I lied and said it only took hours, but I spent an entire week researching swimwear trends, and I am now obsessed with the entire category. While I had fun finding out the swimsuits that are going to be big next—and shopping them too—I decided I wanted to spend more time with the classics. You know, those swimsuits that really, truly aren’t going anywhere. When it comes to anything timeless, I know exactly where to turn: the French gal.
French swimwear brands aren’t easy to come by, but the ones that are out there are pretty damn good. One of my latest fantasies is to spend a summer hopping from yacht to yacht in the South of France. Whether or not I achieve that dream anytime soon, I’m still going to make myself feel like it’s happening by shopping these French brands that European women swear by. This American is officially on board too.
This brand brings on the pool party in all the right ways. The influence is real—since it launched its glitz and glam pieces, I’ve seen so many other brands follow suit. As one does.
Mid-rise is a very flattering silhouette.
If you’re more traditional, dip your toes into some glitter with this suit.
Sequins are the best.
I have a thing for gold right now.
Elevated, chic, and so timeless, Eres is everything French girls define themselves as. The brand designs its pieces with functionality in mind, so if you are a water-sport type of person, you’ll definitely be into this.
So timeless.
She has fun, too.
This color is so flattering.
Introducing the perfect triangle bikini.
You can always find unique and elevated pieces in a French girl’s closet, and this brand brings just that. The designer herself tests every swimsuit both dry and wet to make sure they’re up to her standards—which must be quite high because every piece is award-winning.
I can’t get over how good this is.
I lilac you.
The cutout in the front is so chic.
Tie-dye for life.
This brand is as French as it gets. Welcome to that boutique in Paris that you had so much fun shopping at but couldn’t find its pieces ever again. It’s direct-to-consumer, so basically, it’s unlikely you’ll accidentally be matching your friend.
She loves florals.
How flattering is this deep V.
We’ve been eyeing any swimsuits with rings for ages.
Stripes are so Parisenne.
And for the high-fashion take, we turn to Isabel Marant. The designer has been wowing us with her runway shows for years now, never failing to turn heads. Her swimwear collection does just the same.
Straight off the runway and into your closet.
I’m not over the cutouts and ruching here.
Love a metallic moment.
This printed piece is perfect for vacation.
Honorable mention goes to Totême. Every editor’s favorite brand dabbles a bit in swimwear.
I can’t get over how good this rising brand’s swimwear is.
French girls’ swim collections are incomplete without a sarong.
This bold shade of purple is so elevated.
Colorblocking is always a good idea.
Perfectly flatters every figure.
A French girl would love this updated take on the classic silhouette.
