 2022 at 5:46 pm
I prefer swimsuits.
@traveleats
August 24th, 2022 at 9:51 pm
I visit the Andie website all the time, so glad it’s in Canada now. I love a bikini! @vikkostevenson
August 24th, 2022 at 10:08 pm
deff swimsuit to cover unwanted marks lol
. @xtinalimn
August 25th, 2022 at 1:39 am
I like one pieces only because I’m not comfortable with my midsection @happygardener46
August 25th, 2022 at 3:20 am
I prefer a one-piece. @arcticvixen007
August 25th, 2022 at 8:04 am
I prefer swimsuits. IG @minty_mo2020
August 25th, 2022 at 8:54 am
I prefer a bikini! @tabby_1972
August 25th, 2022 at 11:29 am
swimsuits!
@rachelanncartwright
August 25th, 2022 at 4:11 pm
One piece swimsuit for moi. Love the whole Andi ethos. Great interview! @anscrming
August 25th, 2022 at 5:59 pm
I prefer Swimsuits @sass.ls
August 25th, 2022 at 8:38 pm
Swimsuits, but they generally are not long enough.
August 26th, 2022 at 12:18 pm
I prefer swimsuits! 🙂
@happyfeetforthewin
August 27th, 2022 at 8:21 am
Swimsuit for me 🙂 @maryandcedar
August 28th, 2022 at 8:29 am
I prefer a swimsuit
@kristymun
August 28th, 2022 at 9:01 am
swimsuit @rosehavenca
August 29th, 2022 at 11:11 am
swimsuits for sure @lebeau5450
August 29th, 2022 at 5:54 pm
Bikinis! @jenelleefraser
August 30th, 2022 at 9:39 pm
Bikinis for me!
@604girl
August 31st, 2022 at 11:57 am
I prefer Swimsuits!?