Chromat’s Inclusive Designs: A Legacy Of Body Diversity
Breaking Barriers and Redefining Swimwear—How Chromat Continues to Champion All Bodies on the Runway and Beyond
When you think of body diversity, what do you picture? Different sizes, disabilities, scars, cellulite, or a rainbow of skin tones and gender expressions? For Chromat, it’s all of the above. And they’ve been embracing those differences with inclusive bodywear for over 15 years.
From structural corsets to innovative swimwear, Chromat has stood the test of time—and set the bar real high for body diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Discover what Chromat’s commitment to these values means for your swim looks (and add a few of their new releases to your wishlist) as we celebrate this legendary brand.
Chromat Founder Bex McCharen’s Vision
Bex McCharen’s inspiration for Chromat came from a seemingly unlikely source: their background in architecture.
But when you think about it, this makes perfect sense. All Chromat swimwear is engineered with sustainable, cutting-edge materials and performance-enhancing styles in mind. The brand constructs innovative designs that expand notions of beauty and empowerment—what McCharen calls “scaffolding for the body.”
Only an architect’s eye—and a diverse collaboration of other creatives—could pull that off.
Since its founding in 2010, McCharen has taken Chromat from New York Fashion Week to Jacob Riis Beach to the Miami shores—and even to the TED Talk stage. Through it all, they’ve championed inclusivity and radical representation, commanding attention and demanding change for the sake of every body.
Redefining the “Bikini Body”
In their 2019 TED Talk, McCharen discussed what drew them to designing swimwear. “Swimwear has been a huge focus for me, because of the power that this single garment can have over how people feel about themselves,” they said. “I wanted to take my focus on celebrating all body types to a garment that’s fraught with insecurity.”
McCharen saw a glaring lack of body diversity in fashion, epitomized by the overwhelmingly white, thin, cisgender, able-bodied, young “bikini body.” “This narrow beauty ideal is damaging, dangerous, and destructive,” they stated. “And we need to explode it immediately.”
Their solution? Call in the Babe Guards. They enforce ten Pool Rules for body inclusivity:
- Intolerance Not Tolerated
- Food-Shaming Not Permitted
- No Age Restrictions
- Scars + Stretch Marks Welcome
- All Body Hair Appreciated
- All Abilities Accepted
- Respect Mandatory Pronouns
- Celebrate Cellulite
- Unrestricted LGBTQ+ PDA
- Body Policing Prohibited
With the Babe Guards on duty—and thoughtful, stellar swimwear available—Chromat empowers all folks to feel fit in every fit.
Inclusivity On and Off the Runway—And In Your Shopping Cart
Chromat embodies inclusivity in every meaning of the word. Black disabled femmes, trans and gender non-conforming folks, plus-size people, a pregnant woman, and others have all graced the Chromat runway over the years.
And it’s not all for show: McCharen explained at TED Headquarters that Chromat prioritizes diversity across the board, both on the runway and behind the scenes. They employ diverse:
- Models
- Photographers
- Casting directors
- Designers
- Makeup artists
- Interns
- And more.
Chromat has pioneered plus-size swimwear trends, with sizes ranging from small to 3X. They also design their size-inclusive swimwear with diverse bodies in mind. In fact, McCharen talks about creating a string bikini bottom with a wider gusset for people with packages—which also affirms fat folks and those who pack.
Chromat x Tourmaline SS25 Collection
Chromat prides itself on collaborating with diverse creatives. Nowhere is that more apparent than in its ongoing partnership with activist, artist, and writer Tourmaline.
Their latest gender-inclusive swimwear collection embraces what they call Collective Opulence Celebrating Kindred, A.K.A. COCK. Iconic.
-
Chromat - Strappy and Secure
Outlined Top and Tourmaline Thong
Bikini · sold separately
1 / 2This strappy ensemble serves looks, perfectly cupping your curves, cheeks, and crotch. Feel secure and free with adjustable ties, a back hook closure, and a removable soft package cup.
-
Chromat - A Love Letter to Trans Bodies
Serenita Suit and Tourmaline Tennis Skirt
One-piece
1 / 2This racerback thong monokini sends a love letter to trans and non-binary bodies, complete with large front and back cutouts, front hook closure, and rounded crotch gusset with soft package pouch.
Pair it with the Tourmaline Tennis Skirt for a sporty, court-ready look.
-
Chromat - Poolside Sporty
Mica Top and Riis Swim Short
Bikini · sold separately
1 / 2Lounge by the pool with a favorite book (or your own book, like Tourmaline) in this sporty and affirming duo. The classic scoop neck comes in small to 3x to complement all chest sizes, and the low-waisted shorts feature a rounded center gusset for comfort and confidence.
Chromat SS25: The Final Collection
A lot has changed in the last 15 years—including Bex McCharen. They recently opened up in a personal essay for New York Magazine, discussing their evolving gender identity and their decision to put a pause on Chromat.
“Because of all the changes in my home life, my body, my mind, and how I exist in the world, Chromat has started to feel like a project from my old life,” they write. “…stepping back from fashion has allowed me the space to separate my worth and identity from my business and to explore new ways to share my vision and creativity with the world.”
For McCharen, that’s the only way to ensure Chromat swimwear stays authentic and steadfast in its mission for inclusivity.
But in typical Chromat fashion, they’re going out with a bang—SS25: The Final Collection.
-
Chromat - For Underboob Fans
Strata Top and Bottom
Bikini · sold separately
1 / 2The Strata Top was made for the babes who like to show off a little underboob. Complete the look with the Strata Bottom, featuring high-cut sides and removable support straps.
Love the Strata look, but wish it were a one-piece? Don’t worry—it is.
Strata Suit - Cobalt - Chromat
One-piece
1 / 2The Strata Suit takes the monokini trend for a spin with cute cutouts and strappy details.
-
Chromat - A Classic Silhouette, Updated
Delta X Suit
One-piece
1 / 2The Delta X Suit offers a new take on a classic silhouette. The scoop neck, high cut sides, and crossed shoulder straps are all elevated by the meshy contrast side panels—ideal for showing a little extra skin with a lot of flair.
-
Chromat - String Triangles, Your Way
Airdrop Tie Top and Cusp Tie Bottom
Bikini · sold separately
1 / 2This strappy set takes string triangle bikinis to a new level. The long ties allow you to secure your straps your way for a uniquely you look.
-
Chromat - The High-Waisted Classic
Mica Top and Bottom
Bikini · sold separately
1 / 2Another classic look Chromat nails: the high-waisted bikini. The Mica Bottom hugs your curves and offers the perfect amount of coverage for a fabulous day at the beach.
Find Your Size and Your Style
We can’t wait to see the next iteration of Chromat (if and when it returns). For now, you can shop the final looks and other bestselling hits before you hit the surf this summer.
At MySwimLook, size- and gender-inclusive suits are only a click away. Dive deeper into the growing ocean of body positive swimwear, and rock your new favorite fit today.
