With summer on the way and the spring semester coming to a close, bikini season is on students’ minds. A wonderful time of year when college students internally scream at the thought of being half-naked in front of their peers, friends and families.
With this, we’d like to share a few swimwear brands that cater to every body type, so everyone can all feel beautiful and confident.
After asking a few students around campus about their favorite places to shop for bikinis, many recommended Aerie.
Aerie is one of the more popular swimsuit brands for our generation because it is affordable, especially since they almost always seem to have a sale going on. Their products are sustainable and unique, using fun patterns, atypical colors and staple solids.
Lauren Kirsh, a freshman and future animal science student here at the University of Maryland, explained, “I’ve worn Aerie bikinis time and time again, and they haven’t worn down or gotten gross as other brands do. I like that you can buy different sizes for the top and bottoms because I have a bigger bust and smaller hips, so I need two different sizes.”
When scrolling through the website it is clear that Aerie is an all-inclusive brand, with models of all different sizes. Their sizes range from XXS-XXL, and prices are generally $37 for either a top or bottom.
A second brand that was suggested is Kulani Kinis. This shop has many trendy suits with insanely distinctive patterns that you can’t get anywhere else, like intricate florals and brightly colored tie-dyes. They are slightly more expensive than Aerie, usually $54 for tops and $52 for bottoms, but the quality of the bikinis accounts for the higher price tag.
Kulani Kinis also has a wide selection of styles and sizes going up to a 3XL. There's not much variety when it comes to model sizes, but there is some diverse representation when it comes to ethnicity and model sizes.
I was able to get in touch with one of Kulani’s “Sun Chasers”, or brand ambassadors, Rachel Vogell. Rachel shared, “The bralette bikini top is probably my favorite since it’s perfect for tanning.
I love that it's a stringy bikini that actually has support. I struggle with finding clothes that work with my curves and bust, but I really do like the way I look and feel in Kulani, plus the patterns are so cute. The quality is probably the best out of all the swimwear I own- which says a lot coming from a South Florida native.” The third shop is Summersalt, one of the less popular swim sites we’ve come across. These bikinis are absolutely adorable and safe for family functions, especially for students with parents who prefer more full coverage sets.
The price range is similar to Kulani Kinis, $45 to $60 per piece. The products on Summersalt are very diverse, with two-toned sets, floral patterns, one-shoulder looks and ruffled straps. You can’t go wrong.
The sizes have a wide range, going from sizes 2 to 22. This is a bikini site for everyone and includes styles that fit every body type. The Summersalt website says “Flattering Bikinis for Every Body”, making women of all shapes and sizes feel welcome and confident in their own skin.
The final place to buy bikinis is a classic: Target. Target seems to be everyone’s go-to spot for cheap and in-style bikinis. Their selection is extensive and fit for all body types, using three main brands.
The first is Kona Sol, with top sizes going from XS-XL and D/DD, and their bottoms ranging from XS-3X. These suits are perfect for everyone and are usually full coverage.
Next, is Shade and Shore, which is definitely the best option for girls with larger busts. The tops are sized like bras, with a myriad of options to try out. Shade and Shore’s most popular bottoms are ruffled, which is a fun and different option to play with.
The last brand is Target’s own Xhilaration. This is a good choice for adults that are set smaller than others since it is technically a juniors’ brand. The sizes range from XS-XL, and the size chart has a conversion for women’s sizes. A freshman biology student here at the University of Maryland, Abigail Vogelsong, said, “I get most if not all of my bikinis at Target because I find them to be good quality and not too expensive. My body type is more of a square if I'm being honest, so I look for bikini bottoms that aren’t high-waisted but high leg because they give me the illusion of having a figure. I also need a top with padding and adjustable straps because my chest is on the smaller side.” Target provides bikinis for everyone and ensures they're affordable and comfortable for all.
These four brands are perfect for your bikini shopping needs this summer. Get out there and wear what makes you feel confident in your own skin. This bikini season should be filled with beauty and body positivity!