Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit where each week we curate the best picks from the topic we spoke about on the podcast. Listen to the full episode here.
Summer means many things. BBQs. Ice blocks. Mosquitos.
But arguably more fraught than insect itchy bites is the eternal search for comfy, flattering swimwear. It feels like finding the Goldilocks of the perfect one-piece or bikini is almost impossible.
On this week's episode of Nothing To Wear I interviewed designer Nicole Banning. She's the founder of Australian swimwear label Empemera Resort. We chatted about changing cuts and trends, the styles that continue to sell season after season, and why sometimes a small piece of fabric is so damn expensive.
Watch what happened when Mamamia held a clothes swap. Post continues below.
Aside from her beautiful brand — of which I am very much a fan — I've pulled together a list of excellent Australian swimwear labels you may not have heard of.
Perhaps your Goldilocks is hiding on one of their websites.
The best Australian swimwear brands to shop.
Une Piece.
Image: Une Piece.
With responsible UV exposure at the heart of the brand's DNA, Une Piece has managed to fuse sun safety with sensual femininity.
Artesands.
Image: Artesands.
Curves are embraced with Atesands' various styles, cuts and patterns. Sizes range from 10 to 28, with an impressive amount of variety. My pick is the Mellifluous Renoir High Waist Bikini.
Andie Swim.
Image: Andie Swim
Well made, well cut, comfy and cute — all the elements Andie Swim aims to nail when designing. And they tick every box.
Form And Fold.
Image: Form and Fold.
Big boobs? Buy Firm and Fold, trust me. Serious support while still looking sleek and stylish.
The Acqua Brand.
Image: The Acqua Brand.
Another fantastic Aussie brand all about having fun safely when swimming and at the beach, their range of rashguards come in various fits and sleeve lengths.
Raq Apparel.
Image: RAQ Apparel
Bikinis engineered specially for D to J cups, Raq Apparel caterers for an impressive 66 bra sizes.
Bondi Born.
BONDI BORN
Bondi Born nails the contemporary Australian summer lifestyle with an impressive commitment to sustainability.
Verde Swim.
Verde Swim
Hailing from Melbourne, Verdé was born over a couple of glasses of cheeky rosé in a backyard…could that be any more Aussie?!
Fella Swim.
Fella Swim
Fit and fabric are the two principles that guide the Fella Swim team in all their designs. Expect quality that will endure, year after year.
Baiia.
Image: BAIIA.
Looking for swimmers with a twist? Baiia offers fresh takes on traditional one-piece and bikini styles, using soft and durable recycled polyester constructed in Italy.
Peony Swim.
Image: Peony Swim.
Named after the flower that signals the arrival of summer, Peony prides itself on custom textured prints that are unique to their brand.
You Swim.
Image: You Swim.
'To design swimwear for the body you're in'. That's the brand's mission statement and the designs and models used show they're truly living by that goal.
Feature image: Supplied/Baiia/Artesands.
