As an East Coaster, I've taken my bikini minimalism to an extreme: I own exactly two. One black, one red. That's it.
Recently, I was talking to two people from Florida about what it was like growing up being able to go to the beach year-round. Naturally, I asked, "So, how many swimsuits do you own?" Both of them looked at me like I'd just asked the weirdest question imaginable. "Too many to count," one said. "Drawers and drawers full," the other added. I laughed and said (completely seriously), "I literally own two bikinis." They were floored.
The thing is, I can't really blame my swimsuit deficit on being from New England. People from there still spend their summers "down the Cape," or in Martha's Vineyard or Maine. And even now, living in New York, I start every summer with the same ambitious plan of going to the beach every weekend—and then quickly fall off after schlepping to Jacob Riis twice.
But this year, for the first (very belated) time in my life, I've decided to stop romanticizing the idea of a swimwear collection and actually start building one.
Here's everything that's in my cart so far, and what else I came across during my research.
In My Cart
I love this Priscavera bikini.
I'm gravitating more and more toward swim shorts.
I'm usually very much not a one-piece wearer, but this one from Baserange is so unique and caught my eye. I recently tried it on, and I'm obsessed.
This set from Mare Perpetua has been on my list for so long.
Again with the shorts.
The cap sleeves on this are so cute.
I honestly can't resist Frankies Bikinis.
This halter is perfect.
This Paolina Russo swimsuit feels like a fun one to have in the mix.
The matching bottoms.
Miaou's bikinis are always incredible.
I'm into finding pieces that, even though they may be more minimal, still have interesting details.
I'll take anything from Gimaguas.
With this cover-up.
I'll always love polka dots—trending or not.
I saw someone wearing these on TikTok and immediately knew I wanted them.
Shop More Swimwear
If I could convince myself to spend $375 on a bikini, it'd be one from Pucci.
Should I just do it?
Fruity Booty makes such adorable swimwear.
These are so cute.
Mango is a go-to.
I always love a contrasting trim.
This one is from COS.
I'm such a swim-skirt lover.
The Swedish brand CDLP has perfected the art of luxury essentials.
Seersucker from Los Angeles Apparel…
…with coordinating hot shorts.
As someone who lives in skirts and dresses, I was excited to come across a concept that's new to me: a swim dress.
Hunga G is one of the most-loved swimwear brands on the market.
With a swim skirt to go over.
Another winner from Mango.
An example of how a small design choice like this little buckle can make such a difference.
Chic.
Monday Swimwear has so many colors and silhouettes.
Of course, I have to include Skims.
They're the best for basics.
If you prefer a classic triangle top.
Paloma Wool just does everything right.
The velvet trim along the top.
Love this one by PW too.
Lovely.
I like the shape of this top.
And the pink stripes.
A staple black bikini.
H&M has the most affordable swimwear.
Or you could go for this top.
If you want colorful bikinis, you'll love the brand Kulani Kinis.
Which started in Sydney, Australia.
An off-the-shoulder one-piece inspired by the 1950s summer aesthetic.
Anyone want a flashy Vivienne Westwood bikini?
Bond-Eye is an Australian brand as well.
They're stocked at Free People.
If you didn't already know, Reformation has swimwear.
This blue is pretty.
I'll probably get this one too.