Lydia Hitchings: Welsh netballer challenges fast mode

Welsh netballer Lydia Hitchings is hoping to challenge fast fashion after launching her own line of sustainable swimwear.

She used the time to make a custom bikini, an operation that was carried out from her bedroom at her parents’ house.

“If it weren’t for that (lockdown), I wouldn’t have had time to get started, order fabrics, make bikinis, or create a social media presence,” Hitchings said.

Hitchings took a textile degree at Cardiff Met University and drew inspiration from a chance conversation with a lecturer.

“We were printing greeting cards and wrapping paper so I had a portfolio and my professor said ‘this would be great for a swimsuit’, and it was just the push of a button.”

The 24-year-old created ‘Rosy Cheeks’ as part of her final year project and posted bikinis to her cousin to model as she built her brand.

He then applied for a grant to purchase a sewing machine and received direct support from Big Ideas Wales.

“At university I was in and out of the sewing room but it was kind of scary,” she said.

“I thought no one else would sew a bikini for me, so I had to teach myself.”

With the help of YouTube video tutorials, Hitchings was able to gain confidence and is now making her own bespoke bikinis with her own design patterns.

“The main thing for me is that because my bikini is custom made, I don’t have a lot of trash in the back, I collect all my old threads and fabrics for recycling.”

Hitchings has caught the attention of social media influencers and reality TV stars including Ruby Adler from Made in Chelsea.

International football ambitions on hold

He tore his ACL playing netball at the 2017 World Youth Cup and missed the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

He has made the tough decision to step back from Wales’ preparations for the time being ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, but hopes to be a part of it again in the future.

“We don’t get paid to play netball, but we are proud to be there and enjoying it,” Hitchings said.

“Surely wearing a Welsh dress makes you feel very proud.

“I had to take steps to find a career path, prioritize that and then get back into netball.

“I had a chat with Sara (Hale) at the end of September and she was very supportive, nice to know the door was still open. I’d love to give it a try for the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023.”

Hitchings currently plays for Bath Toucans.

She spends her Mondays working in a swimsuit and the rest of the week at the reception at dental surgery.

“I’d like to be able to focus on Rosy Cheeks but there’s no security, I’m not at a stage where I can pay myself every month but that would be the goal,” he added.

“It’s very seasonal, so now into Christmas, it’s time to brainstorm for new ideas.”