Zara wearing a black sustainable bathing suit from Dekota Swim during a desert bikini shoot, serving confident main character energy under golden hour light.

The Desert Shoot That Proved a Sustainable Bathing Suit Can Slay


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Hey babes! It’s your girl Zara here, and ohhh honey, do I have a spicy story for you. Picture this: golden dunes, sun‑kissed skin, wind tousling your hair like a fan machine at Fashion Week, and me in the baddest sustainable bathing suit — a black two piece bikini from Dekota Swim — giving main character energy. This shoot wasn’t just a vibe—it was a whole reset.

Welcome to the desert bikini shoot that literally changed the game. I’m spilling the tea on what went down, why I chose this iconic look, and how Dekota Swim is rewriting the rules with quality‑first swimwear designed for longevity. Buckle up, babe—this isn’t your average fashion post.


Desert Heat, But Make It Fashion

Let’s start with the obvious: nothing hits quite like a killer swimsuit when the sun’s blazing and the backdrop is pure earthy goddess. I wanted something that screamed confidence but felt like a second skin. Enter the Penelope in Black.

She’s bold. She’s timeless. She’s that girl.

This set is what I call a power move. With clean lines, a sleek silhouette, and just the right amount of cheek, it’s giving editorial, not just beach day. And trust me — this black beauty made every golden hour photo pop like champagne.

And the best part? She’s not just hot — she’s conscious. The Penelope may not be made from recycled fabric yet, but she’s designed like a true sustainable bathing suit should be: made to last, styled to rewear, and built with intention. That’s slow fashion with serious main character energy.


Fit Check: Perfectly Snatched & Flawlessly Comfy

When it comes to swimwear fits, I don’t play. I want snatched vibes without sacrificing comfort, and that’s exactly what the Penelope delivers. The top stays put (even with that desert breeze drama), and the bottoms hug just right — no awkward pinching, no weird gaping. I wore it through full-on golden hour posing, sand-strolling, and even a cheeky dune roll (don’t ask) — and babe, not once did I have to adjust.

It flatters curves. It boosts confidence. It serves. Period.

I’m talking full-on support meets style, with zero compromise. The adjustable straps on the top? Game-changer for that just-right lift. And the mid-rise bottoms? Total chef’s kiss for that sleek, sculpted vibe.

And because this is Dekota Swim, you’re not just getting a look — you’re investing in a sustainable bathing suit designed to go the distance. Longwear fit. Timeless energy. Made for movement, not landfill.

Pro tip: Size up if you’re in between, babe — Dekota’s fit is true to size, but we’re all about that tailored, contour-hugging feel. You want it to love your body in all the right ways. This is that wear-all-day kind of set that still makes you feel like that girl from sunrise to poolside cocktails.


Fabric That Feels Like a Sunset Kiss

Let’s talk texture, babe—because Dekota Swim isn’t just about serving looks, it’s about feeling so good in your skin. The Penelope in Black is crafted from buttery-soft, premium fabric that hugs in all the right places and keeps its shape—through salty swims, pool dives, tanning sessions, and yes, even chaotic vacay packing.

And while we’re not using recycled materials (yet), this is what a sustainable bathing suit really looks like in real life: thoughtful construction, timeless design, and quality that won’t ghost you after one summer. No fading, no sagging, no fast fashion regrets.

Dekota suits are designed for movement, made to stretch with your body, and stitched to stay cute even after a hundred wears. It’s slow fashion energy, but make it sexy — because every sustainable bathing suit should slay and stay.


From Studio to Sand Dune: Why This Look Slayed the Shoot

This shoot was my love letter to bold women, open landscapes, and confident energy. The Penelope in Black gave me:

✨ Versatility: From sunbathing to spontaneous TikToks
✨ Classic Chic: A forever-fit that transcends trends
Power Mood: You know when a look makes you walk different? Yeah.

If you’re building a capsule swim wardrobe or hunting down a sustainable bathing suit that actually lasts (and slays)? Don’t sleep on this one.

And for my fellow babes looking to experiment with color? The Penelope also comes in Blue, Red, Nude, Pink, Khaki, and Orange. I’m currently obsessed with the Penelope in Red for beach club days. Spicy meets classic.


Why I’m Obsessed with Dekota Swim

Okay, real talk: I don’t mess with bikini brands that fall apart after two dips in the ocean. What sets Dekota Swim apart is their commitment to intentional production. They focus on:

✨ Timeless design over trends
✨ Durable fabric that doesn’t stretch out or fade
✨ Plastic‑free packaging (we love a conscious moment)
✨ Small batch production to avoid waste

It’s not just cute — it’s conscious. Dekota’s approach checks all the boxes for what a sustainable bathing suit should be. No greenwashing, just genuinely better choices for you and your wardrobe.

They’re not perfect, but they’re real about their values. You can read more about it on the About Us page.


SHOP THE LOOK: Penelope Bikini in Black

Ready to serve your own desert goddess energy? Get the Penelope Bikini in Black and let the compliments flood in.

Other color moments to explore:

  • Penelope Bikini in Khaki – for that sandy neutral vibe

  • Penelope Bikini in Nude – minimal, but make it luxe

  • Penelope Bikini in Orange – bold, bright, babe‑approved, sun-drenched, playful, and unforgettable.

Explore our full range of bikini two piece styles for your next beach moment.


Top Qs You Babes Ask Me (Because I Got You)

Q: How do I pick the right bikini online?
A: Focus on brands with clear size guides (hi, Dekota!), real customer reviews, and return options. Also, look for quality fabrics that last longer than a single vacay.

Q: What size should I get?
A: Dekota fits true to size, but if you're in between, size up for comfort. Check their detailed guide when buying swimwear online.

Q: Is Dekota Swim sustainable?
A: They don’t claim to be 100% sustainable, but they focus on durability, timelessness, and intentional production. That’s real, babe.


Final Thoughts From Your Bikini Bestie

Babes, your bikini should make you feel like you own the beach. Whether you’re posing in the dunes or lounging poolside, the right swimwear is a mood. And Dekota Swim? She’s that mood.

So go ahead, explore our line of pieces made to last — because a sustainable bathing suit isn’t just about fabric, it’s about choosing quality over chaos, timeless over trendy, and confidence over compromise.

This summer? We’re choosing quality. We’re choosing longevity. We’re choosing Dekota.

Don’t forget to tag me if you recreate this desert shoot. I’ll be watching, cheering, and probably saving every pic to my inspo board.

Until next time — stay snatched, stay sunny, and stay bold.

xoxo,
Zara

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