We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
These Luxury Swimwear Brands Will Infinitely Elevate Your Holiday Wardrobe
A tried-and-tested list from a lifelong bikini obsessive.
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
As someone who quite literally lives for the summer, it's safe to say that I own a lot of swimwear. While in all other parts of my wardrobe I try to streamline as much as possible and only invest in one or two 'forever' pieces in each category, all attempts at restraint go straight out the door when it comes to bikinis and swimsuits.
Besides the fact that I clearly have some kind of deep-set obsession, this difference in approach is also down to the fact that the summer is all about fun, frivolity and experimentation – meaning my vast swimwear collection is also very much in line with the mood of the season. Plus, when you've only got a few weeks of holiday a year, who wants to wear the same thing for every beach day?
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
One thing I have learnt over the years, however, is that not all swimwear was created equal. The itsy-bitsy string-like designs flooding the high street are all well and good for a quick fix, but they are unlikely to last longer than a single holiday. Nor does shopping based entirely on the latest micro-trend make for a wardrobe that you'll be excited to bring out season after season.
That's why I have always made sure to save up and invest in luxury swimsuit brands that are guaranteed to stand the test of time – and I'd highly recommend you follow suit. Look to industry stalwarts like Eres, Missoni and Marysia for timeless designs made from the highest-quality materials, while newcomers Form + Fold and Arabella London are worth the higher price-point for their lingerie-like construction alone.
Having tried and tested more than my fair share, I've put together the ultimate list of luxury swimwear brands that are well worth every penny – and that I swear by for making me look and feel my very best on holiday. Your enviable swim-drobe collection starts here...
These are the best luxury swimwear brands to know:
Missoni
For me, summer will always be synonymous with Missoni's signature zig-zags. The Italian brand's swimwear is the epitome of La Dolce Vita, and as such, a staple of chic pool-sides, fancy beach clubs and sprawling yachts the world over. The bright colourways never fail to spark joy, and I love that you can go head-to-toe with matching head-wraps and cover-ups, too.
With its sea-inspired shades of blue, this one-shouldered swimsuit will look just as amazing on a sun lounger as it will paired with white shorts come evening.
Eres
If you're after quiet luxury in swimwear form, look no further than Eres. The French brand is the epitome of chic, and the materials, durability and fit are second to none. They have been making the world's most stylish swimsuits for more than 50 years, after all... While specialising in timeless classics, each season brings with it a host of new and dangerously covetable designs that may not please your bank balance, but will elevate your summer wardrobe to no end. Just be warned: it's very hard to look back.
Only Eres could combine fuchsia, magenta and red to such stunning effect.
Arabella London
Those who have struggled with the fit of inexpensive swimwear will appreciate that the ultimate luxury is impeccable construction. Enter Arabella London, the brand that's built like lingerie and focuses its fit on cup size rather than generic body shape. Made from Italian stretch lycra, each bikini and swimsuit has been specially structured, moulded and precision-cut to contour, support and complement natural curves to perfection. The Modern Bustier Bra top might just be one of the coolest and most flattering I've tried to date.
With its adjustable tie back, embossed material, central cut-out, and gorgeous grapefruit shade, this swimming costume ticks all the boxes.
Lido
With its scooped necklines, criss-cross straps, block colours and general haute-sporty vibe, Lido is bringing a fresh energy to the luxury swimwear scene that I can't get enough of. Nor, it seems, can some of travel's biggest tastemakers: ISSIMO, the lifestyle brand from the geniuses behind iconic Italian hotel Il Pellicano (of Slim Aarons' fame), has just tapped the Venetian label for an exclusive line of swimsuits inspired by its properties. Even better, each piece is produced by artisans in Northern Italy, so you know the quality is on a whole nother level.
This combination of fluoro shades just screams summer fun to me.
Hunza G
Seersucker swimwear is absolutely everywhere right now, but no one does it better than Hunza G – the original and still, by far, the best. First a major hit in the Eighties, it wasn't until Georgiana Huddart came on board in 2015 and gave the British brand a new lease of life that its crinkle designs made their way into the modern-day cool girl's holiday wardrobe. Now, everyone from Rihanna to Dua Lipa is a fan, and helpfully, the ultra-stretchy fabric means the whole range is one size fits all.
Subtly sparkly metallic thread, a low scooped back and high-cut legs combine to make one of the most chic swimsuits of the season.
Alexandra Miro
Alexandra Miro's black-and-white belted Whitney one-piece has become something of a cult item for luxury swimwear aficionados. Paired with a deep tan, XXL sunglasses, a wide-brim hat and gold hoops, it oozes retro Riviera chic – and its side panelling makes it supremely flattering to boot. Miro's other designs, ranging from vintage-inspired high-waisted bikinis to geometric cover-ups are well worth a look in, too.
Not only will the huge ruffle sleeves protect your shoulders from sunburn, but they'll look super glamorous too.
Adriana Degreas
If there's one country that's seriously obsessed with swimwear, it's Brazil. Little wonder, then, that the Sao Paulo-born designer Adriana Degreas makes some of the best bikinis and one-pieces around. Think high glamour, innovative shapes and playful designs that may not be the best for tan lines, but will sure as hell get you noticed from beach to bar and beyond.
It doesn't get much more summer-y than a bikini top embellished with an actual seashell.
Form + Fold
At long, long last: a luxury swimwear brand that not only caters to big boobs, but is specifically made for them. Form + Fold has been nothing short of a game-changer for those (like me!) who have forever struggled with finding DD+ bikinis that don't resemble hideous harness-like contraptions. This exclusively D+ Aussie brand offers excellent modern basics in a rainbow of colourways, cuts and finishes for all shapes and styles.
I own two of these Nineties-inspired one-pieces and can wholeheartedly attest to their excellence. You'd never know there was a built-in bra underneath.
Sara Cristina
If effortless elegance and sustainable materials are more your bag, Sara Cristina's swimwear should be on your radar (and in your shopping cart). The Venezuelan brand is a firm fashion-insider favourite, quietly recognisable by its modern silhouettes, quality fabrics and luxurious baroque pearl embellishments, while each collection is released in limited quantities to avoid waste – only serving to make these pieces all the more desirable. The recent addition of vintage lingerie-inspired cover-ups means you'll never have to spend holidays wearing anything else.
I'm envisioning increasing the cost-per-wear by rocking this as a bodysuit in the evenings, too.
Marysia
LA-based brand Marysia first burst onto the scene with its signature scalloped-edged bikinis that took the fashion world by storm – and proving that a good investment can go a long way, they're still very much a swim-drobe essential today. Impeccably crafted in Italy, each piece boasts the finest quality and offers the perfect mix of playful and chic whether you opt for a one-piece, one-shouldered, classic or cut-out design.
You can't beat a bright red swimsuit, and this is one of the best I've seen.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
Underwired Swimsuits Are Trending Once Again
22 Chic Maxi Dresses To Shop This Summer
10 Items You Need In Your Capsule Holiday Wardrobe
21 Of The Most Stylish Bikinis To Buy Now
