Swimsuit 2020 Guide

May 24

Let’s talk swim! I’ll be honest, up until about two years ago- I never splurged on swimsuits. I think that swimwear has evolved A LOT over the past decade and there are more options than ever before. With that said, it can get a little overwhelming and intimidating - I get it! Luckily for you, thanks to my experience as a model, I’ve tried on hundreds (if not thousands) of swimsuits. I’ve even been very open about my swimsuit confidence journey. True story: I used to wear full skirted bottoms and I’ve graduated to one pieces + two piece bikinis. I’ve learned that quality really does matter for me, I like to feel supported in order to feel confident. No matter where you are in your swimsuit journey / comfort level, I hope this post gives you the confidence to find a suit (or five) that make you feel confident this summer. So I’ve put together this guide to hopefully inspire and give you the confidence to feel good in a suit this season.

A few tips I stand by for swimsuit season:

I’d rather have 1-2 high quality, well-made swimsuits that I feel like a million bucks in than 5-10 mediocre suits I’m constantly adjusting and not feeling my best in. Food for thought!
I’ve realized that no one really cares how you look in a swimsuit, it’s mostly an inside job. I like to get comfortable and build my confidence by wearing new styles in comfortable situations like at home or on a trip where I’ll likely never see those people again. Confidence is like a muscle- the more you use it, the stronger it gets!
If you can’t tone it, tan it! My lifelong motto- sometimes I just need a little help feeling confident and self tanner does the trick in short notice. I’ve shared my self tanning process here and here!

Here are my favorite brands and a few honorable mentions! You can shop the suits I’m wearing by clicking on the image or product images below.

figleaves

UPDATE: FIGLEAVES NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN US, ONLY VIA ASOS
I wear 14US/18UK and 34G

Why I love them: They’re a fit-focused retailer based in the UK, they have their own brand of incredible swim and carry a few of my other favorite brands. They offer bra sized swimwear and separates (good for full busted ladies) as well as dress sizes that also come in long torso lengths. They also have some really cute and affordable cover ups, shop all swim here!

Sizing range: bra sizes 28D - 46DD, dress size 2-30 (on some styles) as well as long torso options.

Here are a few of my favorite current figleaves styles:

summersalt

I wear a 14 in all styles

use caralyn10 for $10 towards your purchase

Why I love them: I discovered them earlier last year and I’ve been an instant believer ever since. They’re an incredible company that took over 1.5 million body measurements from 10,000 women to inform good fit. They also use recycled materials to create their fabrics and product packaging. Their suits are a little on the pricier side but once you feel the quality and find your fit, you’ll understand they’re worth every penny. Shop them all here!

Sizing range: 0 to 24

Here are a few of my favorite summersalt styles:

spanx

I wear XL in swim styles

Why I love them: I am newer to Spanx swim styles but as soon I tried them on, I was immediately impressed. Despite what you might think, the suits are supportive but not at all constricting/shapewear-esque. I also love that they have some great basics that you can mix and match with other brands. Shop them here!

Sizing range: XS - 3X

Here are a few of my favorite spanx styles:

Lilly Pulitzer

I wear an XL / 14

Why I love them: I have only tried them recently on a whim and I was immediately impressed. Their bold patterns and designs immediately transport me to a tropical destination. The construction on the suits were also really high quality, I felt really supported. I also love their cover ups too. The bummer is that they only go up to an XL / 16 but I certainly hope they choose to expand soon! Shop all swim here!

Sizing range: 0-16 and XXS-XL

Here are a few of my favorite lilly styles:

Swimsuits for all

i wear a 14 in their one pieces + coverups

Why I love them: They’ve been a champion for size inclusive swimwear since the very beginning, they were probably the first site I shopped when I decided to branch out. They offer a wide range of sizes, styles, levels of skin showing and support. I prefer their one pieces because they do have great options for separates as well. Shop Swimsuits For All here!

Sizing range: 4 to 26

Here are a few of my favorite s4a styles:

Honorable mentions: