Let's be realistic here: Not many of us are heading on holiday this year. Due to COVID restrictions and UK holidays being eye-wateringly expensive, plenty of us have opted for a staycation. But that shouldn't mean you can't wear a swimsuit. Thanks to an ongoing heatwave, we have quite a lot of warm weather ahead of us, and a new bikini or one-piece might be in order. If you're bored of the usual suspects, then you'll be pleased to know we've discovered some of the cooler new swimsuit brands that we're loving for 2021. Some might have launched a bit ago, but the main thing is that these have all been featured on some of the coolest Instagram stars we follow.
The criteria I stuck to for the below selection was that I liked it and that I hadn't seen many people wearing it before or had never heard of the brand. But rest assured that there's plenty of variety when it comes to the bikinis and one-pieces. I've also ensured that the following looks cater to those more bothered about trends and those who would rather go for something more classic. There's something here for everyone, and these nine new swimsuit brands are all you need, whether you're hanging out in the park, on the beach or just in your back garden.
1. BALOU
Style Notes: I love how Emili Sindlev dresses, mostly because she's never afraid to take a risk. If I were to nail down a description of her style, I'd describe it as bold. Her holiday wardrobe is no different, and here, she's showing off the coolest bikini from Balou.
Best for: vintage-style prints and bold colours.
2. MIRROR PALAIS
Style Notes: Looking for a bright-coloured bikini with a bit of sass? Mirror Palais is where you want to look. Choose a style, as seen on Imani Randolph, from the brand's variety of cup sizes and silhouettes.
Best for: colourful styles with a twist.
3. OOKIOH
Style Notes: There's something about a more pared-back swimsuit that is so appealing. Ookioh does cater to those who like bold colours, but the design overall is one of minimalist chic.
Best for: minimalists who love colour.
4. FOLLOW SUIT
Style Notes: Make like Lucy Williams and snap up a bikini from cool brand Follow Suit. You can choose from a range of prints, but the retro-inspired ones are our favourites.
Best for: vintage-style printed bikinis.
5. HOLYDAY
Style Notes: Frustratingly, Holyday is currently having a refresh of its website, but after trawling through its Instagram account, it's definitely one brand to bookmark. As seen on Grece Ghanem, this brand does minimalism with a twist.
Best for: basic-but-cool separates.
6. NA-KD
Style Notes: If you want affordable and sustainable, look to swimsuits from NA-KD. While this isn't strictly a stand-alone swimsuit brand, it looks so chic on Aïda of Basics Touch that we couldn't not include it.
Best for: classic bikinis.
7. CUPSHE
Style Notes: If you want classic prints and cuts, then look no further than Cupshe.
Best for: Swimsuits that will outlast trends.
8. 437
Style Notes: What do you get when you throw in minimalism with a bit of sass? The brand 437.
Best for: sassy separates in dark colours.
9. RAQ
Style Notes: If you're above a DD cup, then you'll know that string bikinis give you next to no support. Thankfully, Raq caters to fuller busts in great colours.
Best for: fuller busts.
Next up, these are the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.
