Local swimwear brands to check out for your next beach trip
Swimwear is arguably one of the hardest pieces to shop for. There’s just so much to consider—how it fits, how much it covers, how it moves, and whether you’ll actually feel comfortable wearing it. That’s why it rarely comes down to just how something looks.
Some people gravitate toward statement pieces, others prioritize fit or coverage, and some just want something they can move in without thinking twice. Local brands have started to reflect that range, offering different approaches depending on what you’re looking for.
These are the swimwear brands worth checking out for your next beach trip.
Blackbough Swim
There’s a good chance not everyone realizes that Blackbough Swim is actually a local brand. It’s been positioned so strongly for a global audience that it reads more like an international label, from its campaigns down to its slightly steeper pricing. But once you look at the pieces, it makes sense.
The designs are very specific to the brand. Blackbough has built a strong identity around its prints—playful, often a little nostalgic, and sometimes unexpected, but always recognizable. They don’t feel like the kind you’ll see repeated across different labels. Each collection tends to have its own mood, with prints that are developed in-house and tied to a certain feeling, whether that leans tropical, retro, or something softer and more romantic.
Eighth Mermaid
Eighth Mermaid leans into a more playful, feminine direction. The brand is well known for its miniskirts, whether as a cover-up or built into the piece itself. It’s become a kind of signature you immediately associate with them. It’s super cute and very feminine.
If you prefer a bit more coverage, the skirted one-pieces are an easy option. But lately, I’ve been drawn to their newer hand-beaded sets. The Rio full piece stands out in particular, a one-piece swimsuit made from crinkled fabric, which has a bit more stretch compared to standard swim materials, finished with hand-beaded details.
It also comes with a matching Palma skirt in the same design, which pulls the whole look together. The added texture and subtle sparkle shift it away from everyday swimwear into something more styled, especially when worn as a set.
Pacific Palais
Pacific Palais takes a more personal approach to swimwear. It’s a one-woman brand, and that sense of individuality carries through in how each piece is made.
It goes beyond just choosing a size; you can decide on the cut of your bikini depending on how you want it to sit, whether that’s a thong, something fuller, or even down to the width of the base. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a noticeable difference, especially since not every body is built the same.
Because everything is made to order, it does take a bit more time. But that also means the fit is much more specific to you. You can choose your fabrics, and in some styles, opt for reversible pieces, which adds a bit more flexibility in how you wear them.
Nekid Swim
Nekid Swim takes a more modest, coverage-focused approach to swimwear. The silhouettes are classic, but with a clear intention to feel comfortable and wearable rather than overly revealing.
You’ll notice more options that offer coverage without feeling heavy, from tankinis and higher necklines to longer bottoms, shorts, and even skirted styles. It’s still very much swimwear, still two-piece where you want it to be, but designed in a way that feels a little more secure and easy to move in.
The brand also stands out for its size range, offering pieces up to 4XL. That inclusivity feels built into the design itself, not just added on, which makes a difference in how the pieces fit and wear across different body types.
Float Swimwear
Float Swimwear leans into pieces that are made to move. There’s a strong focus on function, but without losing that sense of ease or style.
The cuts stay classic and uncomplicated, but they’re designed with intention. You get silhouettes that feel secure enough to actually swim in, whether that’s diving into the water, staying active, or just moving around without constantly adjusting. It’s the kind of swimwear you don’t have to think too much about once it’s on.
I think Float Swimwear does their one-pieces especially well. The designs feel clean, the fabric is solid, and everything just sits nicely on the body without needing much adjustment. The Caitlinn Skortsie is a good example, a square-neck one-piece with a snug skirt overlay that gives you coverage without losing shape. It reads sporty, but still soft and feminine, and works as a more styled alternative to typical swim shorts.
There’s also a clear emphasis on versatility. These are pieces that transition easily beyond the beach, styled with denim, skirts, or something more dressed up, without feeling out of place. It keeps everything feeling practical, but still considered.
