Discovering Excellence: African Swimwear Brands That Make a Splash

Nov 21, 2025 0

As summer approaches, many are looking for the perfect swimwear to make a statement by the pool or at the beach. Why not support Black-owned businesses while you're at it? Numerous African swimwear brands are making waves in the fashion industry, offering unique designs that celebrate heritage, sustainability, and style.

Here are some exceptional African swimwear brands that are guaranteed to make you feel and look amazing in the sun and by the water:

Melissa Simone

Melissa Simone was founded in Los Angeles in 2018. Their swim and resort wear is focused on “creating high-quality, luxurious pieces that are inspired by the timeless silhouettes and classic beauty standards of the nineties.” You can find products ranging from high-cut thongs to one-pieces, and string-back bikinis. If standing out is your vibe, you'll be obsessed with all the metallic and highlighter-colored pieces at Melissa Simone. The LA based swim and resort brand will take you back to the '90s in no time-just check out the high cuts and string bikinis.

Bfyne

Bfyne was brought to life by visionary designer, Buki Ade. It serves as a “tribute to the deep influence of African heritage, vibrant colors, and the untamed allure of nature, all intertwined with the spirit of exploration and adventure.” Through her bold, colorful designs infused with Ghanaian kente and dashiki prints, the brand broke barriers and sparked global conversations around the beauty of diversity. In 2013, the modern brand was founded by Nigerian-American fashion designer Buki Ade and is known for eclectic and tribal-inspired hand-sewn suits. Wanna hit the beach or lounge poolside while flexin' like Alicia Keys or Taraji P. Henson? Then you need to head to Bfyne and add to cart ASAP. I mean….just have a scroll through the “what’s new” section of Bfyne’s site and you will just be awe stroke by the incredible patterns, colors and designs. Each swimwear piece is like a masterpiece. Designer, entrepreneur and Nigerian-American, Buki Ade is changing the fashion industry through her culturally inclusive designs. She was inspired to start a swimwear line after searching for a unique swimsuit while on vacation; there she realized the industry lacked creativity and representation of African designers. Bfyne is bold, eccentric, cohesive and consistent, which encompasses the personality of its cofounder, designer Buki Ade.

MBM Swim

MBM Swim was founded by its namesake, Marcia B Maxwell, in 2017. She combined her love of structured silhouettes, clean lines, and her love for swimwear when designing her first collection, and is not afraid to add untraditional elements that are typically found on a swimsuit piece. MBM Swim is the perfect mix of elegant, chic, and sexy that is unlike anything else on the market. I was immediately drawn to the corset-like designs when looking through the MBM swim styles. There’s something very empowering with the bold lines and shapes. MBM Swim, was founded by self-taught designer Marcia Maxwell - she wanted to combine her love for structured silhouettes and clean lines with her love for swimwear. Cut-outs!!! MBM Swim will get you right with the boldest suits that you won't find anywhere else. Self-taught designer, Marcis B Maxwell, shows her love for clean lines and fun elements v clearly through every drop and I'm here for it.

Riot Swim

Founded by Monti Landers, Riot Swim brings together Luxe and Minimalism in its swimwear pieces. Their ultra-sexy silhouettes are designed to make you stand out and feel your most confident self, while the buttery, soft fabrics and clean finishing flatters any shape and size. Riot Swim prides theirselves on having pieces for everyone that are multifunctional, stylish, and comfortable. If you’re looking for timeless pieces, Riot Swim is your fighter. Their most popular swimsuit is the Echo and I swear every woman who puts this piece on looks bomb. Riot Swim offers minimalistic pieces that'll mentally transport you into a tropical island somewhere far, far away. This one-piece is a bestseller, with hundreds of customers gushing over it in the comments, like this rave review: "My God, this is the most wonderful swimsuit I have ever been in and I live in swim attire. Never going back!"

Matte Collection

As an affordable, luxury, lifestyle swimwear brand, Matte Collection was founded on the idea of “every woman deserves to look and feel her best without breaking the bank.” While keeping all body shapes and styles in mind, they pride themselves on keeping simple, clean, minimalistic looks trendy and beautiful. Matte collection is a celeb fave (Jordyn Woods and Lori Harvey are just some of its customers, fyi)! They're always working with the coolest endorsers, and you can easily see why it's so popular with its luxe-looking yet inexpensive designs. One reviewer shared this about the Simon set: "I'm petite so it's always hard to find swimsuits. However, these swimsuits have changed the game for me! I ordered this swimsuit in my first order and haven't stopped since lol. The one pieces own my heart ❤️."

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Additional Brands to Explore

DOS Swim: Founded by Shay Johnson and Paula Hess in 2019, DOS SWIM creates limited batches with globally sourced and upcycled fabrics.
Xhale Swim: Created by Jessica Wong, the XhaleSwim collection was designed to complement, flatter and support a woman’s body. Each swimsuit within the XhaleSwim collection is handmade by an experienced seamstress who resides in Miami, Florida.
She The Collection: After years of blogging and recycling fashion, Carmen Alexandra decided to produce the clothing that she received numerous inquiries about selling.
House of Jem: This Caribbean woman-owned swimsuit brand has me in a chokehold. What I love most about this brand is your swimsuit will always be a perfect fit; all bikinis are custom made to fit your body.
ByKrishtun: ByKrishtun crochet swimsuits are guaranteed to make a statement, and I’m not exaggerating. The swimsuits are modern, handmade and high quality.
Jainique Couture: Jainique Couture also offers matching sets for couples, and the little ones- perfect for baecations or family vacations.
Farai London: The unique prints and matching cover up pieces are a big seller for me- and everyone else globally it seems.
RJ Swim: Offers made-to-order collections featuring drawstring sets and cover-up skirts in fun colors.
SXA: A portion of every purchase goes to the Black Women's Agenda, an org all bout advancing and guarding the rights of Black women.
IconSwim: The designs from IconSwim are both unique and affordable, so you don’t have to empty out your wallet to get yourself an eye-catching bikini. Plus, it has an endless array of options like cover-ups and accessories for the perfect beach day.
Asherah Swimwear: Asherah Swimwear is for the goddesses in all of us.Seriously, this 'kini is part of its "goddess" collection, so it's the truth! Step into summer with one of these gold-accented designs.
Xhale Swim: Offers handmade pieces to wear for any beach or poolside plans. Also, most of its swimwear is reversible, so you’re really getting a two-in-one deal when you shop here!
Jade Swim: Designed by SoCal native Dominique Celine, you'll find tons of alluring yet sustainable options with this label, like this asymmetrically cut-out two-piece.
Reign Studio: Reign Studio was specifically designed for women with larger busts.
Mint Swim: Actress and entrepreneur Draya Michele is the mastermind behind this brand that’s taking over Instagram. You'll find plenty of strappy, printed bikinis and one-pieces on the site, so you won't have any trouble finding one that speaks to you.
Andrea Iyamah: Rich and bold in both color and cut, Andrea Iyamah celebrates her Nigerian culture through her standout designs. I mean, the thick braided straps make this two-piece piece anything but basic.
Koko D.: Pulling from her Caribbean heritage, Tamara of Koko D. wanted to provide a line that was intended for the woman who loves life, loves taking risks and who wanted to look awesome while doing it. This line contains vibrant colors and abstract design with smooth lines for the glamorous and confident woman.
Clem Swimwear: Clem Swimwear created by J’Lysa Wilson is made for the unapologetic woman who defines beauty from within.

These brands not only offer stylish and high-quality swimwear but also represent the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of African designers.

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