Editor’s Note: Our Buy section is devoted to giving you trusted recommendations for useful and delightful things. This community-sourced list—which we publish once a month—is designed to save you from untrustworthy online reviews and glorified Insta ads. You can rely instead on the collective wisdom of our wise and experienced subscribers :) This month’s theme: Swimwear brands.
FYI: You should pair this list with our crowdsourced guide to sunscreens for the summer season. Also check out our previous crowdsourced guides to men’s clothing, carry-on luggage, air purifiers, the perfect red lipstick, and running shoes.
Wanted: The best swimwear brand
Swimwear for women
We received a lovely list of recommendations for women’s swimwear brands ranging from sustainable wear and plus-size brands to popular mainstream ones.
Plus Curvves: This is a plus size swimwear brand that Ameya loves as it isn’t one of those “drape yourself in this lycra sheet and be grateful” type of brands. Minnati also loved their wide range of swimwear, and recommended their “fabulous bikinis”.
H&M: Tarini likes this brand because of the various colour options, and Pooja says that H&M is affordable, trendy, has different styles, and is size inclusive. We’re loving this corset-ish look
The Summerhouse: Smarinita likes this brand because of their “simple elegant designs and solid colours''. Bonus points because it's created from fabric that is made from abandoned fishing nets fished out of the sea. We were impressed with the tres chic designs. This bikini is lovely, but we were just as taken with this classic one-piece.
Boldgal: While this company ships from the US, Khyati loves this brand. They have a lot of options in prints, styles and designs.The brand is affordable and offers good quality–which is a rare combo. What she likes most: “you can buy the bottoms separately and mix and match with your own swim tops.” The swim bottoms are especially lovely and forgiving (please let’s not be starving to be hanging at the beach). Like this sarong number:
Hunkemoller: Geetanjalee finds that Hunkermoller has “great style and well priced for what it offers”. She suggests both bikinis and swimsuits as worthwhile purchases to make. Example: this beauty:
Decathlon: Smitha suggests Decathlon and their in-house brand ‘Nabaiji’ for their reasonable prices, ease of availability, and durability. Our editor says they are very reliable for kids’ swimwear–especially girls who don’t always want to expose large expanses of their body–but still want to wear something cute. Example:
Swimwear for men
Rey&l: Nisha Savara recommends this brand for its great cut and fit. A very cool bonus: the pieces also feature artwork from local artists. She recommends the tangier swim shorts or any father-son matching set. They have great basics, as well–if you’re not the flashy type:)
Superdry: Happy with a something simple and elegant? Hersh says this brand is “no fuss, heavy duty and as the name suggests they dry quick!” He says the trunks are the best value for money.
Orlebar Brown: In the mood to splurge? Magandeep loves these bulldog shorts from the collection inspired by James Bond.
Still want more?
Goya Swim Co. recommended by Nandan for the indie designer and sustainable fabrics. And if you’re looking for bespoke resort wear, Maneka loves Salty Soul’s elegant cover ups.
