Summer is on its way, so make sure you've got the perfect pair of bathers for beach days and lounging by the pool
Winter has finally come to an end and rays of sunshine have started to peek out from behind the clouds. We may be stuck in lockdown for now, but as Victoria approaches its vaccine target it's looking like beachy summer days are on the horizon. We've handpicked several of the best Australian swimwear brands that cater to all genders so you can frolic along the sand and lounge by the pool in style.
From vintage and retro brands like Camp Cove Swim and Holiday the Label to brands like Speedo with an illustrious Olympic history and long-lasting styles, there's bound to be something on this list that speaks to your personal taste.
Newcastle native Katherine Hampton founded Camp Cove Swim in 2013 and its retro styles have since been featured in magazines like Vogue Australia and Frankie Magazine. All fabrics are printed in Sydney and incorporate recycled fabrics in the lining. Pretend you've time travelled back to the '70s with the funky florals, tri-colour diamond patterns and retro colour palettes.
Delivery: Yes! You can order for delivery via the website and shipping is free on purchases over $250.
After quitting his job and embracing the beach bum lifestyle, founder Sean Ashby grew frustrated at the lack of high-quality nylon swimwear on the market so he decided to design his own. Grab a funky pair of bathers covered in angelfish, cockatoos, squid and more and get ready to catch some waves. Fun fact: Kylie Minogue's stylist asked if he could use the collection for the 'Slow' music video.
Delivery: Yes! You can place an order for delivery through the website.
Dreamt up by Sydney-based designer Emma Mulholland, Holiday captures the vibe of the '80s and '90s with its retro and nostalgic style. On top of selling slogan tees, patterned pants and cosy hoodies, the label also offers cute patterned swimwear for women. Bask in the sunshine while wearing a bold hibiscus-patterned one-piece or a gingham bikini top.
Delivery: Yes! You can place an order for delivery through the website.
Did you know this internationally acclaimed swimwear brand (and a frequent choice for Olympic swimmers) was born in Bondi in 1928? Speedos have become almost synonymous with racing, but even if you're not a competitive swimmer they're still a great investment for a casual swimmer as they're designed to be incredibly long-lasting.
Delivery: Yes! You can place an order for delivery through the website.
What started as a joke between mates who wrote 'budgy smuggler' on the back of a speedo has since blossomed into a successful business venture. From printing to cutting to sewing, every pair of Budgy Smuggler's brightly patterned swimwear is made in its Sydney factory. You can opt for some more classic and lowkey patterns, like the sailor stripes, or go with something a little more fun like this pair covered in Victoria Bitters. While the business started out catering to men, it now offers women's swimwear as well. If you can't quite find the perfect pair, you can even design your own.
Delivery: Yes! You can place an order for delivery via the website.
Hailing from the shores of Western Australia, Palm Swim carries modern and high-quality swimwear using recycled Italian fibres made from waste plastics and old fishing nets. As part of their sustainability model and their anti-fast fashion ethos, each swimsuit is made to order to ensure that the business isn't carrying extra unnecessary stock. Shop gorgeous bikinis and one-pieces in colourful prints and timeless styles on the website.
Delivery: Yes! Shipping is free on Australian orders of more than $150. Due to the made-to-order process, products can take up to one or two weeks to ship. Browse products on the website.
Sluggers was born when designer Ad Butler bought fifteen pairs of swimmers and didn't love even a single one. Butler decided to take matters into his own hands, so he designed the perfect pair of swimmers for himself and launched Sluggers. He quickly realised that a perfect pair for him wouldn't be perfect for everyone, so the brand has since launched a range of other cuts and styles to ensure everyone can find the perfect fit. The best part? Sluggers has a no questions asked return policy, so if you're not sure about what will work best you can buy a pair in each style and return whatever doesn't work.
Delivery: Yes! You can place an order online for delivery via the website.
Fella Swim offers swimwear that is inspired by the form-enhancing fit and crisp simplicity of lingerie. Most of the pieces are single-colour and come in classic, retro shapes that make them easy to mix and match with other styles and colours. Find the perfect fit for you by selecting your body shape in the size guide, and if your suit still isn't a perfect fit Fella offers custom alterations.
Delivery: Yes! You can place an order for delivery through the website and shipping is free on orders more than $250.
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