Say hello to summer’s #1 guide to staying poolside-polished and beachside-chic, courtesy of the Australian swimwear designers and brands making waves in the industry.
As beach babies everywhere are getting preparations underway for the iconic Aussie summer that’s coming in hot. (Bring it on!) Take your cue from the likes of Bondi Bather’s itsy bitsy bikini’s or JETS wear-anywhere one-pieces. We have the A-Z directory of labels you need to meet right this minute, how to choose swimwear to best suit your style and the latest swim trends to pay attention to.
You might also like: Where to buy bikinis online
Feature image: Eau Paix VieTop 12 Australian swimwear designers and brands
Australia’s swimwear designer talent game is hot. Set your sights on 12 Aussie brands that you need to know, NOW.
1. Bondi Bather
There’s a special place in our heart for Aussie brands like Bondi Bather. Accommodating beach bums from Bondi right around the globe to Barcelona, the brand is handmade and hand-cut. You can expect cute collaborations (Hello Kitty, anyone?) and one-of-a-kind prints.
Shop it online:
FREE shipping on orders over $150
Get free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
2. CAMILLA
The bohemian goddess (better known as Camilla Franks) behind the brand CAMILLA is your go-to resort and swimwear label for unique one-pieces and bikinis adorned with stunning embellishment. Be enchanted.
Shop it online:
3. FELLA
Fuss-free luxury swimwear made from quality Italian fabrics and well-tailored patterns. You can expect flirty, functional cuts designed to create support without the frills.
Shop it online:
- SurfStitch
- Stylerunner
4. JETS
Make a splash with JETS swimwear by Jessika Allen. Summed up in 3 words? Stylish, sophisticated and sexy.
Shop it online:
5. Peony Swimwear
An Aussie favourite taking over our beaches since it debuted in 2013, Peony Swimwear nails the "pretty look" for cool-girls everywhere.
Shop it online:
6. Zulu & Zephyr
Made for the salt, sand and sea. Australian brand Zulu & Zephyr works earthy tones and energetic prints together to create must-have summer swimwear. You won’t be able to stop at one!
Shop it online:
7. Talulah Swim
Picture-perfect prints and cruisy colours has Talulah Swim keeping us coming back season after season. The label offers affordable and functional styles.
Shop it online:
8. Triangl Swimwear
Undeniably the most popular brand on the Internet right now, Triangl has garnered the attention of celebrities, IT-girls and influencers worldwide. The signature neoprene styles are instantly recognisable and are at the top of every summer lover’s wishlist.
Shop it online:
- Triangl
You might also like: 11 bikinis inspired by Triangl Swimwear
9. We Are Handsome
Spotted on Queen Bey and RiRi, We Are Handsome produces iconic out-there prints designed to turn heads, in a big way.
Shop it online:
- ASOS
- Shopbop
10. Zimmermann
Steal the show in Zimmermann’s romantic prints and styles with fancy flair. Frills, lace, embroidery, the Zimmermann swimwear line pushes the boundaries season after season. And we love it.
Shop it online:
Source: Kopper & Zink
11. Kopper & Zink
Hot from every angle, Kopper & Zink makes gorgeous swimwear for beach-loving ladies that aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd. Bright, strappy and totally unique, Kopper & Zink is all about living life in style.
Shop it online:
- Kopper & Zink
- THE ICONIC
Source: Eau Paix Vie
12. Eau Paix Vie
If there's one swimwear label you need to invest in for summer shenanigans, it's an itsy-bitsy bikini by Eau Paix Vie. Bright colours and cheeky cuts, the label takes a fun approach to swim styles for the fun-sun loving gal.
Shop it online:
- Eau Paix Vie
How to choose swimwear to suit your style (and shape!)
When it comes to beach bums, bikinis and that Bondi lifestyle, no one does it better than our homegrown talent, swimwear designer Kerry Cusack of Bondi Bather. The brand ethically produces swim and beach-wear that is 100% printed, hand-cut and stitched in Australia. We took five to chat to her and bring you the 411 on what to shop this summer.
KC on…. The dos and don’ts to choosing your next swimsuit
“There are so many different styles out there at the moment, so choose a look that suits your body first and foremost and brands that sell separates. Bondi Bather finds that most customers are different sizes in their top and bottom and have a preference as to how much skin they like to show. So combinations such as a high-neck crop top and a skimpier brief are a great way to balance a smaller bust and curvier bottom. For girls larger on top, go for tops offering coverage and support.
Our #1 rule is, no matter what shape your bottom half is, skimpier briefs are always going to be way more flattering. Our bestseller is a style called The Australian Cut. Not quite as tiny as a Brazilian Cut, but more flattering. Shop it here:
More importantly however, think about the types of prints/colours that suit your skin tone. People look great in a summer shades of aqua, but always try different colour tones to see the difference it makes!”
KC on…. Swim trends this season
“Boho fans will love the crochet swimwear this season. But be warned ladies, those styles look great OUT of the water… Not so much when they are soaking wet - the lack of stretch content isn’t good for holding shape. Look for options with a mix of lycra and crochet for a modern twist on the '70s vibe.”
KC on…. One piece or bikinis
“One pieces have made a huge comeback. Think Elle McPherson in the Dr Pepper ads meets Pammy in her Baywatch cozzie. Super-sexy, high cut, low back. Great for post beach sundowners too – just throw on a pair of shorts and off you go!
Personally, I am a big fan of keeping things simple. A great triangle bikini is hard to beat – the trick is to go for a great cut – and high quality fabric is a must (to avoid those baggy bottoms in the surf!).”
Kerry's favourite Bondi Bather styles
The A-Z of Australian swimwear designers and brands
Kickstart your summer with the comprehensive guide to swimwear labels big and small coming out of sunny Australia.
A
All About Eve
Anna and Boy
Atmos&Here
Aztec Rose
B
Baku Swimwear
Bardot Swim
Billabong
Blue Glue Bikini's
Bond-Eye Swimwear
Bondi Bather
C
C/meo Collective
Camilla
D
Dion Lee Swim
E
Eau Paix Vie
F
FELLA
G
Gypsea
H
Her the Label
J
JETS
Jewels & Grace
K
Kookai
L
La Biquini
M
Mambo
N
N.L.P
Nookie
O
O'Neill
One Teaspoon
P
Peony Swimwear
R
RH Swimwear
Rhythm
Rip Curl
Robb and Lulu
Robyn Lawley Swimwear
Roxy
Rusty
S
Sass & Bide
Seafolly
She Made Me
Somedays Lovin
Suboo
T
Talulah Swim
Tigerlily
Triangl
W
We Are Handsome
White Sands
Z
Zimmermann
Zingiber
Zulu & Zephyr
Retailer shipping times:
Right, where to buy the brands you love and who’s going to deliver to your door in time for some serious sunshine soaking this weekend.
| RETAILER | FREE SHIPPING | DELIVERY TIME | EXPRESS SHIPPING | DELIVERY TIME | IS IT WORTH IT? |
| ASOS | Orders over $40 $5 for orders below | 7 Business days | $10 | 3 business days | Express shipping, yes |
| Boohoo | Orders over $40 $4.99 for orders below | Up to 9 business days | $15 | Up to 4 business day | Standard shipping, yes! |
| City Beach | Orders over $75 $5.99 for orders below | 7-10 Business days | $9.99 | 2-4 business days | Express shipping, yes! |
| David Jones | Orders over $100 | 3-7 Business days | $12 | Next day | No |
| General Pants | Orders over $75 free $10 for orders below | Next day | Orders over $75, free | Next day | Yes! |
| Missguided | Orders over $80 $8 for orders below | 6-8 working days | $15 | Up to 4 days | No |
| Princess Polly | Orders over $50 $6 for orders below | Next day | Orders over $50 $6 for orders below | Next day | Yes! |
| Showpo | Orders over $50 $7 for orders below | Next day | Orders over $50, free | Next day | Yes! |
| SurfStitch | Orders over $50 | 1-5 business days | Orders over $50, free $5.95 for orders below | Next day | Express shipping, yes! |
| THE ICONIC | Orders over $50 | Next day | $12.95 | 3-4 hours in Sydney metro | Yes! |
| Topshop | Orders over £100 £9 for everything else | 9 Business days | £20 | 4 Business days | No |
| Urban Outfitters | Orders over $50 $10 for orders below | 10-12 Business days | $40 | 5-7 business days | Standard shipping, yes (if you're prepared to wait) |
Designers to keep an eye on
She Made Me
Ok, She Made Me might not be the newest kid on the boho-block but since the label’s debut in 2013 by Chloe Dunlop, the Gold Coast brand is going from strength to strength.
Worn by A Bikini A Day’s Tash Oakley, the handmade crochet bikini sets have us ready to ditch the 9-5 and shack-up beachside for ever and ever.
Source: @shemademe
Peony Swimwear
Another fellow Gold Coast-er, (Queensland, you good thing, you) Becky Jack started Peony Swimwear in 2013. The handmade bikini label knows how to make a killer printed ‘kini perfect for those sun-drenched days and sun-kissed cheeks.
Source: @peonyswimwear
Her the Label
Her the Label came into our lives and closets in 2014 by Sydney designer Tuyen Ngyuen. The brand embodies a modern, simple and sophisticated style born from a love of Sydney summers. Because who doesn’t love a Sydney summer?! This is a label to watch (and shop!) this summer.
Source: @herthelabel
Who’s made in Australia:
Her the Label - designed and made in Australia
Bondi Bather - designed and hand-stitched in Australia
A cheeky deal (or 3) to make use of:
Swimsuit shapes:
Whether you’ve been #blessed with big boobs or a big bum, here is the breakdown of swimsuit shapes on the market right now.
Tops:
Triangle
Bandeau
Halter-neck
Bottoms:
Brazilian
Bikini
Brief
High Waisted
One-pieces
Accessorise your swim look with these perfectly paired summer picks
THE ICONIC, Rip Curl, Surf's up velour towel, $59.99
THE ICONIC, Shiseido, Expert sun ageing cream SPF30, $63
Not enough? Beach, please.
Did we miss one of your fave labels? Let us know in the comments and we’ll snap to it.
