fashion

FOUND: 10 flattering but cool cossies for people who aren't influencers.

 

Let’s have a chat about swimwear.

Summer is coming, which means you might like to enjoy some sunshine near a body of water (pool, lake, ocean etc.) in a pair of swimmers. Or a cossie. Or bathers. Or togs (???).

Whatever you call them, shopping for swimwear has an unparalleled knack for bringing out a woman’s body insecurities. Bad lighting and humid change rooms are a part of the problem, but it also doesn’t help everyone on Instagram seems to be wearing swimmers akin to a piece of dental floss.

 

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While there’s nothing wrong with influencers like Tammy Hembrow wearing very brief bathers, there’s also nothing wrong with… not wanting to. Not all of us are influencers or have influencer-esque bodies (i.e. tanned, toned, well-lit and contoured). And that’s OK.

It’s for this reason I’ve rounded up 10 brands and retailers that do great swimmers for all bodies at all price points. Happy shopping!

Before we get into it, here’s an easy step-by-step for how to get a beach body (hint: you already have one). Post continues after video.

Video by MMC

1. Cotton On Body and Cotton On Curve.

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Cotton On has been doing flattering, affordable swimmers in sizes 6-18 for years, but this summer will be the first time customers above a size 18 will be able to shop.

The new Cotton On Curve swimwear range includes one pieces, separates and boardies in sizes 16-24 to suit different body shapes that come with handy design features like removable bust cups and bottoms that sit slightly higher on the thigh. The prints are cute and the prices are also pretty lovely - separates from $19.99 and one piece styles from $29.99.

Cotton On Body also has new styles and prints, including a black and white ribbed tankini ($19.99), high-waisted, full coverage bottoms ($19.99) and a straight neck, gathered one piece with adjustable straps ($29.99).

2. RAQ Swimwear.

 

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Mixing and matching these babies ????????

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As the name suggests, RAQ Swimwear is for women who have big racks. Their bikini tops are designed 'by busty women, for busty women' and come in on-trend styles and prints like neons, animal print and monochrome. All styles also have underwire and boning for full bust support.

Although the bottoms are currently only stocked in sizes 8-14, the tops go from a 6DD to a 14FF. Their multi-way bikini tops are especially cool because you can wear them as a halter top or over-the-shoulder. Prices for bottoms start at $49 and $89 for tops.

3. City Chic.

 

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I saved this beetle, also look how cute this bather is! Off to explore Kuranda today; Cairns is soo bloody HOT.

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City Chic are known for their plus size clothing, but their swimmers are incredible.

Stocked in sizes 14-22, their swimwear range features great, supportive bikini tops and high coverage bottoms, as well as some of the best one pieces I've seen. There is nothing daggy about these bathers. Rather, you'll find chic, luxe looking patterns and fabrics.

4. YOUswim.

 

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YOUswim is one of those brands that popped up in my Instagram feed while scrolling late at night. I pretty quickly dismissed it when I read 'one size fits all' because, no. But on closer inspection, the reviews for this sustainable, inclusive swimwear brand are goooood.

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The brand makes six styles of bathers in basic cuts and colours made from ethically woven, dyed, cut and sewn nylon and elastane. They all sell for $179 and, according to the brand, fit sizes 6-18. These would be especially great for women who will be pregnant over the summer months.

5. Swimwear Galore.

 

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Swimwear Galore is an Aussie swimwear retailer that specialises in providing cossies for all shapes and sizes from a range of brands at different price points. They've got every style of swimmers under the sun, from A-H cup tops and tummy control bottoms, to high-coverage one pieces and sexy rash tops.

Some of the brands they stock include: Seafolly, Baku, Sunseeker, Jets, Monte and Lou, Speedo and heaps more. They also do free shipping Australia-wide for orders over $100 and have a 60-day return policy.

6. Saint Somebody.

 

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Take me back to paradise @the_moso_life Vanuatu ????????✌????

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Saint Somebody are a luxury Australian swimwear brand that stocks great swimmers in sizes 12-20. The products are pricey (bottoms from $95 and $220 for a one piece), but you're paying for the quality and design.

I'd describe these swimmers as the kind you'd wear on your yacht in St Tropez. Think: sophisticated one shoulder and thick strap necklines in black, navy, khaki, teal and animal print.

7. UNE PIECE.

 

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UNE PIECE, an Aussie Lady Startup, created the original 'sexy rashie' in 2016 and their chic long-sleeve, zip neckline one pieces are some of the best.

You'll pay $199 for their Original Sexy Rashie, but it's worth the money. The style comes in sizes 6-20 and is made from high crafted Italian lycra fabric with a UPF50+ rating (it blocks 98 per cent of UV rays). This style comes in a bunch of colours and is the perfect swimsuit for shade seekers who want to feel like a sun-safe Bond girl.

8. Seafolly.

 

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When you feel good in your swimwear it really shows❣️ #ownyourfolly

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Seafolly is an Aussie swim staple that conjure images of Bondi Beach and Elle McPherson. This summer, they're doing swimmers with a nod to the 80s and 90s in bright colours and patterns, and quirky silhouettes.

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The brand has a new F cup range too and I'm eyeing off the On Vacation F Cup Tank Bikini Top in Indigo ($199.95). Oh, I'm also losing myself in this The Spirit Animal Tube One Piece ($149.95). A few notes: Seafolly is typically on the pricier side and most items come in sizes 8-16.

9. The ICONIC.

 

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Most of us have a tab with The ICONIC open at any given time, but the Aussie online retailer stocks a brilliant range of swimmers for all sizes and budgets. The brand prides itself on championing all women - their annual The ICONIC swim show always makes headlines for having a diverse runway.

You'll find SO MANY BRANDS here - some great ones at the moment include Endless, BOUND by Bond-Eye Australia, Artesands, BONDS and D+K.

10. ASOS.

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Good ole ASOS delivers the goods on swimwear, purely because of the sheer volume of brands, styles and sizes available.

Right now, there are some really funky designs from Wolf & Whistle, Wolf & Whistle Curve and ASOS DESIGN in their petites, curve, standard sizing and maternity ranges starting from $28.

Plus, ASOS do the best unedited product shots in the biz.

Do you have a great swimwear brand recommendation? Tell us about it in the comments!