We may be in the thick of winter, but there’s no harm in daydreaming about the warmer days ahead—especially when you’ve got a stellar vacation in the books. And, if you’re anything like me, odds are you’re hoping to stock up on some luxury swimwear brands to toss into your chic weekender bag or designer suitcase.
Fashion extends well beyond our closets—and in this case, they go the extra mile…right to the poolside or beach, really. So, whether you’re the type to rock an itty bitty bikini or you prefer a sleek one-piece swimsuit, I’m bringing you the best designer swimsuit brands to sport for the warm-weather season. Wear these as you soak up some Vitamin D—and don’t forget to snap a pic for the ‘gram while you’re at it.
Not only will you fall in love with SOLKISSED’s styles, but you’re also sure to appreciate how soft and comfortable they feel to the touch. The quality is seriously top-grade, per founder Alejandra Boggiano’s standards. All of her collections are handmade under ethical conditions by Peruvian women–with Boggiano’s own mother overseeing the Lima-based production. Pick up one of these suits for a truly sun-kissed vibe.
Good for: Sexy, minimalist silhouettes with punchy colors
Let Sommer Swim be the place where you find your go-to swimsuits. Regardless of the color or print you choose, you can count on these styles to transcend seasons, making them well worth the investment.
If your style leans more on the sweet side, Dippin’ Daisys might be for you. With English florals and puff shoulders, the ultra-feminine brand caters to those who want to feel like they’re in a poolside edition of Bridgerton.
Blackbough is like TikTok in bikini form. Made in the Philippines, the cuts are fun, the prints are flirty, and most styles come with coordinating accessories and skirts worthy of an IG post.
If Saweetie is one of your style inspirations, then Matte Collection is where you should grab your next swimsuit. We’re especially fond of the fact that most of its suits have matching clothes that will take you from the beach to the boardwalk in no time at all.
With punchy neons, glitter fabrics, and on-trend ’70s prints, Triangl is here for all your Instagram needs, which makes sense, given that the brand boasts 2.4 million followers. It offers a wide array of colors, prints, and fits that are meant to be photographed. And Triangl mostly specializes in bikinis, so turn your eye if you’re a maillot kind of girl.
While some of us were splashing around in kiddie pools, founder and creative director Agnes Fischer spent her childhood snorkeling around Saint Barthélemy. This led to her launching Fisch, a swim brand made in Italy that not only fits like a dream but has been eco-friendly since its start in 2017. Specifically, Fisch is known for using Econyl fabric, aka regenerated nylon created from waste products.
Aussie-backed but Italian-inspired, Cin Cin swimwear captures the relaxed luxury of the ’70s. Think: soft kaleidoscopic prints and ring details that would make a Bond Girl swoon. But that’s not all: Cin Cin swim is also made of Repreve fabric, a fully traceable and certified recycled material that is made from post-consumer plastic bottle waste.
Looking for ultra-comfortable swimwear that makes you feel confident basking in the sun? Look no further; Monday Swimwear has you covered. The brand features size-inclusive styles with cup sizes made to fit up to an E or F cup. You’ll find minimalist designs to hold onto forever.
Leave it to Emily Ratajkowski to create one of the sexiest swim brands on the market. Her barely-there bikinis and strappy one-pieces are loved by social media scenesters, and with good reason. Its multi-strap triangle tops were made for a ’gram (or two, or three, or four).
Taking notes from the ’80s and ’90s, Myra Swim, founded by Bianca Elouise, will be your next destination for sleek, sultry swimwear. The airy fabric is made of silk nylon that you can easily transition from on to off the beach, with super-flattering cuts for every level of confidence. (Seriously, shop here if you want that Brazilian bikini fit.)
Created as an homage to the ’80s and ’90s, Loleia is a swim label with bold prints and styles in mind. Designed in Australia with local artists, look to this brand for Kelly Kapowski vibes.
If you’re searching for a swim brand no one has heard about (at least not yet), try Feline Swim. Made from deadstock fabrics in limited stock, the label pairs loud prints with minimalist silhouettes, so you’ll stand out on the beach without awkwardly feeling like you’re peacocking.
Before Shay Johnson and Paula Hess founded Dos Swim, the two cut their teeth at Opening Ceremony. But while designing swimsuits together for a Mexican vacation, they realized their new business model. With ultra-flattering silhouettes and unexpected prints, friends and followers started requesting suits of their own, and the rest is history.
Good for: Trendy prints and minimalist silhouettes
Supermodel Candice Swanepoel would know a thing or two about sexy swimsuits. She co-founded the line Tropic of C, but the best part isn’t the label’s fun prints or barely there silhouettes, but its sustainability and community-driven mission. All Tropic of C’s products are made from recycled materials in a production cycle that reduces water and energy while supporting nonprofit organizations like mothers2mothers.
Crochet suits get a sultry touch with Akoia. The often fickle fabric tends to stretch and create ill-flattering, mum-ish silhouettes, but Akoia figured it out, meeting the needs of shoppers who prefer a Brazilian cut. These handmade suits are made in Bali, too, which is exactly where you can catch us wearing one.
Miami-based brand Rielli, backed by founder Arielle Claudine Baril, aims to keep it real. Its deceptively simple designs make you feel your best (we’re really loving the matching terry swim skirts). They operate off of a humble business model, too: “cut, sewn, and distributed from our living room to your front door.” You can’t not want to support this beautifully made indie label.
What started as a coveted label for It-bags has since skyrocketed into a full-fledged fashion brand. Created in 2012 by Jasmin Larian Hekmat, Cult Gaia is your one-stop shop for Insta-ready dresses, bags, shoes, and now, swimwear. It pays close attention to all the chic details with swimwear featuring acetate rings, luxe ’70s prints, and more.
Solid & Striped single-handedly resurrected the basic one-piece in 2014, but it has come a long, fashionable way since. Its suits always have a touch of ’70s nostalgia without looking frumpy. It recently released a leopard-print suit complete with a gold belt. Need we say more?
Rihanna, Selena Gomez, and Beyoncé are just a few fans of Lisa Marie Fernandez’s gorgeous swimsuits. Its retro, yet undeniably modern cuts pair best with its elevated ready-to-wear collection, which comes in matching prints cut in bolero jackets and flowy dresses.
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.