TuTuBlue Update
|

TuTuBlue Update | Shark Tank Season 7

While spending time at the beach, Sarah Buxton got tired of reapplying sunscreen, especially after dealing with skin cancer. That led her to create TutuBlue, a full-length swimsuit with UPF50 protection that blocks harmful UV rays and dries quickly. It makes staying safe in the sun easier without the hassle of sunscreen. What will the sharks think of these eye-catching suits? Let’s find out in our TutuBlue update and pitch recap.

SharkResult
Kevin O’LearyNo offer
Barbara CorcoranNo offer
Lori GreinerNo offer
Robert HerjavecNo offer
Mark CubanNo offer

Shark Tank TuTuBlue Pitch

Shark Tank TuTuBlue Update
  • Entrepreneur: Sarah Buxton
  • Business: UV-Resistant 1-piece beach suits
  • Ask: $200,000 for 25% equity
  • Result: No deal
  • Shark: None

Sarah stepped into Shark Tank and introduced her full-body swimwear, designed to block 98% of the sun’s rays, dry quickly, and keep wearers cool.

Applying sunscreen often leaves missed spots, leading to sunburn, so her suit provided a simple alternative for beachgoers seeking full protection.

As Sarah handed out samples, Robert Herjavec asked when women started wanting more body coverage.

Barbara Corcoran, adding humor to the conversation, said for her, it was at 40 when her “bottom dropped out.”

Despite the lighthearted exchange, Sarah was still in the early stages of business. She had only been selling for a month and a half, with $4,000 in sales so far.

However, her motivation was personal. After being diagnosed with melanoma, she spent time at the beach and realized there was a gap in the market for stylish, sun-protective swimwear.

Kevin O’Leary acknowledged that similar products existed for kids but not for adults.

He found the idea interesting and asked if this was a “cougar tube,” referring to its appeal for older women.

Barbara liked the concept but felt it was too soon for an investment. She quickly bowed out.

Hoping to further capture the sharks’ interest, Sarah introduced a unique design—a suit featuring a pattern of banded sea snakes, which sharks naturally avoid.

However, Mark Cuban appreciated her story but believed she hadn’t focused enough on the dermatology angle, which could have strengthened her pitch. Without a clear direction, he decided to pass.

Robert shared a similar concern. He thought Sarah should have leaned more into the medical benefits of her product. Without that focus, he felt the business was still too early-stage and opted out as well.

Meanwhile, Lori Greiner didn’t think the business was ready and also stepped out.

Kevin was the last to respond. He saw potential in the product, both for its sun protection benefits and its niche appeal.

Nevertheless, he thought the investment was too high and, like the others, chose not to make an offer.

Sarah walked away without a shark. But where is the company now? Find out how it’s going in our TuTuBlue update.

Shark Tank TuTuBlue Update

Our TuTuBlue update found that Sarah expanded her product line in 2018, adding men’s, boys, and baby swimsuits.

This helped the brand reach more customers while staying focused on sun protection.

Further, TuTuBlue also secured retail partnerships. It landed in high-end locations like Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian, Canyon Beachwear in Santa Monica, and the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach.

In June 2022, TuTuBlue hit $11 million in annual revenue. The brand also leaned into sustainability, promoting its swimsuits as an alternative to chemical sunscreens.

This strategy attracted eco-conscious buyers who wanted safer sun protection.

You can shop on their Amazon store or at the TuTuBlue website.

If we get another TuTuBlue update we will let you know.

Before you go, don’t forget to check in on the other products featured in Season 7 Episode 18. You can find our company updates featured below.

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 7 products.

Andrew Smith is the founder and owner of Shark Tank Recap. He is a longtime Shark Tank fan that has been watching it for years and has seen every episode multiple times. His friends know him as the Shark Tank expert, because he can answer any question about the show! His favorite Shark Tank products are Bertello's pizza oven and Bug Bite Thing!