The Minority-Owned Swimwear Brands You Should Know
With the summer season creeping up on us, it's finally that time to start stocking up on swimsuits. But for many people, swimwear shopping can be pretty daunting with so many uncomfortable and unflattering swimsuits out there.
If you're struggling to find a cute swimsuit, we've found seven swimwear companies owned by minorities with the consumer in mind. Like you, these business owners had trouble finding items or brands they felt good in or represented by.
Don't feel intimidated by your swimsuit this year—shop these brands to feel empowered all through the summer.
Blackbough Swim
Filipina entrepreneur Jemina Ty built Blackbough Swim from the ground up in her bedroom after failing to find bikinis that were youthful, comfortable and affordable. Blackbough has grown into one of the best-selling swimwear brands, with co-signs from Kendall Jenner and Camila Cabello.
We can confidently attest that Blackbough bikinis are some of the most comfortable and functional swimsuits we've ever worn. There are a limitless number of cute patterns and silhouettes to be appreciated by all types of bikini-wearers.
Reign Studio
Black-owned swim and loungewear brand Reign Studio was founded by Kuku Nukajam after she was unable to purchase a swimsuit that was both beautiful, size-inclusive and comfortable in time for her honeymoon in Thailand. Now, Reign Studio prides itself as one of the only companies specializing in affordable, fashion-forward swimsuits made for women with larger busts.
Also read about: The Top 6 Swimsuit Trends for 2023
OOKIOH
OOKIOH is an Indian-owned, size-inclusive swimwear company influenced by the Japanese word "ukiyo," a pleasure-seeking lifestyle that focuses on traveling, female beauty and seizing the moment. This brand has glamorous, vintage-inspired pieces that are both sustainable and affordable.
5B Swim
5B Swim founders Ashley Yoo and Lauryn Huston created their brand after meeting at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Every item is made with extra love, handmade by the pair with no material going to waste. They repurpose all scraps and leftover fabric to promote environmentally friendly manufacturing.
Riot Swim
Monti Landers founded Riot Swim in 2016, providing products that are flattering and high-quality. The Black-owned brand strives to remove fear from wearing bikinis and prioritizes using comfortable fabrics to make you feel your most confident while wearing a swimsuit.
Also read about: Diana B. Tells Us All About Her Swimwear Line Swim by Di
Bahama Mama
Latina designers Nicole Acosta and Rocio Borré founded Bahama Mama in homage to their roots in the Colombian Caribbean coast. Bahama Mama promotes sustainability through the use of 100% recycled polyester from post-consumer materials, and their beachwear is made from recycled PET. The brand sells both vibrant and neutral products and everything ranging from bikinis to clothing sets.
Humankind
Humankind swimwear is a queer woman-owned, Los Angeles-based swimwear brand founded by Haily Marzullo. Each swimsuit is uniquely created with a chlorine-tested sportswear fabric and designed to be gender-inclusive. These pieces are a great alternative for folks who aren't comfortable with the typical bikini or going topless with swim trunks, and their comfortable fit is suitable for lounging in the pool or a lively game of beach volleyball.
If you want to support more minority-owned brands, click HERE to find Asian-American-founded fashion brands to fall in love with this AAPI Month and beyond.