Bathing suit shopping is NOT our favorite kind of shopping. But when you find the one that suits you (pun intended), it’s pretty terrific. Pair it with some nice sunglasses and a good coverup and you can look and feel like a million bucks, whether you are lounging in the backyard or on a Greek aisle…or somewhere in between.
Bathing Suits:
Hunza G: This line of suits is getting all the raves these days. Yes, it’s $. But if it makes you feel and look great and can last for multiple seasons…there is big value in that. Joanne has tried it and gives the brand a thumbs up! Their Domino one-piece is a great basic cut, with added ‘buckles’ on the top straps. Their Celine seersucker option is also a classic cut with a tortoise circle hardware piece for a nice accent.
Andie Swim: Looking for a solid-colored suit in a classic fit that feels great on? These are their top sellers. Chrissie loves her one-piece Malibu suit (and so do 1.4k others who give it 5-star ratings) as it’s snug yet flexible and can be snapped up or down for adjustable sun coverage, and it comes in 12 color options. Quince just introduced a similar one at half the price (with a zip instead of snaps). You can shop for suits by neckline, bust support, bottom coverage, torso length and more to get your perfect fit. If looking for a 2-piece you can shop tops and bottoms separately to get the amount of coverage or support desired. Check out Mindy Kalig’s line with them – it’s all the rage!
La Blanca: Jo is a big fan of their suits, especially the Island Goddess. With a variety of neck-lines you can be sure to find something that ‘suits’ you.
Quince: Jo recently got a suit from Quince that she loves. It’s similar to the LaBlanca “Island Goddess” she loves at a little bit lower price point. They also just launched one very similar to Chrissie’s favorite Andie Swim’s suit (with a zip instead of snaps) at half the price. There is also a great-looking one shoulder option, and for two-pieces you can buy tops and bottoms independently.
Athleta: Great suits for water activities, Athleta lets you choose from low, medium or high coverage and you can also sort by what type of activity you’ll be doing to find what’s best for you.
JCrew: JCrew is always a great bathing suit resource, and recently the company has been hitting home runs with their styles. Whether you want basics, suits with rouching or smocking, a one-piece or two-piece, solids or patterns, they have you covered.
Summersalt: Their one-shoulder Sidestroke is what put them on the map (comes in solids as well as multi-colored options) and Jo’s daughter loves hers. Their Ruched Backflip is also great looking (comes in patterns and solids), and their collab with LL Bean for women, men’s and kids suits is also worth checking out!
Cover Ups:
Julia Armory Husband Shirt: These ‘husband shirts’ are great cover ups, and can also perform double-duty worn with white pants or thrown over a tank. Her pareos are also worth checking out, as are her beautiful caftans for post-swim cocktails or dinner.
Lem Lem CoverUps and Dresses: These are special pieces that make someone look really chic poolside. Jo has a cover-up that has been her go-to for years. You can choose from knee-length to maxi to pants.
Tommy Bahama: Perfect cover-ups, many of which can do double-duty and be worn as a dress.
Rock Flower Paper Beach Cover-Up: This is a terrific super-lightweight cotton coverup with long arms (which can be hard to find!) at a reasonable price point. And while you’re there, this white blouse looks pretty great for vacation/summer!
JCrew: Cute ‘beach shirt’ cover-ups in lots of color options, as well as longer gauze options.
Sunglasses:
Glasses USA: Need a prescription in your sunglasses these days but don’t want to let go of your poolside style? The GlassesUSA site has tons of frames and you can get them with a regular sunglass lens, as sunglass readers, or with a prescription. Plus they let you try on glasses virtually which is super helpful! Bonus: Use code DESIGNER40 to get 40% off designer frames (Gucci, Prada, Versace, etc) with free basic prescription lenses and free shipping (excluding Ray-Ban, Oakley, Person, Wiley X, Costa Del Mar, Komono and kids frames).
- Jo is a big fan of Persol – their lenses cut out all the glare. She also likes Ray-Bans with polarized lenses. Look for the P next to the Ray Ban name.
- For something fashion forward, you can’t go wrong with a pair of chic Prada sunglasses in a fun shape or color!
If you want a chic look without Prada pricing, FabLister Barb M. turned us on to Aire sunglasses at Nordstrom. For under $50, you can get a fun look like one of these!
FabLister Katie F. was at the World Cup skiing championships at Palisades (Lake Tahoe) without her sunglasses and bought these for $35 and couldn’t stop talking about them. Jo had to have them too so she quickly ordered a pair in a daring new color (Daytona Tan) and wears them all the time!
Another FabList favorite is Goodr! Known as affordable polarized sunglasses, these are no slip, no bounce, all polarized, and all fun! They come in tons of shapes, sizes, and materials and most are under $50.
I know we keep talking about Quince…but they also have great reasonably-priced sunglasses. This pair would be fab poolside, as would these, or these if you want a more classic ‘RayBan’ look.
