Here's What Went Down With Moonies Swimsuits After Shark Tank

Moonies swimwear came to be after founder McKay Winkel cut a risqué hole in his briefs above his buttocks to win a jokey Speedo competition. His wife, Karisa Winkel, added clear plastic to the hole, and the two were suddenly inundated with requests from people wanting to try the cheeky swimwear. That's when they realized that this unserious fashion DIY could become a serious business venture, so they applied for a patent.

Unlike McKay's booty on vacation, the Winkels were determined to keep their unique idea under wraps until they received the patent. As soon as they could legally take the product public, they decided "Shark Tank" would be the ultimate launching pad for their designs, so McKay pitched the idea to ABC. They soon found themselves in front of the Sharks. 

"Why do girls get to have all the fun in swimwear? We have so many styles and cuts to choose from," Karisa asked during their "Shark Tank" appearance. And she had a point. Low-back swimsuits were designed to show skin and crochet bikinis were also a big trend in 2023, but men's swimwear is often void of exciting pieces. As McKay explained, many men feel they don't have options beyond long shorts or briefs, noting, "We've been stuck with the same basic designs for decades." But did the two replicate the success of fellow "Shark Tank" swimwear brand Raising Wild, which landed an investment with Barbara Corcoran? Or TA3, which saw major post-Shark Tank success without an investment?

Moonies's episode of "Shark Tank" aired in November 2024, and Karisa and McKay Winkel certainly brought the laughs. The entrepreneurs brought out models on Segways, proudly displaying booty cleavage through the unique windows on their swimwear. Unfortunately, the couple's promise of a supportive pouch, soft waistband, and risqué cut-out wasn't enough.

They asked for $150,000 in exchange for 35% of Moonies, but Daniel Lubetzky, Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec were unimpressed when they admitted to only making around $1,000 from a lack of marketing. Though Cuban agreed there was scope for the swimwear, he didn't think the market was big enough. "Your ask is reasonable, but there's only so much you can do with this," he said. "For me, it just doesn't feel like a fit." Lubetzky and Herjavec also dropped out, with Lubetzky telling the duo he wasn't convinced their marketing skills were strong enough.

But O'Leary offered to buy their patent for the $150,000 they asked for, essentially offering to buy out the business. "Don't you want to see your baby on every ass?" he cheekily asked. Greiner then shared she wasn't willing to invest but thought O'Leary should make a bigger offer. The Winkels initially accepted O'Leary's proposition, but wanted $5 from each sale in addition to the $150,000. He declined and the couple countered again, asking for $500,000. Mr. Wonderful wasn't sold, and the Winkels walked away without a deal.

Social media users had a lot to say about Moonies after its "Shark Tank" episode aired, but not everyone was convinced Karis and McKay Winkel had a million-dollar idea. "You CANNOT convince me that Moonies is a product men would rush to buy — especially because they have only sold $1,000 worth of swimsuits," one X, formerly known as Twitter, user declared. "Moonies may be the single worst shark tank product of all time," another viewer wrote. Ouch. But not everyone agreed. After Karis and McKay asked the brand's Instagram followers if they should have accepted Kevin O'Leary's offer, one customer responded, "No! Your company is worth more than [$150,000]! He should've done the royalty."

Despite not landing a deal, the Winkels made the most of the newfound "Shark Tank" attention. After the episode aired, the two took to Moonies's Instagram to offer free shipping using the code SHARKTANK. They also made it clear they had no bad blood with their fellow entrepreneurs but hadn't spoken to any of them since they left the set. In a December 2024 Instagram interview with @the_speed_oh_movement_guys, McKay admitted, "It was just a wild experience. It was nuts. Super fun and unique and I'm shocked we even got the chance, honestly." Karis added, "We're so grateful for the opportunity. We learned so much. Just to be on 'Shark Tank' was such an honor."

Karisa and McKay Winkel weren't going to let a no-deal on "Shark Tank" halt their dreams. They told @the_speed_oh_movement_guys that, immediately after filming their pitch, they used their "Shark Tank" per diem to pay the models from the set for an hour on the beach. Karisa took promotional photos of them in the briefs, which were later posted to social media. "I'm like, 'I am the definition of hustler.' We just came from the lot and we paid our food money. I haven't even spoken to my mom yet," Karisa recalled. 

The entrepreneurs also confirmed they experienced the "Shark Tank" effect and had a surge in sales after they took Moonies on ABC, even getting a purchase request from a customer in the U.K. At the time of writing, the products are only available directly from the Moonies website where the open-window briefs retail for $45. 

"Since taking Moonies public, the response has been overwhelming! People love 'Cleavage for Men' and guys love wearing their Moonies," the entrepreneurial couple shared on the Moonies website. "They truly are the most memorable, unique, fun swimsuit ever made because anytime Moonies are worn, a happy memory is made," they added.

Moonies's founders are pulling out all the stops to keep the business going after its "Shark Tank" setback, determined to make cut-out bottoms one of the hottest swimsuit trends. The company began promoting its skimpy swimwear for Valentine's Day in February 2025, offering 20% off purchases for the holiday on Instagram. The company also expanded its line to include an array of products in different colors and patterns, including skimpy bottoms with a completely open window and others featuring clear plastic over the booty.

As well as expanding the business to reach a larger audience, one of Moonies's biggest goals is to help others. The brand's products are created using 86% recycled polyester and shipped using recycled material. The company is also dedicated to helping the environment and the LGBTQ+ community, with 5% of sales donated to non-profits.

There are no regrets when it comes to walking away from Kevin O'Leary's offer, either. "I'm proud of us too for standing our ground," Karisa Winkel told @the_speed_oh_movement_guys. And it seems the swim brand is going strong without the Sharks.