About bekeen

bekeen – a name that embodies sustainability, curiosity, and sporty style.
We focus on competitive sports, merging fashion with functionality. Our mission is to revolutionize the sports world by moving away from environmentally harmful swimwear towards swimsuits crafted from recycled materials like old fishing nets and polyester. If you’re excited about this change, dive deeper into our story here.
 

How everything started

It all started with our founder, Celina, who—like many competitive swimmers—constantly found herself wearing out training suits. As a competitive swimmer, she was all too familiar with the routine of purchasing new swimsuits, knowing that each one meant more newly produced plastic, much of which could eventually end up in the ocean. This cycle reflects a major issue in today's consumer society, and Celina knew something had to change.

Driven by this mission, Celina searched for sustainable alternatives to conventional swimsuits. But she quickly realized why they were hard to find: Sustainability requires unique production methods, high-quality materials, and a fair manufacturing process, which often leads to higher costs. Yet, customers deserve swimsuits that not only fit well and look great but are also functional for everyday training. Sadly, while some global brands offer sustainable lines, they often miss the mark on style and performance. And while many sustainable fashion startups focus on design, their swimwear is not always practical for athletes. Celina believed she could do better.

With the support of the University of Potsdam, she founded bekeen about three years ago. We initially partnered with a manufacturer in Bali, but in 2023, we proudly relocated production to Spain. This move represents a major step forward in our journey, allowing us to enhance both efficiency and quality while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and high-performance swimwear.

 

Sustainable fabrics for swimwear

At bekeen, we use innovative fabrics designed for both performance and sustainability. One of our key materials is ECONYL® regenerated nylon, made from waste like discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastics that would otherwise pollute the planet. We also use Repreve, a yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. Both fabrics are elastic, chlorine-resistant, and offer an excellent fit, perfect for high-performance swimwear.

Our latest addition is a fabric made from recycled polyester, engineered for breathable, non see-through swimwear that performs in the toughest conditions. By transforming environmental waste into functional, stylish swimwear, we contribute to both fashion and environmental protection.

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Design

bekeen swimsuits and trunks are designed for optimal fit and performance, even under extreme conditions. With vibrant colors and hand-drawn prints that evoke summer scenes—shallow blue waters, deep red sunsets, and green palm leaves swaying in the wind—our swimwear offers both style and functionality. Whether you're jumping into the water or swimming laps, our swimsuits and trunks stay securely in place. Even with intensive, regular training in chlorinated water, they maintain their durability and color vibrancy, making them perfect for competitive athletes.

 

What's behind our name?

You may have noticed that the name bekeen plays on the phrase "to be keen on something," symbolizing curiosity and openness to new ideas. At the same time, bekeen is a nod to the iconic beachwear—the bikini. This connection to water and swimming is embedded in our brand's identity. It’s no coincidence that we’ve included bekeeni pieces in our collection, designed to offer both performance and style for athletes who are passionate about the water.
 

"Made by swimmers for swimmers"

We want to prove that function doesn’t have to compromise on style. With over a decade of competitive swimming experience, Celina knows this firsthand. "I’ve trained up to 20 hours a week and spent countless hours competing." She understands exactly where a suit pinches, where the fabric slips, and the typical problem areas swimmers face. Now, she’s sharing this expertise with you: bekeen is made by swimmers, for swimmers—designed to meet the demands of performance without sacrificing comfort or style.