It's time to begin the hunt for a new summer uniform. But, as our Content Director, Elyssa Kostopoulos reminds us, swimwear is deeply personal and we all have our own set of criteria. What works for you, might not work for me.
With this in mind, below, the RUSSH Editors share the swimwear they're buying this season – along with some words of wisdom on malfunctions, the right cuts, and fast-drying fabrics.
Olivia Repaci
Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager
For me, a small joy in life is finding cute and exciting swimwear to make me feel like a cool girl. My criteria for purchasing swimwear are:
- Do I feel like I can tackle the waves of Bronte in it?
- Will it look cute with a pair of shorts or a white shirt over the top?
Some cute sets that I’ve got my eye on, that I feel tackle both, include the Fella Swim Alfie top and Sean bottom set in the Fern colourway, and the Sauce Swim Oyster set – the extra long straps mean extra security against the waves! Both sets will go nicely with my massive Akubra hat that I whip out in summer for maximum sun protection, which is an added bonus.
Samantha Corry
Assistant to Editor-in-Chief
One of my friends actually owns swimwear company Sabi Swim, and I promise I am not biased, but their cut and quality are so flattering and comfortable. The Sicily bikini is definitely my favourite, and I wore it everyday in Perth recently. I love a cute, dainty bikini too, and Frankies Bikinis definitely meets the criteria for that. I really want their Nick Triangle Halter set, so I might need to put that on a Christmas wish list. I agree with Liv, you want your bikinis to be multifunctional, as they’re my go to uniform on summer weekends, paired with some Venroy linen pants.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director
I have a few pieces on my swimwear wishlist this year. I’m at the beach every day in summer, so everything I buy will be well-loved.
My luxe pick this year is this 90s-inspired indigo set from Form and Fold. This brand does pieces for larger cups in a range of band sizes. If you struggle to find a brand that fits, you absolutely need to check them out.
My existing basic black one piece has seen better days, so I’ll be replacing her with this wear-anywhere number from You Swim. Finally, I will be channelling my inner Barbie in this hot pink Bond-Eye set, because everyone should have at least one string bikini in case of emergencies.
Megan Nolan
Marketing Manager
Call me boring but I’m embracing an all black swimwear haul this summer. I’m hoping it comes across as effortless rather than dull?
First up is this Tropic of C string bikini top. A super flattering cut for my relatively small bust and perfect for layering under an oversized blazer on a night out. This Jean Paul Gaultier cover up would also work well with it.
On the occasion that I’m feeling a one piece, I would love to say I could afford this Dion Lee stretch nylon neoprene and rubber number, but this Bond-Eye Swim one is a close second. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect low cut back and I think this is it.
If I do decide to go a little crazy and add some colour then it’s the Loleia “A Splash of Mango” print ‘kini that I’ve had in my saved folder for months.
Stacey Gaskin
Consumer Revenue Manager
Finding the right swimwear can sometimes prove to be a tough undertaking. Being a curvy woman myself, I have struggled in the past to find swimwear that not only fits well, but makes me feel comfortable and confident.
I’m mostly a one-piece girly, and this black one-piece from Sylk Swim is currently in my cart. I love the neckline and the texture of the fabric, so I know this will be a staple that I go back to again and again.
Stepping out of my one-piece comfort zone (but keeping it tonal), this black and white ribbed set from Saint Somebody is a classic, sophisticated colour combo and the mid-rise waist on the bottoms is so flattering.
I do want to mention that I will be keeping my eyes peeled for any new drops from Remmie Swim. I love this brand and desperately want my hands on some new swimwear from Riley.
Jasmine Pirovic
Arts & Culture Editor
The thing about being a mother to a big bust is swimwear brands will convince you that skimpy bikinis are Not Made For You. Everything catered to bigger busts is all 4-inch straps, triple-enforced, rubbery-corseted out the wazoo – which has a time and place, don’t get me wrong. And if not, the size offering stops at an XL (a crime). But I have plenty of sensible swimsuits, including this Square Neck one piece from Hunza G, the Trentuno Rib set from Lido Swim and the brown Laser top from Nu Swim, all of which I love.
What I really want though, is something itty bitty, high cut, and minimal 90s design. As always, I’m taking cues from Paloma Elsesser and have my eye on this Posilipo bikini from Heavy Manners. This Burberry Vintage Check bikini is a fantasy set I will love from afar, and I love the shell detail of this set from Reina Olga. However, I have a feeling vintage is going to be the way to go this summer. In the past, I’ve struck gold and found 90s Australian-made Target swimsuits that fit like a glove... only for them to be chewed-up by my boyfriend's family dog. So I’ve been scrolling Vestiaire and eBay for 90s cuts from Blumarine. The search continues…
Emily Algar
Beauty Editor
Despite spending my entire life living by the beach – and many of my mornings in the ocean – I have a tiny swimwear collection. Maybe five sets, at most. All of them black too. I swear by Hunza G, I’ve actually repurchased the classic crinkled one piece three times. But I need to branch out. Right now, I have my eye on the Venti bikini set from Lido, the cuts are classic but modern. I adore the red, but would happily buy it in brown as well. I also love anything Eres. While I typically gravitate towards block colours, there’s something very Euro and perfect about the Carlos print top and matching Gerardo bottoms. I can’t not mention the new Maggie Marilyn x Fella swim collaboration, either. I have the red and white striped Harvey Spectre one piece and it’s so easy to wear, in and out of the water. Also, zero chance of a wardrobe malfunction. I think I need the Franz bottoms in my life, too.
Kitty Callaghan
Contributing Editor
I am on the hunt for a one piece that I can wear all summer long. I have spent most of my life as a “collector” (hoarder), but lately I am finally committed to curbing the habit. So I’m currently at a crossroads whereby some of my swimwear is on its last legs and this is a chance to find “the one”. This past summer in Italy and France, I lived in a lime green Lido bikini – the fabric is amazing, it also dries fast – one thing I dislike with some of the crinkled swimwear on the market is that it stays wet well after I have left the beach of a morning. I am very tempted by the Uno one piece in ice blue or black. I have also heard that Hermès makes incredible swimwear, and I would love to try the Bella swimsuit – I love the buckle detail.
Elyssa Kostopoulos
Content Director
As we know, the thing about swimwear is that it’s highly-personal. I, unfortunately learnt this the hard way – shaping many of my purchasing decisions over the years based on the recommendations of others. The result is an overflowing drawer of swimwear that I know I don’t love, but can’t bear to part with. Through it all, I managed to find some keepers (and also, figured out which pieces worked for me), so here are some of my favourites that I keep revisiting.
A black one-piece is a must, and I’ve always preferred a more high-cut silhouette. I was due for a replacement this season, and Aje released their first iteration of swimwear just in time. I also adore the gold hardware detailing on the Tana one piece – such a nice touch that elevates the classic silhouette.
In the way of bikinis, similarly to Emily, I am a Hunza G devotee. My newest piece on the way is the Jean Bikini in Navy/White, which I am very excited to sport during the summer. And what would summer swim be without crochet? I’m a sucker for a classic with a twist, which is exactly what this khaki triangle bikini from Zimmermann gives me. I continue to wear my Zimmermann swimmers to death season after season, so this was a no brainer for me.
Images: @bondeyeswim @lidoetcetera
