Plano’s Tim McComsey is the new kid of the swimsuit designer block
Tim McComsey knows a thing or two about swimsuit ready. As the owner of TRYM Fitness, McComsey is a registered dietitian and personal trainer based in Plano. With his own shredded physique, he also wanted to look stylish during the hot summer months. So he came up with his own line of swimwear. Whether it’s pickleball or the pool, McComsey’s Rough Recess brand is a new kid on the local swim and activewear block.
He spoke with the Dallas Voice this week about not only creating the brand but how it intersects with his work and the people he trains in their search for not only a fitter bod but, more importantly, the self confidence to rock a stylish swim brief.
— Kamila Vargas-Gonzalez
DALLAS VOICE: What moment led you to finally decide on creating Rough Recess? TIM McCOMSEY: There wasn’t a single spark, but a growing fire. As a trainer and dietitian, I saw people constantly battling negative body image, especially around swimwear and activewear. It fueled a desire to create something different.
But it wasn’t just about negativity. Fashion has always been a way for me to express myself, and I felt there was a lack of fun, high-quality clothes that celebrated how unique we all are. That’s where Rough Recess comes in. It’s a brand built on the idea that feeling confident in your own skin, whatever that looks like, allows you to truly rock your own style.
We want our clothes to be a canvas for your individuality, a way to showcase what makes you, you! Diversity is definitely a part of that equation, because everyone’s individuality adds to the rich tapestry of fashion. But ultimately, Rough Recess is about celebrating how you express yourself through clothing.
How does your swimwear line differentiate from others? What is your vision for your brand? Through our swimwear line, we seek to inspire self-expression and celebrate individuality. We are constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new design concepts to offer fresh and exciting swimwear.
Where did the name Rough Recess originate? Recess is supposed to be carefree and playful, not rough. But that’s exactly the point! I wanted the name to capture the idea that feeling confident in your own skin lets you truly enjoy life, even when things get a little messy. Our clothes are designed to move with you, whether you’re hitting the gym, lounging by the pool or just embracing a spontaneous adventure.
What inspired Rough Recess’ colorful style? The variety of colors in our collections provide the opportunity to experiment, mix and match and showcase unique personalities through clothing choices. We believe that color plays a crucial role in self-expression and style.
Have you seen someone wearing your brand in public yet? Yes, on multiple occasions. … I have seen Rough Recess in restaurants, at Pride events, gyms, at pickleball and during vacations.
What were the trials and errors you faced during the process of launching the brand? Developing unique and appealing designs while ensuring quality production can be a significant challenge, as well as locating reliable manufacturers, maintaining consistency in product quality and adhering to timelines.
What have you learned about body positivity and celebrating different types of bodies as a registered dietitian and personal trainer? I’ve seen the transformative power of focusing on health and functionality over aesthetics. It’s about celebrating what your body can do — the strength, endurance and resilience you bring to every workout and adventure. You learn to appreciate your body for its unique capabilities, not just how it looks in a swimsuit.
I’ve seen firsthand the unrealistic expectations and pressure people face around their bodies, especially when it comes to swimwear. It’s frustrating! People of all shapes and sizes deserve to feel confident and comfortable hitting the beach or pool.
That’s why I created Rough Recess. My background in nutrition and fitness helped me understand how different bodies move and what kind of support they need. This knowledge goes into designing swimwear that flatters a wide range of physiques, not just the stereotypical “beach body.”
But it’s not just about the fit. Through Rough Recess, I want to celebrate diversity and encourage people to embrace their bodies, no matter what size or shape they are. In the fitness world, we focus on health and feeling good, not fitting into a mold. That philosophy carries over into Rough Recess; it’s about feeling confident and rocking what you’ve got.
Will Rough Recess include more size options in the future? Will there be a more diverse line of models with different body types? Absolutely. Inclusivity is a major goal for the future of the brand. However, being a one-person show, it takes time to develop new things. Each size and body type requires careful sculpting, prototyping and quality checks. It’s important for me to focus on serving my existing customer base first to ensure I can keep delivering high-quality products.
The good news is, I am already offering some styles in smaller and larger sizes. And rest assured, I’m working hard behind the scenes to bring you even more inclusive options in the future.