Aussies practically wrote the book on beach and poolside style, so it's no surprise that our homegrown brands set the standard. At Urban List, we're spotlighting our favourite local swimwear designers because, let’s be honest, when the temperature rises, our swimwear wardrobes are the first thing to get an upgrade.
Whether you’re into labels like Matteau, Peony and Zimmermann or are looking to discover new indie brands, keep your swim wardrobe refreshingly local this season with our comprehensive list.
The Best Australian Swimwear Labels To Shop In 2024
- Best Overall, Matteau
- Best Value, Cotton On
- Best Support, Form And Fold
- Best Sustainable, Peony
- Best Mix-And-Match, FELLA
- Best Prints, Faithful The Brand
Matteau
For a classically refined and minimal aesthetic, Matteau is the perfect option if you’re looking to add to the foundational pieces of your swimwear wardrobe. Alongside their signature earthy tones, this season they've intro'd a sweet bubblegum pink.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $145
- Size Range: 1-5
Form And Fold
A creative collaboration between two designers (and friends), Form and Fold has been designed exclusively with D+ women in mind. This brand delivers fashionable, flattering, and functional swimwear minus any of the ill-fitting or unsupportive details you may have dealt with in the past.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $105
- Size Range: 8-20, cup sizes D-G
Peony
Peony is our go-to brand for pretty florals, feminine prints, and stylish retro silhouettes. Their entirely recycled and sustainable fabrics will also give you a little something extra to feel good about with every wear. Go for something classic like this seashell white "Holiday" balconette top or this Riviera-ready striped triangle.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $90
- Size Range: XS-XL
Sir
We love Sir's stunning, ethereal dresses and skirts for feeling like you're forever on holiday. The Australian brand's swimwear is equally as dreamy. Expect a mix of classic colours and 70s-inspired florals, across a broad range of elegant fashion-forward silhouettes. These are the perfect pool-side pieces.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $90
- Size Range: 6-14
Faithful The Brand
Inspired by summer and the spirit of travel, Faithful's feminine asethetic has been winning hearts since the label launched back in 2014. Get in a holiday frame of mind with vintage floral prints in soft salt haze hues and classic cuts.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $100
- Size Range: XS-XXL
Cotton On
From bikinis to retro-inspired one-pieces, Cotton On’s in-house line is the perfect way to update your swimwear wardrobe without splashing stacks of cash. With a mix of trend-led cuts and pared-back basics, you’ll be able to find something you love, no matter your budget.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $10
- Size Range: 3XS-5XL
Zimmermann
We can hardly talk about Australian swimwear without mentioning Zimmermann. Now one of the most coveted Australian fashion brands the world over, Zimmermann swimwear still stands out as some of the most stylish. From sleek one-pieces with fine chain details to floral bikinis in custom prints, you will stand out from the crowd in Zimmermann.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $90
- Size Range: 0-3
Ephemera
If you’ve previously spotted a gingham two-piece on your feed, this is the brand that put that style on the (fashion) map. With its cult following and European aesthetic, Ephemera is a summer staple in many a fashion girl's closet. For a cute swim look that never goes out of style, we love the gingham suits in candy pinks, butter yellows, and sky blues.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $100
- Size Range: XS-XL
Bondi Born
With a focus on elegant and sophisticated cuts, Bondi Born was designed for both form and function—and their one-pieces are some of the most stunning around. Think pared-back and sleek silhouettes, cut and crafted from superior performance materials that feel just as good as they look. If you like to look and feel like a million dollars when you hit the sand, Bondi Born is for you.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $150
- Size Range: XS-XL
Sauce Swim
Handmade in Sydney, Sauce Swim's costumes are made from regenerated nylon from post-consumer materials that would otherwise end up in the ocean or landfills. The brand regularly collaborates with local artists to create its signature prints—the style above is titled "Selective Energy" by Sydney-based painter James Ettelson.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $98
- Size Range: S-XL
FELLA
With a focus on uncompromising quality, timeless beauty, and sustainable manufacturing, FELLA creates practical and flattering swimwear for every woman. One of the fun things about FELLA is the endless cuts and colours to mix and match. We reckon this line is the perfect choice for those who like to customise their perfect set.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $95
- Size Range: XS-XL
Zulu & Zephyr
Australian label Zulu & Zephyr has sustainable style front of mind with each of their swim collections, using planet-friendly practices and materials as much as possible. If shocking neons tend to stress you out, Zulu & Zephyr's muted hues and flattering cuts will make swimming a more relaxed style moment.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $80
- Size Range: 6-16
Bond-Eye
Worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, and Kaia Gerber, Bond-Eye is the Aussie swim label on the up and up. Designed and handmade in Aus, each of the pieces is fashioned in original unsized tubular fabric made famous in the 80s.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $90
- Size Range: XS-L
Sommer Swim
Crafted from the highest quality Italian Lycra—if you’re looking for timeless yet sexy, barely-there sets, this brand should be on your radar. Kendal Jenner is a big fan and a repeat wearer of the brand. Perfect for channeling a Lake Como escape.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $79
- Size Range: XS-L
Christopher Esber
Known (and loved) for his sexy cutouts, Australian designer Christopher Esber launched swimwear in 2021. Constructed with his signature cutouts, ties, and form-flattering shapes—this is a totally elevated line for anyone keen to take their swimwear to the next level this summer.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $150
- Size Range: 4-14
Palm Swimwear
Designed and made to order in Western Australia, Palm Swimwear is all about timeless style and design. Ethically made from recycled Italian ECONYL fibres, these swimsuits are created to be worn and enjoyed season after season.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $95
- Size Range: XS-XL
Bamba
Famously cheeky, 80s-inspired label Bamba Swim (pronounced Bum-ba) was created to celebrate the female form. With its high-rise silhouettes, fun cuts, and bold colours, Bamba hits the 90s supermodel vibe bang on. The new season features cute candy stripes and Hawaiian florals to whisk you away to paradise.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $69
- Size Range: XS-XL
Bay of Fire Swim
Designed for outdoor, ocean adventure by a French designer, this Aussie brand is designed with femininity and support in mind to encourage women to be daring. The thing we love about Bay of Fire Swim is that they make practicality fashionable with sleek yet simple designs that are all crafted with eco-conscious fabrics.
NEED TO KNOW
- Price: From $75
- Size Range: S-XL
Image credit: Faithful The Brand | Instagram
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