Nothing heralds summer more than the annual hunt for the perfect swimsuit. This year, why not skip the basic bland brands for truly unique swimwear from Caribbean designers? With this in mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite looks from Caribbean designers, filled with color and plenty of sex appeal. Whether your style leans towards sleek one-piece suits or daring carnival-worthy designs, there’s something here for every personality and every body type. So no matter where you go this summer, whether to an exotic local or a staycation at your neighbor’s pool, you’ll always bring a bit of the Caribbean with you.
Cushnie
Known for her sexy cutouts and minimalist lines, Jamaican-British designer Carly Cushie easily translated her signature style into her collection of swimsuits for her eponymous ready-to-wear brand, Cushnie. This white Ami maillot proves as sleek and sexy as any of her gowns. The off-the-shoulder straps and side circular cutouts add the perfect flash of skin, and doubles well off the sand as a stunning body suit.
Marie Collette
We love the fun patterns and flirty silhouettes of Trinidadian swimsuit brand Marie Collette. Designer Keisha Collette Thomas has made a name for herself with her ultra-feminine shapes, which has also become a popular Monday Wear option for carnival masqueraders too. We particularly love her cute Poui one-piece design that’s made for Instagram with its geometric patterns and floral ruffles.
Chandra Maharaj
Brazil meets Trinidad & Tobago in fashionista favorite Chandra Maharaj Designs. Designer Maharaj has developed a reputation for her statement swimsuits and Monday wear looks with vibrant patterns and unusual cuts. And her latest line definitely ups the ante, features summer-ready neon hues, modern botanical prints and laced-up details like this long-sleeved two-piece number.
Keva J Swimwear
Buying a new outfit should always provide a new opportunity to play dress up. And Jamaican-American swimsuit brand Keva J understands this instinct to a T, offering a variety of distinctive styles to celebrate every aspect of your personality, from chill beige monokinis to birds of paradise concoctions. We particularly love the sweeping Hollywood glamor of this chiffon Bailey two-piece cover-up set.
Indie + Wild
Embrace your bohemian soul head on with the Miami-based chic swimsuit line Indie + Wild, known for their no-fuss, sporty cuts and unexpected details. The brand is the brainchild of a dynamic duo, the Trini native Zoë de Boehmler and proud Dominican-Floridian Rosanna Bermudez. The Mykonos two-piece design perfectly captures their free-spirit style, with fun cowry shells accents.
Nicolita
Craving some vintage beach glam in your vacation gear? Nicolita will satisfy your Hollywood pin-up daydreams with their swimsuit looks. Designer Nicole Di Rocco tapped into her Cuban roots for her line, inspired by retro swimwear circa 1940s Havana. We especially love her Cuban-style cut bottoms (as shown here in their pretty Spanish rose print), which offers more coverage on the hips and the perfect heart-shaped backside.
Luli Fama
Born in Cuba, bred in Miami, swimsuit brand Luli Fama perfectly captures South Beach vibes with their vibrant, sexy swimwear. This is thanks to the Cuban-born founders Lourdes “Luli” Hanimian and Augusto Hanimian, who bring plenty of island flair to their designs. We particularly love this Barbie-meets-Miami Beach look from their latest collection, with a 90s retro high-waisted bottoms and sports-bra combination.
Rue 107
When New York glamazons head to the beach, expect chic silhouettes and plenty of sexy appeal. You can find this in bucketloads with New-York-based brand, Rue 107, founded by proud Haitian native Marie Jean-Baptiste. The brand also prides itself for their size diversity, creating looks that work beautifully for every body. This Christel one-piece number is the perfect example, with mesh detail and flirty bows.
DTS Designs
Young designer Daniela Stone has already made waves with her Jamaican-based brand DTS designs. She specializes in creating bold swimwear that works for every body, and also offers custom fitting options for clients. If you can’t make it out to Jamaica just yet to create a custom look, you can swipe her designs at her website, like this playful Unda Wata monokini with adjustable cross-laced detail down the front.
Verónika Pagán
Proud Puerto Rican designer Verónika Pagán has wanderlust in her heart, and a swimsuit brand to match. Created to feel like second-skin, these simple-but-sexy designs are perfect for globetrotting adventurers looking for options that easily fit into backpacks. Their Vita Basic two-piece is the perfect example of style on the go, with reversible sides that offer two looks in one.
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