Chances are most of the swimwear you own was designed in a city known for its beach culture. You can thank Australia for some of your favorite bikinis or Brazil for, well, the “Brazilian” (aka only the most flattering bikini bottom of all). And while New York City isn’t exactly known for its beach culture, the designers here sure do give the others a run for their money. 

So, if your summer in the city involves day trips to the Rockaways, a novelty stroll along the Coney Island boardwalk or sunbathing in the park, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up our picks for locally designed swimwear so you don’t have to. 

Araks

Originally launched as a lingerie collection, Araks began offering swimwear in 2013. A natural progression, the brand’s swim echoes their intimates: eco-friendly, feminine and always deliciously colorful. The thoughtful palette should be no surprise considering the designer Araks Yeramyan’s childhood: her father restricted her to three colored pencils (red, yellow, blue) until the age of ten. An experiment that seemed to influence her understanding of color theory and has stayed with her until this day. Considering her designs, we couldn’t be more grateful. 

The Great Eros

Some of the best swimwear designers started out in lingerie—and for good reason: in both intimates and swim, the attention to silhouette and contour reigns supreme. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that The Great Eros should add swim to their sensuous collection of intimates and apparel. Crafted in Italy, The Great Eros was founded in 2016 by Brooklyn-based designer Christina Viviani. Since its launch, The Great Eros has become a cult fave with signature pieces like the Infinity Tube Top. Now, with the addition of swimwear, you’ll find the same timeless elegance in pieces like the Infinity Swim Top. 

Saturdays NYC

Founded in 2009, Saturdays NYC began as a surf and coffee shop in Soho. Fostering community through its love of surf culture, the shop expanded along with its product—eventually leading its founders to design and produce its own line of menswear. Naturally, the addition of womenswear followed and being that the entire operation was born from the love of a certain water sport, swimwear was a no-brainer. Whether you’re looking for a bikini or some boardshorts, you’ll find something stylish designed by a team that knows how to put their own products to use. 

Nu Swim

Originally founded in California, Nu Swim is currently New York-based and we couldn’t be happier. With a focus on sustainability, their swimwear is made with fabric from recycled ocean waste and regenerated nylon in classic cuts anyone can wear. And though the aesthetic may seem minimal design-wise, their pieces are offered in a wide variety of colorways ensuring your selection will be anything but boring. The delicacy of these simple cuts and the attention to detail only solidify Nu Swim’s reputation: refined, quality pieces worth coveting. 

Inamorata

In New York City, we love our locals and—lucky for us—Emrata is one of them. And though she may be most widely known as a model and actress, Emily Ratajkoswki is also an author, entrepreneur and, undeniably, one of the biggest influencers today. A street style icon, it’s no wonder she would add fashion to her already-impressive resume. And, besides, who better to design a bikini than the bikini queen herself? Launched in 2017, Inamorata specializes in ultra-sexy swimwear designed in playful patterns and silhouettes. You’ll even find ready-to-wear pieces like the same baby tees and mini dresses Emrata herself wears on these same Soho streets. So, make like a local, and take it to the beach!

WORDS Hillary Sproul 

PHOTOGRAPHY Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash