Where to Shop for Androgynous, Body-Positive Swimwear
I swear, if it weren’t for queer people, clothing wouldn’t have evolved past smocks. Mainstream designers seem to have no creative ideas about how to compliment bodies with fabric. All mainstream swimwear designs look the same to me. They are designed for one type of look and body and don’t take 90% of the population into consideration.
Thanks to the following queer designers, there are so many ways to look great at the beach for those who don’t ascribe a binary.
Designer Becca McCharen-Tran started Chromat in 2010 to celebrate all body types. They have many beautiful designs, including swim bottoms for those who don’t tuck, like this Tourmaline Tennis Skirt.
FLAVNT Streetwear is an Austin-based independent clothing brand for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Their nude-toned binders can double as a swim top.
Yerwon
Yerwon is a queer-owned, London-based Etsy shop with colorful leotards, shorts, swim caps, and more.
Inclusive and disability-centered brand Rebirth Garments is a favorite at Qwear Fashion. Many of their swimwear tops double as chest binders, and they also have swim skirts, shorts, dresses, singlets, and tank tops.
LA-based, queer-owned DYINSF creates swimwear and activewear. Below. is the ACAB rash guard if you prefer a little more coverage.
Beefcake Swimwear is one-piece androgynous swimsuits inspired by 1920s style. Sizes XS - 5X. They use eco-friendly and ethical practices to make their swimsuits in the USA.
TomboyX
Queer-owned underwear brand TomboyX creates tops, bottoms and one-piece swimsuits in recycled fabrics.
Maria Luisa Mendiola founded MIGA Swimwear in 2018 to help those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other visible differences feel beautiful and empowered in their own bodies.
Otherwild is a queer-identified woman-owned store in Los Angeles that sells swimwear such as this Hirsuit Swim Reverse, an androgynous swimsuit designed for a wide variety of bodies and gender expressions.
Humankind was founded by Haily Marzullo, a LA born and raised queer in search for gender-inclusive swimwear. They sell swim tops and bottoms.
Rubies
Rubies offers form-fitting clothing for trans girls, like these Ruby Shaping Bikini Bottoms. The larger sizes fit some adults as well.