Let's be honest. Shopping for swimwear can feel like a special kind of torture. Endless scrolling, confusing size charts, photos of models who look nothing like you. You just want a suit that fits, flatters, and doesn't fall apart after two beach trips. I've spent over a decade writing about fashion and fit, and I've tried on more swimsuits than I care to remember. The biggest lesson? It's not about finding the single "best" brand. It's about matching a brand's specific strengths to your unique body, lifestyle, and priorities. This guide skips the fluffy lists. We're going deep on what actually matters when you're investing in swimwear. Forget just looking at pretty pictures. Start by asking yourself three questions. Are you chasing toddlers at the pool? Doing laps for fitness? Lounging on a yacht? Your activity level dictates construction. A flimsy, trendy bikini won't survive serious swimming, just like a sturdy, full-coverage athletic suit might feel overkill for sunbathing. Laps & Fitness: Look for brands that use chlorine-resistant fabric (like PBT or specific polyester blends), secure straps (racerback, tie-back), and a lined chest. Speedo and Arena are the pros, but brands like Andie and Summersalt now offer stylish performance cuts. Family Beach Days: Durability and security are key. Think thicker linings, adjustable straps, and boy-short or skirted bottoms if you're bending over a lot. Lands' End and Boden excel here with practical, cheerful designs. Vacation & Instagram: This is where design, unique prints, and "layability" matter. You might prioritize a brand like Solid & Striped or Marysia for their iconic textures and shapes. I avoid terms like "apple" or "hourglass." Think instead about where you need support, coverage, or freedom. Bust Support Needed: This is non-negotiable. Brands that simply scale up a small-cup design will fail you. Seek out brands with built-in engineering: sewn-in cups (not removable pads), underwire, and wider side panels. Freya and Panache are lingerie experts who translate this perfectly to swim. Cupshe has surprisingly good wired options at a lower price point, but check the reviews for durability. Long Torso: The dreaded "too-short" one-piece. Brands like Andie and L*SPACE often market "long torso" cuts. A better universal trick? Look for suits with lower-cut leg openings and adjustable straps—they effectively lengthen the torso. Wanting Mid-Section Confidence: It's not about "slimming." It's about smoothing and holding. Look for suits with internal power mesh panels (feels like a second skin), ruching, or strategic color blocking. Miraclesuit lives up to its name with serious tech here. Shapermint's swim line is also a budget-friendly shocker. Is sustainability a must? Do you only buy from size-inclusive lines? Your values can quickly narrow the field. Sustainable & Ethical: This goes beyond using recycled fabric. Check if the brand discloses factories, uses eco-friendly dyes, and has a take-back program. Patagonia sets the gold standard. Girlfriend Collective is transparent and uses recycled materials exclusively. Even large brands like Reformation are making strides here. True Size Inclusivity: A brand that just added an XL isn't inclusive. Look for brands where the extended sizes are part of the core design process, not an afterthought. Swimsuits For All was founded on this principle. Aerie and Savage X Fenty show all sizes on the same model in their campaigns, which is telling. Here’s where we get specific. Think of these as starting points. Patagonia: The benchmark. Recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified sewing, and a repair/worn wear program. Their suits are minimalist, athletic, and built to last for years of hard use. Not the place for high-fashion cuts. Girlfriend Collective: Their swim is made from recycled fishing nets and other waste. The compressive, high-neck one-pieces are iconic for a reason—incredibly flattering and supportive. Sizes XXS to 6XL. Outerknown: Founded by surfer Kelly Slater, they use Econyl (regenerated nylon) and have a focus on durable, timeless styles that work in and out of the water. The Curve & Plus-Size Specialists: The "I Want Instagram-Worthy & Unique" Edit: A quick note on price: A $200 suit isn't necessarily "better" than a $50 one, but you are paying for better fabric recovery (less sagging), more precise construction, and often, more ethical production. For a staple you'll wear 20+ times a year, invest. For a wild print you're unsure about, experiment at a lower price point. I've made these. My friends have made these. Let's save you the hassle. Mistake 1: Buying your ready-to-wear size. Swimwear sizing is its own universe. Always, always check the brand's specific size chart. Measure yourself (bust, waist, hips) and compare to their garment measurements if available. When in doubt between two sizes, size up. You can always take in a strap, but you can't add fabric. Mistake 2: Ignoring the fabric content. That cheap suit that loses its shape after one swim? Likely a high percentage of cotton or a poor elastane blend. Look for at least 80% nylon or polyester blended with 15-20% spandex/elastane for durability and snap-back. Mistake 3: Only buying online based on the "modeled" shot. Look for the flat lay photo. How much side coverage does the bottom really have? How wide are the straps? Read reviews that mention fit issues. A review saying "runs small in the bust" is gold. Mistake 4: Not considering tan lines. It sounds vain, but think about it. A complex back strap design leaves a crazy tan line. If you're on a beach holiday, a simpler cut might be more versatile. You found the perfect suit. Now, protect your investment. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Immediately after wearing, even if you didn't swim. Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils are fabric killers. Use cool water. Hand wash only. Once a week during heavy use, give it a gentle soak in cool water with a detergent made for delicates (like The Laundress Swimwear Wash or even baby shampoo). Never use regular detergent or fabric softener. The dryer is the enemy. Always lay flat in the shade to dry. Hanging it can stretch out the straps and elastic. Direct sun fades colors fast. Rotate your suits. If you swim frequently, having two or more suits to rotate allows the elastic fibers to fully recover between wears, dramatically extending their life.What You'll Find in This Guide
How to Choose the Right Swimwear Brand for You
What's Your Primary "Swimwear Situation"?
What's Your Body's "Architecture"?
What Are Your Non-Negotiable Values?
Swimwear Brands Sorted by Style & Values
For the Sustainability-Focused Buyer
Common Swimwear Buying Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Making Your Swimsuit Last: Care & Longevity
Your Swimwear Questions, Answered
How do I know if a swimsuit will fit well online?
Focus on the brand's size chart and fabric details. Stretchy fabrics like nylon-spandex blends are forgiving. Look for reviews mentioning fit, especially from people with a similar body shape. A good trick is to compare the brand's size chart to a swimsuit you already own that fits perfectly. Measure that suit laid flat and match it to the listed garment measurements, not just your body measurements.
What's the biggest mistake people make when buying swimwear?
Buying for the body they wish they had, not the body they have. Choosing a size based on your clothing size rather than the brand's specific chart is another common error. Swimwear should fit snugly but comfortably when dry; it won't 'shrink to fit' in water. Ignoring the suit's construction for your activity level (like a flimsy tie-side for actual swimming) is a recipe for a wardrobe malfunction.
Are expensive swimwear brands really worth it?
Often, yes, but not always. The price jump usually buys you better fabric quality (fade and chlorine resistance), more sophisticated construction (like internal slimming panels), and unique designs. For a suit you'll wear weekly for years, the investment makes sense. For a trendy print you might wear once, a fast-fashion option could suffice. The real value is in fit and longevity.
How can I make my swimsuit last longer?
Rinse it in cool water immediately after wearing, even if you didn't swim. Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and sweat are the main killers. Hand wash with a gentle detergent made for delicates. Never, ever put it in the dryer—lay it flat in the shade to dry. Rotate between two or more suits to give the elastic time to recover.
