Sun's out, buns out. Was that too cliché? Anyway, it's summer and it's the season of swim. This summer I've put together a list of some of my favorite size-inclusive swimwear looks and brands.
Now, I think there are two approaches to swimsuits. One is the very practical: will this actually be good for the beach? Will this actually be good for swim? I do appreciate that approach, and I have one good suit for that purpose from years ago from Dick's Sporting Goods. It's not hot, but it's great for swim classes. (I do aqua Zumba, and it's my go-to for anything with movement.)
The other approach is really centered on creating a moment: a fully cute, all-in-one look. Maybe you're pulling in a cool print, maybe there are some over-the-top accessories in the mix. And honestly, this list is very much the second approach. This list is truly all about having a swimwear look — your whole thing, the energy you wish to exude. Think of it as less of a Sports Illustrated hazing ritual, since they all seem to walk barefoot on the runway (weird), and more of a divine celebration of you and the sun, since you're about to have the partnership of a lifetime.
A quick note: two of my favorite swim brands are TA3 and Alpine Butterfly Swim, both for very different reasons. Alpine Swim is fun, campy, and incredible quality. It just feels like there's a real personality behind these suits. I have a discount code below, and I also wear a lot of these pieces as bodysuits afterwards, so I get a lot of use out of them.
The TA3 swimsuits are also a love of mine and actually my go-to one-piece for about three years now. The quality has held up, and the customer service is great too. I had an issue with one once, and they quickly replaced it for me. These suits feel very tight and supportive, like you're being held in. I think that comes from the core-set backing, but I highly recommend them.
**This list features some affiliate links. I may earn a commission.
Goths Gone Wild
At my core, I am a goth girl. I think that goth is more of a state of mind than an aesthetic. It ties into your political beliefs, your energy, maybe the music you listen to. It's a full subculture. That being said, I think it's fun. These are some of my favorite dark, romantic, all-black goth beach picks. Definitely double up on the sunscreen for this one.
Muscle Mommies
I know Love Lies Bleeding has come and gone, but it left an imprint on me that I just can't shake. I am obsessed with a high-cut suit. There is something so undeniably sexy about the way they frame the hips and waist, which happen to be my favorite parts of my body to show off. This whole collection has that energy: think less beach day, more gun show. Very 80s, very power workout, very hot.
The Grecian Coast
If you are looking for something incredibly luxurious and elevated, these would be my picks. I love a look that feels like you are on a Mediterranean getaway, just you and an abundance mindset. These suits tend to have cleaner lines, and I like to pull in long pendants, flowing robe, maybe a fun hair accessory to really dramatize the look. Some of these also feel a little like a Slim Aarons photo, perhaps not as nostalgic or campy, but more sleek and modern.
Babes in the Garden
Sometimes swim doesn't have to be a whole production. There is something really sweet about getting to relax and feel comfortable — like you just wandered in from the garden and decided to stay a while. A lot of this collection feels grounded and easy, inspired by plants, flowers, and anything else that feels very picnic cutie.
I did include some of my favorites from Alpine Swim here as well. I love Alpine Swim. Their suits are so cute, fun, and great quality. I even wear some of mine as bodysuits. Full disclosure, I reached out to the brand for a discount code, BUTTERFLY10 for 10% off.
Camp Baddie
Ready to feel like a little fruity cutie on Fire Island in the 70s? This is the collection for you. Lean into it with some cute dolphin shorts, scrunched socks, a good sneaker, and a fun one-piece or bikini top that really highlights the body. Whether you're looking to go full sporty spice, or just have a butch moment, I’ve got you covered.
Red Hot Romance
Ready to sizzle, to turn heads, to feel like the physical embodiment of hot summer fun? This is it. Whether it's a cute polka dot print with red accents that feels very la dolce vita, or a fully red suit that really leans into the season.
I included a number of picks from TA3 here, and as mentioned, this is my go-to swimsuit brand. I have the black one and I am obsessed with it. These suits fit like a second skin, and honestly? They just look so sexy. Highly recommend.
80s Powerhouse
There is nothing like an over-the-top, grand, supermodel moment in swimwear. I put this collection together because I love a one-piece, and one-pieces were absolutely everywhere in the 80s. I think they are deeply underrated because they give your body such a nice shape and just feel really sexy in a very mature, powerful way. This collection has the best of that era: stripes, bold colors, interesting patterns, and giant over-the-top accessories. More is more in this case!
A Note on Sunscreen
Listen, I am a sunscreen girl through and through. I take it very seriously.
For the face, I love the Shiseido Urban Environment sunscreen. It leaves a really beautiful finish on the skin, doesn't feel sticky, and they have one with a brightening vitamin C complex that I think does wonders. It's also completely unscented, which I appreciate. This is my go-to for the face. I also use Crystal Vacation sunscreen, which I think is particularly good for the neck and chest. It runs a little oily, so I wouldn't wear it on days you also want to wear makeup, and be careful around the eyes since it can migrate.
For foundation, I use the Nars tinted moisturizer year-round. It technically has SPF, so you could count it as a sunscreen. I don't, but you could.
For the body, I keep it simple with three things. First, whatever is on sale at Costco with an SPF higher than 40. Second, the Vacation Chardonnay oil, which is my absolute favorite. It gives your legs, arms, and full body the most beautiful glisten and smells incredible without being overwhelming. Third, the Bask Summer Skin Care spray, which is great for everyday use and beach days alike. Easy application, great coverage, and the packaging is really cute. What more could you want?
