The Swim Guide
- Sheterria Sparks
- Aug 18, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Okay, I know what you're thinking. Why are we buying swimwear at the end of August? Well, as a fashionista once told me "bikini season is forever" and she's right. But really, with global warming on the rise, you'll probably get a text in your group chat from your spontaneous friend calling for a beach day on a random weekend in October anyway. And this time you'll be prepared. With the end of the season also comes a ton of sales on summer collections. (Pro tip: you should shop for coats in April to take advantage of this marketing strategy twice in one year!) Futuristic, minimal, and even sporty suits are my vibe right now. And even though I won't be putting all eleven of these suits in my cart this season the least I could do is share my favorites with you.
1.
Olivia Sade's Ms. Monroe triangle bikini. While it may just look like a striking print made up from the perfect summer colors at first glance, the playful top features the eyes while the bottoms feature the tongue of none other than the late Marilyn Monroe as seen through the eyes of Andy Warhol. It takes just the right eye to see a piece of art and make it into another as this brand has done perfectly. Which is why it's the perfect suit for the innovators of the beach.
2.
The halter closure, the black finish, the strap placements, the sexiness. I could give a five minute speech on all the reasons this Iamgia monokini is in my dreams at night but I'll keep it as minimal as the suit itself. This one is sure to fulfill your rich lonely widow who's trying to seduce the pool boy fantasy. The convenience of having both your top and bottom done with one purchase while still giving effortless sex appeal is the type of ease everyone needs in their life this year, making this the perfect buy.
3.
The "Metal Heaven" bikini by Messiah Heaven is exactly what it sounds like. A piece that could make you feel like an angel or a rockstar depending on the lighting at the beach. Made with a reflective silver that strikes white at the right angle, this suit gives effortless drama that we love. Complete with the brands signature cross on the chest and backside, it stays true to the heavenly themes of the brand's core. Perfect for a night swim to give a little extra sex appeal.
4.
The "Hera and Athena" tankini set from Body By Raven Tracy will instantly make you more of a walking piece of art than you already are. No really, this suit is printed with a hand painted design by Katelyn Ahn met with custom digitization specifically for the final product. Insane. The hues of gold, brown, and blue make this suit a perfect compliment to all skin tones. The nude figures are also made with an essence of purity that makes for an ethereal feeling the moment you put it on. But aside from the art, lets get into the actual fit. Raven Tracy is known to make the most basic items we all know and love feel anything but that. These tankinis are no exception. As a kid, I was overjoyed when I could upgrade from basic, boring tankinis to "grown up" bikinis but this piece has me running back for the overwhelming chicness.
5.
Am I the only one who gets annoyed that all of the simplest pieces are getting more costly than the elaborate ones? I can't be. But luckily the designer of MAYHEMBYMO heard my cries while creating their collection of sets. A simple triangle bikini top plus a g-string bikini bottom with the tiniest silver charms of the brands logo at the front meeting points. While the creator is pictured here in a newer set that features a beautiful textured print, the other members are solids; though all are priced at a graceful $30. Alas, a simple masterpiece that won't need to be put on Klarna! But in all seriousness, a simple sexy suit is a need for many occasions. And at this value, I won't side eye you for putting every color in your cart without a second thought.
6.
I'm sure we all watched Lil Wayne's hit video for "Lollipop" in '08 even if we weren't allowed to, and that's exactly what this Boiscamp Single Bikini reminds me of. As a true lover of everything 00's Wayne gave the world, that's one of the highest honors for a piece of clothing. This monokini is a dream of all things daring, futuristic, and minimal all at once. While it should be kept in mind that this is a single sized piece, that makes the risk all the more fun. Three strategically shaped pieces of fabric clasped with barely-there strapping and complete with a foil spandex finish. This suit is a true piece of art sure to make heads turn. So hopefully you're on an intimate resort or comfortable with the curious eyes. This one is not for the faint of heart!
7.
The one and only suit from streetwear brand, General Public, proves that less is more when it comes to swim essentials. The brand's signature grunge logo grazes the back, front, and top of the sleek bikini making for a perfect sexy look that stays true to the brand's underground essence. The simple black and white design makes it a go-to grab for any water activities--and even some land ones. I've worn mine as a bra for low cut looks countless times this year alone with no intention of stopping. The cupping is the perfect blend of padding to keep you upright while still feeling like there's nothing there at all. It's sporty, chic, and effortless all at once which is hard to achieve. I wouldn't be surprised if this suit led to an unlikely case of twinning between the punks and the divas when they both show up to a pool party in this versatile staple.
8.
Of course, a well rounded bikini closet is not complete without a crotchet one. And there's none better to have than Brooke Alexis' "starfish" bikini. The star shaped cupping makes this a memorable piece sure to get you lots of questions about where you got it. The electric blue is sure to be an excellent compliment to your sun drenched skin as well. Complete with extra long ties for added versatility and comfort, this fun suit is sure to lead to an adventure just by getting dressed and trying different methods of styling. Great for a fun-filled water day or even underwear for a see through look.
9.
Where to even begin with my love of Melissa Simone Swim? There's no good starting point because this woman and her team are the true swim experts of the independent fashion industry right now, and for good reason. With only a little over four years into business, Melissa Simone's suits have touched countless famous tits already. From fresh prints, sleek silhouettes, and attentive detailing it's hard to find a suit not to put on this list. But I finally settled for the Linda and Lori set pictured above because it just screams "Summer fun". From the flowery print to the bold colors, this would instantly make me book a flight to The Bahamas.
10.
This suit by Tora-Lily is the perfect encapsulation of everything I love. The yellow and orange hues are one of the best warm weather staples--what's better to remind you of the sun than these colors? Not to mention, the eclecticism of the eye prints reminiscent of the Marilyn Monroe piece from earlier. As well as the beaded details for a little added fun. This suit doesn't need much convincing, truly, it's an eye catcher that the girls either love or love to hate. Perfect for an array of activities like the waterpark or your local lake if you aren't lucky enough to have a beach nearby.
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