As much as I love being at the beach and all the cute ‘fits and accessories that accompany a day by the sea, I don’t really love shopping for swimwear. I’m a bikini wearer through and through (apologies in advance to all of my one-piece lovers out there), but it’s often difficult to find ones that fit well. I’ve talked to many friends with a range of body types who agree: Swimwear doesn’t always hug in all the right places or cover what you need it to cover when you need it to.
But there’s good news! I bought 13 bikinis already this summer (yes, 13—I have issues), and I have only amazing things to say about 10 of them. From a celeb favorite two-piece I simply had to try to trendier swim styles, these are my favorites for summer 2021.
Hailey Bieber recently wore a similar Triangl bikini on a trip to Miami, and honestly, that’s the vibe I’m trying to channel right now. I actually preferred this pink terry-cloth top to the traditional triangle style she chose, but I won’t fight her over it.
I’m not going to lie, I wanted this bikini so that I had an excuse to buy the matching oversize linen shirt. I have no regrets about this purchase, though, because the fit of the swimsuit is amazing. The bottoms are adjustable, allowing me to choose how much coverage I want. The top has a tie back instead of a clasp, which means no one has to worry about how tight or loose it may be.
I wasn’t expecting to love this Reina Olga bikini nearly as much as I did. It might even be my favorite out of the bunch, but the verdict is still out until I take them all for a spin at the beach. I found the crinkle fabric to be stretchy and forgiving in all the best ways, but it’s technically a one-size-fits-all style, so proceed with caution. Ladies with bigger boobs have no fear: The brand makes the same bikini with a bit more fabric on top.
I was immediately sold on the buttery-soft (not to mention forgiving) material 437 uses for its suits. I especially love this particular top because it’s so versatile. It can be tied in—wait for it—seven unique ways. I may or may not own this particular top in two other colors, but this abstract floral print is by far my favorite. Plus, there was a matching sarong which is not the type of thing I pass up.
I can’t get over this ribbed, crinkle fabric. Or the dreamy blue color. Or the body-hugging, but not squeezing, fit. I love it all and can’t recommend Monday Swimwear enough.
The checkerboard trend is everywhere these days, from pants to nail art to phone cases and now bikinis. This crochet number isn’t the most practical in terms of swimming, but I love the pattern and material so much I decided I was okay with that. There are plenty of beach days where the water is too cold to jump in anyway, or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.
This neon bikini by Feline Swim made me wonder why all swimwear isn’t made from seamless fabric. Also, a moment please for this very cool bikini top style.
Another Monday Swimwear bikini I fell in love with instantly. There’s nothing like a simple white option to really let your accessories take center stage. After all, my swimwear-styling motto will always be “the more jewelry, the better.”
A plain black bikini with a twist. These metal ring details are really doing it for me because they add just the right amount of sexy I’m looking for without being too much.
Another favorite from Reina Olga. Mermaid bikini tops have been trending for a couple summers now, so it’s about time I jumped on board. Ideally, I’d wear this Italian brand on a yacht in Italy, so if everyone reading this could manifest that for me that would be wonderful.
This retro print is so fun, and I love the single side tie on the bottoms. Shop the matching Vintage Chic Bikini Bottoms ($130).
It’s the itty-bitty seashells for me.
The details on this Frankies Bikinis suit are so cute. I am a sucker for interesting tie details. What can I say? Shop the matching Foxy Satin Cheeky Bikini Bottom ($85).
Calling all animal-print lovers. It’s me. I’m the animal-print lover. Shop the matching C Bikini Bottom ($80).
A glitter bikini. Need I say more?
This is technically a one-piece swimsuit, but looks like a bikini so I’ll let it slide. There are some other really chic items in this collab with Behati Prinsloo but this mixed-print one is my favorite.
