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Three editors share their takes on Kim Kardashian’s swimwear line.
When the hotly anticipated SKIMS Swim collection first dropped in March, it sold out before many of us could even click on the website. Now, it's the height of summer, weeks of vacations and Summer Fridays are still ahead, and those elusive SKIMS swimsuits may make it into your beach totes in time after all.
SKIMS Swim is returning on Thursday, July 28, with a restock of its core bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups—plus a handful of new styles. All suits run in sizes XXS–4X, in shades ranging from dark onyx to taffy pink. Prices starts at $32 for the tiniest triangle tops and max out at $98 for the most full-coverage one-pieces.
Our editors are noted fans of SKIMS shapewear and loungewear—and we have a feeling sold-out history will repeat itself. To see how SKIMS Swim compares to the bikinis and one-pieces already in our swim bags, and to prepare you for the upcoming drop, three BAZAAR editors tested different swimsuits from the soon-to-be-restocked collection. Read on for our unfiltered thoughts before shopping SKIMS Swim.
“I love shopping for swimsuits for everyone but myself. I have what fashion magazines of a bygone era would call a 'pear-shaped' body, and that can cause all sorts of Golidlocks fit problems. One-pieces usually are too loose on top and way too snug on the bottom. I have more luck with bikinis, where I can at least order different sizes. I jumped at the chance to try the SKIMS take on a classic black two-piece: If their bikinis fit anything like my favorite SKIMS underwear, I knew I'd be comfortable and maybe more confident.
I tried out a plunge bikini top (size medium) and mid-waist bottom (size large). Swim experts have told me plunge silhouettes are some of the best for small busts. I happen to agree, with SKIMS as backup. Just like my favorite Fits Everybody Crossover Bralette, this top gives me the slightest lift while covering everything up. It may not stay in place for swimming laps, but it's secure for wading in the shallow end or laying out on the deck.
I was also a fan of the rise on the high-waist bottoms. They hit just above my natural waist and didn't pinch or dig into my skin. The cut of the leg gave me some minor poolside stage fright, however. These are cheeky bottoms, and I couldn't keep myself from fidgeting with them every time I stood up or sat down. (This is maybe more a self-conscious tick than an actual design flaw—most bikini bottoms I own are of the fuller-than-full-coverage variety.)
Both pieces have a soft, quick-drying fabric that holds its shape. I can still see myself wearing this swimsuit through the rest of summer, even if the bottoms are a step out of my comfort zone. I may even take the top out to dinner with linen trousers and a relaxed button-down—it's the perfect plunge."
“I’ve been a fan of SKIMS products since testing their ultra-flattering Soft Smoothing Thong ahead of my wedding many moons ago, so I was very excited to try out one of their coveted bathing suits. Since I’m not exactly built like Kim K., I decided to go the safe route and test a one-piece from the brand—their high-cut one-piece to be specific—which managed to be both revealing and modest at the same time.
The suit is made with a plunging scoop neck and deep back to match and is low enough on the sides to reveal just enough side boob without making it look like you’re doing too much. And when SKIMS describes it as high-cut, they mean it: I was certainly glad I gave my bikini area a quick clean up before sliding this baby on. While initially, I thought its silhouette was best suited for supermodels or two-a-day gym goers, I was pleasantly surprised by how flattering it was on my everyday curves. The bathing suit expertly disguised my pooch belly and helped accentuate my long legs, though as someone with a large chest, I was disappointed it didn’t provide any built-in support for it.
As I typically gravitate toward suits with underwire (or at least shelf bra) support, I’m not sure I’d buy this one out of my own volition, but I think it’s definitely worth considering for those with smaller busts—if only for the tons of compliments you’ll inevitably get about how great you look in it.”
"Full disclosure: swimsuits stress me out. It often feels like I'm in a tug of war between having something fit right without sacrificing sex appeal but also wanting to prioritize comfort and mobility as well. (No beach bound wardrobe malfunctions, please!) If SKIMS is good at anything, though, it's making a product that feels as great as it looks.
I tested a basic black bikini—a high-waist bikini bottom and a bandeau-style halter top—while in Aruba for the recent holiday weekend. I never felt like I was being constricted in any way. The fabric quality is apparent—the suit doesn't shrink nor does its hue fade after a long day in the sun. It has the same plastic lining that SKIMS-obsessives would be used to seeing on their shapewear—though, like those pieces as well, sometimes it slips or folds over, revealing the construction detail.
My only critique was wanting the top to be a smidge wider for larger chested gals like myself. (Not everyone wants an underboob moment.) You can also switch up the set with a pair of water-safe high waist shorts, too—perfect for when you want to roll out by the beach for drinks with a crop top or kimono, but without fully committing to an entire bathing suit.”
The SKIMS swim collection will be available to shop at noon E.T. on July 28, exclusively on skims.com.