The Best Black-Owned Swimwear Brands To Shop for 2024
Brands and Designers
April 23, 2024
By Rachel O’Donnell
Image Credit:Lemlem, Jade Swim, Fe Noel, Ruby Love
Get the scoop on these trailblazing swimwear designers and their must-have summer swimsuits!
The world of swimwear design is expanding and now it’s easier than ever (thanks to the internet) to find swim brands that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity. While we still have so far to go when it comes to true equality, it's heartening to see so many Black-owned swimwear brands getting the flowers they deserve from the fashion community at large.
Fashion brands like Lemlem, embrace the beauty of authentic African artistry and create jobs to uplift local artisans in Ethiopia, Morocco, and Kenya. Black American swimwear designer Felisha Noel of Fe Noel creates unique designs inspired by both her Carribean heritage and successes as a Brooklyn designer. Ultimate fashion insider Brittany Kozerski uses her years of experience as a fashion editor and stylist to design versatile swim styles for her brand Jade Swim that can be worn poolside or paired with apparel for a luxe athleisure look. Pushing the limits of innovation, Black-owned swimwear brand, Ruby Love, creates period-proof designs that reduce and remove the obstacles that come with menstruating with exciting new fabric technology.
Those four Black-owned swimwear brands we mentioned are just three exciting examples of the many great Black swimwear designers working today. Read below and prepare to stock up as we discuss these swim brands in-depth and spotlight some of their best swim looks that you’ll want to wear all summer long.
Lemlem
Founded by Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede in 2007, this sustainable brand was created to preserve the ancient art form of weaving in Ethiopia and to create job opportunities for local artisans. Lemlem, meaning to bloom and to flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, this beautiful resort wear brand is celebrated for its unique and vibrant colorways and handwoven patterns. This Black-owned brand is one to watch as Lemlem has already expanded its presence in Kenya with ready-to-wear and to Morocco for swimwear, making it the first international fashion brand made in Africa.
Look Beautiful in Black and White
Image Credit:Lemlem
Image Credit:Lemlem
This stunning swimsuit from Lemlem exemplifies the fusion of intricate craftsmanship with contemporary design. Featuring a traditional black Tibeb design, this fully lined bandeau bikini top includes a removable halter strap and bust tie, so you can style it however you like. Made in Morocco, this luxury African swimwear brand is made with Oeko-Tex® certified French jacquard from France, giving this swimsuit a beautiful hand feel. We love pairing the Ava Bandeau Bikini Top with the matching Lucy Side Tie Bottom for a gorgeous summer holiday look.
Exotic and Elegant
Image Credit:Lemlem
Image Credit:Lemlem
Planning a tropical beach vacay? Order the sophisticated Palm Leaf Ballet One Piece from Lemlem immediately! Inspired by the timeless grace and beauty of ballet dancers, this responsibly made African swimsuit is gorgeous with its graphic palm tree pattern and bright blue color. Made with sustainable fabric sourced from Italy, this lined swimsuit is designed with a flattering neckline, removable pads, and a delicate crisscross belt to highlight the waist. The alluring exposed back of this swimsuit design is sure to make a statement.
Inspired by African Tradition
Image Credit:Lemlem
Image Credit:Lemlem
Enjoy the artistry of African traditions with Lemlem’s’ Asha Scoop Top and Elsi High Waist Bottom in Nunu Navy. Both the sporty navy bikini top and high-waisted bottom feature delicate white Tibeb bands to add traditional beauty to this contemporary silhouette. Modern and comfortable, this bikini top features a wide scoop neckline, adjustable straps, removable padding, and a back hook closure. We love the fully lined high waist bikini bottom of this style for its adorable bow tie design detail on the back. This special feminine detail makes this swimstyle a unique design that you won’t see everywhere.
Fe Noel
Fe Noel is a luxury Black-owned fashion brand that transcends boundaries, blending contemporary style with timeless elegance. Founded by Felisha Noel, a Grenadian-American designer based out of Brooklyn, New York, Fe Noel celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean while embracing modern sophistication. When Noel isn’t spending her time designing, she helps other young women start their own businesses through her Fe Noel Foundation. This successful Black-owned fashion brand is known for its vibrant colors, bold prints, and feminine silhouettes.
Surfing in Style
Image Credit:Fe Noel
Image Credit:Fe Noel
Embrace surfer girl chic with this colorful Next Wave Long Sleeve Swimsuit from Fe Noel. This unique long-sleeve swimwear silhouette is perfect for those who love the sporty look of surfer rash-guard swimsuits. This colorful, high-neckline swimsuit can be worn as a fashion statement or as a functional swimsuit for water sports. The lightweight fabric and sleeves of this one-piece provide more sun protection for swimmers compared to your regular triangle bikini or spaghetti strap one-piece.
Black Bows for the Beach
Image Credit:Fe Noel
Image Credit:Fe Noel
Bows are one of the biggest trends in swimwear and women’s fashion for 2024. While it can seem a little too adorable for some, this Black Double Bow Swimsuit is a masterclass in how to do the trend right. This strapless black swimsuit is feminine and gorgeous without seeming juvenile. Wear it with your favorite straw sun hat for a chic poolside glamour.
Lovely Lilac Swimwear
Image Credit:Fe Noel
Image Credit:Fe Noel
Unique sleeves have become a major trademark of this empowering Black-owned swimwear and fashion brand. Prepare to stand out from the crowds on your summer vacation with their delightful Lilac Charmed Swim Top and lined Lilac Charmed Swim Bottom from Fe Noel. This pastel bikini includes a square neckline and sleeves that go just above the elbows. Whether you’re searching for a more modest swimsuit or just want a unique silhouette, this purple two-piece is a perfect way to refresh your swimwear collection.
Jade Swim
Created by former Marie Claire fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski, Jade Swim is a sustainable swimwear brand designed for multifunctional versatility. Jade Swim’s carefully crafted swim designs embrace the minimalist aesthetic with innovative silhouettes, unique design details, and luxe Italian fabrics. With its effortlessly chic styling and classic shapes, these swimsuits allow you to transition from the beach to the city with ease.
The Perfect Black Swimsuit
Image Credit:Jade Swim
Image Credit:Jade Swim
Every woman needs a fail-safe black swimsuit and this matte Jade Swim Contour One Piece is one we’ll be bringing along for all our 2024 vacations. This sculpting and supportive swim style contours the body and can be worn as a swimsuit or as a ready-to-wear bodysuit, saving room in your already overstuffed suitcase. Made in California with luxurious Italian fabrics that utilize shape retention technology to prolong the lifespan of this style, we recommend investing in this sophisticated suit ASAP.
Streamlined Swimwear
Image Credit:Jade Swim
Image Credit:Jade Swim
If you prefer clean lines with solid fabrics, you’ll love the Alina Top and matching Bare Minimum in Olive Matte. This minimalist bikini features thin straps on the bikini top and on the sides of the bikini bottom. Inspired by lingerie styles, this bikini features zero padding and adjustable straps. We love this simple style for its timelessness and its seafoam shade that flatters many skin tones.
The ‘Barely There’ One-Piece
Image Credit:Jade Swim
Image Credit:Jade Swim
For the more daring, we recommend Jade Swim’s Avery One Piece in gorgeous Solis Terry Sheen. This asymmetrical one-shoulder swimsuit features sexy cutouts along the waist and luxurious gold hardware details. This eye-catching and bright green option includes a light-reflective finish and a soft, terry fabric. The terry fabric is a sophisticated nod to the Y2K trend revival (who could forget those Juicy Couture sweatsuits that ruled the world in the early 2000s?) and the more contemporary swimwear trend of textured swimsuits.
Ruby Love
Founded by visionary entrepreneur Crystal Etienne, Ruby Love is a revolutionary Black-owned swimwear brand and apparel company rooted in the belief that periods should never get in the way of a woman living her best life. Etienne developed groundbreaking technology that offers maximum absorption and protection against leaks and stains during menstruation. When you wear Ruby Love’s swimwear, you can count on no leaks, no odors, and no plastic.
Pretty Period Swimwear
Swim worry-free with the Period Swimwear One Shoulder swimsuit in Blue Waters from Ruby Love. Available in sizes XXS to 3X, this one-piece swimsuit is designed with a built-in absorbent liner and leak-proof technology so you can be active in the water without worry. This flattering and ruffled asymmetrical swimsuit is made in the USA and holds up to 3 tampons worth of protection. This classic swimsuit is perfect for those who experience unpredictable menstrual cycles or bladder leaks and want to experience peace of mind on their travels!
Modest Swimwear
Image Credit:Ruby Love
Image Credit:Ruby Love
This sleek and stylish Swimwear Dress in Black Sea offers more coverage than traditional swimsuits while still maintaining a flattering and feminine silhouette. If you tend to feel bloated or prefer more modest silhouettes during your period, this versatile swim dress is a must! Easy to wash and available in plus size, this period-proof swimwear will make you feel confident and comfortable whether you’re lounging poolside or strolling along the beach.
Island Vibes
Image Credit:@shoprubylove
Image Credit:Ruby Love
Just because you’re on your period doesn’t mean you have to only wear dark or solid swimsuits! Brighten things up with this vibrant and tropical-inspired Period Swimwear Racerback in Aztec. This sustainable Black-owned swimsuit brand creates so many fun and flattering pieces that combine fashion and function seamlessly, just like this printed one-piece. Made with a built-in absorbent liner, this leak-proof swimsuit can be worn with or without additional protection.