Best swimsuit brands – these are the swimwear designers to be shopping from this summer

The best swimsuit brands will make you feel poolside-ready in no time. Whether you’re after a sleek one-piece or a body-boosting bikini, these expert designers create swimwear that will fit and flatter your shape, whatever your size, style or budget.

Shopping for the best swimsuit brands can feel overwhelming. Much like hunting down the best jeans, swimwear shopping is no mean feat with many things to consider such as aesthetics, cut and fabric. The best swimsuit brands will make a nod to the swimwear trends but generally, swimwear doesn’t change as much as clothing year-on-year - so choose wisely and you’re likely to wear your swimsuit from one summer to the next.

As swimwear can feel exposing, start by choosing a silhouette that you feel most comfortable in, whether that’s a bandeau bikini for topping up your tan or a sporty one-piece for nailing your pool laps. Fabric is also key and you’ll want to look for supportive materials that hold you in, such as spandex and synthetic fabrics that will hold their shape through multiple washes and wears. Remember, swimwear often expands when wet, so you’ll want to ensure a snug fit. 

20 BEST SWIMSUIT BRANDS TO SHOP IN 2024 FOR STYLE, QUALITY AND FIT

“The important thing to consider when shopping for the best swimsuits is what you intend to actually do in it! If you are a serious swimmer and plan to swim for exercise it’s wise to invest in a supportive sporty style that will allow you to be active. Opt for brands that use chlorine-resistant fabrics and designs that are cut more generously to allow for movement. There are some great suits with sleeves that will protect you from the sun, ideal for surfing or paddle boarding,” says fashion editor Julie Player.

“If you plan to lie back and relax, with the odd dip in the pool to cool off, you can go for something less practical. The ideal design will make you feel confident and flatter your figure. A wrap-front swimsuit that accentuates the waist is universally flattering on all figure-types and look out for tummy-control panels and hidden underwired cups for extra support. This summer, I’m loving the trend for retro styles in bold bright prints, halter-neck bikini tops with high-waisted bottoms that have a 1950s feel, perfect for a sunny holiday.”

If you’re dreaming of a beach getaway or are lucky enough to have one already in the calendar, we’ve edited down 20 of the best swimsuit brands to add to your holiday capsule wardrobe stat. 

One of the best British clothing brands, Boden was dreamt up by founder Johnnie Boden from his kitchen table back in 1991. The clothing line is big on colour and print and its swimwear range is no different. Covering everything from mix and match bikinis, tankinis and swimsuits, expect playful pieces in classic shapes that are designed to fit and flatter. Considered details such as clever panelling and body sculpting lining give it the extra edge and we love the wide range of prints that perfectly coordinate seamlessly with each other. There’s no chance of finding a style you don’t like here and all its nylon and polyester swimwear fabrics are made from recycled materials too.

Marks & Spencer has always nailed it when it comes to lingerie so it’s no wonder the high street stalwart’s swimwear collection is top notch too. Affordable and stylish, with its extensive range you can stick to a timeless black one-piece or lean into one of the spring summer fashion trends 2024. A key feature in a lot of the M&S swimwear is the clever tummy control technology, helping to smooth and sculpt your shape so you feel confident from every angle. Perfect for stocking up on all the essentials for your summer vacay, why not add one of their chic cover-ups to your basket too.

This lingerie expert brand is pretty clued up on what makes a good fit so expect plenty of support, lift and considered details such as tummy control and removable straps. Catering to the D+ market, the range doesn’t skimp on style either with their latest collection taking inspo from the Mediterranean with nautical prints, monochrome hues and scallop hems. There’s swimsuit types for everyone including tankinis, long-sleeves, plunge and balcony necklines. Much of the fabric has a high chlorine resistance too making them durable and lasting from one summer to the next. 

A country full of stunning sandy beaches and endless sunshine, you can always rely on the Australians to do swimwear well and Seafolly is no exception. Born on the beaches in Sydney in 1975, the now well-established Australian swimwear brand embraces the Aussie lifestyle with a swim collection that shapes and supports women whether they’re catching some waves or topping up the tan. The range has heaps of vibrant colour and print in everything from pared-back triangle bikinis to extra coverage tankinis. There’s also fits for maternity and fuller cups so you’re bound to find something to suit you and your needs.

A pioneer for the fuller figure community, Elomi are pros at crafting beautiful and supportive lingerie and swimwear for sizes up to a K cup. The antithesis of boring, frumpy swimwear, Elomi’s range is bursting with fun tropical prints, bright crayola hues and fierce animal designs. We just want to book a holiday just looking at this collection.

“Elomi design and create swimwear to help women feel their best, using knowledge from our lingerie background to create our designs. Elomi offer a variety of shapes, styles and sizes that are specifically created for the fuller figure to embrace and enhance curves. We love to play around with vibrant colours and bold prints that help flatter the silhouette and boost endorphins. For those who are a bit more self-conscious, all of our styles offer support with some of our styles featuring adjustable sides which can be tightened or released to adjust coverage levels, according to personal preference,” explains Liesl Goodman, head designer of Elomi and Goddess.

We know Whistles do some of the best dresses and best leather jackets, but if you’ve yet to venture into its swimwear collection, now’s the time. Keeping to the Whistles timeless aesthetic with a nod to the trends, there’s fuss-free one-pieces, inklings of leopard print and simple yet elegant two-pieces. The high street fave has also teamed up with uber cool lifestyle brand The Longing to create a sleek line of swimwear featuring throwback retro prints and muted, earthy hues - a go-to for quiet luxury swimsuits.

Founded in 2023 by Turana, this woman-owned brand creates stunning yet modest swim and resort-wear that can be worn by all across the globe. Taking inspo from Western fashion trends with a Middle Eastern world view in mind, the luxury collection features sets in an array of elegant styles and muted colours designed for both swim and surf. 

“Turana Atash is a woman founded and run business which is on a mission to revolutionise luxury modest fashion, modest swimwear in particular. Our aim is to be a luxury modest swimwear leader in the market and make every woman, no matter what background they are, feel special, empowered, fashionable and trendy,” says founder Turana Atash.

The label has sustainable credentials too, using materials such as TENCEL and working with eco-conscious manufacturing partners.

Created by longtime friends Tess Daly (yes, that Tess Daly) and Gayle Lawton, Naia Beach is a luxury swimwear brand covering swimsuits, bikinis, resort-wear and accessories, all with a glamorous edge. Gayle, a former swimwear model, knows a thing or two about the importance of good sizing, so expect well-fitted pieces all expertly crafted using high quality fabrics. The latest ‘Icon Collection’ symbolises everything Tess believes the NAIA woman to be - "independent, strong, unique and fabulous, a Goddess".

This Italian swimwear brand will add a dose of Amalfi Coast luxury to your holiday wardrobe with its playful pieces and contemporary silhouettes. One of the best sustainable swimwear brands, its made to order manufacturing process ensures an eco-friendly ethos, helping to reduce excess stock and waste and 70% of the products are made using recycled materials. There’s some serious girl power in this business too with a huge female-led operations team and each piece is hand-made by skilled Italian woman seamstresses. Expect daring one-pieces with cut out details alongside glamorous bold bikinis.

Another stellar swimwear brand from Australia, Form and Fold was created by friends Carly and Stephanie after they felt frustrated at the limited selection of D+ swimwear. They set themselves a mission to create a range that not only supports larger cup sizes but is flattering and functional too and Form and Fold does just that. Using lingerie sizing, the collection has cleverly concealed underwiring, adjustable straps and back band and ultra smooth sculpting fabric for a confident-boosting silhouette. The clean lines and pared-back palette ensures these forever classics will stand the test of time. Say goodbye to boring, unsupportive swimwear!

Eres swimwear doesn’t come cheap, but it’s almost impossible not to covet. Owned by Chanel, this is a designer swimwear brand that exudes timeless luxury. The French brand has impeccable attention to detail and is one of the best French lingerie brands too. For this season's swimwear collection, Eres has created a dreamy palette of ‘sky blue, sunshine and clouds’ celebrating a lust for life. We’re a big fan of their beach trousers if you want to go all-out with your poolside look and the hats are a fun finishing touch too.

One of the best swimsuit brands right now, Hunza G’s USP is its sizing. Available in one size only, the brand's signature crinkle fabric expands and contracts to fit sizes 6-16. Sticking to a number of classic styles that get repeated year-on-year, the brand introduces more timely aesthetics by concentrating on the latest fashion color trends, or small design tweaks to accommodate new necklines or hardware. They also have a maternity range and a kids range so you can coordinate with you mini me.

While the brand only recently became a household name, Hunza G has been around since 1984 and was responsible for the iconic cut-out mini dress worn by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. 

Setting out to prove that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the cost of feeling sexy, ex-dancer and stylist Ingemae launched Away That Day in 2018. All of the swimwear designs are block colors, which ensures a focus on shapes and cuts without the distraction of prints. As a British brand, everything is made in London for a visible supply chain and sent to customers in 100% compostable packaging. This swimsuit brand uses ECONYL (a fabric made from regenerated waste) and even runs a scheme where you can recycle unwanted swimwear from any brand through them. 

Spanish label Mango has long been our go-to for stylish clothing at prices that won’t make your eyes water. High-end trends always filter through Mango, so it’s the perfect place to try something new without a huge level of commitment. Their swimwear offering keeps going from strength to strength, and this summer it is over-delivering with standout styles to rival some of the designer brands. Splash out here and treat yourself to a new best beach bag and everything else you need to pack for a beach vacation while you’re at it. 

If it’s good enough for the supers, it’s good enough for us, and Solid & Striped swimwear has graced the bodies of models including Alessandra Ambrosio, Cara Delevingne, and Kaia Gerber. Not to mention actresses Dakota Johnson, Emma Roberts, and Eva Longoria too. Despite its popularity with the A-list, you don’t have to be a celeb to look and feel good in this swimsuit brand. All of its designs boast playful touches that set these looks apart from the crowd.

Part of the H&M Group, Scandinavian clothing brand & Other Stories first launched in 2013. It has three different design ateliers, covering Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles, all of which create clothing based on the signature styles of where they’re based. While it's well regarded for its clothing, & Other Stories is also one of the best lingerie brands in its price bracket, with its cute, ready-to-wear styles popular since launch. The launch of & Other Stories swimwear line has seen similar popularity, and the tight edit mixes retro and on-trend touches with classic colors and shapes for high quality, yet affordable, poolside essentials. 

Need to replace your faded old swimwear on a shoestring budget? Head to H&M. Almost everything in its swimwear collection comes in at under £35 for a one-piece or set, making it the most affordable swimwear brand in our round-up. But just because it's stocks some of the best cheap swimsuits , it doesn't mean they won't last, and these fabrics are good enough to stand the test of chlorine and saltwater. Just make sure you care for them properly, which means rinsing them with water when you get home from the pool or the beach and washing them according to the instructions on the garment label.

Although H&M does carry plus size clothing, its swimwear range for fuller figures is not the most extensive, but there are some options up to a 4xl available.

A heritage swimwear designer, Melissa Odabash launched her namesake label in 1999 and has been one of the most influential swimwear designers ever since. Hailing from New Jersey, Odabash was living in Italy at the time of the launch, although the label has since relocated to London. Developed to fill a gap in the market for chic, solid-colored bikinis. Melissa Odabash has since branched out into prints, but the original design need remains at the heart of the collection. Expanding the line further, Odabash is now a full resort lifestyle brand with clothing and accessories too, ensuring you can get all your holiday outfit ideas in one place. In 2015, the brand launched its debut mastectomy line, giving more women access to its gorgeous swimwear.

While you might think of swimwear designers as being all about the fashion, some designers create a swimsuit brand to answer a style need or problem. Cover Swim was founded by a busy mom who wanted chic and easy swimwear that would protect her skin while she ran around after her young children, and Cover Swim is one of the best long-sleeve swimsuit brands. The label uses its very own swim jersey fabric, which not only helps shield from UV rays but also boasts temperature control to keep your skin cool. Expect sleeved one-pieces, t-shirts, and rash tops in various different prints and shades alongside swimsuits and swim-dresses. If you're looking for the best swimwear for women over 50 with extra coverage - Cover Swim is it.

Designed exclusively for DD+ women, Core Swim is a premium bikini label that aims to be just as supportive as your favourite bra. Its groundbreaking core lining doesn’t lose support when wet so there’s no fear of stretching here. Not only that, the label is environmentally conscious and its bikins are made with 78% recycled ECONYL - a regenerated nylon made from waste such as fishing ropes that would otherwise end up polluting our oceans.

“If I could give one piece of advice to anyone shopping for bikinis for a larger bust it would be to make sure the back band fits you snuggly. It’s not widely known but if it fits you properly, most of the support and stability from your bikini should come from the band. Ultimately this means that your shoulders will be taking less of the strain and your bikini will move less so there will be less slippage and less public adjustments,” explains Donna Brown, founder of Core Swim. It has a small line, but one that really packs a punch.

Where are the best places to buy swimsuits?

The best places to buy swimsuits will depend on a few different factors. First up, budget. You don’t need to spend a fortune to find swimwear you’ll feel confident in, with affordable swimwear options from the likes of H&M leading the way. If money is no option, then treat yourself to something a little fancier from brands like Melissa Odabash. “Once you find a good suit that fits right it’s worth investing,” advises Andréa Bernholtz, Style Expert and founder of luxury swimwear brand Swiminista. “A great fit is hard to find, and often comes with a higher price tag, but it’s worth it for a quality suit.” 

Secondly, consider sustainability is a big word in swimwear too, as the kind of stretchy fabrics that best suit this kind of clothing are also by their nature synthetic, which isn’t always great for the planet. However, the best swimwear brands are making conscious moves to a more sustainable future with many brands opting for recycled fabrics and new technological fabrics with low carbon footprints. In addition to this, many designer swimwear brands opt for small batches, or on-demand production, minimizing long-term waste. 

And finally, just like shopping for the best bras or best shapewear, your clothing size will be a consideration as to where is best to buy swimwear too. Although the tides are turning, the largest majority of swimwear is still missing out plus size markets, although there is an increasing number of inclusively sized brands. If you're plus size or have a fuller bust, look to lingerie or plus size specialists as these labels will have the best support and cuts for your frame.  

Where are the best places to buy luxury swimwear brands? 

Where you shop for luxury swimwear will depend on the kind of look you’re going for, as well as your commitment to quality and sustainability. Our top picks for the best places to buy luxury swimwear include Hunza G, Away That Day and Eres. You can shop directly from the company, or via retail partners. Not all of these are available to try on in a store, but many prefer to try swimwear on at home, just make sure you've fully read the returns policies before ordering. 

When buying luxury swimsuits consider the longevity of the item and the quality of the fabric. “There are multiple things that set it apart from the high street,” explains Georgiana Huddart, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Hunza G. “Number one is the production of it, how and where its produced, in what quantities and with what techniques. I would say most swimwear companies that are considered designer also have a clear aesthetic which means they are doing their one thing and doing it super well," she says. "For example, Hunza G is based around one fabric and we know this fabric inside out. We have perfected it, worked on it, improved it, and tested it", ensuring that the Hunza G crinkle delivers on form and function.