Packing your bag for a beach day or long-awaited vacation is genuinely fun - having to limit yourself to a smaller than usual closet, however, really isn’t. We'll forever wish your suitcases were bigger so we can take more outfits along. Luckily, there is a way you can keep your packing list small without having to compromise on the number of summer ensembles you bring. How? By stocking your case with sustainable swimwear that does double duty! As perfect for sea swimming as they are for sunset dinners, the most beautiful bikini tops and minimalist one piece swimsuits are usually also utterly versatile and undeniably stylish. Keep reading for all our top luxury swimwear recommendations that’ll have you looking and feeling effortlessly chic this summer...
MAKE THE MOST OF ONE PIECE SWIMSUITS
When it comes to curating your summer wardrobe, no lineup is complete without a chic yet simple one piece bathing suit. Whether you’re all about black swimsuit styles or prefer to keep things light with a neutral beige or soft shade of white, you can always count on this key piece of summer clothing to work hard for you. Firstly, they’re ideal for swimming no matter if you prefer the open ocean or a luxurious lap pool. Secondly, they’re so easy to style with everything from pants to skirts, and even jeans when the dress code (or weather) changes. The only question is, which one(s) should you choose?
First, we highly recommend adding the Chikyu belted one-piece to your closet if you haven’t already. This stunning swimsuit comes in four different and equally beautiful colors. Mosaico beige and Avorio white are ideal for lovers of all things neutral. Alternatively, opt for Etnico orange or Burgundy red if you’re all about vibrant hues this time of year.
This coveted swimsuit style is eternally flattering thanks to the gorgeous belted waist and wide shoulder straps. Speaking of which, these straps are designed to stay put whether you’re simply out exploring or swimming in the sea. It also has a stunning scoop back that, of course, looks gorgeous on its own. However, once you throw a floaty maxi skirt or loose-fit pants into the mix, it gives your whole look an unmistakably luxurious vibe. And, in case you were wondering, this swimsuit like all of our designs is doubled for sheer protection, provides UV protection, and is resistant to sunscreen and oils.
When something a little strappier fits the dress code better, our Zabel Tube one piece swimsuit is everything you need. Like the Chikyu belted swimsuit, this sustainable piece of swimwear comes in multiple shades and prints so you can match it perfectly to the skirts and pants already in your closet. Meanwhile, you get to enjoy the stylish simplicity of this classic and comfortable one piece which also has the most beautiful asymmetric straps for a hint of the unique.
BE FASHION-FORWARD IN TIMELESS BIKINI TOPS
One of the many reasons we love bikini sets is that they’re so wonderfully versatile. Whether you opt for a pretty printed design or a classic high waisted bikini, by choosing a high-quality, sustainable suit you can be sure you’ll love it just as much now as you will in the years to come. For us, that means slipping into bikinis with minimalist tops, like the Kumanomi cup top. Elegant, simple, and versatile, it provides excellent support with its underwired design. Not to mention it comes in four classic shades to suit whichever color palette you’re working with this summer.
Alternatively, if you’re opting for a low-key look, the Hedy classic triangle top is the one for you. The ultimate beach-to-bar bikini top, it’ll look stunning with everything from wrap skirts to wide-leg trousers. Meanwhile, the Annie one shoulder bandeau top is pretty, playful, and perfect for days filled with adventure. You’ll look totally amazing in this asymmetric style and feel completely supported from dawn to dusk.
HOW TO STYLE A ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT
Now that you’ve chosen which one piece(s) deserve a spot in your summer line-up, it’s time to choose how you’ll style them. Are you dressing for dinner and drinks with friends? Or are you heading out for the day to explore the sights? Once you know the dress code you can set about choosing pieces that’ll work best.
For those late spring/early summer days when the weather can be a little more unpredictable, we love to style a sleek one piece swimsuit with high-waisted trousers or jeans. Your swimsuit will work perfectly as a fitted, body-style top, it also means that you can go straight from the beach to the bar with minimal effort. An outfit like this one is also ideal for a busy day of sightseeing. Especially if that day is likely to involve a dip in the ocean or a few lengths in the pool. Opt for wide-leg palazzo pants with a high waistband to perfectly complement minimalist swimsuits in seconds or opt for a long, skirt, like Koraru muse Olivia Marcus.
HOW TO STYLE A BIKINI TOP
Whether you’re hopping out of the pool and headed for a low-key lunch by the water or simply taking a stroll along the beach and wish for a little more coverage, there are plenty of ways to style your bikini top so it works both as swimwear and an extra top.
Staying on the sand or lounging poolside? A simple swimsuit cover up is all you need to complete your outfit. Opt for a sleek sarong wrap you can easily take on and off for intermittent dips into the water, or choose one that buttons up more securely for things like grabbing a drink from the bar.
Alternatively, when you’re planning an outfit you intend to wear all day long, a timeless black bikini top will look effortlessly cool. Especially with a floor-length maxi skirt or wide-leg palazzo pants. Simply add flat sandals to complete the look and throw a linen shirt over top when you need some extra coverage. Then leave it open to showcase your perfect choice of bandeau, halterneck, or bandeau bikini top. We love the pants Koraru muse Sasha Burns chose for her ivory white bikinis.
Written by Sophie Mara - Fashion & Lifestyle Writer for Koraru
Sophie is a fashion and lifestyle writer based in the eco-friendly city of Brighton, England. She has years of experience writing for a number of online fashion and lifestyle publications about personal styling, fashion & lifestyle, Fashion Week coverage, beauty and more. On rare occasions when she's not writing, Sophie can be found with her head in a good book or catching up on her favourite interior design series