Being the trend-hungry editors we are, we're always on the hunt for the latest under-the-radar brands that you might not yet know of but definitely should. Considering summer is just around the corner and the temperatures reflect it—yep, swimsuit season is officially here and we're just as excited as you are—we thought we'd narrow our fashion focus on, you guessed it, swimwear.
You're probably familiar with the L.A.-based brands churning out one Instagrammable swimsuit after another, but we thought we'd travel a good 2500 miles across the Pacific to the Big Island (aka Hawaii), where beach weather is, well, a year-round thing. That means Hawaiian locals are true experts in all things swimwear, right? Right, because one- and two-pieces are a major part of their uniform.
That's why we asked a handful of Hawaiian girls about the Hawaiian swimwear brands they shop on repeat. Let's just say they certainly delivered some top-notch labels that you'll wish you knew of sooner (but luckily can put on your must-shop list now). See and shop the eight best Hawaiian swimwear brands, according to the Big Island's most fashionable, ahead.
Emma Wo, Fashion Influencer
Favorite Swimwear Brands: Issa de' Mar & Acacia Swimwear
"I love this brand for its bold prints, fun colors, and best of all, amazing cuts. Whether I'm lounging on the beach or stand-up paddleboarding, I can rely on these swimsuits because they're fashion meets function." — Wo
"When I want to wear a swimsuit that's sophisticated but still fun, I always reach for Acacia. The materials the brand uses are buttery soft, which is always a plus in my book." — Wo
Lindsey Higa, Wardrobe Stylist/Content Creator
Favorite Swimwear Brands: Acacia Swimwear & Gillia Swimwear
"Acacia was one of the first major swim brands to come out of Hawaii, and I've been a huge fan from the beginning. Its seasonal colors are always so beautiful, and it has everything from ready to wear, the perfect surf suits, and my favorite Brazil bottoms." — Higa
"My friends at Gillia started as a clothing company and more recently dove into swimwear. I've been sporting Gillia for many years now, and it is just as beautiful and comfortable as the clothing collection." — Higa
Mahina Garcia, Model
Favorite Swimwear Brands: Benoa & Issa de' Mar
"Benoa is a fun, fresh, young, and sexy brand that makes you feel confident in yourself." — Garcia
"Issa de' Mar is a brand that provides you with amazing prints as well as a wide range of cuts/size (teens, moms, and kids) options that are perfect for surfing/beach days!" — Garcia
Shop More Hawaiian Swimwear Brands
Cambria Bikini
Designer Chelsea Genova set out to create a swimwear line that's affordable but doesn't sacrifice style, quality, or fit.
Lōli'i Swimwear
Lōli'i Swimwear offers handmade suits designed for women of all shapes and sizes. Per the brand's website, "We create swimwear that aims to promote self-love, self-confidence, and female empowerment."
Sweet Paradise Club
Sweet Paradise Club sells feminine yet practical pieces in seamless cuts and ever-changing prints. You'll definitely want to commit this brand to memory.
Pikai Swim
Pikai Swim's suits are handmade and designed with UV-protected antibacterial fabric—an important design element you probably never thought about when swimsuit shopping.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
Up next, I found 2021's biggest swimsuit trends hiding on Amazon.
