Josephine Swim

Josephine Swim was launched by designer and entrepreneur Marie Jean-Baptiste, who later became widely known as the founder of the size-inclusive fashion brand Rue107. Before expanding into apparel, Jean-Baptiste focused on swimwear, recognizing a major gap in the market for trend-driven swimsuits designed specifically for plus-size women. The brand gained attention in the early 2010s for offering bold prints, colorful bikinis, one-pieces, and fashion-forward silhouettes that challenged the industry’s tendency to offer only basic or highly conservative swimwear to plus-size consumers. Josephine Swim helped contribute to the growing movement toward body-positive swimwear representation. Josephine Swim’s aesthetic reflected Jean-Baptiste’s signature design approach, featuring vibrant prints, curve-conscious construction, and confidence-centered styling. The brand attracted attention from plus-size fashion media and helped establish Jean-Baptiste’s reputation before the launch and growth of Rue107. While Josephine Swim is no longer operating as a standalone brand, it remains an important part of early 2010s independent plus-size fashion history and is frequently referenced alongside pioneering Black-owned swimwear labels that expanded visibility and options for plus-size shoppers.