I am pretty neutral on online shopping. I don’t purchase a ton of clothes online, and prefer the boutique shopping experience or just using Rent the Runway’s Unlimited program (use RTRMACKENZIEN at checkout!) However one thing I absolutely LOVE buying online is bathing suits. This might come across as a little surprising since I’m not particularly twiggy. I wear an 8 or a 10 and I have size 36 D tits. I spend a lot of time on the boat and at the beach, so swimsuit shopping is totally worthwhile to me.
A few questions to ask yourself before purchasing:
1.) Are the straps adjustable?
2.) Is this bathing suit final sale (automatic no-go)
3.) Is it listed cheaper on Shopstyle?
I also enjoy going to the brand’s instagram, looking at their tagged photos and seeing if anyone that has a body like mine wears their swim. I also like to check for general model diversity because I like to be intentional about who I support.
Inexpensive / Under $100
Aerie I’m going to serve you a little pro tip– there is absolutely no reason to buy a plain black swim separate from anywhere other than Aerie. If you find yourself a really chic black bikini top (or bottom) that really only need to be paired with a plain separate, buy that separate from Aerie for under $20 instead of the matching $70+ one from the site. It’s no secret that Aerie has really cute swimsuits and a diverse range of models. As a result, their shit sells out really fast. But this tip will take you a long way. See below where i’m wearing an Aerie top with a Solid + Striped bottom. One complaint I do have is that for an inclusive brand they only go to a size XXL…
J.Crew: This recently bankrupt business has epic sales and really high quality swimsuits. Thou shall NEVER pay full price at J.Crew, so sign up for those emails and get those sale alerts. I got this one-shoulder one-piece for ~$60 earlier in the season, it’s bound to go on sale and I absolutely LOVE it. Most styles go up to a size 16.
Charlie Holiday: I cannot say I really recommend this brand for my fellow members of the big titty committee, as the strength of the straps isn’t really meant for us– but if that is not you– I suggest taking a look at this lesser-known Aussie brand. You can also find them on Lulus, Pacsun, Shopbop or Bloomingdales. They are absolutely a new favorite, and one I hope to work with some day.
Lively: My friend Rachel sent me some things from Lively’s swimsuit line and they are honestly just so lovely. Their swimsuits are super simple, chic and high quality. I highly recommend. They also have eco-friendly options which is amazing. You can find me below wearing one of their bikini tops a month ago with horrible tan lines I have since fixed. Most styles only go to an L, but I will say they run pretty large.
Moderate / Under $200
Red Carter: For some reason this company is always doing a 50% off sale and i’m HERE FOR IT. They make insanely high quality, flattering swimsuits that I love so so much. Here I am below in one from their 2019 line. I also bought this white one for the bachelorette I thought I was going to have this year. If you’re looking to buy a high end swimsuit, but don’t want to spend a fortune, start with Red Carter. You won’t regret it. Most styles only go to an L, but some tops do come in “D Cup” aka XL.
BECCA Swim: Becca was the first designer swimsuit company I truly fell in love with. I discovered the brand when I had gained a little bit of weight and wanted to invest in a nice one-piece for my trip to Colombia in 2017. But their bikinis and coverups are also amazing, my Mom is a HUGE fan. You can buy them everywhere from Marshalls to Nordstrom to Everything but Water. You can usually get this brand on sale for fairly inexpensive! They have AWESOME extended size options!!
Solid and Striped: I was influenced by my lord & savior Taylor Swift after she wore S&S to her infamous 4th of July party a few years back. Their suits are simple, preppy, flattering and always go on sale. They have so many cute options and the quality is really great. One warning, the straps are rarely adjustable. Most styles go up to an XL.
Luxury / Under $300
SAME Los Angeles: I freaking LOVE SAME SWIM! They were founded by influencer Shea Marie who I have followed and loved for years. It wasn’t until this year I felt comfortable purchasing one of her bathing suits, because they are tres expensive, but I love her so much and wanted to support! I started with The Grace (the main photo of this blog post) and have since purchased two more (one pictured below)! The brand isn’t perfect, but they are actively working on becoming more inclusive and their sizing has been extended to XXL in many styles. I’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes.
Jade Swim: Did I need a new bathing suit when I ordered from Jade Swim? Absolutely not. Did I find out they were black-owned and wanted to support as a result? Yup! A great excuse for more swimsuit shopping. I bought a beautiful blue swimsuit that I have tried on, but haven’t yet photographed. One HUGELY IMPORTANT tip is to SIZE UP!!! Even if you’re in between sizes, go a size up from the larger size you wear!!! TRUST ME. I had to return the first set I ordered in a large for an XL which is very very rare for me.
Other brands I enjoy are Carmen Marc Volvo, La Blanca and Shoshanna.
Happy Shopping
xo
Mack
