As an East Coaster, I’ve taken my bikini minimalism to an extreme: I own exactly two. One black, one red. That’s it.
Recently, I was talking to two people from Florida about what it was like growing up being able to go to the beach year-round. Naturally, I asked, “So, how many swimsuits do you own?” Both of them looked at me like I’d just asked the weirdest question imaginable. “Too many to count,” one said. “Drawers and drawers full,” the other added. I laughed and said—completely seriously—”I literally own two bikinis.” They were floored.
The thing is, I can’t really blame my swimsuit deficit on being from New England. People from there still spend their summers “down the Cape,” or in Martha’s Vineyard, or in Maine. And even now, living in New York, I start every summer with the same ambitious plan of going to the beach every weekend—and then quickly fall off after schlepping to Jacob Riis twice.
But this year, for the first (very belated) time in my life, I’ve decided to stop romanticizing the idea of a swimwear collection—and actually start building one.
Here’s everything that’s in my cart so far, and what else I came across during my research.
In My Cart:

Baserange
Ponte Swim Body
I’m usually very much not a one piece wearer, but this one from Baserange is so unique and caught my eye. I recently tried it on and I’m obsessed.

Paolina Russo
Halter Tankini Top
This Paolina Russo swimsuit feels like a fun one to have in the mix.

Miaou
Black Nicola Bikini Bottom
I into finding pieces that, even though may be more minimal, still have an interesting detail.

With Jéan
Juni Bikini Bottom
I’ll always love polka dots—trending or not.

With Jéan
Blake Swim Shorts
I saw someone wearing these on TikTok and immediately knew I wanted them.
Shop More Swimwear:

PUCCI
Iride-Print Bikini Top
If I could convince myself to spend $375 on a bikini, it’d be one from Pucci.

Fruity Booty
Marina Bikini Top

Fruity Booty
Marina Knickerbockers

The Swedish brand CLDP has perfected the art of luxury essentials.

Los Angeles Apparel
Crinkle Squareneck Bikini Top
Seersucker from Los Angeles Apparel.

Los Angeles Apparel
Crinkle Hot Shorts
With a coordinating hot short.

Rivage Swimwear
Dakota Maritime
As someone who lives in skirts and dresses, I was excited to come across a concept that’s new to me: a swim dress.

MANGO
Bikini Bottoms With Buckle Detail
An example of how a small design choice like this little buckle can make such a difference.

With Jéan
Jeanie Bikini Top
I like the shape of this top.

With Jéan
Jeanie Bikini Bottom

H&M
Cheeky Bikini Bottoms
H&M has the most affordable swimwear.








































