Let me start by saying this: Owning over 100 bikinis is excessive I’m aware. Some people collect vintage bags or sneakers—I collect bikinis. It all started when I moved to Los Angeles 12 years ago and found myself spending nearly all my free time on the weekends at a pool or somewhere in the sun. I was also newly hired as a fashion editor here at Who What Wear and accidentally became our go-to insider for swimsuit coverage. Which means I’ve been gifted loads of swimwear throughout the years (don’t get me wrong I’m beyond appreciative for that and get so much joy from being able to give the ones that don’t work out for me to my friends). Sounds silly but it’s truly a passion of mine to test out new bikini styles and support up-and-coming swimwear brands.
That said, my swim drawer quickly turned into an entire section of my closet, see below for a couple photos of my collection and how I organize them (for now).
When I covered my first massive bikini review it was around six years ago—you can take a peek here (note it’s since been updated with similar available products). Fast-forward to present day, and I’m back contributing at WWW and sharing my updated bikini review.
This time, I’m focusing on my ride-or-dies, the styles I wear on repeat every summer and always recommend to my friends. Admittedly, despite my endless options, there are about 10 bikinis I consistently reach for.
For me, it comes down to the trifecta of swimwear perfection: adjustable fit, quality material, and minimal tan lines. Below, I’m breaking down my go-to 10 bikinis—the ones I wear so much that I have them in multiple colors and prints.
1. Skatie
Starting off strong with a bikini from the L.A.-based sustainable brand, Skatie, that I’ve worn too many times to count. Disclaimer: The founder, Skatie, is one of my best friends but this pick isn’t bias (I promise) she knows how particular I am with the styles I like. And The Ella top and Harli bottoms are by far my favorite styles to wear. Both pieces are completely adjustable so you can find the perfect fit for your body. The triangle top and skinny straps provide a nice and minimal tan line situation which is important to me. I especially favor the two styles in the crinkle fabric because it enhances my chest and butt giving an overall flattering look on me. I always feel so comfortable and confident when I’m wearing this duo. I think I have it in four different colors at this point. The Ella top in crinkle fabric is sold out right now but the style is still available in a range of different prints.
Shop my Skatie bikini:
2. Ark Swimwear
The thing I love most about this brand is how soft and truly luxe the material feels on my body. It’s worth the price point, I also like how minimal their silhouettes are. They have 10 top options and 11 bottoms, I personally like the string bralette and string Brazilian. This is their most revealing style but they have a range of coverage options so you can find a cut that you feel comfortable with. I also own these styles in a handful of different colors.
Shop my Ark Swimwear bikini:
Ark
Brown String Bralette
Ark
Brown String Brazilians
3. Bydee
I’m sure you’ve seen this brand all over Instagram so let me persuade you even more to close the sale. As you can see I typically opt for triangle tops (and if something only comes in a halter I’ll get that one and tie the strings into a makeshift over-the-shoulder style) to keep my tan consistent. I like to debut my Bydee bikinis on special occasions because most options have beautiful beading details and bold, bright prints. Many of their swimsuits also come with a little charms in the center of the top and on the ends of the strings which are so cute but I have removed some of the dangling accessories on some of the ties in the back (just because they aren’t super comfortable when I’m laying out). That’s my only note for this brand, the material also surprised me it’s super soft and lined really well.
Shop my Bydee bikini:
BYDEE
Barcelona Top in Frutta
BYDEE
Mykonos Bottom in Frutta
4. Reina Olga
These scrunchie black bottoms have been in my favorite rotation for years. They fit great and my favorite part is how you can wear them as high or low as you’d like. Same note for the back side you can reveal as much or little of your butt depending on how high or low you want them to sit on your body. I can’t remember which top style I originally paired with the bottoms but if you’re looking for a solid black bikini bottom in scrunchie material, I highly recommend these.
Shop my Reina Olga bikini bottoms:
Reina Olga
Ginny Bikini Bottom
5. Sommer Swim
You know who else loves this brand? Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. The thing that stands out with Sommer Swim for me is the subtle shine in the material they use. Most of their bikinis come in gorgeous deep jewel tone colors and with the shine finish it makes the suits look so rich. The gold hardware is also a signature detail on their tops and bottoms.
Shop my Sommer Swim bikini:
Sommer Swim
Juliet Petunia Bralette Bikini Top
Sommer Swim
Niam Petunia Thong Bikini Bottoms
6. Blackbough Swim
For this suit I want to talk about the padding. Usually I immediately remove the pads from tops (if they come with it) but when I tried on this style the pads were cut to perfectly fit the triangle top (most times the padding and material sizing don’t match up you know what I’m talking about) and for once the padding didn’t bother me—it actually made the bikini look 10 times better. Another thing about the material it’s super bouncy and retains water which I especially enjoy when it’s super hot out (keeps you cooled off).
Shop my Blackbough Swim bikini:
Blackbough Swim
Emma Frilled Triangle Top
Blackbough Swim
Emma Frilled Cheeky Bottoms
7. Aexae Swimwear
I typically wear this simple basic black top with my Reina Olga bottoms as a mix-and-match set. The top clasps in the back and has adjustable shoulder straps which is a must for me since I have a smaller chest. I’ve had this top for over four years (and worn it a lot) and I can vouch the quality has definitely help up—no pilling or stretched loose material.
Shop my Aexae Swimwear top:
AEXAE
Gathered Black Bikini Top
8. Oséree
Whenever I go on vacation I always pack one of my Oséree bikinis. To me, they are absolutely made for special occasions like a little beach getaway or Euro vacation. They are known for their signature shimmer material suits which I love but they also have a range of lingerie-inspired bikinis with pretty lace and statement beading details.
Shop my Oséree picks below:
Oséree
Lumière Colorè Microkini
9. Triangl
You can’t go wrong with Triangl, I’ve found that the fit is always consistent and most styles come with matching cover ups that are so great to pack on vacation. They also ship their swimsuits in these nice stretchy zipper pouches that I use on repeat when I’m traveling. This striped bikini with the matching mini skirt is one of my favorite sets to wear when I’m spending a day in the sun.
Shop my Triangl bikini:
10. Basic Swim
The brand name says it all these are your basic of the basic bikinis (and not in a bad way). My favorite style is this one because of the hemline that goes up the middle of the triangle top. For some reason, I think it makes my chest look a bit bigger and the simple detail is just so flattering. I’d prefer the straps to be adjustable but aside from that it’s still one of my go-to bikinis. Also, the nude color works and is done right because it’s lined well with perfectly thick material so that it’s not see-though. As for the bottoms, I love the lower-cut in the front and skinny straps which you can wear as high or low as you prefer. When I’m laying on my stomach in the sun, I do make the backside a bit smaller by folding it under to match the tan line of my other bikini bottoms.
Shop my Basic Swim bikini:
Basic Swim
La Premiere Top
Basic Swim
La Premiere Bottoms
