These Swimwear Lines By Women Of Color Will Make You Look Like A Firework On The 4th Of July
Summer has arrived, which means that bathing suit season is in full swing. And although we’re all on a journey of self-love and body acceptance, sometimes there’s nothing more daunting than heading into a fitting room with an armful of bikinis in tow. And as Latinas, shopping for swimwear can be especially irritating when many of the styles seem to be pandering to the white gaze.
However, we’re also lucky enough to live in a time when women of color of all shapes and sizes are carving their own paths in the fashion industry. Gone are the days when we were forced to buy unflattering bathing suits from large corporate entities that definitely did not have our best interests in mind.
Check out our round-up of WOC-owned swimwear lines below!
1.Viva La Bonita
Viva La Bonita, the Latina lifestyle and apparel brand that is “inspired by the women who are fearless” has a delightful collection of one-piece swimsuits in any color that suits your fancy. Sizes run from XS to XXXL. Shop for your Bonita-wear here.
2. Boutique + Swimwear
Created by Puerto Rican plus-size model Jessica Milagros, Boutique+ Swimwear is a JC Penney-based line that caters to curvy women. Sizes range from 1X to 3X. Shop here.
3. Agua Bendita
Agua Bendita is a swimwear line founded by Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza, two Colombian women who “wanted to tell their story to the world”. Their line highlights Colombian culture through their well-thought-out detail and handicraft. Sizes go up to XL. Shop here.
4. Gabi Fresh x Swimsuits For All
Gabi Fresh is the WOC fashion blogger and designer we didn’t know we needed. The body-positive activist has released a new swimsuit collection with longtime-partner Swimsuits for All which she describes as “Retro Barbie, but make it fat”.
Top sizes range from D/DD-G/H while bottoms run from 1-24. Shop here.
5. Lybethras Swimwear
Brazilian designer Luciana Martinez created Lybethras Swimwear to emphasize “functionality, innovation, and style”. According to Martinez, her goal was to create a swimwear line that caters to all body types to “allow everyone to feel beautiful and confident”. Their collection goes up to XXL.
They also have a custom option for all other body types. Buy here.
6. Rachel Roy
Indian-American fashion tycoon Rachel Roy is famous for her strong and sexy looks. Her swimwear line is no exception. Her sizes range from XS to XL and are famously devoid of any child labor.
Buy here.
7. Nicolita
Nicolita was founded by Latina designer Nicole Di Rocco who wanted to “design swimwear to fit curvy Latina hips”. The line’s aesthetic is inspired by the glamour of 1940s Cuba. The website boasts an in-depth size guide to help people who struggle with finding the perfect bathing suit. Shop sizes S-XL here.
8. B. Yellowtail
The fashion line B. Yellowtail was created by Native American designer Bethany Yellowtail in order to “carve out a space where an authentic voice and an authentic representation of Native America exists and thrives”. The swimwear line is set to launch on June 28th.
Shop the collection here.
9. Ahuixa Swimwear
This swimwear lines is for all the goth Latinas and brujas out there. Founded by LA-based Latina designer Diana Mayoral, Ahuixa was made to be “alternative swimwear for dark hearts “. The line of swimwear was named after AHUIC, the Aztec goddess of running water. Sizes go up to XL.
Shop here.
10. Rue107
Rue107 is a black-owned online shop that caters to women of all sizes.
Check out there incredible swimsuit collection here. Sizes range from S-4X.
11. Agua Clara
Agua Clara is a swimwear line co-founded by Peruvian designer Liliana Villalobos with her brother, Jorge. The line is inspired by nature and the Amazon. Sizes go up to XL.
Shop here.
12. Antigua Collection
According to Venezuelan designer and company founder Silvana Isaacs, Antigua Collection is meant to be a “timelessly chic” line that “perfectly fits the body of every woman, regardless of their age”.
Shop here.
13. Maygel Coronel
Colombian brand Maygel Coronel is a luxury swimwear line that specializes in architectural, structured pieces that look just as good on the runway as they do on the beach.
Buy here.
14. Martha of Miami
Cubana entrepreneur Martha Valdes has long made waves in the fashion industry for her commitment to “staying true to [her] Latin roots”. That commitment is on full display with her adorable collection of one-piece suits that sport lines such as “Mimosas With My Chismosas” and “Latina AF”.
Shop here.
15. MarAcuyá Swimwear
MarAcuyá Swimwear is a bathing suit line that has been designed and handmade in Puerto Rico with their fabric sourced from Colombia.
Shop their collection here.
16. Mauna Loa Beachwear
According to Mauna Loa Beachwear’s founder, Andreina Oliver Godoy, her swimwear line was “inspired by the tropical climate of Venezuela”.
Shop here.
17. Yemaya
Paraguayan-American designer Carla Pallares started Yemaya Swimwear (named after the Yuroba Goddess of water) in order to create swimwear that comfortable and well-fitting as well as being fashion-forward. Sizes go up to XL.
Shop here
Notice any needed corrections? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com