Whether planning a tropical trip or just retail therapy, I love to buy my swimwear from small, woman-owned businesses. Whenever I can, I like to support the strong, dedicated female entrepreneurs in the USA and abroad!
Below are a handful of my favorite swimsuits with my 100% truthful review. Most, if not all, of the swimsuits don’t have wires or much padding, but still are very supportive. I was always used to more push-up tops from VS when they sold swimwear, or generally just more bra-like swimwear. However, when I lost weight, I really didn’t need too much of that heavy duty support nor did I really want it because, let’s be real, its not comfortable to wear. I wanted soft, comfortable and stretchy swimwear that gave enough support while flattering my figure and being comfortably cute, while supporting small, woman-owned swimwear businesses.
Ocena Swim
For so long I was on the hunt for a gorgeous red bikini, but I didn’t want to settle for the same look that everyone seemed to be going for- the classic triangle or the top that ties in the front. I wanted something unique! And that is exactly what I got with Ocena Swim. This luxury handmade swimwear brand has one of the best customer service reps and that’s because she is the owner herself! On top of that she makes each piece you order. I ordered a Medium Sofi bottom and Large Sofi top ($80 total on sale) because I was in-between sizes for the top again. Not only did she answer all of my questions about material and sizing, she offered her recommendation and even customized my top to have a medium fit with large cups! I felt safe ordering online from this brand because of the quick responses that I received. This red bikini was so comfortable, flattering and dried so quickly!
Aqué Apparel
If you are looking for a classic higher cut, low back one piece, this is a great swimwear brand. They only sell semi-cheeky one pieces, but they have a lot of pattern selections to choose from. I was nervous about this one because it comes all the way from Spain- so exchanging it would just be a hassle. But luckily I didn’t have to! I ordered a Large in the color Honey (€55), instead of the Medium they recommended, and I’m glad I did because it fit perfectly. So I would maybe go up a size if you are between sizes in this brand. The spandex will cling to your figure regardless. They have great Customer service here and help you choose the size that will fit you best! I would also wait for a flash sale for this one to avoid paying full price 🙂 I wore the swimsuit on vacation and discovered that there were odd light pink splotches on parts of the suit when it dried, so I emailed the company with photos and they quickly responded to me saying how rare that was and sent me a new bathing suit no problem! Very good customer service here.
Cheeky Swim
I love this company! The customer service is 5 star! Chelsea is the owner and the person who contacts you one-on-one. She has the ultimate small, woman-owned swimwear brand for all sizes. She gave me sizing recommendations, answered all my specific questions, and gave me shipping updates. I got a size Medium in the Rio one piece ($125) and Medium Rhodes Tulip top & Acai bottom ($130 total). The one piece fits like an 80’s style swimsuit with high leg. You can wrap the straps however you’d like and as tight as you like to add extra support! Same goes for the Tulip top. The Acai bottoms fit like a mid-high rise bottom on the very cheeky side. The Tulip top and Acai bottoms are also reversible to black! All these pieces are very soft, true to size, and has no elastic anywhere for the most comfortable fitting swimwear you’ll ever wear!
***Upon Checkout, get 15% off with Alexandra15 www.cheekyswim.com
There are these prints and a new Resort Collection out now for 2021!
Upon Checkout, get 15% off with Alexandra15
