I’ll be honest: There are a number of reasons I’m thankful for this job—I shop all day; I’m (virtually) surrounded by the best co-workers; I get to work with amazing brands; etc.; etc. But I think the best part about it is that I finally have an outlet to share my love for finding people cute things to wear. Before (and, okay, after) I became an editor, I’d spam my friends with daily messages telling them about all the fun items I found on the internet, whether they asked for it or not. Though lately, I’ve toned it down (now I just assume they keep up with my articles on the site, if they’re interested in what I’m currently eyeing), I still can’t help myself when I discover something really good.
So since my love for bikinis has evidently surpassed my love for any other summer product this season, I thought it might be fun to help my friends with finding—get ready for a bold statement—the suit of their dreams. So I asked them for their budget and a description of what they were looking for, and one text later, I had everything I needed to get my friends (and myself… I couldn’t help it. I have an obsession!) their perfect set. Want to see what I found? Keep scrolling.
Name: Landyn
Budget: $100
Looking for: “Bikinis that I can mix and match at a great price point—I want to have options! I’m not trying to blow my whole summer budget on just one suit. Tops that can double as a going-out top or piece under loose summer shirts are a bonus!”
Name: Kristina
Budget: $200
Looking for: “The perfect fit. Bikinis are difficult for me because I’m usually a medium or large on the bottom, but a 34G on the top. I love high-waisted bottoms (that still look chic!).”
Name: Olivia
Budget: $150
Looking for: “Good material (I love buttery-soft fabric) and minimal straps. (I hate to have a weird tan line when I’m wearing my favorite backless top in the summer.) I’m big on classic design in terms of print, color, and cut—I don’t buy a whole new bikini wardrobe every year, so it has to last.”
Name: Celene
Budget: $80
Looking for: “Something that I can tan in. My sports bra tan is getting pretty bad from having to run outside.”
Name: Haley
Budget: $80
Looking for: “A suit that creates curves and complements my nonexistent boobs. I love simple patterns or solid colors. I’m currently on the hunt for Brazilian high-waisted bottoms.”
Name: Gabby
Budget: $60
Looking for: “Something that’s trendy and in fashion, but nothing too bold. I always search for something that works for my smaller chest but also flatters my curves at the same time.”
Name: Jess
Budget: $75
Looking for: “A neutral, sporty ribbed style with good boob support.”
Name: Mel
Budget: $100
Looking for: “Pieces I can mix and match with some of the other black bathing suits I have.”
Name: Savanah
Budget: $140
Looking for: “Thick straps and cheeky, high-rise bottoms. I’m a curvier girl and find that this combo is super flattering on me. My wardrobe is 90% neutrals, so I’m on the hunt for a few vibrant suits to spice it up.”
Name: Elise
Budget: $70
Looking for: “Surfer brand bikinis. I love that those brands are comfortable, pretty affordable, and survive the wear and tear of beach life. I’m always looking for styles that I can mix and match.”
Name: Marisa
Budget: $100
Looking for: An everyday suit. I like the idea of a solid color top that I can wear under a cute shirt and shorts to have on during the day before I go lay out.
Name: Isabella
Budget: $160
Looking for: “Something flattering and seamless to highlight my curvy figure. It’s a hard line between finding something with coverage that still feels sexy.”
Name: Anneliese
Budget: $200
Looking for: Something with a pattern. Almost all of my suits right now are solid, so I think it’s time to switch it up a bit. And we all know my obsession with Monday Swimwear.
Up next: The Best Under-$67 Items I’ve Found So Far This Summer
