Moonies are revolutionizing men’s swimwear with bold, cheeky designs and sustainable materials. Stand out at the beach with style and comfort!
For years, men’s swimwear has been stuck in a cycle of basic, baggy styles, offering little in terms of excitement—unlike the variety women have. Carissa Winkle and McKay Winkle set out to change that with Moonies, a bold new line of men’s swim briefs featuring a playful cutout designed to grab attention. With Moonies, men can hit the beach with style, combining comfort with a daring new look. But did the Sharks bite on this innovative design? Let’s dive into the Moonies update and recap their pitch!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick rundown of what happened to Moonies after their Shark Tank appearance.
McKay and Carissa Winkle entered Shark Tank Season 16, requesting $150,000 in exchange for 35% equity in their men’s swimwear brand. Sadly, they left the show without securing a deal.
Despite not landing a deal on the show, Moonies experienced a significant uptick in sales post-episode and continues to promote their unique swimwear designs through their website and social media platforms.
Shark Outcome
| Shark | Offer |
| Kevin O’Leary | $150,000 for 100% patent |
| Robert Herjavec | No offer |
| Mark Cuban | No offer |
| Lori Greiner | No offer |
| Daniel Lubetzky | No offer |
Key Takeaways
- Moonies is a bold, innovative men’s swimwear brand featuring a unique back cutout design that challenges traditional swimwear styles.
- Founded by Carissa and McKay Winkel, the brand aims to offer men stylish, expressive swim options that prioritize both comfort and flair.
- Despite receiving no deal on Shark Tank, Moonies gained significant visibility, leading to increased sales and a growing social media presence.
- The company emphasizes sustainability by using 86% recycled polyester in its products and eco-friendly packaging.
- Moonies offer two swim brief styles, Open Window and Closed Window, priced at $45, appealing to fashion-forward, eco-conscious consumers.
Moonies Networth in 2024
Moonies’ estimated net worth in 2024 is approximately $522,000. This valuation is based on the brand’s growth after its appearance on Shark Tank and the increase in sales and visibility it gained. The company continues to expand, especially with its unique swimwear designs and commitment to sustainability, suggesting a positive trajectory for future growth.
Moonies Networth in 2025
While specific figures for 2025 are not readily available, Moonies’ increasing popularity and social media engagement indicate that its net worth could rise significantly in the coming years. The brand’s distinctive approach to men’s swimwear and eco-friendly practices place it in a strong position for further expansion and success.
Carissa and McKay’s Vision: Bold Fashion for Men
Carissa and McKay’s vision was clear from the start: They wanted to offer men an opportunity to express themselves through their swimwear. The traditional options available to men didn’t reflect the individuality that many people crave when it comes to fashion. With Moonies, they sought to create a product that was both functional and stylish—something that would allow men to feel confident and stand out at the beach or pool.
When the duo approached Shark Tank in Season 16, they had a clear ask: $150,000 for 35% equity in their company. They explained that the investment would help them scale their production, expand their brand’s reach, and increase marketing efforts to get their unique product into the hands of more customers. They weren’t just asking for money—they were seeking a partnership with a Shark who shared their enthusiasm for bold fashion and had the experience to take Moonies to the next level.
The Shark Tank Pitch: A Moment of Truth
- Entrepreneurs: McKay Winkel and Carissa Winkel
- Business: Unique men’s swimwear brand
- Ask: $150,000 for 35% equity.
- Result: No deal
When Carissa and McKay took the stage on Shark Tank, they knew they had an uphill battle ahead of them. The world of fashion is notoriously difficult to break into, especially when it comes to a product that’s as niche and unconventional as theirs. Their pitch was well-prepared, showcasing the unique design of their swimwear and emphasizing the fun, bold aspect of their brand. However, the journey wasn’t without challenges.
The Sharks’ Reactions
As the pitch unfolded, the Sharks had mixed reactions. While they recognized the product’s creativity and novelty, the sales figures left a significant impression. Carissa and McKay admitted that they had only generated $1,000 in sales during their first year of operations, which caused concern among the Sharks. Early sales can be an essential indicator of product-market fit in the highly competitive fashion world, and the low revenue raised questions about whether the business could scale.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Sharks responded to the pitch:
- Mark Cuban: Mark Cuban was the first to exit the negotiations. He acknowledged the novelty of the product but felt it wasn’t the right fit for his portfolio. Given the relatively low sales figures, Mark believed this wasn’t an investment he wanted to pursue.
- Daniel Lubetzky, a guest Shark, was next to drop out. He said he didn’t see the “grit” he sought in the entrepreneurs. In his view, the business didn’t have the drive necessary to succeed in the highly competitive fashion world, and he chose not to make an offer.
- Robert Herjavec: Robert Herjavec also declined to invest, citing concerns over the brand’s scalability and market potential. The idea intrigued him, but he wasn’t convinced that Moonies could thrive without significant sales growth.
- Lori Greiner: Lori was the next Shark to pass. She felt that the product didn’t align with her usual investment strategy, which focuses on products with proven consumer demand. She was not willing to make an offer.
- Kevin O’Leary: Kevin O’Leary made an engaging offer that initially surprised Carissa and McKay. He proposed $150,000 for 100% of the patent for Moonies, seeing the potential for the product to fit into his other ventures, such as Rounderbum (a brand in the shapewear industry). This offer was compelling but came with a significant caveat—Kevin wanted complete control of the intellectual property, which meant the entrepreneurs would lose ownership of their design.
The Negotiation: A Missed Opportunity?
After Kevin’s offer, Carissa and McKay tried to negotiate a better deal. They countered by asking for a royalty of $5 per unit sold, but Kevin remained firm, unwilling to budge on the terms of the offer. They then upped the stakes by offering $500,000 for the 100% patent, but Kevin didn’t move from his original proposal.
In the end, after deliberation, Carissa and McKay chose to walk away from the deal. They left the Shark Tank stage without securing an investment, but the exposure they gained from the show would be invaluable for their brand.
Post-Shark Tank Moonies: A Boost in Sales and Brand Growth
Although they didn’t secure a deal with the Sharks, the Moonies’ appearance on Shark Tank significantly boosted their visibility. The show’s exposure helped them attract new customers and build a following for their bold swimwear designs.
Website and Social Media Growth
Following the episode’s airing, Moonies saw a noticeable spike in traffic to their website, with many viewers visiting to learn more about the brand and purchase their swimwear. Social media plays a significant role in building a community around the brand. Carissa and McKay actively engaged with followers on platforms like Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes content, customer photos, and brand journey updates.
The couple also emphasized the uniqueness of their patented back cutout, which became a key selling point of their product. On Instagram, Moonies garnered attention for their fun and cheeky designs, and the hashtag #MooniesSwimwear gained traction as customers began posting their photos wearing the swimwear.
Sustainability Efforts
In addition to its creative designs, Moonies is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials for its swimwear. The brand’s swimwear is made from 86% recycled polyester, helping to reduce its environmental impact. Their shipping bags are crafted from 100% recycled post-consumer materials, further highlighting their commitment to sustainability.
By aligning with eco-conscious values, Moonies has positioned itself as a brand that cares about both style and the environment. This has helped differentiate them in the crowded swimwear market, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers who want to make a positive impact with their purchases.
Current Product Line and Pricing
Moonies currently offers two primary swim brief styles: the “Open Window” and “Closed Window” styles. Both designs feature the signature back cutout but differ in the level of exposure. The Open Window style provides a cheekier, more daring look, while the Closed Window style offers a more modest version with a similar design.
Both styles are priced at $45, and Moonies continues to expand its colour and pattern offerings. The brand has received positive reviews for its bold aesthetic, comfort, and the sense of fun it brings to beachwear.
What’s Next for Moonies?
As of today, Moonies continues to grow and evolve with Carissa and McKay at the helm. Their journey from Shark Tank to where they are now is a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite not securing a deal with the Sharks, they’ve proven that there is room for innovation in the men’s swimwear market, and they’re just getting started.
Moonies have the potential to expand further, introducing new designs, increasing brand awareness, and entering retail partnerships. The brand’s commitment to creativity, sustainability, and customer engagement positions it well for long-term success in a competitive industry.
Conclusion
Moonies may not have struck a deal on Shark Tank, but the brand’s unique approach to men’s swimwear has captured the attention of many. Carissa and McKay have successfully created a product that combines bold style with comfort and sustainability, appealing to a growing market of men who want more than just essential beachwear. With increased sales, social media engagement, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, Moonies is proving that innovation in fashion can lead to long-term success. As the brand grows, it will be exciting to see how it evolves and whether it can make an even bigger splash in the swimwear industry.
For the latest updates from Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 4, explore the links below:
Before you go, make sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 16 products.
