Gabrielle Ulubay
The steady rise in temperatures is enough to have us daydreaming about trendy bikinis and sultry one-pieces ready for a dip in the ocean, a lap in the pool, or a sunbathing session on the rooftop. Regardless of your location, a swimsuit is always an essential summer piece. Thankfully, countless swimsuit brands—from classic and emerging designers—can help you ring in the warm weather with some fun new additions to your swim collection.
With so many swim brands in the market, making a decision on which best fits your tastes and lifestyle can be overwhelming. Marie Claire reached out to Celenie Seidel, Farfetch's senior womenswear editor, and Gess Pugh, size-inclusive consultant, model, and content creator, to weigh in. Ahead, you'll find that their go-to swimsuit brands include wallet-friendly labels, investment brands, and designers approaching the category with a responsible ethos. We've also tapped our experts to chat about the biggest swimwear trends for 2024, including shiny hardware, bold animal prints, and pearly metallics.
At Marie Claire, we're dedicated champions of size inclusivity and sustainability, factors that played a fundamental role in creating the list of the best swimsuits. We've spotlighted designers you may already know and love and others who are just making waves on the scene.
- Best Size-Inclusive Swimwear Brand: Nomads Swimwear
- Best Luxury Swimwear Brand: Isa Boulder
- Best Swimwear Brand for Petite Figures: Léa the Label
- Best Sustainable Swimwear Brand: Londre
- Best Swimwear Brand for Comfort: Kōraru
Nomads Swimwear
Founded by designer and plus-size model Taylor Long, Nomads exists at the intersection of inclusivity and sustainability, a favorite of Pugh's for their luxe, timeless options. "Unlike many size-inclusive swimsuit brands, Nomads emphasizes quality in their design practices with a responsible fashion approach," Pugh explains.
Isa Boulder
Seidel tells Marie Claire that Isa Boulder is one of her favorite independent and sustainable swimwear labels. "They have an identifiable design aesthetic, offering swims distinctly different from anything you’ve worn before," she notes. The majority of their styles offer a signature ruching effect.
Léa the Label
With all of their pieces crafted from Econyl, a fabric made entirely out of recycled material, Léa the Label proves that minimalism nor sustainability will ever go out of favor. Their high-waisted designs are meant to be both comfortable and universally flattering.
Londre
Candian brand Londre's swimwear is ethically and sustainably made from a minimum of six plastic water bottles, all constructed to withstand the wear and tear of the surf and sand. You'll find backless one-pieces, asymmetric tops, and other minimalistic-leaning styles that can easily be mixed and matched.
Kōraru
Kōraru's versatile swimwear emphasizes a sporty aesthetic with styles like high-waisted briefs and minimalist seamless triangle bras. Its pieces are sourced from recycled fishing nets, which result in a super-soft hand feel.
YEMAYA Swimwear
Named after the Mother Goddess in Yoruba and Santería traditions, this Latinx-owned brand centers itself on comfort, body positivity, and female empowerment. Each style is named after inspirational women in founder Carla Pallares's life.
SHAN
SHAN is a Canadian swimwear brand that designs universally flattering silhouettes with high waists and supportive builds that incorporate fun details, like hardware and scalloping.
Christopher Esber
Australian designer Christopher Esber established his namesake label in 2010, and since then, has built a brand that masterfully fuses contemporary swimwear with the sophistication of ready-to-wear clothing. "Independent [fashion-first] labels like this are super strong players in the swimwear space," says Celenie Seidel. This is the perfect swimwear brand for beachgoers looking for a high-fashion moment.
Acacia
Acacia is a collective of women based in Hawai‘i committed to creating sustainable swimwear for women of all ages. Creative director and designer Naomi Acacia Newirth is particularly dedicated to crafting versatile, wearable silhouettes that can seamlessly transition from beach to brunch.
Myra Swim
Myra Swim was founded by Bianca Elouise, a professional surfer from Australia who spent so much of her life in swimwear that she set off to design her own line of slow-fashion, high-style swimsuits. Her goal was to solve the swimwear needs of all women—especially those on the move.
Gigi C
Hearing loss advocate Gigi Caruso founded her eponymous brand, Gigi C, with her mother, Tina, a former clothing designer and swimsuit model. A celebrity favorite beloved for its creative cutouts, comfortable fabrics, and versatile designs, this sustainably minded brand also makes loungewear and athleisure.
CUUP
If you haven't gotten on the CUUP train yet, now's your time. CUUP sells both swimwear and lingerie with inclusivity and comfort top-of-mind. These classic styles come in a ton of colors and fun prints so that you can mix and match throughout the season.
Summersalt
Summersalt has long been the go-to swimwear brand for women looking for well-fitted, affordable swimwear brand options. Some of their signature styles include swooping backlines, one-shoulders, and fun details like ruffles and bows.
Liandra Swim
Liandra Swim's line celebrated Aboriginal Australian culture and its commitment to a sustainable ethos. Designer Liandra Gaykamangu names each piece after an indigenous woman with inspiring stories to be heard.
SAINT SOMEBODY
Saint Somebody's brand ethos revolves around the concept that less is more. Rather than playing the fast fashion game, the eco-friendly brand prioritizes quality over quantity. After wear-testing, Pugh gives the brand her seal of approval. " Their swim pieces are extremely comfortable yet stylish," she notes.
MIKOH
Sisters Oleema and Kalani Miller founded MIKOH as a tribute to the power of femininity. MIKOH comes from the Japanese term for "female prophecy" or "female shaman," and the Millers' brand certainly lives up to its name. These pieces, which combine form and function (the sisters happen to be surfers themselves), come in seamless, athletic-leaning silhouettes that won't budge.
Lokiki
New York City swimwear label Lokiki specializes in minimalist styles that will serve you for years. Scoop and plunging necklines, high-waisted briefs, and sleek one-pieces are some of their signature styles.
ELOQUII
"Although ELOQUII offers much more than swim, their fashion-forward, trend-led designs make this brand an easy choice," Pugh tells Marie Claire. "Designing exclusively for plus size women, they understand the importance of both fit and fashion," she notes. If you're looking to stack up on fresh swimwear this season, keep an eye out for ELOQUII's monthly drops!
Alpine Butterfly Swim
Want to make a splash with saturated shades and playful patterns? Look no further than Alpine Butterfly Swim. "This swimwear brand is my favorite recommendation for size-inclusive statement swimwear," says Pugh. "Their silhouettes and prints are always so playful and unique, which is a rare option for plus size girls."
Monday Swimwear
Founded by two friends and established swimwear connoisseurs, Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, Monday Swimwear creates swimwear that offers something for everyone— including options for E and F cups—so that all women can enjoy stylish swimwear.
Follow Suit
Follow Suit has fun, bold colors and vibrant pattern options, like paisley and floral cut-outs inspired by Mediterranean beaches. All of the prints are digitally printed onto the fabric, which uses less dye and water, and are made by skilled craftspeople in New York City.
RAQ
RAQ was founded in 2018 by two women on a mission to create supportive bikinis for large busts. "I absolutely love that their swim is designed with a bustier woman in mind," says Pugh. "It can be difficult to find trendy swim pieces that also offer great support, but these fit the bill."
Kaiso. Swim
This Black-owned, woman-owned brand is beloved for its plunging one-pieces that flatter every body type. If you're busty, this is an excellent swimwear brand to consider.
Juillet
This female-founded label is known for its laid-back, "It" girl pieces—a favorite amongst celebrities and editors who flock to the brand for its romantic details, like ruffles, ditsy floral prints, gingham, and lace.
What to Look for in the Best Swimsuit Brands
- Choosing the Best Swimsuit Fabrics
“Look for craftsmanship, composition, and fit," says Judy Stein, executive director of SwimShow. Stein recommends opting for brands that design their swimwear with colorfast, quick-drying, and chlorine-resistant fabrics, like various blends of high-quality elastane, nylon, and polyester.
Fabric quality will impact longevity and how long your swimwear keeps feeling like new, even after being exposed to salt, chlorine, sand, and sun,” adds Farfetch's Seidel.
Whether you opt for standard swimwear fabrics or more sustainable alternatives (Seidel notes hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, Econyl, linen, and recycled nylon are all popular eco-fabrics to look for in the swimwear world), your swimsuit should hold shape while it's wet and dry.
- Don't Sacrifice Comfort
Perusing online reviews is a great way to get a sense of how well a swimsuit fits according to other shoppers, but sometimes, it’s a matter of simply testing it out for yourself. “Cut is key for confidence and comfort— but the first time you try on a swimsuit, you'll know immediately whether or not you feel good in it,” notes Seidel.
Some other tips to assess comfort from Siedel: Is it feeling firm and secure? Does it stay in place and keep you covered? If the answer is yes to both, you’ve got yourself a winner.
- Swim
Some of the best swimsuit brands offer pieces that prioritize quality and comfort and are also in tune with relevant trends. Seidel says more ready-to-wear trends are being translated into the swim category this season. Expect to see hardware like metal details and jewelry-inspired embellishments. “I've been seeing a lot of designers like Christopher Esber playing with hardware in their collection, and their pieces have been making waves on social media,” she adds.
Along with hardware, Seidel says we can expect to see lots of patterns and details, like animal prints, pearly metallics, polka dots, and smocking, and says designers known primarily for their clothing are also branching out to swimwear.
While trends are always fun to incorporate into your swim collection, classic styles are always a good bet. You can never go wrong with a timeless one-piece.
Pro Swimsuit Styling Tips
Whether you're poolside or tanning in a park, you may want your swimwear to transition to lunch, dinner, or a night out. With the right styling, you can take your swimsuit (almost) anywhere.
"There are so many fabulous cover-ups that can be thrown on to transition from day to evening, [like] a great pair of palazzo pants or a caftan,” suggests Stein. Stein suggests slipping on strappy sandals and accessorizing with a summery raffia or wicker handbag to give your swim look an elevated fashion moment.
Slip on a black cover-up and matching sandals for a post-beach evening.
If you're heading to a seaside dinner after a long day in the sun, a flowy maxi dress or airy kaftan will give your look instant elevation. Try one in a neutral shade—like black, beige, or white—that will pair nicely with practically any swimsuit.
For a breezy evening outdoors wrap a blazer over your shoulders and coordinate your look with linen pants.
The classic blazer-and-pants combo isn't just reserved for days in the office. Take this sartorial outfit formula to the shore with a tailored linen set that you'll want to wear on repeat.
Meet the Experts
Gess Pugh is a New York City based creative brand strategy consultant and content creator, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. Having worked as a model and wardrobe stylist for some of the most recognizable fashion and beauty brands in the country, Gess uses her insider experience to create compelling, inclusive and impactful stories within the fashion, beauty and media spaces.
Celenie Seidel is currently the Senior Womenswear Editor at Farfetch. With Farfetch for over six years, Celenie provides high-level trend analysis and leads womenswear product curation for the online luxury marketplace. Prior to her current role, Celenie held positions at Style.com and WGSN.
Executive Director of SwimShow, the industry leading platform behind Miami Swim Week, Stein has been the driving force of the largest swimwear trade show for over 25 years. Inspired by the need of an international hub for all swim lifestyle brands, Stein has been instrumental to the growth of the swim industry. Working alongside hundreds of brands guiding and preparing new and core women's, men's and children's brands to launch at wholesale/retail level, season-after-season. Today, SwimShow includes national and international brands as well as SwimLab, an incubator platform for new brands that are looking for connection and visibility. Stein is passionate about fostering a community within the industry and is a longtime resident of Miami. She is thrilled to lead a platform that brings together buyers, exhibitors, press, influencers, manufacturers and industry experts, evolving year after year and leaving room for what's next.
