For gender non-conforming folks, going to the beach can be fraught with uncertainty. There are few places where so much of our bodies are visible and few garments so publicly gendered as swimwear.
Luckily, more and more companies are coming out with options for a range of bodies beyond your typical bikini or board short. There are many androgynous options out there, no matter your style! Here are my summer favorites.
Minimalist
If your style is sleek and no frills, look no further than the Tomboyx Active Unisuit ($79). Available in sizes M-4X, the unisuit features a high neck, short sleeves, and a zippered front. At once pared down and covered up, this suit is great for all your summer outdoor activities.
For a two-piece minimalist option, check out the solid color mix-and-match offerings from Outplay. The Flatsea full coverage compression top ($55) pairs well with the Todasana shorts ($30). They’re available in five colors and sizes S-2X.
Chromat's signature streamlined and graphic aesthetic offers interest through geometric style lines. The Tidal II Suit ($325), a solid black one-piece with mesh inserts in the front and back, allows moderate coverage for many different body types. Part of Chromat's extended sizes line, it is available in sizes XS-3X.
Glam
Androgynous doesn’t have to mean minimal, though. If you have a complicated relationship with cleavage, but still want to rock a bikini, consider a high-neck crop top version. Freya’s crocheted Sundance underwire high-neck top comes in six colors and cup sizes 28D-38F ($76). It pairs with your choice of bottoms, including side-tie briefs ($42), hipsters ($38), and a ruched skirted bottom ($60), great for transfeminine folks who might want more coverage in front.
Asos carries a number of high-neck options. The clean lines of the Boohoo Plus contrast high-neck top ($16) and high-waisted bottoms ($13) give this affordable option a sleek look. Each comes in sizes 12-20.
If your glam androgynous style demands vibrant colors and patterns, look no further than ReBirth Garments. Their skirted Zig-Zag bathing suit ($200) features an eye-catching mix of fabrics and optional compression on top or bottom to suit your gender-affirming needs. The suit is made to your measurements and color choices, and can be made with exterior seams to suit skin sensitivities.
Vintage
Perhaps you’re interested in adding some vintage flair to your beach look. For the classic appeal of 1930s swimwear, updated with modern fabrics like recycled poly-spandex with UV protection, check out Beefcake Swimwear. Available in three colors and two striped patterns, these tank-style one-piece suits come in sizes XS-5X ($99).
For a more whimsical take on vintage, try the gingham options from Alpine Butterfly. The short-sleeved cropped BFF top ($135) offers coverage for your shoulders and arms. Its sweetness becomes a little edgy with the Summer bottoms ($135), designed to resemble a cheeky pair of cut-off shorts. If gingham’s not your thing, they come in black and floral as well, and all options are available in sizes L-5X.
For a more masculine-leaning vintage style, ditch the oversize board shorts for something a little shorter, like the swim shorts from Sauvage Swimwear. The muted print of the Italian Fresco Swimmers ($72) is perfect for lounging in the Italian Rivera -- or just your local lake. For something even a little briefer, try out their snug, short Square Cut bottoms ($65). Both styles available in sizes S-XL.
Got your shorts picked out, but chest coverage still a concern? Try a swim-friendly binder in a nude that's right for you. Flavnt offers four shades of their Bareskin binders, a cropped, racerback style in sizes XXS-XL ($50). Or, check out GC2B's All Nude collection for tank and half binder options in five shades and sizes XXS-5X ($33-35).
Sporty
For practical options with pops of color, try out TomboyX's mix-and-match active swim options. Both tops and bottoms offer a range of coverage. Choose from a racerback sports bra-style top, a high-neck tank, or a long-sleeved rashguard ($45-59) and pair with boy shorts or longer 9” shorts ($45-55). Go for a classic sporty navy accented with bright orange or a playful octopus print – or mix them together! Options are available in five colors and sizes XS-4X.
Diva Curves' Irie bikini ($120) offers sporty details like short sleeves, a front zipper, and a wide waistband. Paired with the unexpected color combination of white, yellow, and pink, they feel fresh. Diva Curves suits are available in sizes XL-3X.
For casual sporty looks with an androgynous edge, check out surfer-style staple Roxy. Their Pop Surf Short Sleeve one piece ($111) brings a vibrant pop of print to a streamlined shape and comes in sizes XS-XL.
What’s your favorite androgynous swim style for the summer?