We’re swimwear connoisseurs at Citizen Femme, and we’re diving headfirst into summer with this ultimate edit.
From flattering one-pieces to micro two-pieces and daring prints, we’ve got you covered, literally, with our little black book of swimwear, conveniently categorised so you can shop for your style. Adventures await.
Best For Every Body Type
HUNZA G
Originally established in 1984, Hunza G became a household name in the 90s for the cut-out mini dress Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman. Today, Hunza G is making one-size-fits-all swimsuits and bikinis in their nostalgic crinkle fabrication, that sculpts every body. Marked by their 80’s roots, expect high-leg cuts, and dramatic necklines.
View this post on Instagram
YOUSWIM
British brand Youswim aims to ‘make swimwear that can adapt and change with your body through the many stages of your life’. They’ve replaced a dozen rigid sizes with just two magically flexible ones, Stretch 1 which fits sizes UK 6-18 and Stretch 2, which fits sizes UK 18-28.
View this post on Instagram
REINA OLGA
Guia Cleps created her female-led, Italian swimwear brand Reina Olga with her sister Isotta in 2014, and it has since become a favourite with fashionistas, thanks to its striking silhouettes and bold prints. Named after the duo’s grandmothers, who love leopard print as much as they do, their fun swimwear is designed to champion all body shapes thanks to its flattering super-stretch materials.
View this post on Instagram
Best For Contemporary Styles
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
You may know Australian brand Christopher Esber for his sexy, cut-out dresses, but they do swimwear too, and it’s much like the designer’s ready-to-wear collections. Dramatic diamond cutouts, sculptural detailing and the label’s signature metal embellishments are instantly recognisable to the brand, taking swimwear to new heights.
View this post on Instagram
OSÉREE
Established in 2015 by Jannine Vinci and Isabella Cavallin, this label is an ode to empowerment. Despite its name being derived from the French verb oser, ‘to dare,’ Oséree is Italian made. With the natural silhouette of the body in mind, designs favour the bold with confident colour and embellishment. For extra sparkle, discover the Lumière collection.
View this post on Instagram
TROPIC OF C
Founded by Candice Swanepoel and named after the Tropics of both Cancer and Capricorn, Tropic of C embodies infinite warmth. “Influenced by nature, and inspired by the female form,” pieces are body sculpting with vibrant hues and lush patterns, reflecting the brand’s ties to tropical regions.
View this post on Instagram
Best for Timeless Designs
VANESSA SPOSI
Vanessa Sposi is a Parisian-based, ethical and eco-friendly swimwear label, infused with the antioxidants Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to nourish sun-drenched skin. Each piece is crafted from OEKOTEX® and regenerated ECONYL® yarn from nylon waste, which would otherwise pollute the Earth. The result is sustainable swimwear that stands the test of time, while looking effortlessly chic.
View this post on Instagram
ERES
Luxury Parisian label ERES offers uncomplicated and elegant swimwear, designed to sculpt and support. Boasting French savoir-faire and attention to detail, swimsuits and bikinis are made from Peau Douce – an innovative second skin material created by ERES that combines elasticity, resistance, shape and comfort.
View this post on Instagram
ALICIA SWIM
Founder and Creative Director of Alicia Swim, Alicia Rountree-Zannier was born and raised on the island of Mauritius. Growing up by the ocean, Alicia was passionate about swimwear from a young age. After starting her career as a model, she went on to create her line of simple, well-tailored swimsuits – crafted from high-performance, sustainable Italian fabrics – that share the spectacular beauty and special character of Mauritius.
View this post on Instagram
Best Australian Brands
BOND-EYE
Born in Sydney’s Bondi beach, Bond-Eye swimwear is designed using The Authentic Crinkle™ fabric and is one-size-fits all from XS to L. Handmade styles follow a four-way stretch and instant recovery along the body, resulting in snap-back swimwear that flatters every figure. Made to be seen, the bold colours and ultra-flattering silhouettes are stand outs at the pool.
View this post on Instagram
BOTEH
BOTEH, named after the Persian word for flower, is a vibrant resortwear brand that blends the seaside nonchalance of Australia with the sensual mystique of Ibiza. Characterised by mosaic prints, artisan designs, and comfortable separates, the collection boasts an effortless sense of ease, from beach to bar.
View this post on Instagram
ZIMMERMANN
Centred around sophisticated femininity, clever colour combinations and delicate original prints, Zimmermann is the cult Australian swimwear label that has amassed a loyal following since 1991. Expect luxe bohemian beachwear and delicate floral motifs, in ‘sorbet shades’ of pink, peach, periwinkle blue and seafoam green.
View this post on Instagram
Best British Brands
EVARAE
British swimwear and resortwear label Evarae was founded in 2016 as a love letter to the ocean – founder Georgia Thompson named the brand after her family’s boat, where she spent her childhood summers. The high-quality fabrics are essential for globetrotters looking for ever-lasting pieces.
View this post on Instagram
DORA LARSEN
Ex-lingerie and fashion buyer Georgia Larsen established her sleepwear and lingerie label Dora Larsen to afford a jubilant attitude with vibrant colour combinations. Think lots of soft pastels, bright, free-spirited pinks, and feminine embroidery. Following suit, the brand’s swimwear collection just launched in April this year and is already making waves with its fun colourways and soft, cupping fabrics.
View this post on Instagram
PAPER LONDON
British brand PAPER aims to make high fashion slow. Their playful clothes are designed to make women feel confident whilst staying committed to conscious manufacturing. Bold silhouettes are at the core of the brand’s DNA and their sustainable swimwear is bursting with dopamine-inducing prints and colours. Their ruffled designs are their winning style.
View this post on Instagram
Best For Bigger Busts
FORM AND FOLD
Form and Fold, is a creative collaboration between Melbourne designers and lifelong friends Carly (32E) and Stephanie (32DD), launched exclusively for D+ women in 2017. Motivated by their own experiences of being self-conscious at the beach and their frustration with the limited selection of swimwear for larger busts, they set out to liberate women with a range of products that are supportive and comfortable but flattering and functional too.
View this post on Instagram
TONA THE LABEL
Tona The Label founder Tona Stell is a stylist and fashion editor with a unique understanding of the female form. From her years in the industry, Tona realised there was a lack of swimwear that looked modern, fitted flawlessly, and championed different bodies, so she created designs that are super-flattering for all body shapes.
View this post on Instagram
MONDAY SWIMWEAR
Monday Swimwear founders Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman are known for their strong advocacy of body positivity, creating their brand as a continuation of their goal to instil confidence and power within their female audience. Designing timeless pieces to complement and flatter the female form and to transcend trends, their range offers swimwear for women up to an E/F cup, and all are meticulously fitted to create the perfect style.
View this post on Instagram
For Brides-To-Be
MARYSIA
Former ballerina and longtime surfer Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves is Polish-born, and spent most of her childhood wearing leotards and wetsuits. It wasn’t until she began to explore her interest in fashion that she discovered she could translate her early uniforms into a fresh, modern swim and effortless beachwear collection. Her signature is the scalloped-edge designs.
View this post on Instagram
MAGDA BUTRYM
Polish fashion designer Magda Butrym has created a contemporary vision of romanticism in fashion. Her sexy-yet-elegant designs are made by independent artisans all over Poland, from high-quality fabrics and impeccable cuts. Her swimwear is no exception, with her signature flower detailing standing proud on swimsuits and bikinis, her pieces are perfect for brides-to-be.
View this post on Instagram
MELISSA ODABASH
Melissa Odabash is an American designer, now based in London, who created her swimwear label after a successful modelling career in her early 20s. The late Her Majesty The Queen appointed Odabash an MBE in June of 2021 for recognition of her services to international swimwear fashion. Her designs boast an iconic luxury appeal and are made from the finest-quality Italian stretch fabric. Her chic selection of styles in white will see you through pre-wedding celebrations.
View this post on Instagram
Best For Minimalists
HAIGHT
Based in Rio de Janeiro, Haight designer Marcella Franklin set out to create streamlined, modern swimwear suited to the minimalist dresser. Organic, recycled and degradable fabrics are used in classic block colours for swimwear that’s ideal for a capsule vacation wardrobe. Buy now and love forever.
View this post on Instagram
COSSIE & CO
COSSIE+CO was founded in 2018 by Isobel Elphinstone, who set out to develop a swimwear collection with a single concept in mind: swimwear for the modern woman. Her signature honeycomb fabric supports and sculpts and will travel alongside the multifaceted lives of women. Embodying a simple elegance, her designs are built to last.
View this post on Instagram
ASCENO
Asceno founder Poppy Sexton-Wainwright set out to create a brand that allows women to be the purest version of themselves: relaxed, carefree, and confident. Her sleek swimwear in timeless silhouettes don’t compromise on quality, but prove less is more. Bikinis and one-pieces are made from luxury double-lined stretch fabric for a flattering fit and are produced using an ethical and responsible process.
View this post on Instagram
Best For Maximalists
MAYGEL CORONEL
Born in Cartagena and made in Columbia, Maygel Coronel’s swim and beachwear is designed to show off the body. The vision was to celebrate global, Latin and contemporary women by offering them sleek, streamlined and modern pieces that feel like a second skin, whilst asserting a vivacious spirit and essence. Every piece is decorated with feminine ruffles or floral appliqué for accentuated femininity.
View this post on Instagram
FARM RIO
FARM RIO, launched in the 90s in Rio de Janeiro, is a go-to for bold, escapism dressing. Their swimwear line is a splash of unapologetic colour: think maximalist prints and tropical motifs that embody the spirit of Brazil.
View this post on Instagram
PAOLITA
Based in London and with a flagship boutique in Notting Hill, Anna Paola’s designs capture her cross-cultural upbringing under the sun of the Aegean islands and the coasts of Mexico. Inspired by her travels as a child, the multicultural buzz of her eponymous brand PAOLITA has developed a loyal following of women looking for a sense of escapism from their holiday wardrobes.
View this post on Instagram
Best For Sport
ABYSSE
View this post on Instagram
SEA LEVEL
View this post on Instagram
CYNTHIA ROWLEY
View this post on Instagram
Best Sustainable Brands
FISCH
View this post on Instagram
JADE SWIM
View this post on Instagram
PRISM2
View this post on Instagram
INSTAGRAM FAVOURITES
TRIANGL
View this post on Instagram
SOMMER SWIM
View this post on Instagram
AWAY THAT DAY
Established in 2018, Away That Day is here to prove that sustainability doesn’t compromise sexy, stylish swimwear. With high-quality fabrication and a plethora of flattering designs, you’ll want to wear this brand year after year. Plus, their ‘recycle your swim’ initiative allows you to recycle your old and worn down swimwear and get a brand new bikini.
View this post on Instagram
Lead image: Triangl
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?