When it comes to swimwear, there are many factors to consider when purchasing. Sure, it's nice to know the season's trendiest styles, but it's not always as simple as that. There's quality to take into account, size ranges, cut, sustainability. Perhaps you would like to specifically direct your dollars towards a brand run by a woman or person of color, or you can't afford to spend a fortune. You have to cover all these bases—not to mention, you obviously want to look good, too. Few have the luxury of time to comb through the overabundance of brands on the market today. So we decided to ask friends of Coveteur for their expert recommendations. We've covered all the bases: a diverse range of sizes, styles, and budgets—we even spoke with a surfer to hear her take on quality. Continue scrolling to discover all the swimwear styles and brands you should invest in for summer '21.
Photo: Courtesy of Cheyenne Adler
What you're looking for:
"I take my swimwear very seriously! I'm always looking for pieces that accentuate my body but are also comfortable enough to actually swim in. I'm an active mover when I'm near a body of water, but I don't want to compromise my sense of personal style because of it!"
Favorite brands:
"Two brands I've fallen in love with recently have been Salomé Swim and Dos Swim. They're both WOC-founded brands with the most beautiful styles and colorways. It's great to support fellow WOC in one of my favorite fashion categories."
What you try to avoid:
"I'm a 'try everything once' kind of girl, so I'm usually down to give any style, color, or brand a go, and if it doesn't make me feel completely and utterly amazing, then it's a big no for me. I've got to love the swimsuit I'm in and how it makes me feel in it because at the end of the day, I want to have fun! I don't want to be self-conscious in any regard while I'm trying to enjoy a day in the sun."
The best fit:
"Love a good string bikini—let's put it all out there at this point! No shame in our game! It definitely took me a while in my body-acceptance journey to get to this confidence level, but I'm just so appreciative of my body and how much it's gotten me through that I truly believe it deserves celebrating! My swimwear is my way of celebrating my body for exactly where it is!"
Styles you enjoy:
"I really love retro styles! Stylewise, it's the high-waisted bottoms and underwire tops or the high-cut one-pieces. It's fun to imagine yourself in a different time or place. I'm also a sucker for some of the more nostalgic prints too, like paisley or plaid."
Splurge vs. save:
"OK, so I've had these Sommer Swim suits for YEARS now, and they've not only stood the test of time quality-wise, but they are still comparatively some of my favorite suits because they fit so well! I think if a suit makes you feel fantastic, then it's worth the splurge!
"I also recently ordered from Shein for the first time, and honestly? Color me impressed! I have to say that I seriously appreciate the variety of budget-friendly styles. If you've fallen in love with a pricier suit and aren't ready to make the splurge, I recommend taking a look! They'll likely have a great dupe for way less."
Photo: Courtesy of Cass Dimicco
What you're looking for:
"For bottoms, I love anything that's cut to sit above my hip bones. I find this really helps elongate my legs. I have a small bust on top, so I love styles that give me the illusion of a push-up, usually if they are underwire or have a touch of padding."
Favorite brands:
"Heart of Sun, Monday Swimwear, Palm Swimwear, and Frankies Bikinis are some of my favorites right now. They are all amazing quality and super flattering."
What you try to avoid:
"I don't love hardware on my swimwear. It's usually not comfortable, and even though I love the look of a bikini top that ties around your waist, it never stays in place!"
The best fit:
"I love a sexy one-piece with an extreme high-rise leg cut. It's so flattering and gives the illusion of an hourglass shape. Not to mention, I feel much more comfortable at a party or on a boat with friends in a one-piece."
Styles you enjoy:
"After being stuck inside for a year, I'm loving all the bright-colored swimsuits and nostalgic prints. Anything crochet or floral makes me think of my childhood, and I think swimwear is a category where you can really have fun with it and pick colors/prints you wouldn't normally wear in apparel."
Splurge vs. save:
"I think anything that makes you feel confident is worth the splurge. Once I find a swimsuit I feel good in, I tend to buy multiple colorways. I hold on to my swimwear for years, and it's always worth the investment. I haven't tried any inexpensive options lately; I love supporting small brands that are handmade, and they tend to be more of a splurge."
Photo: Courtesy of Lydia Okello
What you're looking for:
"I usually want something that is contemporary or on trend, preferably sustainably made, fits my body well, but isn't overly modest."
Favorite brands:
"I keep looking at the pieces from Em & May—the colors totally hit my childhood nostalgia (early '90s), and I love that they offer custom sizing options! I first saw their work on Marielle Elizabeth; there's so much joy in their designs, as well as a fair amount of flirty cheekiness."
What you try to avoid:
"Wedgies? Anything that is too fussy for actually pool swimming/floating is a BIG no from me."
The best fit:
"I just got some Gabifresh x Swimsuits for All suits! I'm excited to wear swimwear designed by a plus-size person with a similar shape to me."
Styles you enjoy:
"I've finally come back around to a string bikini. They were popular when I was a super insecure preteen, but recently I have seen so many rad fat folks rocking them! Having survived this pandemic, I'm trying to really live my life doing what I want and caring less about public opinions on what fat folks should wear. So, sun's out, more buns out!"
Splurge vs. save:
"I mostly shop mid-range-priced swim—I got a Diner Check two-piece suit from Wray this season that is super comfy and eye-catching. Very excited for pool days!"
What you're looking for:
"I am always looking for something that can hold up, yet look cute at the same time. For me, support is as important as fit—feeling good and looking good go hand in hand, so that's top of mind when I try to find a suit I love."
Favorite brands:
"I've been loving what Frankies Bikinis and Solid & Striped are doing, brandwise, currently. They are having fun and pushing the limits with prints and fabrics. Going back to the core brands of surfing, I love what Hurley's doing with technology and fit for surfing."
What you try to avoid:
"Anything that doesn't make you feel great or confident, as well as suits with a lot of extra fabric that can cause drag and slow you down in the water and waves."
The best fit:
"I love everything bodysuit, surf, or wetsuit-inspired. Billabong makes some of the cutest women's surf suits out there, and Cynthia Rowley is a longtime favorite, as well."
Styles you enjoy:
"I love the rash guard trend right now that is spilling over into streetwear, as well as the 'coconut girl aesthetic' which is all things '90s tropical-inspired. I'm obsessed with tropical and tiki prints. I have been on this trend for a while, so I hope it never ends!"
Splurge vs. save:
"Stone Fox Swim I absolutely love—I have suits from six years ago that I've surfed in over 100 times and they still look and feel as good as the day I got them!"
Top photo: Courtesy of Cheyenne Adler
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