We’re gearing up for summer, y’all (like…hopefully one that looks a little more normal? normalish?). And that means… swimsuits. Mhmmm, you know it’s true. *nervous laugh*
7 Black-Owned Swimwear Brands To Get Excited About
And what better way to revamp our swimwear than to support some Black-owned businesses in our search? We’ve found some seriously stunning suits for you. Think: unique prints & styles (like this colorful, geometric two-piece by Sunday London) and simple-but-sexy silhouettes (like this bad boy with some SIDE cutouts from More Than Swim ). Ooo la la. Get me near a beach, please.
Below we’ve got some really good choices to browse through for tons of gorgeous beach or pool day looks. We’ve narrowed our faves down to seven brands that are simply rockin’ the swimsuit game (and some are even eco-friendly). P.S. Most brands are offering 10% off your first order if you sign up for emails. (Uh, heck yeah.) More info below.
**Indicates meets our standards for sustainability
Jade Swim / Lemlem / MBM Swim / More Than Swim / Nakimuli / Nomads Swimwear / Sunday London
Jade Swim
A bunch of us here at TME are kiiiinda obsessed with Jade Swim right now. Their silhouettes are incredibly chic (talking about that fun one-shoulder action and some sexy backs) and come in 16 really good colors. The majority of their suits are made of 100% regenerated nylon, too. Just a heads up: S says the suits run pretty small, so go up one (or two) sizes. Oh, and first-time customers get 10% off their first order when they sign up for emails. Don’t mind if I do!
Scotti’s Jade Swim Pick
I love the shape of this suit! It’s simple but sexy. The high neck means the girls are contained, and I like the coverage on the bum: not too cheeky and not too full-coverage. It’s like the classic Bond-girl suit. (Actually, after Googling, I may have just made that up in my head…but I totally want to wear this while riding around on a jet ski somewhere exotic…I think we’re all doing some serious wanderlusting right now.) It’s a huge plus that this suit is made right here in the US (LA, specifically.) It’s is cream-, oil- and chlorine-resistant. (Plus you can get 15% off your first order with code NEW15 if you order here.)
All Around Bandeau Top in Terracotta // Bound Bottoms in Terracotta
Shana’s Jade Swim Pick
I’ve been buying (and returning) suits from all over the place…Jade Swim included. I think I’ve settled on this cute set. The fabric is seriously comfortable, and the colors are GORGEOUS in person. The bottoms are a perfect fit (not too cheeky, but enough to feel sexy) and the top stays up nicely. My one word of caution is to SIZE UP. (FWIW: I’m happiest in a size medium bottom, and size large top.)
Sunday London
Sunday London is inspired by “all things bright and beautiful” and man do they hit the nail on the head. Their suits are affordable, REVERSIBLE, and so unique — as well as handmade. I mean, just look at those prints!!! They’re truly a happiness booster.
Sunday London Wide Strap Top** // High-Waisted Bottoms**
Laura’s Sunday London Pick
I’m a sucker for a high-waisted bikini and a really gorgeous print. I don’t wear a ton of prints in my clothing, but with swimsuits I’m willing to have a little more fun! I love the thicker straps on this top for more support. And both pieces reverse to bright yellow! These are handmade, but still an approachable price point. I haven’t ordered yet because I just can’t decide on one to run with — they have so many beautiful options on their site! Adore.
More Than Swim
Interesting prints are kind of More Than Swim’s thing. They have a bunch of super pretty items that are produced in pre-order fashion to create less waste (win!) They also have an option where you can collaborate with the designer to make your own one-of-a-kind print for your suit of choice. UM. SO COOL. P.S. If you scroll down on their homepage, you’ll find a place to enter your email for 10% off your first order.
More Than Swim Twiggy Cutout Swimsuit**
Amy’s More Than Swim Pick
Ever since I grew out of the “I must achieve the best tan at all costs” phase of my life, I realized one-piece suits are life. I find them fashionable, flattering, and far more convenient for someone who loves to jump in the waves! When I saw this one piece from More Than Swim I was in love! It has sexy cutouts, a throwback vibe, and the red detailing really made me swoon. It’s handmade to order, goes up to 4XL, features adjustable side ties, and the company makes intentional steps to incorporate ethical production. Now that’s good swimwear.
Lemlem
Ahhh, another fave of ours right now. Lemlem’s beachwear game is on point. Their suits are honestly so freakin’ gorgeous, not to mention their dresses. Seriously, take a look. Their pieces are artisan-made in Africa, as well as sustainably sourced and made from some totally luxe-feeling materials (think: Marysia-like texture), according to S. Get 10% off your first order when you sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of their homepage.
Lemlem Neela Deep V Belted One Piece
Linzi’s lemlem Pick
Without a doubt my pick is this stunning belted one-piece from lemlem. I’ve been “visiting” the older version at various retailers online for weeks now, but am blown away by the newer colorways! My biggest reservation is it doesn’t have cup molds/padding, and I typically like a little shaping up top. BUT… all of lemlem’s suits are so shockingly good– I’m thinking maybe I just give up on the shaping and enjoy a killer glamorous suit. Check out ALL their beautiful pieces (swim and more) on lemlem’s site.
Zala Top // Zala High Waisted Bottoms
Julieta’s lemlem Pick
I’m in the process of getting out of my comfort zone with a lower rise bottom and recently tried on at least 10 swimsuits. But no, while I liked some, I’m a high-waisted fan. Even after a tummy tuck, I feel more comfortable. This suit looks classic yet fun. I love small prints to camouflage bumps and lumps. I’m also obsessed with this ballet one-piece version.
Nomads Swimwear
OK, can we first address this beautiful editorial pic above?!? I’m in love with it. So sophisticated and pretty just like their Neutrals & Sydney suit collections. Nomads Swimwear creates size-inclusive styles (XS-5X) that are pretty budget-friendly. Sign up for newsletter & texts on their site to get 10% off your first order. (Yay!!)
Kat’s Nomads Swimwear Pick
I am in LOVE with neutrals, and the cut of this two-piece is beyond perfect for my preferences. Nomad swimwear is actually designed by someone who’s a virtual friend and I think her designs are top notch. I am in love with everything that Taylor has created and her sustainable initiatives too! Nomads Swimwear is designed in Atlanta, GA and manufactured in small batches in a family-run factory in Bogota. Love, love these suits so much!
Nakimuli
Nakimuli truly has the coolest prints ever. They feature suits in sizes small to 3X and carry some incredible plus-size clothing with a stunning range of style. Like, talk about making a statement.
Nakimuli Bright Delight Swimsuit
Meredith’s Nakimuli Pick
Give me ALL the color! It’s literally in the name, this Nakimuli Bright Delight Swimsuit is a delight. I love that it comes in extended sizes and that you can wear it different ways (one shoulder, two strap, etc.,). Color-blocking has been trending for awhile, but something about this feels really fresh. It’s definitely a suit that will turn heads.
Marcia B Maxwell Swim
Alright, that pic is completely badass and I am so here for it. MBM Swim is known for their super-sexy styles and cutouts in mostly black and white. They have a ton of really good five-star reviews (with customer pictures!!) on their site, and they have a few styles on Revolve as well.
White Wrap Push-Up Top // High Waisted Bottom
Chinny’s MBM Swim Pick:
This is how I do monochrome! Especially when they’re multi-functional pieces like these. I can see this top working while frolicking in the pool, strolling around a beach resort or with a pretty maxi skirt while relaxing in your backyard on a warm summer’s day. As a proud member of the bottom-heavy club, I’ve found high-cut, high-waisted bikini bottoms to be ridiculously flattering. This pair in black can be worn with pretty much any bikini top you have in your wardrobe. Win, win, win, in my book! 🙂
I don’t know about you guys, but we’re so ready to dive into these insanely gorgeous suits. (Wink wink.) To support more Black-owned businesses, check out our directory, and if you’re jonesing for more suits, our swim shop is here.
Xo, Team TME
Oh hey, Pinners…
just ordered the sunday london suit. toooooo cute!
I’m so glad you loved it, too! I may just have to pop over and order, too. I keep thinking about it!
OMG I am loving these. The Nomad Swimwear is gorgeous… may have to wait for my size to restock. Wish they had other colors as well as the rose-goldy one is so pretty but not the right colors for me.
I went with Nakimuli! I LOVE the convertibleness of it. I am a solid black suit lover, so this is quite a change. After a year of pandemic I am trying to embrace the lack of underwires and squishing, so I am hoping I can can feel comfortable with no built in bra! Very excited to try it.
Ok, I am keeping the Nakimuli Bright Delight! It’s beautifully made. It’s a tall girls dream – I can adjust the torso length! I have wanted to wear a one piece for over 20 years. Thank you! It clearly does not have any breast support or padding, but I’m going to go with it. I would say its TTS to a little small, but you are really only fitting the bottom so keep that in mind.