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 Rhythm’s itsy bitsy bikini’s or Seafolly's 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: SeafollyTop 16 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. Tigerlily
There’s a special place in our heart for Aussie brands like Tigerlily. Accommodating beach bums from down under, this brand is different in all the best ways possible. With iconic patterns and one of a kind pieces, you really can't go past it.
Shop it online:
2. 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:
3. Seafolly
Probably one of the most iconic swimwear labels out! Seafolly is the range of amazing quality swimwear in a range of styles and sizes for all tastes.
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4. 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:
- Camilla
- David Jones
- THE ICONIC
6. Zulu & Zephyr
Made for the salt, sand and sea. Australian brand Zulu & Zephyr works energetic styles and prints together to create must-have summer swimwear. You won’t be able to stop at one!
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7. Baku
One of Australia's leading swimwear brands, Baku provides a range of swimwear unlike any other. With a significant range of flattering swimwear, you're bound to find something that you love.
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8. Triangl Swimwear
Undeniably the most popular brands on Instagram, 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. Peony
An Aussie favourite taking over our beaches since it debuted in 2013, Peony Swimwear nails the "pretty look" for cool-girls everywhere.
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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.
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11. Somedays Lovin
A collection for the "spirited babe", Somedays Lovin blends the "laid back Australian vibe with some rock chick nonchalance" to create some absolutely banging swimwear.
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12. Rhythm
If there's one swimwear label you need to invest in for summer shenanigans, it's an itsy-bitsy bikini by Rhythm. Bright colours and cheeky cuts, the label takes a fun approach to swim styles for the fun-sun loving gal.
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13. Matteau Swim
Matteau swimwear describes itself as the "effortless swimwear for the discerning woman." Taking its inspiration from the streets of New York all the way back home to Sydney, this Australian swimwear brand is ever cool girls dream!
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14. Bondi Bather
A true shoutout to Aussie babes (Bondi specifically), these Australian design and hand stitched bikinis are all you need to get you through the summer looking cool as a cucumber!
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15. Duskii Active
This amazing Australian brand provides high performance activewear... but for the water! Functional yet chic and built to "be loved and to last" their swimwear is versatile for many purposes (like swimming and surfing) and also body shapes.
Shop it online:
16. Her Line
If you're looking for chic and modernistic swimwear that is quality and flattering then look no further. Created in 2014 for the modern woman, Her Line provides effortless, timeless and easy-to-wear swimwear that ticks all the boxes.
Shop it online:
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.
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!).”
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
Aexae
All About Eve
Anna and Boy
Arnhem
Assembly Label Swim
Atmos&Here
Aztec Rose
B
Baku Swimwear
Bardot Swim
Bec & Bridge
Billabong
Blue Glue Bikini's
Bond-Eye Swimwear
Bondi Bather
Bondi Born
C
C/meo Collective
Camilla
Cheeky Swim by Mimi Elashiry
D
Dion Lee Swim
Duskii Active
E
Eau Paix Vie
F
Frankie Swimwear
FELLA
G
Ginger & Smart
Gypsea
H
Her Line
J
JETS
Jewels & Grace
K
Kookai
Kopper & Zink
L
Love and Lemons
La Biquini
M
Mambo
Matteau
Myra Swim
N
N.L.P
Nookie
O
O'Neill
One Teaspoon
P
Palm Swimwear
Peony Swimwear
R
RH Swimwear
Rhythm
Rip Curl
Robb and Lulu
Robyn Lawley Swimwear
Roxy
Rue Stiic
Rusty
Rye Swim
S
Sass & Bide
Seafolly
She Made Me
Sheridyn Swim
Somedays Lovin
Spell & The Gypsy Collective
Suboo
T
Talulah Swim
Tigerlily
Triangl
W
We Are Handsome
We Are Kindred
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 | 5-7 Business days | $10 | 3-4 business days | Express shipping, yes |
| Boohoo | Orders over $50 $5.99 for orders below | Up to 9 business days | $14.99 | Up to 5 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 but you can click & collect in store. |
| General Pants | Orders over $75 free $10 for orders below | Next day | Orders over $75, free | Next day | Yes! |
| Missguided | Free for standard shipping | 4-7 working days | $9.95 or free on orders over $100 | 2-4 working days | YES! |
| 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 £5 for everything else | 9 Business days | £20 | 4 Business days | No |
| Urban Outfitters | Orders over $50 $10 for orders below | 7-12 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 Line
Her Line 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
A cheeky deal (or 3) to make use of:
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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
