Miraclesuit Fantastic Faux Swimsuit
Loose Fitting Black Tankini Style One-Piece
Miraclesuit fakes us out with this clever Fantastic Faux Swimsuit. It appears like a tankini with a matching pair of briefs, but it’s actually a one-piece!
The Fantastic Faux is really a swimsuit for girls that want to cover up. If you're self-conscious about carrying some extra weight you might appreciate the loose-fitting tankini style top. It skims problem areas rather than…No Comments
Black Milk Clothing Signs Lucasfilm Deal
Australian Fashion Company Makes Star Wars Swimsuits
Australian fashion house Black Milk Clothing has turned a cease and desist letter from Star Wars mastermind George Lucas into a lucrative business opportunity.
The small label made waves when it released swimsuits bearing the images of Star Wars robots R2-D2 and C-3PO. George Lucas lashed out at the firm, and it halted production of its Artoo and Threepio one-pieces.
What hap…Miraclesuit Flamenco Swimsuit
Red Ruffled One-Piece Bandeau Bathers
Miraclesuit adds a splash of Spanish flair to a classic bandeau swimsuit with the Flamenco.
Soft rows of ruffles criss-cross across the top of this swimsuit, highlighting its familiar sweetheart neckline. The frills make the Flamenco feel very feminine, as well as enhancing the bust. If you're petite the ruffles will add volume, and if you're curvy they'll draw attention to thos…Despi Casablanca String Bikini
Blue Beaded Halter Neck Swim Top
Despi looks to Moroccan bazaars for inspiration with its Casablanca bikini.
At its heart this is a classic triangle string bikini, nice enough but ultimately overwhelming. It's saved from the doldrums by the intricate beading at the straps. The tiny earth toned beads create a chunky figure eight underneath the halter-neck tie. I'm not sure the gentle hues are the best match for th…Hermanny by Vix Nepal Bikini
Earth Toned Triangle Swim Top
Vix takes inspiration from the wilds of Africa with this Nepal bikini from its Hermanny collection.
I appreciate that Vix has rejected obvious African motifs like animal prints and tribal markings. Instead its Nepal is much more subtle, with graduated earthy tones recalling the continent's desolate plains.
The African inspired print is paired with Western influenced details…Gottex Delaunay Swimsuit
Kaleidoscope Print Black One-Piece
A splash of color ensures this basic black Delaunay swimsuit from Gottex stands out in a crowd.
Warm pink, violet, and fuschia hues burst from the side of this one-piece like a fractured kaleidoscope. It's really striking, although like so many prints I wonder whether it'll date after a few seasons.
I'm hopeful it may endure though, as it goes its own way rather than following trends…Ujena Le Cabaret Lace Bikini
Daring Pink & Black Micro Swimsuit
Ujena brings drama to the beach with this daring Le Cabaret Lace Bikini.
This unusual swimsuit is one of the most striking I've seen in some time. Its pretty pale pink lace panels are undeniably feminine, and an unusual contrast to the bolder black nylon section. The skimpy top and daringly cut briefs only add to the Le Cabaret's sugar and spice appeal.
While the Le Cabaret is a little b…Ujena Red Hot Zebra Bikini
Banded Black Swimsuit
Ujena shows that sometimes less really is more with this Red Hot Zebra bikini top.
The label has many zebra printed swimsuits, but in my opinion this one makes the greatest impact. That might surprise you, as it's also the one that uses the classic animal print sparingly. It forms the wide band underneath the bust, and we see another flash around the shoulder straps. The briefs also fe…Jantzen Moroccan Mosaic Skirted Bottom
Ruffled Swim Skirt with Briefs
Jantzen offers sex appeal without the scandal with these Moroccan Mosaic Skirted Briefs.
This skirted pair of briefs is very, well, brief! It's like the swimwear equivalent of a miniskirt, a mere strip of spandex-blended nylon that covers up the vital areas while showing plenty of leg. I'd hesitate to wear it if it weren't for the attached briefs. These bottoms maintain our modest…Bikini Shopping Stresses Customers, Study Says
New Australian Research About Swimwear Sales
If buying a new swimsuit makes your palms sweat, it seems you're not the only one. New research conducted by Australia's Flinders University shows women find bikini shopping a negative and stressful experience. In fact, even imagining trying on a swimsuit is enough to put women in a bad mood!
University professor and psychologist Marika Tiggemann headed the research team which s…Robin Piccone Matiz Bikini
Black Banded Halter Neck Swim Top
There's nothing basic about this black Matiz bikini top from Robin Piccone.
Black is generally a conservative color, but it's used to devastating effect here. Tonal black stripes emphasize the bikini’s sexy plunging design. The gentle contrast of black on black is sophisticated, and that elegance ensures the swim top is scintillating but not scandalous. A jaunty bow at the fr…Luxe by Lisa Vogel Cougarette Bandini
Blue Animal Print Swim Top
Lisa Vogel turns up the heat with this Cougarette Bandini from her Luxe swimwear line.
I worried that a swim top with such a brash name could be as tacky as cougars tend to be. However Lisa Vogel’s shown remarkable restraint here. Her Cougarette is sexy without being scandalous.
The animal print that so often covers the clothes of cougars is there, but its presence never takes over t…Tommy Bahama Seville Swimsuit
Blue Paisley Printed One-Piece
Tommy Bahama serves up all the glamour of Spain with this figure-flattering Seville swimsuit.
Its paisley print might not be authentically Spanish, but it makes this simply designed one-piece so eye-catching. In bold blues and green the pattern attracts attention, but unlike so many loud prints this one shouldn't date. Paisley has been around since the 1880s after all, so I woul…H&M Debuts Fashion Against AIDS Collection at Coachella
Summer Apparel & Accessories for Charity
H&M is preparing to launch its fifth annual Fashion Against AIDS collection, just in time for summer shopping.
The colourful limited edition collection features several items for our beach wardrobes including tribal printed bikinis and sunglasses, chunky green wedges, ombre cover-up dresses, and T-shirts emblazoned with the Fashion Against AIDS slogan. The line's pri…Becca On the Prowl Bikini
Banded Spotted Halter-Neck Swim Top
Becca offers a contemporary take on animal print with its On the Prowl bikini.
Its name makes us think of sensuous big cats stalking their prey in the jungle, or perhaps bar hopping cougars with their eyes on cute young things. Pairing this imagery with a traditional animal print would have been simple, but instead Becca takes the path less traveled. The spots that decorate this swim…Kenneth Cole Once a Cheeta Swimsuit
Figure-Flattering Ruched One-Piece
Kenneth Cole flatters our figures without compromising on style with this Once a Cheeta swimsuit.
This one-piece cuts a striking figure with its ruched front and cheeky cut-out back. The saturated turquoise color is fun and youthful, although it's also available in black or purple. Either way, the swimsuit helps girls with a variety of body types look their best.
The ruched finis…Jantzen Sheer Me Up Swimsuit
Retro Glam Convertible One-Piece
Jantzen's swimsuits regularly strike a chord with sun lovers, but even esteemed fashion houses can make a misstep. If the customer feedback is any indication, that's what's happened with the label's Sheer Me Up swimsuit.
It's disappointing to hear the Sheer Me Up isn't up to Jantzen's usual standard, because its styling is amongst the label's most striking. The shirred body is so…Fantasie Puerto Rico Tankini
Colorful Pink Bandeau Style Swim Top
Fantasie delivers all the color of South America with this feminine Puerto Rico bandeau tankini.
The pink-heavy pattern is tailor made for girly girls. While it'll probably polarize opinion, I love the vibrant mix of animal prints and florals. It's so playful, and as it's a reinterpretation of some classic patterns it shouldn't date either.
This tankini is much more conservativ…Sofia Retro Bazar’s Vintage Scarf Swimwear
Sustainable Recycled Renewall Swimsuits
Italian designers Ilaria Tranfa and Rita Molina are turning vintage neck scarves into sustainable swimwear with their label Sofia Retro Bazar.
By working with vintage fabrics from the sixties and seventies, the swimsuits from Sofia Retro Bazar's Renewall line represent a modern shift towards environmental practices. The designing friends also keep their production proces…Sustainable Olga Olsson Swimwear
Stylish Eco-Friendly Bikinis & Swimsuits
Ruth Ferguson's Olga Olsson swimwear label creates sustainable bikinis and one-pieces inspired by the natural world.
The British designer worked in Cuba, Africa, Central America and Brazil before returning home. Her global travels and the beauty she saw along the way informs the swimwear designs. In fact, her swimwear is still made by a small atelier in Rio de Janeiro. The glamo…Fantasie Borneo Bikini
Animal Print Plus-Sized Swim Top
Fantasie looks to the wilds of Africa for inspiration with this Borneo Bikini.
This swim top feels extra sassy thanks to the fierce animal print. The cheetah style pattern is a classic, but I really like the way Fantasie's created this one. It almost looks like there's a smattering of confetti amongst the irregular wild cat markings. The tan and gray undertones give the print some ex…Fantasie Madrid Bikini
Black & White Bamboo Print Balcony Swim Top
Fantasie claims it's influenced by Spain, but I think someone should buy the swimwear label a map. With its bold bamboo print, perhaps this bikini should be called Beijing or Shanghai!
No matter where it comes from, I like the way this pattern livens up this fairly simple bikini. I'm not always a fan of prints, as they tend to date swimsuits before their time. However in classic black a…Miraclesuit Camilla Bandeau Swimsuit
Ruffled Ruched Black One-Piece
Miraclesuit shows some uncharacteristic fashion forward flair with this Camilla Bandeau swimsuit.
I wouldn't say Miraclesuit typically ignores fashion, but it's always seemed to care more about flattering our figures. That's an admirable goal, but here the label does it with style. The Camilla's made from the same innovative Miratex material we see on the rest of the range. It…Fantasie Bahamas Swimsuit
Plus-Sized One-Piece Underwire Black Bathers
Fantasie ascribe to the theory that the simplest things in life are often the best with this Bahamas swimsuit.
At first glance it appears like so many other black bathing suits, classic but unremarkable. There's a little pleating around the bust and some ties at the brief section, but they do little to really excite us. However it's what Fantasie does with this traditional swimsuit…Tommy Hilfiger Striped Swimsuit
Green Stripe Keyhole One Piece
Tommy Hilfiger delivers a clever trompe l'oeil with this Striped Swimsuit.
It seems like this swimsuit is made up of a tankini and pair of navy blue briefs. However it's actually all one piece. The tankini style top is attached to the bottoms underneath, so you needn't worry about coordinating your outfit. Tommy Hilfiger's done all the hard work for you.
Fashion purists say blue and…Trina Turk Ogee Swimsuit
Colorful Retro Cross-Back One-Piece
Make a splash on the beach with this bold Ogee Swimsuit from Trina Turk.
There's certainly no ignoring this retro one piece. Its bold red, orange, pink, and purple hues really pop against the swimsuit's bright white fabric. The seventies are the decade of the moment, so a pattern like this is right on trend.
I'm less enthusiastic about the oversized golden medallion which is strateg…Becca Hawaiian Print Reversible Bikini Top
Hula Dancers Graphic Swimsuit
Becca offers us twice the value with this Hawaiian Print reversible bikini top.
One side features a kitschy Hawaiian scene, with hip swivelling hula dancers and tropical flowers. While it's a bit of a novelty design prints like it have been around for decades, so I don't expect this one to date any time soon. If you'd rather something simpler you can simply flip the bikini over and enj…Miraclesuit Avanti Swimsuit
Black Figure Flattering Pleated One-Piece
Miraclesuit thinks you'll believe in miracles after you try its Avanti swimsuit. The label claims you'll appear to drop ten pounds just by slipping it on!
On the surface this looks like a fairly unremarkable swimsuit. There are no prints, no applique, and its black color is as basic as you can get. The pleating adds a bit of interest, but it's still not enough to really elevate this swi…Kenneth Cole Reaction Ruffle-licious Tankini
Frilled Pink Halter Swim Top
Kenneth Cole serves up ruffles on top of ruffles with its Ruffle-licious Tankini Top.
It goes without saying that if you don't like ruffles, this isn't the swim top for you. The frills aren't just accents here; they're the main event. They're not the delicate frills some designers use either. Instead Kenneth Cole's gone big and bold!
And for that final feminine touch, Kenneth Cole'…Model Selita Ebanks Designs Sassy Swimwear
Victoria’s Secret Angel’s Beach Collection
Nanette Lepore Central Park Bikini
Feather Print Beaded Banded Halter Neck Swim Top
It might be named after the natural haven in the heart of one of the world's most fashionable cities, but this Central Park Bikini from Nanette Lepore is surprisingly low key.
I'm used to Nanette Lepore bikinis seeming almost as if they've stepped from the world's fashion runways. There are always details for me to marvel over, and these accents tempt me to spend the big prices her swi…Freya Charleston Bikini
Banded Red Halter Swim Top
Freya gets romantic with this banded Charleston Bikini top.
Its red and white colors are dreamy and its abstract heart print makes me swoon. The pretty ruffle which runs along the bust gives the Charleston a final feminine flourish. All those girly details may be too much for some sun lovers, but it gives the Charleston a point of difference amongst other plus-sized bikinis. For too…Seafolly Portofino Bandeau Bikini
Colorful Retro Swim Top
Bright colors and an eye-popping cut help this Portofino bikini from Seafolly stand out from the pack.
I was instantly struck by the combination of pink, purple, and black stripes. The hot pink hue is bold, especially as it's placed beside strong black. However the muted purple shade tempers both stripes somewhat, ensuring the Portofino is head-turning without seeming overdone…Sunsets Twist Tankini
Pink Loose Fitting Swim Top
Sunsets serves us a swim top for curvy girls with this Twist Tankini.
This free-flowing tankini bucks the trend of tight fitting swim tops, and plus-sized girls love it. While its loose-fitting design doesn't enhance a figure, it accommodates an ample bust more easily than most of its competitors. And what's more, it does it for far less than the tankinis that most plus-sized label…Dolfin Chloroban Swimsuit
Sporty Green Team Swimming One-Piece
Dolfin's created a swimsuit for serious athletes with its Chloroban swimsuit.
Chloroban is an advanced type of polyester renowned for its flexibility, soft, comfortable fit, and endurance. It holds it shape over several seasons wear, and its colors stay true, even if you're swimming in chlorinated water during the off-season. That longevity is a real advantage for water babie…Nanette Lepore Madison Avenue Swim Dress
Ruffled Floral Print One-Piece
Indulge in New York City style on the beach this summer with this Madison Avenue Swim Dress from Nanette Lepore.
There's an awful lot going on here, perhaps too much. Yet Nanette Lepore's conviction and commitment to her design vision somehow makes this overembellished style work. The ruffles and rosettes along the bustline and shirring across the body may not impress minimalist…Lucky Brand Batik Rose Bikini
Pink & Green Triangle Swim Top
Lucky Brand takes its cues from the East with this Batik Rose bikini.
Real batik sees artisans dripping hot wax over their cloths before coloring them. The dye doesn't penetrate the wax covered spaces, and so we're left with pale markings once the substance is removed. Lucky Brand has taken some shortcuts here and used a print rather than the traditional wax. That's unsurprising fo…Jantzen Heritage Bandeau Bikini
Red Ruffled Swim Top
Ruffled bikinis are a dime a dozen, but the unusual placement of its frills helps Jantzen's Heritage Bandeau Bikini stand out.
I love what Jantzen has done with its soft ruffles. By restricting the flouncy fabric to just one side of the bandeau top, Jantzen's made its Heritage feel very modern. I expected a more traditional approach from a swimsuit with such a classic moniker, but I'…Freya Rumjungle Balcony Swim Top
Plus-Sized Camo Print Underwire Bikini
If you thought plus-sized swimwear was all about blending into the background, think again. Freya goes bold with this Rumjungle Balcony bikini.
Few prints have the attitude of camouflage. The pattern is generally used for masculine apparel and military fatigues, so I'm thrilled to see it making an appearance in women's wear. Everyone know girls are just as tough as their male cou…Seafolly Matt Separates Bikini
Pink Banded Halter-Neck Swim Top
It might have one of the most boring monikers in the swimwear industry, but this Matt Separates bikini from Seafolly is a real head-turner.
Of course, anything in such a shocking shade of pink is bound to catch your eye. But this swimsuit has more than a striking color to attract attention. As if it wasn't already girly enough, this bikini top is decorated with soft ruffles.
The Matt Se…Nanette Lepore Cote D’Azur Cherry Swimsuit
Cute Fruit Print One-Piece with Bows
Nanette Lepore embraces its feminine side with this Cote D’Azur Cherry Swimsuit.
This whimsical white swimsuit is covered in sweet cherries. This fruity pattern is probably too cutesy to appeal to everyone, but I love the personality it brings. I'm not quite as sure about the jaunty bows that decorate the plunging neckline though. While they help us maintain a little modesty, t…Seafolly Avant Garden Bikini
Watercolor Underwire Swim Top
A rainbow of colors helps this simply styled Avant Garden Bikini from Seafolly stand out from the crowd.
Its design is very clean, free of the frills, ruffles, and bows we've seen on so many Seafolly swimsuits. That might disappoint its girliest fans, but it helps the Australian swim label appeal to a new audience. Such a basic design could easily appear boring, but Seafolly avoids t…Sofia by Vix Ditsy Bikini
Floral Marrow Edged Triangle Swim Top
Its name might suggest that it's a bit of a scatterbrain, but this Ditsy Bikini from Vix is surprisingly smart.
Bright, delicate flowers liven up this black triangle bikini. I really like the way Vix has picked up the colors of the dainty pink blooms in the shoestring ties. Clean marrow edging finishes this simple but pretty style off nicely.
The Ditsy doesn't do a lot to enhance our fi…Nanette Lepore Marseilles One-Piece
Plunging Red Solid Swimsuit
Nanette Lepore challenges the notion that a swimsuit needs to show a lot of skin to turn heads with the Marseilles.
It makes sense that this swimsuit is named after a coastal city in one of the world's most fashionable countries. It's got a real catwalk appeal that we don't often see in swimwear. Its bold red body is treated with a waffle-like texture for an extra kick. The wide white tri…Seafolly Pin Up Halter Bikini
Striped Retro Swim Top
Retro style sets sail with this playful Pin Up Halter Bikini from Seafolly.
This may be one of the cutest nautical inspired swimsuits I've seen. Seafolly has passed over the typical blue or red stripes for a more feminine magenta hue. The girly narrow stripes are complemented by a wide, jaunty bow at the bust. Cute pom pom edging finishes this accent beautifully. The styling is incre…Robin Piccone Hand Sewn Pleats Bikini
Stylish Green Bandeau Swim Top
Some head-turning pleats and an eye-popping color help this Robin Piccone bikini stand out from the pack.
I'm not sure whether the fashion house really sewed every pleat into this swimsuit by hand. Something tells me that it likely fell off the factory line for this price. However when a swimsuit is as well made as this one, perhaps it doesn't matter how the pleats got there. Their pre…Vix Betsey Bandeau Bikini
Classic Black & White Swim Top
Minimalist styling makes a big impression with this Betsey bandeau bikini top from Vix.
Some girls may find the Betsey's simple styling boring, but I think it's refreshing. Rather than blending into the background, this unpatterned, unruffled, unadorned swim top really stands out.
The bandeau has clean lines, with just a little pleating around the bust to add interest. The bold…Lucky Brand American Dream Tankini
Patchwork Print Bandeau Style Swim Top
Lucky Brand calls this tankini an American Dream, but I can't imagine it becoming the stuff fantasies are made of.
I wouldn't say this tankini top is a nightmare, but it does appear very dated. Patchwork prints like this haven't been popular since the 80s, and they weren't one of the trends to resurface when the decade recently enjoyed a revival. So we can't even pass this vintage look…L*Space Au Natural Sliding Bikini
Earthy Striped Halter Swim Top
L*Space takes a more rustic approach to design than usual with this Au Natural Sliding Bikini.
I'm used to bold colors and fashion forward designs from L*Space, so this more bohemian bikini comes from left of field. I'm not sure what the labels fans will make of it, but I expect it might encourage hippie chicks to see the brand in a new light. L*Space hasn't abandoned its high class imag…Seafolly Goddess Eva Skirted Pants
Pleated Navy Bikini Briefs
Seafolly serves up an itsy bitsy teeny weeny pair of bikini bottoms with these Goddess Eva Skirted Pants.
The term "pants" seems like a bit of a misnomer when we're dealing with such a small scrap of fabric. They're barely more than briefs! We certainly don't enjoy the modesty that swim pants generally provide, so I hope you feel comfortable about your body!
If you do want to flaunt it t…
