From Poolside Dreams to Australian Swimwear Success: The Kozii Story
The Spark That Started It All
Sometimes, the biggest business ideas come from the simplest observations. For Kay Shallcross, founder of Kozii Swimwear, that moment came while working at swimming facilities across Australia over two decades ago. Day after day, she watched swimmers of all ages struggle with the same frustrating problem: finding swimwear that truly met their needs.
"Young boys needed durable jammers that could withstand hours of training. Mature women sought supportive, comfortable pieces that didn't compromise on style. Athletes required performance gear that could keep up with their demanding routines," Kay recalls, reflecting on those early poolside days that would eventually shape Australia's swimwear industry.
What started as casual observations soon revealed a significant gap in the Australian swimwear market. No one was creating affordable, quality swimwear that catered to every age group and swimming need. This revelation would become the foundation for what is now one of Australia's most respected swimwear brands.
Building Dreams in Brisbane and Beyond
Kay's journey with Kozii began in Brisbane in 1985, when she relocated to the vibrant Queensland capital. Working as a swim teacher at Kingscliff Pool, she didn’t just teach techniques—she studied the sport from every angle. Her involvement with the Cudgen Surf Life Saving Club, where she earned her bronze medallion and completed patrol duties, deepened her understanding of what serious swimmers truly needed. "I swam a lot myself, not competitively, but for fitness," Kay explains. "I was immersed in the swimming community, and I could see the problems everyone faced."
The turning point came in 2003 when Kay took over an established small business from another local woman who had been servicing swimming clubs and selling training swimmers. What seemed like a modest venture would soon transform into something much bigger. "I had a marriage breakup and had to start from scratch again," Kay shares honestly. "This is when I started Kozii—I still had some patterns and equipment, and I was determined to make it work."
From Garage Startup to Manufacturing Success
Like many Australian business success stories, Kozii Swimwear began in humble surroundings—Kay's garage at her Kingscliff home. Working three days per week at a local law firm to support herself, she dedicated her remaining time and many late nights to building the Kozii brand.
The early days required incredible resourcefulness. Kay purchased sewing machines, employed seamstresses to work in her garage, and personally promoted the brand to clubs and schools across the region. Her hands-on approach and commitment to quality quickly set Kozii apart from competitors. "I worked night and day promoting the Kozii label to clubs and schools because I supplied a good quality product," Kay remembers. "It wasn't easy, but I could see the difference we were making."
The hard work paid off. Kay's success in promoting Kozii Swimwear to surf clubs, swim clubs, and private schools created a solid foundation for growth. By 2011, with the support of her partner Barry Swain, they made a pivotal decision to expand operations.
Innovation Through Investment
The move to a factory at Tweed Heads South in 2011 marked Kozii's transformation from local supplier to serious manufacturer. The investment in sublimation printing machinery allowed them to create their own printed fabrics, giving the brand unprecedented control over design and quality. This wasn’t just about scaling production—it was about creating something uniquely Australian. By manufacturing locally, Kay could ensure every piece met her exacting standards while supporting Australian jobs and reducing environmental impact.
The growth continued rapidly. Within a few years, the team had outgrown their first factory and needed to lease additional space for its expanding workforce. By July 2016, Kozii moved to an even larger facility that could accommodate all its Australian employees under one roof.
The Australian-Made Difference
What sets Kozii Swimwear apart in an increasingly globalised market isn’t just where it’s made—it’s how it’s made. Kay’s commitment to Australian-made swimwear stems from both practical and philosophical reasons. "We maintain a good quality product made in Australia, which is unique in itself in today’s market," Kay explains. "When you manufacture locally, you can control every aspect of the process."
This attention to detail has earned Kozii recognition far beyond Australia’s shores. The brand now supplies swimwear to clubs in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Netherlands. Their biggest club client, Manly Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney, represents the trust that elite organisations place in Australian manufacturing excellence.
The use of premium, chlorine-resistant fabrics ensures that Kozii swimwear maintains shape, colour, and support through countless training sessions and competitions. For serious swimmers who go through swimwear quickly, this durability translates to genuine value.
Sustainability at the Core
Modern consumers increasingly care about the environmental impact of their purchases, and sustainable swimwear has become more than just a trend—it’s an expectation. Kay understood this shift early and built sustainability into Kozii’s DNA.
The brand’s commitment to recycled fabrics demonstrates how Australian manufacturers can lead global sustainability efforts. By sourcing recycled materials and maintaining local production, Kozii significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with international shipping and overseas manufacturing. "We believe that creating beautiful swimwear shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment our swimmers love," Kay notes. "The water and beaches where people enjoy our products deserve our protection."
This environmental consciousness extends throughout the business model. Local manufacturing means shorter supply chains, reduced transportation emissions, and better working conditions for employees. It’s an approach that resonates strongly with environmentally conscious Australian families.
Champions in the Water
One of Kozii’s proudest achievements has been its partnership with elite sporting organisations. The brand’s Diving Australia partnership, announced in 2023, represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey from poolside startup to national sports supplier.
The three-year partnership sees Kozii supplying elite and emerging athletes with competition and training swimwear for Senior and Junior World Championships, World Cups, the World University Games, and other international meets. Athletes competing at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, were the first to debut the new team swimwear.
This partnership wasn’t just about business—it grew from genuine athlete demand. Several Diving Australia athletes were already wearing Kozii swimwear in their training, and they became driving forces behind the official partnership. The collaboration extends beyond simple supply arrangements, with bespoke Indigenous designs celebrating Australia’s rich cultural heritage.
Supporting the Next Generation
Kay is deeply committed to supporting younger athletes. Kozii offers product sponsorships to junior athletes and supports events throughout the season. This grassroots support reflects Kay’s understanding that today’s junior athletes become tomorrow’s champions. By making quality swimwear accessible to young athletes and their families, Kozii helps ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from pursuing their dreams. These efforts represent more than marketing opportunities—they are investments in Australia’s sporting future.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Working with elite athletes has driven continuous innovation in Kozii’s product development. Kay’s collaborative approach involves athletes directly in the design process, ensuring that competition and training gear meet real-world performance demands. "We worked with the athletes to modify a couple of the patterns that they like to wear, and their feedback has been important," Kay explains. "Diving is a great fit for Kozii, and we are both pleased and proud to sponsor such an iconic sport."
This athlete-centred design philosophy ensures that Kozii Swimwear continues evolving with the sport. From minor pattern adjustments to major innovations in fabric technology, every improvement comes from listening to the people who use the products most intensively.
Building Community Beyond Sales
What truly sets Kozii apart is its understanding that swimwear is about more than just covering the body—it’s about enabling people to pursue their passions with confidence. Whether it’s a young swimmer taking their first competitive strokes or a mature athlete returning to the pool after years away, the right swimwear makes the experience more enjoyable.
The brand’s presence at competitions and events creates opportunities for direct customer engagement. Unlike online-only retailers, Kozii maintains personal connections with its community through pop-up shops at surf carnivals and competitions across Australia. This community focus extends to the brand’s retail strategy, with a physical presence at Manly Surf Life Saving Club and its factory shop in Tweed Heads South.
Looking Forward: The Next Chapter
After more than two decades of growth, Kay continues pushing boundaries in Australian swimwear manufacturing. The success of the Diving Australia partnership has opened doors to additional elite sport collaborations, while the brand’s reputation for quality and sustainability attracts new customers across all demographics.
"Never lose sight of your dreams and never give up," Kay advises aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting on her journey from poolside observer to industry leader. The future holds exciting possibilities for Kozii Swimwear, from expanding partnerships with Indigenous artists to continued investment in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
Kay’s vision extends beyond business growth. She sees Kozii as a catalyst for strengthening Australia’s swimming culture, supporting athletes at every level while demonstrating that local manufacturing can compete globally without compromising values.