Where Stylists Shop: The Coolest Bikinis and One-Pieces of the Season

Aussies spend a lot of time in water. Many of us include early morning dips, weekend beach trips, and laps down at the local pool as part of our routines. Choosing the right swimwear is important, not just for function, but for style and comfort as well.

As Melbourne personal stylist Rebecca Modara says, “Swimwear can be incredibly personal, it’s one of those categories where fit, fabrication and cut truly matter … The right piece should feel supportive, flattering and effortless all at once.” Here are tried-and-tested swimwear picks from some of Australia’s leading stylists, vying for a spot on your next beach visit.

Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist

This summer is all about elevated, wearable swimwear that feels just as good poolside as it does styled into a daytime outfit. I’m loving Peony Swimwear for their timeless silhouettes and sustainability focus. Their one-pieces double beautifully as bodysuits. Sir is also doing a great job with minimal, refined cuts that feel fashion-forward without being trend-heavy. Seafolly Australia continues to lead when it comes to fit and wearability, offering flattering cuts that work across different body shapes while still feeling modern. Look out for asymmetrical necklines, high-cut legs and textured fabrics – these are the styles clients are gravitating towards this season.

Rochelle Renwick, Perth stylist and creative director

A WA local favourite, Loleia, is one of those brands I always come back to. The quality is beautiful, the fits feel buttery soft, and the fun, colourful prints never miss. Monday Swimwear has genuinely nailed it for bigger busts. The pieces are supportive without sacrificing comfort, and their size goes up to 22. They also have great resort wear – easy, elevated throw-on pieces that take you straight from poolside to the bar. I tend to be drawn to a triangle top; they’re super flattering.

Rebecca Modara, Melbourne personal stylist

I’ve long loved Matteau, Myra Swim and Sir for their elevated minimalism, quality fabrics, clean lines and timeless silhouettes that don’t date. If you’re after something with a little more edge, Rogue Season delivers directional cuts and confident shapes that feel modern without being overdone.

In terms of styles, I’m seeing a shift towards refined, sculpted one-pieces, high-cut briefs with slightly higher waists for elongation, and underwired or balconette tops for those wanting extra support. For fuller busts, I recommend structured shapes with wider straps or underwire support and generally avoiding thin halter necks, which can become uncomfortable and don’t always provide the lift people expect. Ultimately, the key is knowing your proportions and choosing pieces that enhance rather than overwhelm your frame.

Juvelle Behrendorff, Melbourne personal stylist

I love the one-pieces from La-Lu, they’re the kind of swimwear you can comfortably wear to the beach but are stylish enough to take straight to a cafe or bar afterwards. It’s hard to choose a favourite, but the Peggy style with its unique neckline is high on my wishlist. For something a little more retro-inspired, I also love Two Swim’s mix-and-match separates, especially the high-waisted shortie option.

Megan Cross, Melbourne stylist and personal shopper

My go-to for swimwear has always been Elce Swim. Their fabrications are always so long-lasting, and their styles are always a perfect blend of simple yet feminine. I love a classic triangle and tie bottom so you can adjust the fit. However, from a trend perspective, we are seeing a lot more prints, especially polka dots. Monday Swimwear is worth paying attention to if you want to see variety.

Jenna Flood, Melbourne slow fashion stylist

I can’t go past Youswim for my swimwear. I find the fabric ever so soft, and it’s so comfortable to wear. They have full-coverage bottoms, which is something I prioritise. Their off-the-shoulder styles would also look fantastic as tops in the warmer weather.

Sonali Fernando, Perth stylist

My favourite swimwear brands are Australian brands Copy n Paste, Underbite Girl and Nisi Collective. I love swimwear that is multipurpose and can be worn in and out of the water; these brands do exactly that. Copy n Paste sometimes collaborates with artists for their prints, and Underbite Girl creates the art for her swimwear herself, which I think is super cool. On top of that, each of these brands produces on either a made-to-order or small-batch basis. In terms of style and cut, bold, cheeky and interesting is the way to go!

Joshua Austin, Melbourne stylist and creative director

When summer rolls around and it’s 40 degrees, I’m getting new swimwear and hitting the water. This season, my new fave swimmers come from a Melbourne-based brand called B2LD Studios. They make a range of jewel-tone pieces in both brief and thong cuts that are specifically designed with the perfect pouch for comfort (and to get the goods sitting right).

Another brand I always go back to is First Nations brand Gali Swimwear. They have gorgeous prints designed by First Nations artists, and they’re so comfy. My latest grab was the Birriwal swim short, the colours and print feel so ’90s.

Team8 is a more well-known Sydney brand, and their swimwear has kind of become a new everyday classic. They have tonnes of colour options, and basically everything comes in either a wide cut, bikini cut or micro cut. I’m leaning into the retro style again and loving the Reef bikini swim brief.

Jana Bartolo, Sydney stylist

Zimmermann offers playful yet sophisticated styles, known for their cute ruffles and structured cuts that feel both elevated and feminine. Saint Somebody focuses on inclusive designs with supportive shapes and thoughtful fabrics that flatter multiple body types, making their pieces easy to wear and a good staple that can be worn season after season. Camilla goes bold with statement prints, bright colours and dramatic silhouettes that are fun, over-the-top and scream, ‘Take me on a European summer holiday’. Elce is also a recent one I came across. These brands are producing swimwear that is stylish, well-made and most importantly designed to make everybody feel confident.

For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.

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