Guide

12 Best Designer Swimwear

In an alternate universe, your better self is off vacationing at a scenic resort. Blessed with warm weather and an array of fruity margaritas, it’s a tropical fantasy we often imagine in the midst of December. 

Daydreamers, it’s time to stop musing about make-believe scenarios. We’re peer-pressuring you to book that flight to Bali this summer, which requires packing a stunning assortment of designer swimwear

From Balmain to Versace, there’s definitely no shortage of in-season designs on the market. And the best part about the traditional swimsuit is that it comes in a variety of cuts, colors, and silhouettes.

Looking to exude some maximum hot girl summer energy? There’s a bikini for that. Not a fan of showing too much skin? That’s what one-pieces are for. 

For those prepping for a summer drinking Piña Coladas, taking cute Instagram photos, and suntanning, we’ve put together a top 12 list of the best designer swimwear. 

Finding The Best Designer Swimwear

Contrary to popular belief, not all designer bathing suits are compatible with water. I know, it seems counterintuitive—especially given that ‘swim’ is literally in the product description. 

To prevent damage to your swimwear, it’s important to carefully read the care instructions for your chosen garment. Trust me, there’s nothing more horrifying than ruining your $800 Gucci one-piece. 

Whether it’s solely for suntanning or swimming, designer bathing suits should feel stretchy and durable in construction.

Most brands use polyester, elastane, spandex, and lycra as their chosen fabrics, which are all recognized as common swimwear materials. 

Aside from quality, you should also consider which design to opt for. There are hundreds of different cuts, colors, and silhouettes to choose from, so it’s important to settle for a piece that you’re comfortable wearing. 

The 12 Best Designer Swimwear 

The perfect Instagram beach post requires three things: a scenic view, a dramatic pose, and a cute swimsuit. Summer provides us with a unique opportunity to find this season’s trendiest fits, whether that be a strappy bikini or a high-cut one-piece. 

While you’re free to explore the swimwear aisle at your local department store, why not take the opportunity to invest in something more worthwhile? 

From Alexander Wang to Vitamin A, there’s a broad assortment of cute designer bathing suits to choose from.

If you’re in the midst of fall and winter, we see no reason why you can’t prep for summer. If anything, you can layer up with pants and a jacket over top of your swimsuit for some additional insulation. 

For those in need of recommendations, we’ll spotlight 12 of the best designer swimwear on the market. 

#1: Agua By Agua Bendita graphic-print bikini bottoms - Green

Agua By Agua Bendita graphic-print bikini bottoms - Green

Brand: Agua by Agua Bendita
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $147
Color: Green

graphic-print bikini bottoms from AGUA BY AGUA BENDITA featuring fern green, off-white, all-over graphic print, stretch-design and high-waisted. Be mindful to try on swimwear over your own garments..


#2: Emilio Pucci Bandierine Print Bikini Bottoms in Acqua Giallo

Emilio Pucci Bandierine Print Bikini Bottoms in Acqua Giallo

Brand: Emilio Pucci
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $165
Color: Acqua Giallo

Originally designed in the '60s, the eye-catching, kaleidoscopic print enlivening these bottoms is meant to resemble the sails on ocean ships. 82% polyamide, 18% elastane Dry clean Made in Italy Women's Designer Clothing


#3: Versace logo-waistband swimwear - Black

Versace logo-waistband swimwear - Black

Brand: Versace
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $375
Color: Black

Black/gold logo-waistband swimwear from VERSACE COLLECTION featuring logo waistband, Medusa Head motif, logo patch to the rear and wide leg. Be mindful to try on swimwear over your own garments..


#4: Reese Tex One-Piece Swimsuit

Reese Tex One-Piece Swimsuit

Brand: Vitamin A
Price: $195
Color: BLACK ECOTEX

Vitamin A "Reese" textured one-piece swimsuit. Internal shelf bra. Square neckline. Wide straps. Open back. High-cut leg. Cheeky seat coverage. Recycled nylon/spandex. Hand wash. Made in USA.


#5: Balmain Red Logo Swim Shorts

Balmain Red Logo Swim Shorts

Brand: Balmain
Retailer: Ssense
Price: $405
Color: 600 RED/WHITE

Nylon taffeta swim shorts in red. Logo bonded in white at side-seam. · Mid-rise · Drawstring at elasticized waistband · Patch pocket at back · Partial mesh lining Supplier color: Red/White


#6: Gucci Navy Logo Stripe Swim Shorts

Gucci Navy Logo Stripe Swim Shorts

Brand: Gucci
Retailer: Ssense
Price: $680
Color: 4487 BLUE

Technical satin swim shorts in navy. Mid-rise. Drawstring at elasticized waistband. Rib knit trim with jacquard logo in blue and white at outseams. Mesh lining. Supplier color: Blue


#7: Alexander Wang Logo Jacquard Square Neck Bikini Top in Black

Alexander Wang Logo Jacquard Square Neck Bikini Top in Black

Brand: Alexander Wang
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $150
Color: Neon Kelly

Alexander Wang takes logomania to the beach with this square-neck bikini top textured all over with tonal jacquard logos. Square neck Lined 95% polyamide, 5% elastane Machine wash, dry flat Imported Women's Designer Clothing


#8: Burberry Vintage Check print swimwear - Blue

Burberry Vintage Check print swimwear - Blue

Brand: Burberry
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $510
Color: Blue

Pale blue Vintage Check print swimwear from BURBERRY featuring Vintage Check pattern, spaghetti straps, square neck, crossover shoulder straps and stretch-design. Be mindful to try on swimwear over your own garments..


#9: ViX Swimwear Firenze Erin Knotted Bikini Top in White

ViX Swimwear Firenze Erin Knotted Bikini Top in White

Brand: ViX Swimwear
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $122
Color: White

A center knot shapes this solid bikini top that's a classic beach-day style. Ties at back Adjustable straps Lined 96% polyamide, 4% elastane Hand wash, dry flat Made in Brazil Women's Clothing Latinx Owned and Founded


#10: Noire Swimwear satin-finish triangle-cup bikini - Green

Noire Swimwear satin-finish triangle-cup bikini - Green

Brand: Noire Swimwear
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $213
Color: Green

Peridot green satin-finish triangle-cup bikini from Noire Swimwear featuring satin finish, triangle cup, rear tie fastening and side-tie bottoms. Be mindful to try on swimwear over your own garments..


#11: Prada Nylon swim trunks - Blue

Prada Nylon swim trunks - Blue

Brand: Prada
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $650
Color: Blue

Prada's stylistic universe is filled with cleverly constructed, confident designs. From season-defining statement styles to impeccably crafted wardrobe staples, the iconic Italian fashion house's offering remains at the forefront of fashion. These elegant yet practical navy swim shorts have been crafted from a fast-drying fabric. Featuring an elasticated waistband with a drawstring fastening, side pockets, a back pocket and a branded rear patch. Swimwear must be tried on over your own garments.


#12: Balenciaga Fitted Swim Trunks in Black

Balenciaga Fitted Swim Trunks in Black

Brand: Balenciaga
Retailer: Nordstrom
Price: $450
Color: Black

Cut through the water with ease in these logo-embellished swim trunks crafted of stretchy technical fabric for a streamlined, body-con fit. Elastic waist 78% polyamide, 22% elastane Hand wash, dry flat Made in Italy Men's Designer Clothing


What Are The Most Popular Designer Swimwear Brands?

For some, swimsuit shopping isn’t the most desirable pastime. The annoyance of fitting rooms combined with the overwhelming selection of designs is enough to tire the most experienced mall addicts.

If you prefer a more short and sweet approach to online buying, here are four of the most popular designer swimwear brands to consider. 

  • Agua Bendita: Flirty in design and featuring a traditional silhouette, this luxury brand adds a hint of tropical flair to every swimsuit piece. 
  • Emilio Pucci: This Italian brand prefers popsicle colors and abstract patterns. It serves as a great alternative for those who hate traditional black and white. 
  • Versace: If you want to feel like a Greek Goddess, this acclaimed fashion house favors swirling gold patterns and godly designs. 
  • Vitamin A: This clothing brand is best known for its modern yet flirty approach to swimwear.

What Sizes Does Designer Swimwear Come In?

Designer swimwear comes in a range of sizes. From extra small to extra large, some brands offer a commendable array of options to choose from. 

Before settling on a bathing suit, customers need to double-check their measurements first.

Yes, the stretchy nature of swimwear is usually forgiving on most body shapes, but you don’t want to be caught in ‘too tight’ or ‘too loose’ scenarios. 

What Is Designer Swimwear Made Of?

As previously mentioned, designer swimwear is usually made out of spandex, polyester, lycra, and elastane. These four fabrics are known to be stretchy and resilient under stress. They also perform well underwater, as you don’t have to worry about wrinkles here. 

Plus, it’s worth noting that some brands create their own material blend in order to differentiate themselves from the competition. 

How To Wash Designer Swimwear

To help maintain its quality, designer swimwear should be hand-washed. We recommend using cold water and gentle detergent. 

Wearers should never toss their bathing suits in the laundry machine or dryer since heat and abrasive substances will usually lead to damage and color bleeding.

After it’s properly rinsed, it’s best to let your bikini or one-piece naturally air dry

Is Designer Swimwear Worth It?

If you love the beach scene, then it’s probably worth investing in a designer swimsuit.

It’s a simple way to jazz up any vacation look, as brands like Fendi, Gucci, and Vitamin A will surely warrant an appreciative (or jealous) smile from neighboring trendsetters. 

On the other hand, those who rarely visit the public pool may find luxury bathing suits an unnecessary expense. Ultimately, it’s important to consider your ‘wardrobe habits’ before buying a swimsuit. 

How To Style Designer Swimwear

Designer goods are best worn with a stylish outfit. You spent $500 on a Fendi bathing suit—so wearing a simple pair of shorts on top would be considered a fashion faux pas.

For those in need of outfit inspo, we’ll show you some ways to style a designer swimsuit.

Beach cover-ups and bathing suits go hand-in-hand. Like this example, we recommend wearing a cute lacey dress over top of your designer bikini. For accessories, you can never go wrong with a sunhat and a pair of chic slides. 

If transparent cover-ups are not your thing, then you can easily make do with an oversized shirt. Complemented with denim shorts and a bikini top, all that’s missing is an ice-cold margarita. 

There’s a reason why we don’t bring leather bags to the beach. They don’t really handle all the water, sand, and heat very well. As a better alternative, we suggest swapping your Birkin bag with a straw purse instead. 


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