When it comes to building a summer wardrobe, swimwear is of the utmost importance. You can score heaps of poofy sundresses, dozens of denim cutoffs, and a lifetime’s supply of white crop tops, but it’s a good bikini or one-piece that you’ll spend most of your time in when by the pool or body of water. There’s just one problem: Finding a swimsuit that works for you is far from easy, especially if you don’t know where to look.
Over the last few weeks, a lot of research has been done into ways to support the Black community. And, in addition to donating, marching, educating themselves, and signing petitions for better legislation, people can also financially support Black-owned businesses. And with the summer solstice just days away, what better way to champion these businesses than by stocking up on swimwear made by Black designers — all of which offer a wide variety of styles, colors, and silhouettes that make finding your perfect swimsuit easier than ever.
Ahead is a list of our favorite Black-owned swimsuit brands, from Jade Swim to LemLem, that are sure to take the hassle out of swimsuit shopping for good.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Andrea Iyamah
Founded by Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah in 2011, luxury label Andrea Iyamah has been offering up colorful and expertly crafted resort wear inspired by the designer’s African heritage. In 2013, Iyamah ventured into swimwear, which she has been successfully manufacturing ever since.
Andrea Iyamah Shani One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Andrea Iyamah
Avid Swim
Two-time NYFW alum Gionna Nicole launched her swimwear line Avid Swim in 2010 with the goal of creating truly sustainable swimsuits that don’t sacrifice style. The NY-based brand works only with factories that use eco-friendly fabrics and dyes and design every suit in-house to minimize its carbon footprint.
Avid Swim Chanel X One Piece, $, available at Avid Swim
Castamira Swim
Castamira Swim is the brainchild of Jamaican supermodel Chantel Davis, who, after being fitted for swimsuits throughout her career, learned a thing or two about what styles and materials make a good swimsuit. The line, which focuses mainly on maillots, is designed with a woman’s body in mind, offering support where needed, as well as sensual cut-outs and scarce coverage for aesthetic.
Castamira Gia One-Piece, $, available at Castamira
Ego Swim
Founded by a group of friends-turned-sisters, Ego Swim is a NY-based swimwear label designing swimsuits that make women look and feel their best on vacation. By combining the latest swim trends with top-tier materials, Ego Swim is en route to becoming one of the industry’s finest new brands.
Ego Swim Mya Swimsuit, $, available at Ego Swim
Fe Noel
Felisha “Fe” Noel’s label is inspired by her Grenadian heritage. Her designs — which are mostly ready-to-wear, but sometimes delve into swimwear — often include flowing caftans and trousers in lightweight fabrics and always feature a plethora of tropical prints that are perfect for your next warm-weather adventure.
Fe Noel Nutmeg Swimsuit, $, available at Fe Noel
Jade Swim
Founded by fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski, Jade Swim is ideal for the minimal dresser, with simple, classic silhouettes making up a majority of the brand’s selection. From one-shoulder styles to understated monokinis, if you’re in the market for an everyday swimsuit, Jade Swim is your perfect match.
Jade Swim Evolve One Piece Ribbed Swimsuit, $, available at Jade Swim
Keva J Swimwear
Fit is of the utmost importance for Keva J Swimwear, which designer Keva J founded after years of learning the craft in both New York City and Miami. These days, you can find her suits in the swim collections of stars like Kourtney and Kim Kardashian, as well as Rita Ora.
Keva J Swimwear The Mobay Tie Front Bikini, $, available at Keva J Swimwear
LemLem
Following a trip to her native country of Ethiopia, supermodel Liya Kebede was inspired by the talented artisans she encountered. Originally a ready-to-wear brand, LemLem has since expanded into swimwear, creating colorful styles, from high-waisted bikinis to stringy one-pieces.
Lem Lem Semira Sky Ballet One Piece, $, available at Lem Lem
MBM Swim
Self-taught swimwear designer Marcia Maxwell founded MBM Swim in 2017 with the idea of creating a swimwear brand that focused on sharp lines and elevated silhouettes. From the line, you can expect sleek monokinis and sexy, yet sophisticated one-pieces, all in a color scheme of black, white, and neon shades of pink and green.
MBM Swim Discovery One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at MBM Swim
Melissa Simone Swim
If seeing Bella Hadid wearing a Melissa Simone design isn’t enough to get you *adding to cart,* just peruse the brand’s online shop. You’ll be stocking up on flame-printed bikinis and maillots in no time.
MELISSA SIMONE Enita Micro-String Top, $, available at Melissa Simone
MELISSA SIMONE Enita Micro-String Bottom, $, available at Melissa Simone
Mint Swim
Made and produced in the U.S., Mint Swim offers up sexy swimsuit options, including string bikinis and one-pieces in an array of shades and styles — all of which are priced under $100.
Mint Swim Tempestt, $, available at Mint Swim
Nakimuli
Brooklyn-based swimwear designer Tennille McMillan founded Nakimuli in 2009 as a way to celebrate women who like to experiment with their personal style. Since then, McMillan has garnered a star-studded client list that includes singer-songwriter Erykah Badu, Orange Is The New Black star Danielle Brooks, and America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Marcille.
Nakimuli Rumble Halter Swimsuit, $, available at Nakimuli
Rielli
Ever wondered what it’d be like to own a swimsuit that was custom-made just for you? That’s exactly what you’ll get from Arielle Baril’s zero-waste swimsuit brand Rielli. Established in 2019, Baril’s luxury label specializes in swimwear made of crinkle-cut ribbed material that stretches in all the right places, creating a bespoke guilt-free swimsuit for every wearer.
Rielli Ibiza One-Piece, $, available at Rielli
Riot Swim
Founded in 2016 by model Monti Landers, Riot Swim is your one-stop-shop for summer swimwear, offering everything from neutral high-waisted bikini styles to bright neon stringy alternatives. If you haven’t yet tried a piece from the LA-based brand, we suggest the Echo, its all-time best seller.
RIOT SWIM Echo One Piece-Chocolate, $, available at RIOT SWIM
Swimsuits For All x Gabi Fresh
After a whopping 13 collaborative collections with plus-size retailer Swimsuits For All, influencer, model, and designer Gabi Gregg, or as we know her Gabi Fresh, knows how to create the perfect swimsuit. Her latest go for spring is a minimalist’s dream, with bikinis and one-pieces in soft pastel shades and classic striped patterns all making the cut. Even better, all of her suits are available in sizes 10 to 26 and cup sizes ranging from D/DD-G/H.
GabiFresh x Swimsuits For All Memento Cup-Sized Underwire Bikini, $, available at Swimsuits For All
Trish Atelier
Self-proclaimed “home of the sexiest bikinis,” Trish Atelier is a must-try for anyone looking to liven up their swimwear collection this summer. Itty bitty string bikinis, extra-high-cut one-pieces, neon sets, and more can’t-miss styles make up the designs offered.
Trish Atelier Naomi Monokini, $, available at Trish Atelier
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