Q: The inspiration for hemp swimwear came from traditional fishing ropes on the Adriatic coast. Can you walk us through that discovery moment and how you translated hemp from a maritime material into something intimate enough to wear against skin?

Since my father’s side of the family is Croatian, I’ve been going almost every summer to the northern part of Croatia. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a daydreamer. I loved, and still love, to stare at nature: the water, the boats, the fish. I was always fascinated by the old boats along the Adriatic coast and the green algae that hung from the hemp ropes.

Over time, those beautiful old hemp ropes started to be replaced with plastic ones, but I never stopped loving the charm of natural fibers. I always preferred anything made from natural materials. I wanted a swimsuit made out of something natural—something that would last and wasn’t polyester, nylon, or polyamide.

I had worked with hemp fabric before, and I kept thinking: If hemp ropes could survive centuries in the water, why couldn’t a hemp bikini?

Later, when I was pregnant, I wanted even more to test that idea. So I made myself the first ever hemp swimsuit. And it worked. I loved it more than any other swimsuit I ever wore and so did my clients. The word spread and I am proud to be the first person that started to push for the plant-based swimwear.

Q: How does hemp fabric actually feel compared to the polyester suits most women are used to wearing? And how does it perform in both chlorine and salt water?

The hemp fabric I use is blended with certified organic cotton, and it feels incredibly soft on the skin. When you’re hot or sweating, it’s much more breathable than polyester. In the water it stays tight to the body and doesn’t overstretch, but compared to polyester it feels far more lightweight—almost like you’re wearing nothing.

In terms of performance, hemp swimwear lasts longer without losing its original quality. In seawater, the color and shape can last 12–15 years. In chlorine, the color can fade if it’s not rinsed in cold water afterward, but the fabric strength remains the same—far more durable than polyester. Hemp swimwear can also be tumble-dried on any setting without damage, while polyester would melt.

Q: Your pieces are designed to work as swimwear, lingerie, bodysuits, and activewear. Was this versatility intentional from the start, or did it emerge naturally from hemp's properties?

This versatility was intentional. Our world is overwhelmed with disposable clothing that people wear once and discard. I wanted to create something you can wear throughout the season—something you can travel in, work out in, swim in, and also wear out on the town while staying extremely comfortable. This way you truly enjoy what you paid for on multiple occasions. It gives you more value for your money and is far more environmentally conscious. Besides that, since I am a world travelerer, I always wanted to wear something that I can travel the whole day in comfort and than while I wait to get checked into my room I can jump straight into the sea/ocean.

Q: You're confronting microfiber pollution at a time when many people still don't realize polyester swimwear is shedding plastics into our oceans. What do you wish more women understood about what their swimsuit is made from?

It’s not just about what our swimsuits are made from. It’s also our yoga pants and all activewear. Anything made from polyester is toxic to our environment and to our bodies. When I started NATASHA TONIC brand, the conversation about microplastics was still in its early stages. I read about it and thought: if microplastics are a problem, then what about the micro-threads shedding from our clothing?

Polyester, nylon, and polyamide are all petroleum-based fabrics. They release toxins into our skin and into the soil, especially when exposed to heat or as they decompose.

Q: There's a lot of "sustainable" swimwear out there now. What makes hemp different from other materials being marketed as eco-friendly alternatives?

Compared to other “sustainable” options, NATASHA TONIC hemp swimwear is regenerative and non-toxic. Growing hemp enriches the soil and absorbs CO₂, leaving the environment better than before. Its water consumption is much lower than other crops.
Unlike recycled polyester or recycled fishing nets, hemp does not require harsh chemicals or large amounts of energy to break down existing fibers. It’s naturally non-toxic and doesn’t require heavy-metal dyes to achieve beautiful colors.
All of this is a huge difference. 

Q: Can these pieces go in the washing machine with everything else, or do they need special care? How long do they actually last compared to conventional swimwear?

Our swimwear and activewear can be washed in the machine with everything else, on either high or low temperatures. It is extremely heat-resistant and durable. However, we always recommend choosing the most energy-efficient settings, as it’s better for the environment.

Our swimwear lasts significantly longer than polyester, unless it’s left in the harsh sun without movement for two full days—sun exposure can affect the color more than the fabric itself. The fabric remains usable far longer than polyester swimwear, which usually loses its shape after about three years. Our pieces, even when worn daily as underwear and machine-washed continuously, have proven solid even after 8 years of use.

Q:  Living between so many cities (London, Baghdad, Prague, Frankfurt, New York, and now Los Angeles), how has that global perspective shaped your minimalist design philosophy?

After so many lost luggage moments and missed flight connections, I learned that traveling light is essential. Reusing and washing pieces that look great on different occasions especially if you are active like I am,  is the key. That’s why simple, clean shapes that frame your face, neck, or hips while keeping you supported and comfortable are so important.

Breathable fabrics that trap fewer odors are a blessing in tropical climates. You can wear a piece as lingerie and then jump straight into the ocean before checking into your room.

Q: Where can readers connect with you and explore your collections?

I’m easy to reach through email or Instagram via DM. The best place to explore and purchase my collection is on our website, natashatonic.com. We also offer made-to-order swimwear and activewear. Will take some time to do that so it is better to buy from available styles.If you like to wait and make it fit your body particular length or wider or shorter hips than send us an email and we always try to accommodate.