Frequently asked questions
About Davy J
What is Davy J?
Davy J makes swimwear for women who want to be in the water, not posing beside it: sea swimming, cold water dips, paddleboarding, surfing and sailing. The brand was founded in 2017 by Helen Lofts (née Newcombe) and was one of the first to make swimwear from nylon regenerated from waste.
Where is Davy J swimwear made?
Our collections are made in Portugal, and our first collections were made in Britain. Our current bonded long sleeve pieces were made in Latvia. Every piece is designed by Helen in the South West of England.
Where can I buy Davy J?
Only at davyj.com. We don't sell through other retailers.
Why can't I buy all year round?
We make one collection a year, sell it through the season and stop when it's gone. The next collection arrives in spring 2027. Join the waiting list for early access.
Fit and sizing
How does the sizing work?
Swimsuits come in dual UK sizes from 6/8 to 16/18. Order your usual dress size. If you're long in the body, go up a size for extra length.
Should it feel tight?
Yes, snug when dry. The fabric softens slightly in water, and the close fit is what gives the hold. If the straps feel loose, size down.
Will it stay put when I dive in or swim in waves?
That's what it's designed for. Our suits are double lined in a high-elastane fabric, with crossback straps on many styles so nothing shifts when you move.
Which style is best for swimming lengths?
The Classic Crossback or the Level Up. The Statement Cut Out has a plunge neckline and gives less support, so it suits dips and beach days better than front crawl.
Cold water
What is the bonded collection?
Long sleeve suits and tops made from two layers of recycled fabric bonded into a 1mm material. They sit halfway between a swimsuit and a wetsuit, with no neoprene.
Will a bonded suit keep me as warm as a wetsuit?
No. It gives an extra layer of warmth and coverage for cold dips, without the bulk of a wetsuit. For long swims in very cold water, a wetsuit is still the warmer choice.
Fabric and care
What is the swimwear made from?
ECONYL regenerated nylon, made from waste including recovered fishing nets, blended with elastane for stretch. The exact composition is listed on each product page.
How do I look after it?
Rinse in cold water after every use and dry flat. A delicate 30 degree machine wash is fine when needed. Don't tumble dry or iron.
Can I wear it in a chlorinated pool?
Yes, all our suits are suitable for chlorinated pools. Regular use in a highly chlorinated pool can fade the colour and wear the fabric faster, so rinse thoroughly after every swim.
Does the fabric give sun protection?
Yes. All our fabrics are rated UPF 50+.
Is the Zero Trace Swimsuit really biodegradable?
In landfill conditions, yes: the fabric is designed to break down in about five years. It is not compostable and won't break down in water, in wear or in your drawer. Please send it back to us at the end of its life.
Repairs and end of life
Can you repair my swimsuit?
Usually. For a small fee we arrange stitch repairs, zip replacements and other minor fixes. Email info@davyj.com with a photo. See our repair service.
What do I do with a worn-out Davy J?
Send it back. We'll post you a prepaid label and give you 15% off your next piece. See end of life.
Orders
Do you deliver outside the UK?
Yes. UK standard delivery is £4.95, the EU is £13.50 and the rest of the world is £17.50. See the delivery page for timings.
Can I return or exchange?
Yes. Return it within 14 days of delivery, unworn and with tags attached. UK returns are free. Preloved and sample pieces can't be returned. See returns.