Swimwear brand launches garment for trans women to feel ‘confident and sexy’

Swim By Alba wants to inspire the fashion industry to consider trans women ‘in the collective drive to be more inclusive’

The Lili Gaff is designed to be worn under swimwear (Swim by Alba)

A British luxury swimwear label has launched a new garment designed to inspire confidence and empower trans women.

Lili Gaff is a new collaborative project between trans advocate and model Lili St. Jerry and brand Swim By Alba.

The new product consists of a discreet under-garment designed to be worn in bikini briefs or a swimsuit in a bid to address the practical considerations some trans women face when approaching swimwear.

Creative director and founder of Swim By Alba Albana Janjeva told Metro: “When I created Swim By Alba, I was designing swimwear for all women to feel confident, empowered and sexy.

“I met Lili St. Jerry at a Black Lives Matter march and we, of course, discussed fashion,” she continued.

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“Body positivity is at the heart of Swim By Alba, yet, we hadn’t considered the needs of trans women.”

Made from a handpicked microfibre nylon blend, the Lili Gaff is double-lined and offers smoothness, control, comfort and freedom for trans women who want to look their best when wearing swimwear.

“As trans women, we are often left to find creative solutions for ourselves,” said Lili St.Jerry.

“Swim by Alba now leads by example. I’ve been moved by their devotion to maintaining their commitment to luxury and quality when developing the Lili Gaff - something I know will be recognised by trans women.

“Our collaborative approach to inclusive swimwear will truly help all women feel like the best and confident versions of themselves.”

The product launch comes ahead of International Transgender Day of Visibility on 31 March, when the £35 product is available for pre-order.

This annual observance aims to celebrate the achievements of trans people and raise awareness of the discrimination and challenges many trans people still face.

The Lili Gaff is available for pre-order from 31 March (Swim By Alba)

Ms Janjeva said: “Swim By Alba is committed to the empowerment of all women; we’re proud that on International Transgender Day of Visibility we can now say that includes trans women.

“We’ve worked tirelessly with Lili St. Jerry, our collaborator, to create the Lili Gaff - a supplementary item that can be discreetly added to any of our existing pieces, making the Swim By Alba collection more accessible to the transgender community.”

Ms Janjeva said Swim By Alba wants to inspire the fashion industry to consider trans women “in the collective drive to be more inclusive”.

She added: “It has taken time to perfect, but through our collaboration, we’ve created something special.”

The news follows the first ever gender-neutral London Fashion Week, which took place in February.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the switch last year, with chief executive Caroline Rush explaining its aims to “redefine” the fashion week model.

“Moving London Fashion Week Men’s into LFW in February will continue to de-gender [the event], allow designers greater flexibility to consider what collection they show when and minimise travel requirements, taking us one step closer to a more sustainable future,” she said.