There’s no denying it any longer–swimsuit season is here. Sadly, I am completely unprepared. No, not because I didn’t spend all summer working out–screw that, I love my body and I’ll wear any swimsuit I want. I’m actually kinda freaking out because despite all the places to buy bathing suits, I can never find swimsuits I love that fit well, feel durable and don’t cost more than my monthly grocery bill. Luckily, Bikyni is here to change all of that.
Bikyni, the brainchild of former Reformation COO Jude Al-Khalil, is an online swimsuit retailer that launched last year. It’s designed to be a reaction to the overpriced, overcrowded and over-designed swimsuit industry, and so far, it’s doing a really great job. It’s founder has called it “the Warby Parker of bikinis” and its high quality, accessibility, adorable website and great returns policy lead us to agree.
The central idea of Bikyni is simple: offer clean, minimalist swimwear that comes in classic styles with a little modern flair. The suits are made with classic lines and come almost exclusively in simple colors–only a few styles come in prints like ginghams and florals. Bikyni says it wants to emphasize “thoughtful details” and this is certainly evident in the swimwear they put out. All of the swimsuits are made with seamless stitching and as little hardware as possible. Even better, many of the styles are convertible, giving you more ways to wear them (and a way to avoid awful tan lines!).
The current Bikyni collection features two one-piece suits, seven bikini tops and six different bikini bottoms, all available in several colors and prints. Every style was designed in the U.S. and manufactured with imported Italian fabrics. The factory where the bathing suits are made is only a short drive from Bikyni’s Los Angeles headquarters.
Here’s a detail I really love: Bikynis aren’t sold in sets–you buy the top and bottom separately! This is major because mix and match styling means you aren’t constrained to one size for both top and bottom, which of course makes it super easy for more women to find the fit that they need. A single top or one bottom costs $50, but if you buy a set it will cost you $95. Pretty reasonable, especially for such a high quality swimsuit.
The other great thing about Bikyni is its super comprehensive fit guide. Each of the styles on the site is covered with careful descriptions of its cut and fit. Bikini tops are scored on their support (from light to full), coverage and adjustability. Bottoms are rated on coverage and rise, and one-pieces on support, adjustability and padding. There’s even a guide to measuring yourself for a swimsuit and a size conversion chart.
Suits come in sizes XS to L and larger sizes are in the works. All shipping and returns from Bikyni are completely free, so if you’re feeling interested, go ahead and give it a try–it’s super easy. You can also check out Bikyni’s collaboration with Madewell, a combination that’s just as adorable as it sounds.
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Be sure to check out the most efficient way to store underwire bras and the most flattering one-piece swimsuit.
[Photo: Bikyni]