Swimwear is one of those categories that refuses to be one size fits all. Bodies, preferences, fabric quirks, support needs. Everyone is working to a different brief. So instead of pretending there is a universal answer, the RUSSH editors are sharing the styles we genuinely reach for, along with a few pieces that have earned a spot on our wishlists. Consider this the real shortlist for summer.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Features and Production Editor
Right now, I’m eyeing off the HUNZA G Mia One-Piece (I love Hunza G and have been waiting for an opportunity to get another). I love the beading detail on this one. I’m really into one-piece swimmers at the moment so I’m also loving Beach Week’s Underwire One Piece in Lagoon.
I’m also obsessed with Peony’s Solstice Crop and Shirred Short, both in Midnight Daisy (although sadly the short is currently sold out – hoping for a restock soon). Equally – I’m loving this Mima Butter Knit Stripe Crop Bikini Set from Triangl.
Jaime Carmody
Brand Marketing Manager
Naturally, I’m counting down the days until Summer. As someone who was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by the ocean, beach days are very important (while remaining safe of course). This season I’ve noticed a lot of brown and red in my swimwear drawer. I find triangle/ tie up sets are best suited for my body and this brown Sylk Swim set is so stunning.
I’m also loving this brown set I stumbled across while browsing on the iconic. This Venroy studded set is so fun and for a good cover up, I always rely on a surf brand I came across, Near the Sea. As a gingham lover this little dress is the perfect piece to wear over a bikini to the beach.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
I have already started buying a bit of swimwear for the summer season. I bought a new green bikini from Fella. I did buy ahead of the sales as I was worried about it selling out. But there are a few other things I have my eye on. This beaded bikini from Bydee, the colour is so gorgeous. This polka dot string bikini from Faithfull, and I also love the matching sarong. The gingham sets at Peony are so pretty, I love this one.
The new blue tones at Form and Fold are so beautiful, I really love the bandeau style but I love the maillot too. I think no one really does a beach cover up like Elce Swim and this sweet, little white dress is too cute.
Elyssa Kostopoulos
Content Director & Watch Editor
The most Australian thing about me is my love for swimwear. It’s a passion I’ve championed proudly since the early days of Tigerlily, when I would beg every birthday and Christmas for a new bikini to wear to Cronulla beach during the summer holidays. Those days have been and gone, but my commitment to the category has never changed.
Swimwear for me should always be fun. Sure, you will have your staple black cossie that becomes your faithful companion, but in every other way I love to buy pieces that put me in a good mood. This red printed bikini top and bottoms with the matching sarong is high on my wishlist for that exact reason. I’ve made it a personal mission of mine to host more pool parties, and the sarong really ties the look together for more ‘event’ moments. I would pair it all with these Flòwze x Collanine Colorate Flò Twin Sandals and these Le Specs sunglasses.
I also love crochet fabrics in swimwear and thanks to the Australian humidity, the fabric is surprisingly fast-drying. For me, Zimmermann always experiment with the material in such cute ways, and this season I am eyeing off this gorgeous floral crochet bikini. Would look so sweet with this Posse white babydoll dress thrown on over the top for a drink after a swim.
And lastly, brand new Fella Swim has dropped and I already have a million things on my wishlist, but my absolute favourite is the brand’s signature Eli top and Digby bottoms in the new vintage stripe.
Magdalene Shapter
Designer & Producer
I’ve always gravitated to the simplicity and practicality of a great one-piece. My well-worn Hunza-G Pamela has been a trusted companion these summer’s past, but has seen better days. I’m eyeing the LIDO Quattordici in Navy and/or the LIDO Sessantadue Gradient for a refreshed go-to swimsuit this year. I’m also in deep contemplation about the bond girl-core Du Ciel Cabris swimsuit. Do I dare?
Although I tend towards a full-piece, I’m going to incorporate a bikini into the rotation this summer. It’s hard to go past a classic MATTEAU Tri Crop, which looks best worn with nothing else but a great hat, like this one from TANORA X Claudia Gomes Brand.
It’s taken me too long to realise that a sarong is the heaviest-lifting part of my summer wardrobe, so I’m (finally) going to invest in a few quality ones. I love this Bondi Born one, this LIDO one for some colour and this Zimmermann crochet pareo is so beautiful.
Sophia Serafin
Implementation Manager
I’m a big advocate for FELLA, particularly the Casanova style if you have a larger bust. I have it in more than four colours, and it’s hard to resist whenever a new one comes out. I recently added the Mikey style to my collection too, and it’s already gotten lots of wear.
I spotted this C Design one-piece at the bassike store recently, and was immediately drawn to the corset detailing and subtle sheen of the fabric. I love that it could double as a bodysuit too.
I always make sure I have my standard swimwear colours covered – black, navy, and brown – but I love bringing a little colour in rotation too. Particularly cobalt this season.
I love this two-piece from Arket, and this one-piece from Simone Pérèle. The supportive shape is a big plus.
Stacey Gaskin
Senior Manager, Affiliate & Commerce
Top of my swimwear wishlist for summer ’26 is the Monday Swimwear Barcelona One Piece. I already own the matching Sarong which I love.
Bydee is always a go-to for me. Similarly to Monday – I love their prints. This Belize Bikini Top and Balboa Bikini Bottom are in my cart. Also thinking of purchasing the Maha Top and Mazara Pants. Very cute to throw-overs.
Lastly, I love the structured cups (and charms) on the ASTIR Sienna Red Balconette Bikini Top from Sommer Swim. Will also pick up the matching HYDRA Sienna Red High Waisted Bikini Bottoms. The colour is amazing and I quite like the whole SOLAIR collection.
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