Photo via @Phylyda.
As plus-size mannequins are causing controversy in stores like Nike and Fenty, we decided to look at some of the swimwear brands that have chosen to openly market to a variety of women, instead of using only the traditionally busty-yet-thin, swimwear models. Although it has been more than three years since Ashley Graham was the first plus-size model to cover the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, brands are still reluctant to design for a greater range of sizes – and even if they do, it is more common for them to feature thin models. This is why we stan brands that put in the extra effort to cater to a variety of body shapes, and who project a vision of the “bikini body” that isn’t monolithic. Here are some of our favorites:
Chromat
It’s great when one of the best shows at New York Fashion Week also happens to be inclusive and good for the environment. The brand champions a range of causes, like fair-wage factories, recycling ocean plastic, and representing people of all shapes and sizes on the runway. The bright, scuba-influenced line features neon colour-blocking in everything from low-slung cheeky strings to high waisted zip-up bikini bottoms in sizes from XS to 4X.
Phylyda
This Berlin swimwear brand was founded by Lydia Mauer after stints at luxury labels like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Paco Rabanne. The aesthetic is definitely luxe with saturated jewel tones and form-defining drapery. The idea behind the line is to create mix and match separates that incorporate different styles of support, allowing for varied bodies to find flattering silhouettes. To make things easier, they divide the categories into bra-tops, wireless tops, high waisted bottoms, low waisted bottoms and one-pieces.
Lonely Lingerie
Like the name suggests, Lonely Lingerie is a touch romantic, featuring rouched, textured and lace-up swimwear styles for a vintage, even analogue feel. A lingerie line accompanies the swimwear selection, and the two share a commitment to designing specifically for a female gaze — showing the sometimes over-sexualised garments in a way that is closer to how women would actually wear it.
Nakimuli
Brooklyn designer Tennile McMillan, who also goes by the moniker “The funky sweetheart” started NAKIMULI in 2009. A former dancer, McMillan knows her way around body-conscious fabrics and brings together neon shades and afro-inspired prints that work across a range of sizes from S to 3X. While these pieces definitely look great poolside, it would be tempting to take some of them out on the town as body suits.
Alyned Together
Another New York brand, Alyned Together also mixes environmental consciousness into their body positive swimwear line. The co-ed label, started by a small team of women, uses recycled polyester to reduce the need to extract virgin fossil fuels and donates one percent of their sales to non-profit organisations working to help clean up the planet. The cuts and colours are definitely not basic, ranging from electric floral button-up suits to black and white contrast high-waisted bikinis.