What Is Resort Swimwear?
Resort swimwear refers to fashionable and stylish swimsuits and coverups designed specifically for vacations in tropical, beachside, or poolside locales. Resort destinations often have a more relaxed dress code than everyday life, allowing women the freedom to wear more daring, decorative and revealing swimsuits. The resort swimwear category encompasses trendy bikini styles, slimming one-piece suits, and breezy swim coverups and beach dresses.
Top Resort Bikini Styles
Finding that perfect resort bikini means picking styles specially engineered for leisurely lounging, active water play, and tropical temperatures. When scanning the racks of swimsuit options, look for key details that make a style resort-friendly.
String Bikinis
The string bikini reigns supreme as the sensational resort style. Characterized by extra-tiny triangular tops and low-rise bottoms connected by spaghetti-thin straps at the hips and neck, the daring string bikini leaves little to the imagination. Strings can lace-up along the hips for adjustable coverage. Tiny ruched cups, sliding hardware, and front cut-outs add allure.
String bikinis allow maximum tanning on swathes of exposed skin. A must-pack style for beach babes and exotic honeymooners. Choose glimmering metallic fabrics, vivid florals, and oceanic palette prints to capture the resort mood.
Push-up & Underwire Bikinis
Push-up and underwire bikini tops provide enhanced cleavage and support on a sunny getaway. Underwire cups with graduated padding lift the bustline while narrow straps and deep V necklines highlight décolletage. Look for plunge underwire tops paired with low-rise bottoms for head-turning, bombshell beauty. These enhancing bikini shapes instill confidence to strut in the tiniest swimsuits.
High-Waisted & Retro Bikinis
High-waisted bikini bottoms channel a retro pin-up esthetic, having a waistband that extends above the hips. This lengthens and slims the torso’s line for a leggy, hourglass look. Pair with padded sweetheart tops, frilly bandeaus, or ruffle trims. For vintage glam, seek high-rise bottoms with belt and buckle accents. This chic throwback style deftly balances skin-baring allure with a demure quality perfect for a resort setting.
Bandeau Bikinis
Streamlined bandeau bikini tops offer fuss-free resort style with their seamless, strapless design. Look for bandeaus with side boning or inner elastic bands that seal securely sans straps. For ample support, choose tops with molded cups over flat tube silhouettes. Bandeaus allow for uninterrupted sunbathing and avoid tan lines. When paired with high-cut Brazilian bottoms, the minimalist look flatters beach bodies of all shapes and sizes.
One-Shoulder Bikinis
One-shoulder bikinis add alluring asymmetry with one shoulder left enticingly bare. Knotted straps accentuate the collarbone and elongate the neckline. The wrapped one-strap style also draws eyes to the waist and hips. One-shoulders work perfectly as a color-blocked bikini, mixing complementary or clashing top and bottom colors. The bold imbalance captivates at the resort pool or lounging at an exotic beach club.
Crochet Bikinis
Free-spirited crochet bikinis epitomize bohemian nonconformity with their handmade look. Knitted from yarn or macramé in intricate open-weave patterns, crochet bikinis reveal a discreet peek at skin. Neutral earthy hues like ivory, tan, and blush pink make crochet bikinis innocently alluring. Look for cheeky Brazilian bottoms or flirty fringe trims. The artisanal quality and carefree vibe channel vacation blitheness.
Ruffle Bikinis
Ruffle bikinis add playful whimsy with their undulating flounced hems and balloon sleeves. Light, breezy ruffles frill the bust, straps, and hips for a flirty accent. These feminine flourishes inject a soft romanticism perfect for honeymooners or anniversary getaways. The sweet ruffles balance skimpy Brazilian bottoms for the best of both worlds—allure and innocence.
Jeweled & Beaded Bikinis
Make a glittering entrance poolside sporting a jeweled bikini adorned with crystals, beads, chains, and other luxe embellishments. Shimmering rhinestones and beads fringe the bustline, sparkle along straps, and accent waist ties. Go for bold gemstone hues like ruby red and sapphire blue. Paired with metallic fabrics, these ornate bikinis emulate jewelry for declaring vacation opulence.
Colorblock Bikinis
Make a mod style statement in an artistic colorblock bikini with high-contrast color combinations. Graphic colorblock bikinis use solid blocks of color for defined visual impact. Contrasting brights—like neon orange and hot pink—create an eye-popping effect. Nautical combos like navy and white evoke a Riviera spirit. The color play allows custom mixing and matching for eclectic resort flair.
Cutout Bikinis
Cutout bikinis add sassy allure with strategic slices that reveal select zones of skin. Small keyholes, beguiling side cutouts, and daring front slits titillate by showing skin through the gaps. Look for laser-cut designs or crochet knits that expose just enough. Cutouts feel current and sexy, ideal for pool parties and beach clubs. Show off well-toned abs and hips through the peepholes.
Choosing the Most Flattering Silhouettes for Resort Swimwear
While tiny string bikinis seem universally flattering, certain designs actually complement specific body types best. Use this cheat sheet when selecting resort styles.
Hourglass Figures
– Sweetheart necklines contain and lift a full bust
– Retro high-waisted bottoms accentuate the waist
– Solid colors keep proportions streamlined
Busty Figures
– Underwire tops offer heavy support
– Halter straps lift and evenly distribute weight
– Bold prints draw eyes down from the chest
Athletic Figures
– Bold colors and prints create curves
– Ruched detailing adds texture
– Skirted bottoms provide balance
Boyish Figures
– Push-up tops create the illusion of fullness
– Sparkly accents emphasize the bust and hips
– High-cut legs elongate torso
Plus Size
– High-waisted bottoms streamline waist
– Underwire tops lift bust
– Solid black, navy, and chocolate are slim
Top Swimwear Brands for Resort Escapes
Certain swimsuit brands have perfected the resort bikini aesthetic through quality construction, on-trend styling, and opulent detailing. When investing in luxury swimwear to impress at an exotic locale, turn to these top designers catering to the resort crowd.
Agent Provocateur
British lingerie label Agent Provocateur brings its signature sensuality to barely-there bikinis naughty enough for a romantic getaway. Teensy triangles, corset ties, and lavish lace tantalize the senses. Metallic fabrics, animal prints, and Swarovski crystals add decadent flair.
Eres
The French line Eres excels at sumptuous resort swimwear that blends high fashion with function. Eres bikinis feature elevated details like chic color blocking, custom hardware, and subtle sparkle touches. Clean silhouettes have an understated elegance perfect for Riviera refinement.
Frankies Bikinis
Designed in California, Frankies Bikinis captures sun-kissed West Coast attitude through fun, flirty bikinis that straddle sexiness and sweetness. Checked gingham, frilly florals, and retro polka dots evoke youthful charm. The tiny tie-side bottoms still allure.
L*Space
Favored by youthful Hollywood starlets, L*Space bikinis flaunt a sensual surfer vibe with an emphasis on skimpy Brazilian cuts. Sheer net panels, strappy details, and high-shine metallics bring exotic edge. Neon hues pop for pool parties or beach clubs.
Lisa Marie Fernandez
Minimalist elegance defines Lisa Marie Fernandez’s upscale swimwear tailored for leisurely resort lounging. Clean architectural lines, laser sharp cutouts, and Italian fabrics render timeless allure. Understated luxury perfects the jetset resort look.
Mara Hoffman
New York designer Mara Hoffman brings her signature bohemian style to resort through vibrant tribal prints and global motifs. Colorful kaftans, ruffle trims, and artful patterns channel wanderlust spirit. The free-spirited vibe inspires adventure.
Marysia
Whimsical retro glamour makes Marysia Swim an elegant option for honeymoons and couples’ getaways. Delicate scallops, dainty florals, and flirtatious ruffles channel vintage femininity. A dash of sparkle adds Gatsby-esque decadence.
Montce Swim
Montce excels at luxe poolside essentials with resort-friendly features like high-end Italian fabrics, flattering ruched accents, and sun-worthy UPF 50+ protection. Clean lines, solid hues, and white crochet cover-ups define simplicity.
Sofia by ViX
Celebrity-approved line ViX makes statement swimsuits perfect for tropical locale photo ops. Animal prints, açai berry hues, and signature gold metal accents bring high-wattage resort attitude. The tiny bikini and maillot cuts allure.
Zimmermann
Australian fashion house Zimmermann captures laidback Aussie-chic in their resort collections accented by ruffles, floral prints, and fanciful details. Retro high-waisted briefs, flutter sleeve tops, and dresses blend sophistication and whimsy.
Mixing & Matching Separates
One of the joys of bikini shopping involves discovering endless mix-and-match possibilities between mismatched tops and bottoms. When packing multiple suits for a resort escape, amplify your options by strategically selecting versatile separates that interchange.
Start by choosing a foundational bikini top in a neutral color like black, white, tan, or navy as the basis of multiple looks. Then pack an assortment of colored bottoms in shades like turquoise, coral, and marigold to mix and match. Additional solid-colored tops can be swapped around too.
When shopping, seek out coordinating pieces with interchangeable design features like:
– Matching hardware, strap details, and fabrics
– Complementary colors from the same palette
– Consistent style aesthetic (e.g. retro, sporty, boho)
-corresponding sizing and coverage
This formula allows endless styling possibilities from a handful of tops and bottoms into completely different looks. Add fashion accents like sarongs, kimonos, and wide-brim hats on top for vacation-ready ensembles.
Resort-Style Cover-ups & Beach Dresses
Resort bikinis serve as merely the foundation for crafting head-to-toe vacation outfits. Elevate your swimwear by layering chic cover-ups and beach dresses on top for lounge-worthy style.
Sarongs
A sarong wrap skirt offers effortless cover on the way to the pool or beach. Silky sarongs in vivid abstract prints drape elegantly over bikinis for an instant dress-like effect. Wrap and tie sarongs high at the waist or lower on hips.
Kimono
Open kimonos in lightweight fabrics like chiffon float gracefully over swimsuits, adding coverage while still showing the bikini underneath. Look for kimonos with artful global motifs in bright, saturated colors.
Intricate Crochet
A hand-crocheted tunic, cape, or dress over a simple bikini exudes carefree bohemian ease. Neutral crochet in soft beige or ivory has a seamless effect when layered over coordinating swimwear.
Tunics
Breezy tunic tops that hit mid-thigh create beachy allure layered over a bikini. Seek bold prints, plunging necklines, and side slits. The loose silhouette flows in island winds.
Caftans
Oversized caftans in diaphanous fabrics deliver resort elegance. Artful patterns inspired by traditional Indonesian batik or Indian block prints elevate the look. Metallic threads add nighttime sparkle.
Beach Maxi Dresses
Slip into an ethereal beach maxi dress over swimwear for instant vacation glamour. Look for Empire waists, spaghetti straps, and smocked bustlines ideal for the resort lifestyle.
Pair these light layers with strappy sandals, wide-brimmed sunhats, and delicate jewelry for an enviable resort outfit. Sheer fabrics like chiffon, lace, and gauze flow in the coastal breeze for paradise-perfect style.
