There’s no denying that Australian and New Zealand labels know what’s up when it comes to crafting the ultimate swimwear. From sun-protective fabrics to styles that will hold up in the surf, these brands are making one-pieces, bikinis and post-swim cover-ups to wear at the pool, beach or even as part of your everyday wardrobe.
Hakea
Designer Casey Eastwell launched Hakea Swim in 2017 after failing to find surfwear that was comfortable, confidence-boosting and offered sun protection. The label’s high-waisted bottoms, full-coverage bikini tops, form-fitting one-pieces and cropped rash guards are designed for swimming, surfing, or simply to be worn as wardrobe staples.Active Truth
Queensland brand Active Truth is the female-founded label that is committed to inclusive sizing in swimwear and activewear. Named for iconic Aussie beaches Byron, Bondi and Coolum, Active Truth’s chlorine-resistant separates and one-pieces run from S to 3XL (approximately sizes 8 to 26). Each design includes adjustable straps and a built-in shelf bra for lift and comfort, while textured block colours and effortless silhouettes bring cool-girl style to your beachside looks.Anjac
Anjac’s tops may not scream “sea-ready” at first glance, but that’s the beauty of these versatile, swimmable garments. They’re crafted from a performance jersey – a lightweight nylon-spandex blend – with UPF50+ protection. Anjac doesn’t play by conventional rules: expect artful touches like ruching, interesting necklines and varying sleeve lengths. A quick-dry finish makes them great outfit starters for après-swim, too.Liandra
Founder and designer Liandra Gaykamangu is committed to honouring culture and community through her slow fashion label. The brand is best-known for its reversible swim styles and elegant resort pieces presented in hand-drawn prints, which focus on storytelling. Liandra’s swimwear is made from regenerated plastics and recycled elastane via Repreve’s upcycled textiles. A Yolngu woman from North-East Arnhem Land, Gaykamangu is passionate about creating opportunities within the fashion industry that support remote Indigenous Australians.Innes Lauren
Innes Lauren’s swimwear embodies elegance. Founded in 2018, the brand produces one-piece styles that are baked with nostalgia – designer Innes Heywood references pieces she remembers her parents wearing during her childhood in Bali throughout her design process. “I design for myself with a woman’s body in mind. I meditate on colour for quite a while too,” she says. Square necklines, one-shoulder silhouettes and thoughtful cut-outs mark the collection, which can also be worn as daywear, away from the beach or pool.Fella
Sydney brand Fella delivers collections defined by sleek simplicity and elevated fabrications summer after summer. The brand encourages a mix-and-match approach to creating your ultimate set: an array of top and bottom silhouettes are available in each colourway and fabric type. A recent capsule collection with Kiwi brand Maggie Marilyn is centred on nostalgic nautical stripes and ultra-flattering designs.Salt and Ripple
From the iconic surf haven Byron Bay emerges Salt and Ripple by Simone Leeming. The brand’s reversible cossies are never restocked once they sell out, ensuring exclusivity for wearers. It’s a “run, don’t walk” situation for these vibrant pieces, which come as bandeau, triangle and underwire tops, paired with matching briefs.Matteau
Matteau is a summer wardrobe mainstay. The brand’s swim collection is loved for its pared-back elegance – both silhouettes and shades. If you’re looking for the ultimate black one-piece, the square swimsuit is an investment worth making for its sculpting design. Bikinis come with classic triangle and crop tops, as well as wrap details, to mix and match with high-rise, tie-side and ’90s-inspired briefs.Bond-eye
Bond-eye’s collection of textural silhouettes is made using signature stretch crinkle fabric to create unsized pieces. Designed to mould against different shapes and sizes, the collection of one-pieces and bikinis comes in a range of colours – from classic black to neon hues. The fabric is quick-drying and rebounds after wear, making these pieces favourites for summers to come.Une Piece
Raised on surf culture, Carly Brown brings coastal living expertise to her sun-conscious swimwear line Une Piece. Born in sunny Queensland, the brand offers timeless one-pieces and two-pieces that promise sleek silhouettes thanks to elongating details, strategic contouring and refined necklines. The range is available in sizes 6 to 24.Bondi Born
Treasured for its luxe swimwear, Bondi Born by Dale McCarthy is dedicated to a timeless sensibility. Pieces are crafted to smooth and shape thanks to sculpting Italian fabrics. Wider straps provide support on classic one-pieces like the Gwen and Eleanor styles (which easily double as bodysuits under your favourite pants or skirt). The collection also includes bikinis that can be bought as individual pieces for the perfect fit.Emma Mulholland on Holiday
It’s always a vacation in an Emma Mulholland on Holiday swimsuit. Designed by Emma Mulholland in Sydney, the collection embodies nostalgia and sun-soaked vibes, ideal for daydreaming on tropical islands or lounging by the pool. The small selection of bikinis and one-pieces is brimming with signature motifs like happy hibiscus and classic checks – there are also fresh takes on animal prints.Form and Fold
Melbourne brand Form and Fold delivers liberating swimwear exclusively for D+ women. Founders Carly Warson and Stephanie Korn know the challenge of finding supportive and flattering pieces for larger cup sizes. From plunging necklines to styles with a bit more coverage, the tops come fitted with a hidden underwire bra for the ultimate uplift. The Fit Quiz has been designed to help you pick the perfect style and size for your body type.Cleonie
Designed by Kitty Scott on the Central Coast, Cleonie boasts hand-sewn pieces featuring oceanic prints and sun-kissed colours. Eco-crinkle fabrics, sustainable Italian lycra and fabrics made with regenerated nylon fibres are used across the collection. Scott finds inspiration in nature, art and architecture – but there’s also a dose of daydreaming throughout the collection. It’s all in the details: take note of beaded embellishments and playful motifs as you pick your new favourite style.Faithfull the Brand
Indonesian-based label Faithfull the Brand takes transparency seriously. Co-founders Sarah-Jane Abrahams and Helle Them-Enger collaborate closely with Balinese artisans to hand-make and hand-dye the brand’s coveted swimwear. Vibrant sets with varying coverage are available alongside easy-wearing one-pieces and an array of resort-ready cover-ups.Zulu and Zephyr
Zulu and Zephyr – the brainchild of Sydney sisters Candice Rose-O’Rourke and Karla Rose – has been a fashion force for more than a decade. The brand’s swimwear offers a modern twist on vintage-inspired pieces, including signature textured silhouettes. Sustainability is a core pillar of each collection and the current range features two types of Repreve yarn. Choose nostalgic patterns or earthy hues, minimalist bikinis or statement swimwear – these are pieces you’ll mix and match for many beach days.Peony
Founded by Becky Morton, Peony leans into sophisticated beauty with a dreamy island vibe. Crafted in Queensland, each piece is made from regenerated fibres and features thoughtful details. The collection presents an array of one- and two-piece ensembles. Stealing the show are classic balconette styles that feature multi-option back closures and unique detailing, setting each piece apart.Nisi
Inspired by designer Amelia Eftos’s coastal roots, Nisi presents eco-conscious surf pieces that fuse practicality and style. These fast-drying and body-contouring designs are made from Yamamoto Ecoprene (neoprene made from Japanese limestone) and bio-based rubber. Opt for a long-sleeve springsuit or grab a pair of shorts matched with T-shirt-look tops. Wetsuits should fit snugly like a second skin, keeping water out while ensuring comfort. The brand’s detailed FAQs have you covered for shopping queries.Bay of Fire
Confidence defines Bay of Fire’s swimwear. The Australian brand was founded by French designer Apolline Asseman and is crafted in Bali. Committed to empowering women and inspiring adventurous spirits, the brand uses double and triple lining, additional padding and supportive fabrics to create functional pieces with a bold sense of style. Rich, earthy colours like army green, ruby red and chocolate brown have become brand signatures.Camp Cove
Camp Cove Swim offers a vibrant fusion of retro charm and playful aesthetics in its collection of bikinis, one-pieces and rashies. Based in Jervis Bay, the brand boasts a commitment to sustainability and uses Econyl, a regenerated nylon made from rescued fishing nets and nylon waste. The expanding collection offers versatility through reversible styles and inclusive sizing tailored to suit different bodies.Nisa
Nisa carries a purpose, as does its founder Elisha Watson, who is driven by a mission to create more employment opportunities for women. Based in Wellington, the brand revolves around sustainability and chic solutions embodied by their reversible swimwear collection crafted entirely from recycled nylon and spandex.Sheila
Clare Barrins has simplified the search for versatile swim shorts that seamlessly transition from land to sea and everyday life. Sheila, the Australian brand she founded, understands that beachwear doesn’t require baring it all to fit in. Offering colourful swim shorts in three lengths, along with cropped or full-coverage swim tops and an iconic bodysuit, the brand caters for sizes 6 to 24. It’s more about what you’re doing, than where you’re doing it – that’s the premise.Marvell Lane
Rachael Calvert, founder of Marvell Lane, challenges the belief that a fuller bust compromises style. Based in Byron Bay, the brand is dedicated to crafting swimwear for curvy individuals from sizes 8D to 16J. Forget thick straps and bulky cups, Marvell Lane presents a range of bikinis, one-pieces, and briefs with quality fabrics and finishes that aim to inspire confidence.Zimmermann
Founded by sister duo Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, the Australian brand’s expertise in quality fabrics and clever cutting is also applied to a coveted swimwear collection. Italian lycra is used across pieces that feature daring cut-outs, diverse necklines and even crochet details. Designed for a dip or to simply lounge in style, there’s a couture approach to the luxury resort pieces.Moana Bikini
Established in 2011, Moana Bikini delivers cheekily cut, seamless, reversible styles. A curation of vibrant prints make these styles stand out. Shop tops and bottoms separately to find the perfect combo of colour and cut. The brand also offers a range of one-pieces, which deliver simple silhouettes, as well as cut-out styles that mimic the look of a bikini.Additional reporting by Holly Bodeker-Smith, Hollie Wornes and Simone Richardson.
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