Summer doesn t officially end on a certain date, but rather by the chill in the air, the increasingly early sunsets, the sad, ceremonious act of packing away your bathing suits until the next sun-glazed season (or upcoming winter escape). And really, it s a tad depressing! You’ve spent all spring and summer building up your chic swimwear arsenal, and for what?! Those carefree sand-strewn days frolicking in cutoffs and a one-piece? Over. And those times when you d go for a post-swim brunch in boyfriend jeans and a two-piece? Done and done.
But not all is lost! The soul of summer still lives on in “swimtimates”: swimwear-meets-underpinnings intended to be worn under your regular clothes. And these aren t thick and heavy sport-ready Speedos, but rather pieces that feel exactly how they sound: soft, supportive, and light. "Swimwear is now being translated into different categories. People want multifunctional swim pieces that are breathable," says Vogue.com Assistant Market Editor Anny Choi. "You want to work out in them, like a sports bra. Maybe want to wear them as sexy underpinnings. Or convert a lace swimsuit into a bodysuit."
Take it from Prae, a label that translates the shore to the street by putting the luxuries of lingerie into après-surf mesh-silk shorts and charming bralettes. For the sporty sphere, active-inspired pieces from Acacai + Olympia can double as either yogawear or a poolside staple. Keen for the more coverage the better? Polished one-pieces from Lezard can double as a chic bodysuit. Keeping summer alive has never looked so good—or wearable. Here, the swimtimates labels to know now.
Prae
Silk bralettes and silk shorts that can stroll down the boardwalk as easily as they slide under your ready-to-wear.
Acacia x Olympia
A collaboration between swimwear and activewear labels, Acacia x Olympia adds a breathable support system to swimsuits, allowing the wearer to head to yoga and then cool down with a dip into the pool—stylishly.
Indah
Taking cues from a beach-bum lifestyle in Hawaii (where bathing suits are required wear from morning to night), Indah produces all-day swimwear. From décolletage-dipping one-pieces to charming textured bikinis, the looks can be worn in the water, or on the street if you are a "mainland mermaid."
Les Coquines
A mashup of reversible and textured pieces, Les Coquines creates a "made to be seen" collection of see-through bralettes and mesh bikini bottoms.
Lonely Label
From slick briefs to long-sleeved crop tops, Lonely combines the fitted features of lingerie into swimwear that can easily transition into an everyday look.
Lezard
Inspired by dance attire that goes from rehearsal to under wrap skirts or jeans, this label focuses on pieces that can be layered or worn as lingerie. Think: lace-trimmed one-pieces and strapless tops.
