Wanted: The best swimsuits 2.0
Editor’s note: Our Buy section is your trusty instalment of recommendations for useful and delightful things. This community-sourced list—which we publish once a month—is designed to save you from unreliable online reviews and glorified Insta ads. You can count instead on the collective wisdom of our wise and experienced subscribers:) This month’s theme: swimwear to help you stay cool and look cool–at all price points:)
Swimwear for women
Studio Verandah: This homegrown brand suggested by Suneera was founded by Anjali Patel Mehta and offers insanely gorgeous pieces that use artisanal fabrics, illustrated prints and fine embroideries. This is sustainable and very expensive resort wear at its best. The cheapest swimsuit starts at $150 (Rs 12,000). So this is luxury with a capital L.
Esha Lal: Suneera also recommends this Indian brand by indie designer Esha. Suneera likes it because the swimwear is “fresh and many of her prints are original watercolour works painted by her.” That is indeed super cool! These swim pieces retail from Rs 1,560 and go up to Rs 3,800.
Nadi Nadi: Arunima recommends this stylish set from designer Bhaavya Bhatnagar’s resort wear brand that is flattering and comfortable. She believes the shimmery lurex bottom adds some drama—while the silken sand top—beautifully contrasts the suit. She likes that it’s a high waist lower and therefore offers good coverage. She guarantees you won’t feel guilty splurging on this one as you can repurpose it for night-outs by re-styling as well! The price for this lux piece: Rs 8000.
SeaFolly: This is an Australian brand which has “very good fabrics and design” according to Hersh—who calls it “one of the best swimwear brands.” We really like this lovely two piece with the hot pink sarong which is priced at $108 or Rs 9,000 while a classic one piece retails for an average of $200 or Rs 16,000.
The Summerhouse: Think simple elegant designs and solid colours. This is a reliable and environmentally conscious choice—because their swimsuits are created from fabric recycled fishing nets. We were impressed with the tres chic designs, whether it’s their bikini, or the classic one-piece. The starting price of a Summerhouse swimsuit is Rs Rs 3,300. Here’s to your 'Baywatch' moment:
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—which retails for Rs 1,599:
Hunkemoller: Last year, Geetanjalee found Hunkermoller to have “great style and well priced for what it offers”. She suggested both bikinis and swimsuits as worthwhile purchases to make. This year, Lavisha recommended them saying: “They have good colours, and my swimwear has lasted a while.” The only flaw: “It might not be suitable for chlorinated pools.” Example: this beauty below. The prices for two-piece bikinis start from Rs 1,400.
Swimwear for men
Arena: Pradyumna gives us a great unisex option with these jammers. He calls it a “great investment” and says: “It’s an investment in quality for people who don’t wanna wear the V shaped costumes and are frequent swimmers.” He also recommended Arena’s kickboards and pullbuoys if you’re learning how to swim or need them for fitness workouts in water. These pairs sell for $92 or Rs 8,350.
Quicksilver: This one’s for the beach boys board boys. Hersh suggests this brand as they have “great designs and materials, though they're a bit on the expensive side.” They offer everything from a pair of board shorts to wetsuits to rashguards for boys and men. The classic board shorts are for $59 or Rs 5350.
Sandbar: This Singaporean brand has something for everyone—kids and adults—and hits the sustainable sweet spot too. As Suneera says, they make their swimwear from plastic found in the oceans! The men’s swimming trunks are sold at $119 or Rs 10,800.
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:) The starting price for a pair of trunks is Rs 2,499.
Superdry: Happy with 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. The starting price is Rs 4,599.
Orlebar Brown: In the mood to splurge? Magandeep loves these bulldog shorts from the collection inspired by James Bond. One pair of swim shorts are about $250 or Rs 20,800.
Still want more?
- Goya Swim Co.: Recommended by Nandan for its indie designer and sustainable fabrics. Starting price: Rs 4000.
- Salty Soul: If you’re looking for bespoke resort wear, Maneka loves this brand’s elegant cover ups. You can contact them on their Facebook or Insta for the price.
- Nabaiji by Decathlon: This brand is well-liked for its reasonable prices, ease of availability, and durability and the bonus: 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. The prices start from Rs 1,190.
- 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”. You can get a two piece for just Rs 2000.
- 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. You can customise your bikini by buying top and bottom separately which would collectively cost you Rs 2,500 on average.
