Every year, I eagerly await this changing of seasons. Not only do I get to travel somewhere new after being cooped up all winter, but I can finally hit the beach for some much-needed sun. Of course, my favorite part is shopping for the staple swimsuit that will set the tone for my summer style.
Sadly, the start of beach season was not always like this. Building my bikini confidence took a long time. I spent many long hours squeezing myself into frumpy swimsuits that covered my body but never accentuated my curves, and even more hours searching, but never finding the suit that fit just right. What’s even more frustrating is that I felt this way at any size (and trust me, I have been through them all).
I eventually realized that the most important part of choosing a bathing suit was to pick one that I actually liked. Once I found a fit that I was excited to wear, I couldn’t get enough of the beach. With this discovery came an epiphany that my confidence is directly tied to wearing what sparks joy in my heart. As we say at MySwimLook, “It’s only perfect if you make it perfect.” These are wise words to live by.
As a twenty-something curvy babe who has journeyed through the ups and downs of self-discovery, I understand the tumultuous waters of beach season all too well. Let me share with you some recommendations for bikinis that will have you jumping with excitement for your next poolside rendezvous - plus the wisdom I gained from my own experience in building self-confidence.
Read on to find 10 bikinis that will help you become your most confident self in 2024.
Look Fab in Cherry Red
Photo: @katieannemach
Photo: Beach Riot Website
What better way to stave off the winter blues than to put on a dazzling red bikini? In the words of fashion legend Bill Blass, “Red is the ultimate cure for sadness.” I’ll take it a step further and say that red is the ultimate confidence booster, too! The Beach Riot Drea bikini in Red Hot Shine is bright, feminine, and wonderfully sparkly in a way that will have you proudly showing off your style.
The Little Black Bikini
Photo: @danielleburnett__
Photo: Revolve
You’ve heard of the little black dress, but have you considered the it-girl effect of a little black bikini? Everyone needs a go-to swimsuit that is both low maintenance and timeless. The Tularosa Shore bikini is an essential fixture for your summer wardrobe, especially for you ladies who love a classic fit.
Dripping in Gold
Photo: MyTheresa
Photo: MyTheresa
Countless musicians sing of beautiful women walking onto the scene dripping in gold. Who says you can’t be one of them? Embrace your inner goddess with this bikini by Jade Swim. The liquid metal hue pairs perfectly with sunkissed skin, which will make you look decadent in that beachside golden hour light.
Pretty Little Maximalist
Photo: @edenazulay12
Photo: Bananhot Website
This one is for the anklet-wearing, free-loving, maximalist bohemian babes. The Bananhot Stella bikini features a warm paisley print that invokes visions of summers spent in faraway places. The best part of this suit is the gorgeous little seashell chain attached to the top that wraps around the belly. Playful, eye-catching, and effortlessly elegant, you will reach for this bikini whenever you want to feel like you stepped out of a seventies movie.
Tranquil as the Sea
Photo: Fella Swim
Photo: Fella Swim
This bikini by Fella Swim has a vibrant, minimalist design built for maximum comfort. The calming blue Lapis colorway offers a trendy yet simplistic pop of color with a subtle art deco pattern for texture. Plus, it has a medium coverage underwired style top so you can feel supported while you look your best.
Eco-Conscious Florals
Photo: LSPACE
Photo: LSPACE
Comfortable, cute, and eco-friendly- the Bliss and Blossom set by L*Space has it all. Not only is it the perfect pattern for a tropical getaway, but it is mindfully crafted with recycled and regenerated materials. The L*Space Eco Chic line ensures that can look your best, most fabulous self and have the peace of mind that your bikini is gentle on the planet.
Stylish Knits
Photo: @nicolelovar
Photo: Montce Website
The knitted look is all the rage this season, but Montce does it best. This bikini boasts a delicate lavender crochet, creating a textured and comfortable style. The full look is sexy and sweet, but if you want to add a little something extra, Montce offers a matching crochet microskirt for fashion and functional coverage.
Color-Block Couture
Photo: @vitaminaswim
Photo: Revolve
This color-block bikini by Vitamin A is another excellent choice for a daring, sustainable swimsuit. The colors evoke a mod vibe with a contemporary twist. Ribbed fabric is a popular detail for swimwear this season, but the texture makes the color block pattern especially pop. And every piece is one-of-a-kind, so you won't bump into anyone wearing the exact same thing.
This swimsuit design is more than just modern, it is innovative. This design features a style created by Vitamin A. The ‘California Cut’ is a sexy style that shows just enough skin to ignite curiosity, but still leaves some room for imagination.
Modern Asymmetry
Photo: @daniellelucker
Photo: Revolve
The Tularosa Zelena bikini is a vintage-inspired set crafted especially for the minimalist at heart. The asymmetrical, off-shoulder silhouette adds just a touch of visual intrigue while maintaining a classic and refined elegance. The jagged finish at the seams gives a raw edge to an ensemble with an otherwise clean appeal. The result is a sophisticated, sleek style to make you feel effortlessly cool.
Pretty in Pink
Photo: @katieannemach
Photo: Beach Riot
If your idea of confidence involves embodying Elle Woods in all her perfect, bubbly glory, then this Beach Riot bikini in Ultra Pink will (like, totally) rock your world. This bikini is everything you need to show the world that you are proud to come as you are. The cherry on top is the high-waisted fit, giving you a full look that is feminine, fun, and extremely comfortable.
Boost Your Confidence
So You’ve chosen your dream bikini. Now what?
Confidence is not only about appearance; it’s about embracing your individuality and owning your unique beauty.
Here are some tips to help you feel confident in your new bikini;
1 - Embrace your body:
Every body is unique. We all have curves, freckles, and beauty marks in different places- that’s the best part of being human! Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, celebrate what makes you special. Recognize that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Get inspired by how beautiful our natural bodies are. Embracing your body as it is, imperfections and all, is the first step towards confidence in a bikini.
2 - Find the Right Fit:
A bikini that fits in just the right way can make all the difference in how you feel about wearing it. There are bikini styles for every body type and personality. Invest time in finding a bikini that compliments your body shape and makes you feel comfortable. Start small if you need to and experiment with your comfort level with showing skin. It’s okay to go from a cutout one-piece to a high-waist bikini, then to a low-rise, and back again. Just remember not to focus on what everyone else says is the right ‘fit’ for you. The perfect fit is the one that makes you feel fabulous.
3 - Focus on Enjoyment:
Shift your focus from how you look in a bikini to how you feel when you wear one. You’ll be surprised by how much more confident you feel when you are not focusing on your looks at all. Wearing a bikini is all about freedom of expression, and this is why it is so important to choose a style that is all you. Choose a bikini that makes you feel excited to slip into it because it makes you feel just as happy as it makes you look good.
4 - Nobody is Watching:
It’s natural to feel self-conscious about how you look in a swimsuit, but it’s important to remember that most people are too preoccupied with their own lives to pay much attention to yours. Think about it- when did you last spend your relaxing beach day scrutinizing random strangers? Chances are, you were too busy soaking in the sun to give much thought to anyone else. The truth is, the only person whose opinion matters when it comes to your swimsuit is you.
5 - Remember, You are Enough:
Most importantly, you are enough just as you are. There is nobody you need to impress more in the world than yourself.
This is the wisdom that I’ve learned through years of work building confidence:
Stepping out of my comfort zone has been liberating. Trying new styles and experimenting with different colors- it’s all part of building personal style. And you know what? Embracing change has empowered me to feel confident in my skin at any size. It’s amazing what happens when you let go of fear and embrace the unknown.
But perhaps, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that confidence is not about how you look; it’s about how you feel. It’s about enjoying the moment, embracing the experience, and celebrating life in all its glory.
So to all my fellow beach-bound babes out there, remember this: you are enough, just as you are. True confidence comes from within… but an adorable new bikini certainly can’t hurt!
