If you’ve been thinking about giving your swim wardrobe a refresh this summer, consider this your sign. The season of sun, sweat and swim is nearly upon us. With the weather warming up, summer is undoubtedly beckoning. Grab your sunglasses, layer on your heavy-duty sunscreen and don your cutest swimsuit, it’s time to hit the beach.
Don’t just take it from us; Jennie Kim is just as ready to welcome summer with open arms. The Korean pop star and fashion darling recently unveiled her swimwear collaboration with Californian brand Frankies Bikinis. The capsule collection features swimwear and casual cover-ups in a limited colour palette, including the singer’s signature ruby red, a dusty navy blue and even reversible separates.
Even if you aren’t holidaying in Malibu any time soon, it’s impossible to ignore the siren call of sun-soaked days. When it comes to the matter of swimwear though, the conversation becomes a little more complicated. After all, not all swimsuits are created equal. This rings even more true, when you consider how Asian bodies may look different when compared to our Western counterparts.
To be sure, all bodies are bikini bodies. But it does go without saying that our Asian proportions—broadly speaking—are not built with the same proportions, especially when we’re looking at swimwear. With less fabric and coverage, the fit of a swimsuit becomes all the more important.
That’s where Asian swimwear brands shine. From right here in Singapore to the Philippines and even Taiwan, there is no shortage of regional brands that understand the intricacies of swimwear built for the Asian frame. Beyond the technical know-how, the designers behind these brands also innately understand the cultural nuances that come with dressing the Asian body.
Take, for instance, Align Swim, the Singaporean brand that has released an extensive of different bikinis bottoms. This variety of style takes into consideration the varied comfort level of Asian women as they dress for pool days. Flaunt your figure with cheeky cuts or cover up for family-friendly vacations—Align has options for everyone.
The brand isn’t the only one who’s changing the swimwear landscape. Whether you’re looking for that picture-perfect bikini that’ll slide right into your curated Instagram photo dump, or on the hunt for a swimsuit that can accompany you on your next surf trip, these Asian swimsuit brands will have you switching out your beachside rotation this summer.
1 / 5
Akoia Swim
Based in Bali, Akoia Swim was founded in 2014 by three young women—Reo Palmer, Inka Williams and Frances Elliott—who set out to do something different in the world of swimwear. With a focus on sustainable design, Akoia uses organic materials and natural dyes in all its products. On the manufacturing front, the brand looks towards skilled Balinese tailors and seamstresses to create their pieces in small batches. Now helmed by Palmer and Williams, Akoia’s designs are infused with a natural sense of ease, drawing inspiration from sunny travel destinations from around the globe.
Shop Akoia Swim here.
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Blackbough Swim
Jemina Ty started Blackbough Swim as a one-woman team, doing everything from scratch herself since 2017. Now, the brand based in the Philippines has grown in both strength and its visual language. Best known for its vibrant, tropical prints, Blackbough’s bikinis are triple-lined and made for every beachside activity—whether you’re happy just lounging in the sand, or headed for a dip in the water. The brand, which is headquartered in Manila, has been worn and loved by rising It girls, including Steph Hui.
Shop Blackbough Swim here.
3 / 5
Hái
Inspired by the beauty of the ocean, Hái is a swimwear label that originates from Taiwan. With both one-pieces and bikinis across a broad range of sizes, the brand prides itself on its size-inclusivity and special fabrics, which boast anti-bacterial and stretch-tested properties. Perfect for tropical climates like Southeast Asia, Hái’s swimsuits are also quick-drying, allowing you to move seamlessly from the beach to brunch.
Shop Hái here.
4 / 5
Align Swim
Founded by Vera Ong, Align Swim is a Singapore-based label that celebrates diversity. Designed for every body, the brand has released a wide array of swim bottoms, to cater to different preferences in style and cut. Beyond aesthetics, Align’s swimwear pieces are also created with earth-friendly fabrics, such as Econyl and Repreve. These fabrics, created with recycled or waste material, have been proven to be more chlorine resistant—compared to traditional swimsuit fabrics—so your swimwear will last you well beyond a single summer break.
Shop Align Swim here.
5 / 5
Senti Sports
Senti Sports is a swim brand based in South Korea, founded by designer Yoo Juncheol. Built for high-impact swims, the brand creates functional swimwear with designs that both vivid and timeless. Colour blocking is part and parcel of the brand, with its recent womenswear lines featuring funky colour combinations and eye-catching prints. Looking towards function, the brand also prioritises hydrodynamic silhouettes that are built for the surfer girls.
Shop Senti Sports here.
