2020 Swim Style Guide

Swimsuits are just one of those things I don’t think you can ever have too many of. I love buying at least one new one before every tropical trip we go on. Adam hates that I do it but it’s so fun to me! In this post I’ll be going over all my favorite styles, which fabrics/prints/colors to choose, and all of my favorite brands! 

Speaking in terms of trendiness, styles that I’ve been gravitating more toward this season are balconette (underwire) tops or square neck, spaghetti strap pieces. When it comes to more classic styles, I think triangle and bandeau are both staples that everyone should have in either black or white to begin with. Another style that I’ve always loved is the scoop neck cropped top (almost like the sports bra look). This style is flattering on pretty much everyone. Although, the cuts are really cool, I tend to stay away from off the shoulder or one shouldered tops just because I don’t love the tan lines they gives.

For bottoms, I’m not super into the thong look but I do like them cheeky and preferably high cut. I think high cut bottoms really elongate your legs and cinch your waist at the same time. They’re a must for me.  

When it comes to choosing a swimsuit, you want to also be aware of the fabric because there are lots of different kinds and most of the swim suits I have linked come in different materials. The different types of material I tend to gravitate toward are matte (which is just smooth/normal but vary in quality), crinkle (kind of a scrunchy, textured material), and ribbed. In my opinion, matte looks the most expensive. Crinkle is most flattering on any body type. Ribbed is fun but definitely more casual aka it doesn’t look as luxe. 

Some of my favorite colors at the moment are baby blue, lime or seafoam green, pale yellow, lavender, baby pink, or leopard print. Obviously the classic black and white are a given. You can never have too many black or white swimsuits and you can quote me on that. I’m not a huge fan of prints unless the swimsuit is CHEAP. I just feel like prints go out of style faster and if I’m going to splurge on a suit I’m going to make sure it’s a timeless one.

Now, let’s dive into the brands!!! I’m going to go from high to low in price point. PS all photos are linked and if it takes you to a liketoknowit page then all you have to do is click on your swimsuit of choice at the bottom of that page!

First up is Monday Swimwear

Monday Swimwear is Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman's line of women's swimwear. This brand is known for its iconic feminine designs, perfect fit, extremely soft feel and enduring quality. All of their pieces are the definition of timeless. They’re definitely pricier but SO WORTH IT.

The Bahamas One Piece (I love it in the sky blue or leopard print)

The Bahamas One Piece (I love it in the sky blue or leopard print)

Their Byron Bottoms are perfection. The ideal amount of coverage and most flattering cut/shape.

Their Byron Bottoms are perfection. The ideal amount of coverage and most flattering cut/shape.

The Clovelly top. Literally so flattering I can’t handle. I have had my eye on this for over year. I would pair it with the Byron bottoms for sure.

The Clovelly top. Literally so flattering I can’t handle. I have had my eye on this for over year. I would pair it with the Byron bottoms for sure.

The Maui top. Also an amazing design. I love their ribbed options and colors as well.

The Maui top. Also an amazing design. I love their ribbed options and colors as well.

The Palma Bikini. Probably the most perfect triangle style bikini ever created. I can just tell how soft it is too.

The Palma Bikini. Probably the most perfect triangle style bikini ever created. I can just tell how soft it is too.

Hunza G

A UK brand with a special, signature crinkle fabric. Their suits are one size fits all and are on the pricier side. HOWEVER, the price is worth it because you will never be too fat or too skinny to wear their stuff bc it’ll always fit you. Thanks, Hunza G!

The most iconic one piece to ever grace us. The Domino in nude as seen all over Pinterest and Instagram. The most perfect fit made out of the most flattering and forgiving fabric on the market. This fabric makes this one size fits all cut look flatt…

The most iconic one piece to ever grace us. The Domino in nude as seen all over Pinterest and Instagram. The most perfect fit made out of the most flattering and forgiving fabric on the market. This fabric makes this one size fits all cut look flattering on literally ANY BODY. The tortoise shell ring detail adds the perfect vintage European coastal touch as well.

The perfect square neck one piece. Comes in so many good colors.

The perfect square neck one piece. Comes in so many good colors.

Frankies Bikinis

An old love. They always have cute new styles. Definitely on the pricier side but if you’re obsessed, I’m not gonna stop you.

The Grotto top and bottom. Such a fun color and the fit is SO good. Comes in several colors.

The Grotto top and bottom. Such a fun color and the fit is SO good. Comes in several colors.

The Topanga. A perfect triangle bikini in the cutest pink color.

The Topanga. A perfect triangle bikini in the cutest pink color.

L Space

Another pricier one. I’m not in love with all of their stuff but the ones I included here are no brainers for me.

Their Camellia top is SUCH A BEAUTIFUL TOP WOW. I got the bronze color last year but it looked too much like my skin color so I returned it but it is such a stunning top I might need to rebuy it in a different color. Maybe this black???

Their Camellia top is SUCH A BEAUTIFUL TOP WOW. I got the bronze color last year but it looked too much like my skin color so I returned it but it is such a stunning top I might need to rebuy it in a different color. Maybe this black???

The Whiplash bottoms are hands down the most perfect and flattering bottom I’ve ever tried on. They go higher on the hips and can be hiked up as high as you want making your legs look a mile long all while creating the illusion of a smaller waist. O…

The Whiplash bottoms are hands down the most perfect and flattering bottom I’ve ever tried on. They go higher on the hips and can be hiked up as high as you want making your legs look a mile long all while creating the illusion of a smaller waist. On the cheekier side but I’m here for it. The Portia bottoms would look really good with the Camellia top too if you like a higher waist and more coverage.

Weworewhat

Created by Danielle Bernstein. She has perfected the iconic 50’s inspired swimsuit but has put a sexy, feminine, modernized twist on it vibe. All of her stuff is so chic I can’t handle it.

This set is literally what dreams are made of. She outdid herself on this one. Get the bikini in yellow and the one piece below in sea foam green. WOW I can’t think of anything better. You can just TELL how good the quality is ugh.

This set is literally what dreams are made of. She outdid herself on this one. Get the bikini in yellow and the one piece below in sea foam green. WOW I can’t think of anything better. You can just TELL how good the quality is ugh.

437

A more recent newfound love. I really appreciate this brand because of the versatility of their pieces.

But first balconette, duh! The mint or the lilac in this are SO GOOD. Unfortunately these sold out like the second influencers started posting about them but IF THEY EVER COME BACK IN YOU ALREADY KNOW I’LL BE SNAGGING.

But first balconette, duh! The mint or the lilac in this are SO GOOD. Unfortunately these sold out like the second influencers started posting about them but IF THEY EVER COME BACK IN YOU ALREADY KNOW I’LL BE SNAGGING.

This comes as a set! Top, bottom, skirt and hat! How adorable! I’m not super into thong bikinis but this SKIRT THOUGH.

This comes as a set! Top, bottom, skirt and hat! How adorable! I’m not super into thong bikinis but this SKIRT THOUGH.

Okay the versatility I was talking about. This top is insane. You get like 10 tops in one. Also it comes in lots of cute colors. The rose one is my fave.

Okay the versatility I was talking about. This top is insane. You get like 10 tops in one. Also it comes in lots of cute colors. The rose one is my fave.

Mid Price Points:

Triangl Swimwear

Triangl has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. All of their skinny strap scoop neck tops are good and their underwire tops have caught my eye recently as well. Their bandeau tops look pretty promising too although I’ve never tried one. Their swimwear comes in a variety of fabrics so pay attention to that! Anything of theirs is going to be good. Just steer clear of their sparkly fabrics. They’re scratchy.

Idk why I’m in love with this print.

Idk why I’m in love with this print.

Gooseberry Seaside

We’ve all heard of Gooseberry intimates but did you know they had a swim collection?

I have this one but I think the green would be pretty too. I will warn you, the straps are weird. They don’t stay cinched to where you want bc it’s a loop instead of a buckle. Idk how to explain. So I would suggest this bikini only if you have small…

I have this one but I think the green would be pretty too. I will warn you, the straps are weird. They don’t stay cinched to where you want bc it’s a loop instead of a buckle. Idk how to explain. So I would suggest this bikini only if you have smaller boobs. That being said this baby SUCKS YOU IN. It’s like shapewear. You look amazing in it. Fabric is so thick and good. It’s VERY high cut so it’s super flattering on the legs wow I love it so much. Saw Allegra Shaw get it so you know I had to cop. Plus, such a good price point.

Somerfield Swim

Good basics in relatively neutral colors at good price points.

One of my friends has this top and it looks amazing on her. I didn’t get it just bc I’ve got my eye on one of the ones I linked earlier. I do have these bottoms, though. They’re a tiny bit big but that’s bc I’m a size 24 in jeans so all bottoms are …

One of my friends has this top and it looks amazing on her. I didn’t get it just bc I’ve got my eye on one of the ones I linked earlier. I do have these bottoms, though. They’re a tiny bit big but that’s bc I’m a size 24 in jeans so all bottoms are a little iffy on me unless they’re xs or xxs (thank you, pacsun). I’d still probably choose the L Space Whiplash ones over these but the price on these is obviously much better.

Moving on to lower price points…

Pacsun

LA Hearts is by far my fave swim brand at Pacsun. I have so many of their swimsuits and they never disappoint.

A Triangl look alike for half the price

A Triangl look alike for half the price

Always good to have a black bandeau on hand. This one looks like it fits well and is high quality.

Always good to have a black bandeau on hand. This one looks like it fits well and is high quality.

I think I have to buy this one.

I think I have to buy this one.

Nastygal

Trendy and a much lower price point. With the lower price point comes a sacrifice in quality of fabric sometimes. But with how cheap it is, it’s fine. ALSO, they sell out extremely fast so my advice is to buy ASAP if it’s something you like!

A much more affordable version of the Weworewhat hot-selling print.

A much more affordable version of the Weworewhat hot-selling print.

The style of this is so vintage and cute. Also, love the polka dots.

The style of this is so vintage and cute. Also, love the polka dots.

Looks way more expensive than it is. Also, I see Kenzie Burke wearing bottoms like this all the time and you know she ain’t shopping at Nastygal.

Looks way more expensive than it is. Also, I see Kenzie Burke wearing bottoms like this all the time and you know she ain’t shopping at Nastygal.

A fun twist on the classic triangle top. Plus, it’s ONLY 6 DOLLARS!!!

A fun twist on the classic triangle top. Plus, it’s ONLY 6 DOLLARS!!!

Cute print and on trend color.

Cute print and on trend color.

If you’re still looking for a neutral bandeau and want to spend less than $10.

If you’re still looking for a neutral bandeau and want to spend less than $10.

A twist on the classic bandeau and also looks like a Hunza G dupe. SCORE.

A twist on the classic bandeau and also looks like a Hunza G dupe. SCORE.

Vintage but modern vibes.

Vintage but modern vibes.

Another cute but neutral print.

Another cute but neutral print.

Love the color of this so much.

Love the color of this so much.

90’s workout mom but make it poolside. I love.

90’s workout mom but make it poolside. I love.

ASOS

There are literally over 1000 options on here. From high to low price points (but mostly lower). And you can find some gems. ASOS is also nice bc you can use a bunch of filters to find something really specific. Don’t forget, RETURNS ARE FREE so buy more or buy in multiple sizes if you aren’t sure what size you are so you can make sure you get them before they sell out and then try them on at home. Then you can return whatever you didn’t like! AMAZING

Don’t be alarmed by any of the one size fits all thing. It is TRUE. I have this one in lime green and it’s the most flattering swimsuit I own. It hugs you in all the right places. It’s amazing and the most comfortable thing. Any of ASOS’s “crinkle” …

Don’t be alarmed by any of the one size fits all thing. It is TRUE. I have this one in lime green and it’s the most flattering swimsuit I own. It hugs you in all the right places. It’s amazing and the most comfortable thing. Any of ASOS’s “crinkle” fabric suits will be a lot like Hunza G’s.

Other brands I love:

Peony Swimwear

Zulu & Zephyr

Kopper & Zink

White Fox Boutique

Oh Polly

Have fun shopping! You’re gonna look fab laying out on your balcony or in the grass (or maybe at the beach or pool if yours are open) this summer!

xxx,

Sam