About Us
Hello, my name is Kate. I’m a cartoon artist and illustrator by day, a retired swimmer by morning, and a book-loving cat lady by night. Oh, and I’m also the founder of Lane Line Threads!
I still hit the pool at 7 a.m. every day. I live in the wild South with my wife and our three cats. My wife is currently training to become a doctor, so while she spends her weekends at the hospital, you’ll usually find me out in the Pearl River. I absolutely love open-water swimming.
The Chlorine Myth
I used to believe that once I showered after practice, the chlorine was “gone.” Washed off. Neutralized. History. That’s the story I told myself throughout my years of competitive swimming.
I even remember my childhood swim team collectively deciding that an hour in the pool meant we were already clean. We skipped the soap and settled for a quick rinse at least until our coach realized what we were doing and forced us back into the showers :D
To this day, I follow the rules religiously: shower immediately, moisturize, and never linger in a wet suit. And yet, the "pool" always seems to follow me home.
Even with modern products, we all know that chlorine scent between practices.
The truth is that my skin never quite went back to the way it was before I became a swimmer.
The Discovery
I felt everything I put on my skin. I saw different dermatologists and followed every skincare routine they suggested, but my skin remained irritated.
Then, a year ago, a dermatologist advised me to switch to organic clothing.
At first, I was taken aback by the price. But I started my research, and the more I learned, the more I believed in that advice. I bought my first certified organic t-shirt, and my world changed.
For the first time in years, I didn't feel any irritation just soft, cooling fabric.
A Gem for the Poolside Community
In my experience, swim parents and athletes are so focused on the next meet that they rarely think to buy truly right apparel that offers year-round, rash-free moisture-wicking and comfort for chlorine-weary skin.
Back in my competitive days, none of us (not even our moms!) had time to think about "the right clothing." That term didn't even exist.
Between meet fees and equipment, a swimmer’s own comfort and recovery often take a backseat.
No one tells you about what fabrics you need to wear or about the difference between a basic graphic tee and an organic cotton shirt.
No one taught me how to layer my clothes properly. Everyone was focused on results and technique; recovery wasn't a "thing" back then, especially not skin recovery.
Everyone forgets that a swimmer’s success depends directly on their recovery.
Performance is rooted in how comfortable an athlete feels during their downtime.
When the skin is irritated by chlorine, the body remains in a state of low-level stress.
Quality recovery requires the nervous system to shift into a "rest and digest" state.
If an athlete is distracted by physical discomfort or "the itch," their sleep quality and mental recovery suffer.
I founded Lane Line Threads to change that.
I know that once you put on one of our shirts, you’ll be grateful for years to come. Your skin will be grateful, too.
Our Mission
Lane Line Threads is a U.S.-based, female-swimmer-owned brand. We create certified organic, chlorine-friendly apparel designed with a splash of humor and a lot of heart for swimmers' sensitive skin.
We design for the competitors, the coaches, the fitness swimmers, the swim moms, and every fan who cares about post-swim recovery and skin health.