Ah the humble bikini- if Bali had a uniform, this would be it! Swim in it, surf in it, sunbathe in it… even pop to the supermarket in it! A bikini in Bali is as essential as an umbrella is in the UK. So if you are spending a lot of time in one, you’re going to need several. But where is the best place to shop for one?
We round up the best online options – from eco-friendly swimwear and bodysuit capsule – all influenced or designed in Bali that will suit whatever your swimwear requirements… better get that suitcase packed!
Wanderlust Swimwear- For minimal, yet stylish
For those who favour simple silhouettes and feminine shapes head to Wanderlust. Inspired by Bali’s beautiful ocean shores and white sands these bikini pieces are all about minimal, functional elevated basics that are just so super flattering. We love the bodysuit capsule collection which flatters, lifts and supports the female body in an oh-so-chic way. Mix and max your monochrome separates for maximum impact.
Mermaids Swimwear Boutique- For luxe glam
For those who favour a luxe, glam approach to swimwear, Mermaids could be the brand for you. Made to order and designed by stylist and fashion influencer Daisy Lethbridge, these pieces are created for the fashionable who love luxury travel. Functional wherever your travels take you- be it a yacht in St.Tropez, a pool party in Las Vegas or of course sunbathing in Bali, these designs are created to be noticed. We suggest opting for the jewel-encrusted two-piece or a bespoke made-to-order swimsuit for the ultimate Mermaid girl vibes. Expect to see Insta influencers everywhere rocking these designs!
Indigo Luna- For eco-friendly, ethical pieces
First imagined in Australia and inspired by Scandi simplicity, Indigo Luna has been brought dramatically to life in Bali resulting in beautiful, simple, earthy garments made from plant dyes and recycled or organic materials. Each collection is created sustainably, so only a limited number are created at one time to reduce waste. Everything is handcrafted- cut, sewn and dyed by skilled craftsman, and all the people involved in the production work in comfortable, safe conditions. Our fav is the Anaïs Bikini Waterfall top/bottom set from the Eco Swim 19/20- so perfect!
Thaikila swimwear- best for handmade, sustainability
Another eco-friendly swimwear brand, Thaikila uses recycled plastic bottles as the fabric for its swimwear. Designed to provide just the right amount of stretch to both support and flatter your body, these pieces are almost like a second skin that dries quickly and doesn’t retain sand or water- perfect for that spontaneous waterfall dip! We love how long-lasting these designs are and that even the hang tags are made of recycled paper. This makes Thaikila one of the most fashionable, yet sustainable swimwear brands we’ve come across.
Gooseberry Intimates- For the perfect beach to bar pieces
We love Gooseberry Intimates perfectly crafted swimwear! Their ‘seaside collection’ features flattering cuts and consists of head-turning one-piece swimsuit’s and resort bikini two pieces that are just perfect for the Bali sunsets. Gooseberry is originally a French lingerie label which has heavily influenced its swimwear designs giving them a sophisticated edge. Available in a wide range of colours from smoky grey to ‘so chic’ sage.
Mila the Label- For boho sun vibes
Mila the Label is the perfect label for those embracing Bali’s spiritual, hippy side. Think boho ruffles, floaty materials and a serious side of crochet! For the care-free free-spirited Bali girl, pick from bikini sets featuring fun floral and kimono-inspired cover-ups or leopard print, bold colours for the ultimate ‘be seen’ look. Did we mention the crochet bikinis? These are our absolute fav!
Niconico Mare- For a splash of fun
Working as an assistant designer for Victoria Secret before starting his line, Nico Genze swimwear is all about fun, playful swimwear which is big on both colour and impact. Living most of his life in Indonesia, Genze has been inspired by the beauty of Bali in his designs and has supplied the pieces for the Miss Indonesia World Beauty Pageant since 2010. Our top picks include the swimsuit in Vera Pink Panorama Print (which reminds us of the Bali sunsets) and the super simple, but majorly impactful Chelsea Bikini Set.
OY Surf Apparel- For surfer girls
Chances are if you come to Bali you will be swept up in the surf culture- whether a seasoned pro or new to the spot there is an ideal wave for everyone! So when hitting the beaches from Uluwatu to Canggu, make sure you head to OY Surf Apparel for all your swimwear needs. OY is designed and produced in Bali by two surf crazy girls who know what works. So think sustainable (they use recycled yarn) ocean-friendly surf bikinis that stay on- whatever the surf! Mix and match funky colors and prints to find your own surf style and choose between full coverage, bandeau and triangle style bikini tops.
Cantik- For Social conscious Bikinis
Cantik means ‘beautiful’ in Indonesia and their bikinis are certainly that! Their swimwear is influenced by classic vintage styles mixed with contemporary fashion and they are great at highlighting the female silhouette. We love the top quality fabric, detailing and unique in-house designed prints that go into this label. The best part? Cantik Swimwear believes in acting mindfully- both in the material used (100% regenerable & recycled nylon yarn made from fishing nets and plastic bottles) and by donating $1.00 from every sale to a choice of three charities. So as well as choosing between the beautiful Phoneix, Florida and Miami bikini top and bottom sets, you can also choose to donate your dollar to either the Australian landscape, trafficking prevention or in support Syrian refugees.
Milk the Goat- For Cali soul shine on a Bali beach
Head designer Nicole Kunz describes her label as a ‘California Pinup Hippie label created for those who love travel, surf, laughing, and life.’ This Cali soul vibe is most definitely present in the Milk the Goat swimwear collection with lace, tanks and throw-on pieces featuring heavily. FYI- Vanessa Hudgens and Kylie Jenner both rocked the Newport Lace set at Coachella…. Well if it’s good enough for those boho babes! Yet Milk the Goat caters for all body types- Designed by proud curvy girls who found it difficult to find bikini designs to flatter their figures, this swimwear line makes girls with boobs or hips look the good kind of curvy, whilst still allowing ‘tall and small’ sizing options for everyone else. Fantastic!
Andi Bagus- For keeping it local but still having the choice
Andi Bagus is like a dose of Bali in swimwear form! Just like the island itself, you can expect an eclectic mix of treasures made by talented locals whose spirit’s have influenced these bikini designs. The local artisans use only the best quality fabrics to create the pieces, which makes each bikini like a work of art. We particularly love the vast range of bikini’s on offer here- so whether you are after a knitted piece strictly for sunbathing or a high waisted piece after one too many Bintangs, Andi Bagus has you covered! They even have ‘baby’ set so your mini-me can be matching perfectly! We recommend trying the ‘Bardot’ set (named after the famous beach blonde Bridget Bardot) in either towelling or stripe, as well as the oh so island perfect tasselled ‘Lola’ Bikini.
Where is your favourite place to shop for a bikini for Bali? Let us know in the comments below!