Our Story

BĀBEN is a women’s swimwear and lifestyle brand with meaningful details, timeless style, and eclectic sensibility. The name itself embodies the spirit of childhood dreams that survived. From the beach to the streets, BĀBEN designs pieces that push the boundaries of their category and bridge the gap by creating bikinis, boardshorts, and clothing that are both sporty and feminine. Manufactured in Los Angeles, BĀBEN is crafted with nostalgia for the past, and the highest quality fabrics to stand the test of time. Designed with bespoke prints by our founder, Hanna Dorman, and classic silhouettes, for the woman who stands out with elevated ease. 

The brand was founded from the desire to live in freedom - for the woman with wind in her hair. Made to uplift women by creating pieces that are a testament to the powerful dualities within them. Strong, yet gentle all at once, like a wave knows where it’s going, a woman is a force to be reckoned with. Our brand is a reminder that you can be everything under the sun and more.

 VINTAGE-INSPIRED DESIGN, LUXURIOUS RECYCLED FABRICS,  HAND-DESIGNED PRINTS, PERFECT FIT

Mother and daughter duo Tamara and Hanna Dorman founded BĀBEN in 2021. From the beach to downtown, the duo seeks to empower and to connect to all women, and to be with them on their way to learning to love and adorn their bodies.

The brand was born after Hanna, who graduated with her BFA from Otis College of Art and Design and worked in NYC for Coach and Ralph Lauren, became inspired looking at photos of her mother from the 70’s. There was a timelessness captured of her basking in the sun, and skateboarding with a sense of true freedom. Hanna desired to create pieces that encapsulated that same feeling, of time standing still and of a summer that could last forever. Hanna’s admiration for surfing and life centered around the beach made her realize the need to create a brand for women who value fashion-forward, yet playful beach attire. She dreamed of bringing the same attention to detail she learned working in high fashion, to the swimwear industry. Together, they began their entrepreneurial journey of starting a timeless swimwear brand. 

Hanna says her mom has not only shaped her style, but her outlook on life. She always sees the light in every situation. It’s a special bond, and one that is unbreakable. As a brand, this sense of love shines through into everything they create. Their inspiration stems from the multi-faceted women in their lives, new wave music, and most of all, the way the sun sparkles on the ocean.

In Hanna’s own words, “I love you, so I set you free to shine around all things like the sun.”