Kona Sol® was founded in 2015 by sisters Alexis and Kayla Johnson, who shared a lifelong passion for swimming and beach culture. As competitive swimmers growing up in California, they were disappointed by the limited swimsuit options available. The swimwear landscape was dominated by luxury European brands or low-quality discount suits – nothing embodied the free spirit and active lifestyle of the West Coast beach community.
Seeing this gap in the market, Alexis and Kayla set out to launch a swimwear company that would fuse high-performance athletic wear with the bohemian aesthetic of the California beach lifestyle. After extensive development and testing, Kona Sol® debuted its first collection of stylish, durable swimsuits made from recycled materials in Spring 2016.
Our Roots in the Surf and Swim Community
The Kona Sol® brand is inspired by our Southern California home, where surf culture, athleticism, and environmentalism shape the lifestyle. Kona Sol® translates the laidback yet adventurous spirit of the California beach community into the design of every swimsuit.
As lifelong swimmers and surf enthusiasts, Alexis and Kayla have been immersed in beach culture since childhood. We know the importance of a swimsuit that performs as well in the water as it looks on the beach. Our diverse community of surfers, swimmers, beach athletes, ocean conservationists, and free spirits informs every design decision we make.
Designed for Performance, Built for Play
Kona Sol® swimsuits are thoughtfully engineered to move with you, not against you. Our proprietary fabrics and flattering silhouettes are crafted for durability, comfort, and flexibility – whether you’re catching waves, doing laps, or just chilling seaside.
We use innovative technical fabrics like our signature KonaTexTM material. This Italian-milled fabric offers four-way stretch, quick-drying performance, and protection from damaging UV rays. Many styles also incorporate KonaFitTM components, such as bonded seams, inner grip lining, and adjustable straps to prevent slipping, chafing, and wardrobe malfunctions.
Beyond innovative materials, our commitment to performance includes extensive fit testing on a diverse range of body types. No more restrictive seams, slipping straps, or ill-fitting cups – Kona Sol® swimsuits are thoughtfully engineered for women’s bodies in motion.
Artisan Craftsmanship, Local Manufacturing
From initial sketches to finished products, each Kona Sol® swimsuit reflects our meticulous attention to detail and artisanal craftsmanship. We work closely with our manufacturing partners across Southern California to oversee each stage of the design process and ensure the highest standards of quality.
The Kona Sol® brand also prides itself on local manufacturing. By keeping production in California, we can closely monitor fair labor practices while reducing the carbon footprint of our supply chain. Our partners are committed to ethical, eco-friendly manufacturing processes and share our values around sustainability.
Eco-Conscious Fabrics and Business Practices
As proud California natives, preserving our state’s spectacular oceans and beaches is a core part of our mission. That’s why Kona Sol® integrates sustainability into every aspect of our business, from materials sourcing to packaging and shipping.
Our swimsuits are constructed from Repreve® recycled fabrics, transforming plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans into high-performance athletic apparel. We also utilize Bluesign® approved fabrics, ensuring our textiles meet the world’s highest standards for environmental safety.
Beyond sustainable sourcing, we follow eco-friendly manufacturing processes and use recycled paper/ Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified packaging. We also partner with shipping providers who offset carbon emissions, and prioritize orders from local suppliers to reduce our overall footprint.
As a climate neutral certified brand, Kona Sol® is committed to operating a 100% carbon neutral supply chain. We’re proud to do our part in protecting California’s natural wonder for generations to come.
A Suited for Every Style
The Kona Sol® design philosophy honors the unique spirit of each customer. Whether you prefer sporty athletic silhouettes, retro-inspired cuts, or understated sophistication, we offer an array of designs tailored to every taste.
Core styles like our signature Malibu one-piece and La Jolla bikini balance timeless elegance with practical details like tummy control panels, bra cups, and adjustable straps. Our boys short and rashguard sets blend beach chic and activewear for effortless style from the shore to the trail.
For customers who value freedom of expression, our lines of mix-and-match tops and bottoms allow you to customize a look that’s uniquely yours. We also partner with local artists on limited edition collections featuring their vibrant, iconic SoCal imagery.
With inclusive sizing from XS to XXL, innovative fabrics, and customizable fits, Kona Sol® offers swimwear as unique as our customers. Whether this is your first surf lesson or your fiftieth, we help you ride the waves in style.
A Swimsuit for Every Adventure
Life is an adventure – especially for Kona Sol® girls. That’s why we make quality swimwear that can keep up with your active lifestyle. From sun up to sun down, our suits go seamlessly from beach to brunch to bonfire and beyond.
Slip on one of our supportive bikinis for a challenging beach volleyball tournament or open water swim race. Pull on a rashguard over your suit when gearing up for a coastal hike or biking the boardwalk.
After working up an appetite, complement the boho-chic look of our one-pieces with cutoff shorts and a sheer coverup for a beachfront lunch. As the sun sets, wrap up in a sarong and layer on jewelry for an evening soiree under the stars.
Wherever the day takes you, Kona Sol® provides the stylish, comfortable suits you need to fully embrace life’s everyday adventures.
Join the Kona Sol® Community
Our motto is: Life is salty – dive in. This encapsulates the Kona Sol philosophy of boldly embracing life’s beautiful moments and challenges with optimism and joy.
When you purchase a Kona Sol® swimsuit, you’re joining a community of empowered, spirited women making waves around the world. We hope our clothing helps give you the freedom and confidence to live life to the fullest.
Follow us on social media for suit inspiration, local events, special offers, and more:
- Instagram: @KonaSolSwimsuits
- Facebook: @KonaSolSwimwear
- YouTube: Kona Sol
We’d love to see you rocking your new favorite suit – snap a selfie and tag us using #KonaSolGirls to be featured!
Ready to make a splash this season? Shop our collection of stylish, sustainable swimwear, and let your adventure begin!
