I'm a Swimwear Designer—Here Are My 6 Secrets to Swim Shopping Online

When it comes to shopping for swimwear online, there's no doubt it can be a tricky process. It's hard to see the quality of the fabric, the intricate details, if it's easily adjustable, how much coverage it offers, and what silhouettes and cuts suit your body without seeing them, feeling them, or trying them on. Luckily, most retailers and brands will offer free returns but to avoid having to order a bazillion swimsuits to find the perfect one, we recommend taking a few tips from an expert.

This week, we tapped into owner and swimwear designer Brittany Kozerski Freeney of Jade Swim to share her expertise on what we should think about and look out for when investing in a swimsuit. From seeking out versatile silhouettes to paying close attention to specific fabrics, read on to discover Freeney's six secrets to swim shopping online, and take a look at some of her favorite Jade Swim pieces that will last you a lifetime.

1. Versatility 

"Invest in swim that can transition beyond the beach. That's why any Jade Swim pieces can be worn as swim of course, but also as bodysuits and as layering pieces mixed and matched with shorts, jeans, skirts, etc. The bikini tops have also been popular to layer under tops, blazers, bomber jackets, etc. When you're buying a Jade swimsuit you're really investing in a piece that can span across your closet needs."

Shop:

2. Quality

"When buying a new swimsuit, pay attention to what the suits are made of and how they're constructed. Every suit we make is lined on the inside with the same quality level of fabric as on the outside, allowing the suits to be a higher quality and provide a more sculpting and supportive fit. We also try to use as many fabrics with benefits as possible such as technical performance benefits including shape retention technology, UV protection and resistance to chlorine, lotions and oils. This will ensure longer lasting swimwear that you'll enjoy season after season."

Shop:

3. Sustainability

"Look for sustainable swim options and shop brands that are committed to doing their part in protecting the environment. Look for suits made of fabric from recycled materials. At Jade Swim, most of our suits are made from Econyl and Eco-Yarn fabrics which are made of recycled and regenerated materials. This reduces waste from oceans and landfills by recycling items such as fishing nets, plastic bottles, and fabric scraps. Additionally, we only use OEKO-Tex certified fabrics ensuring fabric does not contain or release any harmful substances that can be hazardous to health."

Shop:

4. Invest in Some Classics

"Everyone should have a well-fitted and timeless one-piece, such as our Contour One Piece or Trophy Piece. Both have clean-cut, minimal silhouettes and are perfect examples of being able to take your swim from day to night."

Shop:

5. Highlight Parts of Your Body That You Love

"We have a lot of suits that draw attention to certain parts of the body—whether with cutouts, strap detailing, etc. For instance, if you love the way your back looks, opt for something with an open back like our Evolve suit or Nova One Piece. Perhaps you want to highlight your shoulders… try the Halo Top or Apex Top."

Shop:

6. Find Your Perfect Suit and Stick With What Works for You

"If you find a suit that you love, there's nothing wrong with buying the same suit in multiple colors. Know what works for you and stick with what makes you feel good. These pieces will essentially be your go-to swim basics that you'll have in your closet ready for any short notice vacation, rather than scrambling to buy suits at the last minute. We offer every silhouette in a variety of color options every season (plus black, white, and nude all year long) so you can always come back to our site and grab your favorite suit in a new color each season."

Shop:

Up next, the most influential fashion people can't stop wearing these seven swim trends.