Your Guide To Swimsuits in 2021
The pursuit of the perfect swimsuit continues! I used to dread bathing suit shopping and if you do/did too, know that you’re not alone. I firmly believe that there is a swimsuit out there for EVERY body and that everyone deserves to find something that makes them feel amazing. I’ve been open about my swimsuit confidence journey in hopes of normalizing the process for everyone. I used to be incredibly self conscious, wearing only swim dresses or full skirted bottoms. I’ve graduated on to one pieces + two piece bikinis. During my pursuit, I’ve learned that quality and fit matters to me. In order for me to feel confident, I like to feel supported in the bust and tummy area.
That may be different for you. You may need more or you may need less. Like most things, it’s your preference and it’s good to establish that! It may take a little trial and error, remember that is okay! Please know that no matter where you are in your swimsuit confidence journey or comfort level, you deserve to find something that you feel incredible. I hope my swimsuit content on my blog and Instagram Stories this year helps you get there!
before we dive in...
A FEW QUICK TIPS THAT HELP ME DURING SWIMSUIT SEASON
I’d rather have 1-2 quality, supportive, well-made swimsuits that I feel AMAZING in rather than 5-10 mediocre suits I’m constantly adjusting and not feeling my best in.
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! I talked a bit more about my confidence journey on this post, if you’re interested.
If you can’t tone it, tan it! Sometimes I just need a little help feeling confident and a little bronzey glow does the trick for me. I’ve previously shared my self tanning process here and here!
I’VE SPLIT THIS POST INTO TWO PARTS:
PART 1: BRA SIZED / UNDERWIRE SWIMWEAR +
PART 2: NON-UNDERWIRE/FAVORITE BRANDS I LOVE
I hope you enjoy!
BRA SIZED + UNDERWIRE SWIM Brands I love
I’ll be trying on a few of my favorite brands today on stories, be sure to check it out or refer to my Swim 21 highlight in case you missed it. If you have not been properly fitted for a bra within the last 6-8 months and are unsure of your size, be sure to refer to this post. Let’s talk sister sizing really quickly, sometimes I will size up in the band size for a more comfortable fit. When you go up a band size, you need to go down a cup size. So 34G (my usual size) = 36FF (my sister size). Not necessary but an option I like to throw out there!
ELOMI
WHY I LOVE THEM: You know they are some of my favorite bras, did you know they carry swim? They are meant for fuller figures and fuller busts. This season’s assortment are some of the best I’ve ever seen from them. They have pieces that are available year-round and some seasonal prints. They carry swim bras, tankinis, wire free tankinis and one pieces, mid to high rise bottoms.
SIZING RANGE: 34G - 44F
SIZES WORN: 34G/36FF /XL bottoms
SHOP THEM HERE or by clicking on the images below. You can also shop Elomi Swim at HerRoom or Bare Necessities.
FANTASIE
WHY I LOVE THEM: Elomi has two sister brands that pick up where Elomi leaves off, Fantasie is one of them! They are centered around smaller bands and fuller busts. They start at a 30 band, they carry a great assortment of swim from bra sized tops to tankinis and more mid-low rise bottoms.
SIZING RANGE: 30D-40G
SIZES WORN: 36FF/XL
SHOP THEM HERE or by clicking the images below. You can also shop Fantasie at HerRoom or Bare Necessities.
FREYA
WHY I LOVE THEM: Elomi’s other, more youthful little sister! If you are a smaller band size and still need underwire support, you need to check out Freya! Lots of fun prints and silhouettes with still an amazing amount of support. If you were a Figleaves shopper, they will definitely be a great bra sized alternative to add to your wardrobe.
SIZING RANGE: 30D-36G
SIZE WORN: 36FF / XL / 2X in low rise
SHOP THEM HERE or by clicking on the images below. You can also shop Freya at HerRoom or Bare Necessities.
FIGLEAVES
WHY I LOVE(D) THEM: In case you haven’t hear the news, Figleaves was greatly impacted by the pandemic and is no longer available directly in the US. This was a HUGE disappoint because the majority of my favorite swimsuits were from there. You can shop some of their assortment that is left on ASOS but I’m unsure of the future of the brand.
SIZING RANGE: To be honest, it’s kind of all over the place on the ASOS website. Some is in US sizing, some is in UK. I’d say it generally starts around a 32 band, up to 38 band and up to a US 16 dress size. If you’re a previous owner of Figleaves, check the tag on your garment ensure you’re getting the right size.
SIZE WORN: 34G/36FF (UK) / US 14
PANACHE
WHY I LOVE THEM: Another fit-focused lingerie brand that I’ve loved for years, also with amazing swimsuit options. They carry styles for all comfort levels and run on the same sizing chart as Elomi/Fantasie/Freya if you’re familiar with those. They have bra sized separates, one pieces and tankinis!
SIZING RANGE: 30DD-40G
SIZE WORN: 34G/36FF / 14 / XL
SHOP THEM HERE or by clicking on the images below. Panache swim is also available at HerRoom and Bare Necessities.
FIT FOCUSED / BRA SIZED SWIM RETAILERS:
BARE NECESSITIES | EVERYTHING BUT WATER | HERROOM | NORDSTROM | IF YOU HAVE BEEN PROPERLY FITTED AT A LOCAL SPECIALTY SHOP, THEY MOST LIKELY HAVE SWIMWEAR THAT THEY’D BE HAPPY TO PROPERLY FIT YOU IN AS WELL!
non underwire / still supportive SWIMWEAR STYLES I LOVE
NON-WIRED ONE PIECES AND TWO PIECES
AMAZON FINDS
It can be a real journey to sift through the endless options that Amazon offers. Luckily, I’ve done the work and found a good amount of options that are not only supportive, but are inclusive in sizing. Be sure to check out my previous try on, honest review and sizing feedback here, in case you missed it! If you’d rather just shop my curated list of finds, you can take a look at my swimsuit and cover up picks on my Amazon Storefront list here.
SUMMERSALT
I discovered Summersalt a few years ago and have never looked back! They will forever be on my list of favorites. Their commitment to fit (they took over 1.5 million body measurements from 10,000 women to get the fit right) and sustainability (they use recycled materials to create fabrics and product packaging) makes me a true fan. They also carry long torso, maternity and AMAZING cover up options. I find them to be pretty true to size, especially in their one pieces. I will be doing a try-on this weekend but feel free to reach out with any questions. I’ve tried pretty much all of their styles and wear a 14 in each one of them. They also have some great cover ups as well (usually XL). You can use CARALYN10 for a discount!
SIZING RANGE: 2-22 (XS-2X)
J.CREW
J.Crew carries some really beautiful and quality options, some offered up to 3X and even long torso. I did a try on a couple weeks ago, you can check out here! I also really love their cover ups, if you’re in the market! I usually wear an XL/14 in their swim, L in cover ups.
SIZING RANGE: 0-24 OR XXS-3X AND HAVE LONG TORSO OPTION
MODCLOTH
Many of ModCloth’s styles have more of a retro vibe but they have some great options, including swim dresses. I recently posted a try on to my blog and IG if you want to check that out! I told them I was doing it and they offered my readers a discount code with ModCaralyn15 if you’re interested.
SIZING RANGE: XS-4X AND CARRY BRANDS UP TO 24W
Lilly Pulitzer
Lilly Pulitzer’s prints bring me to an instant happy place! I’m happy to report that they have been working hard to expand their sizing range too. They are now up to XXL in many styles, hoping more will happen soon. They also have some of my favorite cover ups that I’ve ever owned. They carry a range of bikinis, one pieces and swim skirts! The image below is from last summer, the same style in a new print is linked here, wearing size 14!
SIZING RANGE: 0-16, XS-XXL
spanx
I only discovered Spanx swim styles last year 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. Wearing an XL in the picture shown below. Shop them here!
swimsuits for all
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 (I can’t get their bikini tops to fit me right) but they do have options for separates (tankinis, bikinis, swim dresses) as well. I also have a bunch of cover ups that I like from there! Shop more Swimsuits For All here! I wear a 14 in their styles.
SIZING RANGE: 4-34
honorable mentions:
ADORE ME | KENNETH COLE (I WEAR XL) | LA BLANCA (I WEAR 14) | L*SPACE SWIM (I WEAR XL) | TEMPT ME (I WEAR XL) | PRIMA DONNA
maternity suggestions:
ASOS | KINDRED BRAVERLY | SUMMERSALT
If you’ve had luck elsewhere, would love to add to this list!
What did you think of this guide? Hopefully this helps guide you in the right direction on your own pursuit of the perfect swimsuit. Feel free to leave your thoughts or any more favorites below.