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Our Elegant Swimwear Picks For 2022 (Because We’re Fancy)

| Skylar Black

Our Elegant Swimwear Picks For 2022 (Because We’re Fancy)


Classy Swimsuits for Resort Season 2022


Resort season is here, and we’re all pulling out our swimsuits, beach reads and running for the nearest stretch of sand. It’s time to celebrate, and what better way to celebrate than with the most elegant swimsuit you can think of?

We’re counting down our most elegant, refined pieces for you to show off on the beach or at the pool this summer. Grab your bubbly, put on your biggest sunglasses, and hold on to your pearls because here are our most elegant swimwear picks for 2022 (check out our funky swimwear picks if that’s your jam).

Shell Maillot from Cleonie

  • Sleek one-shoulder silhouette
  • Chic ring detail
  • Fun colour-block design
  • High-waisted silhouette for coverage and confidence!

Cutouts are the name of the game in 2022, and the Shell Maillot from Cleonie is a masterclass in how to do them right. Cleonie is an ultra-chic eco-friendly brand from Australia that blends jaw-dropping designs with some of the best sustainable fabrics on the market. Their exclusive CIENNA fabric is made with a blend of sustainable Italian Lycra that is 100% regenerated nylon made from fishnets and other plastic waste. What’s more elegant than looking fabulous in a classy bikini while simultaneously helping clean the oceans we all love? Nothing!

The Shell Maillot offers a smooth, sleek silhouette with its one-shoulder design and sultry centre cutouts. The ring detail linking the top and bottom is subtle and stunning, and we’re in love with the colour-block design! This one-piece is the ultimate elegant swimsuit option for elegant babes of all shapes and sizes.

Leighton Crop Top from Flook The Label

  • Timeless twisted knot detailing in the front
  • Soft cups to support larger busts
  • Full-coverage back for security during activities
  • Adjustable straps

While we’re on the subject of sustainable swimwear brands and stunning swimwear, Flook the Label is one of our favourite ethical swimwear brands. Every piece is expertly crafted by local artisans in Bali - the company embraces fair labour practices, locally sourced eco-friendly materials, and plant-based dyes. Their dedication to community engagement, charity work, and mentorship programs have rocketed them into our hearts as one of our favourite brands that’s kind to people and our planet, all while making the most elegant swimwear around.

The sweet simplicity of the Leighton Crop Top oozes elegance from every angle. The design is a genius blend between lingerie and swimwear, creating a piece that’s soft and supportive while still being totally beach-ready. The sexy knotted front detailing and flattering triangular hemline are optimal for simultaneously accentuating your bust and waist. The supportive design makes it ideal for matching with your favourite classy bikini bottoms or wearing as a cute summertime top - whatever suits your fancy!

Ribera Capoeira Bikini Top from Baobab

  • Twist neckline that draws attention to neck and collarbones
  • Full coverage around the bust for comfort and security
  • Low back so it doesn’t feel too constrictive

If sleek and sexy is your style of choice, look no further than Baobab. This brand does it all - they create all of their fabrics from recycled plastic, and fishing nets pulled out of our oceans (we couldn’t tell - the fabrics are all so sleek and smooth!). They also work closely with multiple organisations to rehabilitate the coral reefs. On top of that, each and every swimsuit that’s purchased lets them plant a tropical tree - each collection is tied to a particular tree planting program, and they’ve planted 5000 trees so far!

The Ribera Capoeira Bikini Top is a lesson in sustainable elegance - the trendy twisted neckline draws attention to your neck and collarbones while keeping your bust supported, which is especially great for babes that like a little more coverage up top. Don’t worry about feeling choked, though - the low back ensures that this piece isn’t too restrictive. It’s one of the most elegant bikini tops we’ve ever come across, and it can also double as a daring night out top!

Panarea Sky One Piece from Melissa Obadash

  • Plunging V-neck for a touch of classy cleavage
  • Ruched underbust for support
  • Removable cups
  • Elegant gold detail at the shoulders

Melissa Obadash has long been one of our favourite luxury swimwear brands - it was once named “the Ferrari of the bikini world” by British Vogue. The brand focuses on sculpting and enhancing all body types to empower the wearer while simultaneously emphasising regenerated fabrics and eco-friendly practices. Inspired by timeless elegance and Italian fashion, there are few classy swimsuits in their lineup that wouldn’t make this list.

Unfortunately, we can’t talk about all of their swimsuits here, but we can tell you about one of their most elegant pieces - the Panarea Sky One Piece. This breathtakingly elegant swimsuit wouldn’t look out of place on a starlet in old Hollywood or one of today’s top celebrities - it embodies luxury, sensuality, and femininity all in one fell swoop. The plunging neckline and removable cups allow you to show the perfect amount of cleavage, while the ruched underbust is perfect for supporting and smoothing your midsection. We’re in love with the soft blue fabric and pretty gold detail at the shoulders - it’s impossible not to feel like a goddess while wearing this elegant swimsuit.

Garnet Bikini Set from PQ Swim

  • Shimmery Lurex fabric in a to-die-for shade of burgundy
  • Structured underwire cups for support and oomph in the bust
  • High-waisted bottoms for security and waist definition
  • Tie-closure for extra adjustability

PQ Swim is truly a brand that’s dedicated to empowering women. They focus on classy swimsuits that fit well, are supportive in all the right places, and are cut in the most flattering manner possible. Their style can be described as daring - edgy, whimsical and exudes confidence and elegance.

The piece that we picked to embody this elegance is their Garnet Bikini Set. Sexy, structured, and shot through with glittery Lurex threads, it’s impossible to go anywhere in this elegant bikini without attracting attention. The top features underwired cups to give your bust a little boost, while the tie closure in the back gives you some adjustability. We can just picture lounging poolside in this amazing set, sipping wine and looking incredible.

Designer Long Sleeve Swimsuit from Eres

  • Ultra-sleek silhouette
  • Asymmetrical neckline
  • Stretchy Peau Douce fabric

Eres was the first-ever brand dedicated entirely to swimwear - they’re owned by Chanel and have been creating top of the line luxury swimwear for over 40 years. If you’re looking for the best of the best, you get it from Eres. The brand is totally dedicated to elegance - their pieces are uncomplicated, emphasising sculptural silhouettes, bold colours, and styles that look good on all body types.

Our jaws dropped the first time we ever laid eyes on their Designer Long Sleeve Swimsuit. The silhouette is so sleek, it wouldn’t look out of place even on the red carpet. The one-shoulder style looks amazing on everyone, and that deep navy colour is timeless. There’s only one way to describe this elegant swimsuit, Magnifique!

Hampton Bandeau Reversible Bikini Set from Tooshie

  • Flattering bandeau top/hipster bottom combo
  • Reversible for different styles and occasions
  • Adjustable knotted back
  • Tasteful glitter lining

Tooshie is a brand dedicated to timeless elegance, so it’s no wonder they’re on our list. Inspired by popular magazine spreads from the 60s, their pieces are built to be simple and glamorous, perfect for taking you from the yoga mat to the pool to the bar at sunset. Each piece is crafted by expert artisans for the ultimate comfort and fit.

Their Hampton Bandeau Reversible Bikinis best embody these values - sleek and sexy with a twist. We’re in love with the glittery lining and adjustable tie back, and the best part? All of these bikinis are reversible, letting you mix and match them for every occasion and mood.

Go Forth And Be Fabulous!

Did you find your new elegant swimsuit in our list? Don’t forget to show us with #SawItOnSandDollar!

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Beach Notes

Follow Lucy Gibson on the Sand Dollar Blog to find out about her lifestyle, this seasons latest trends and all things beach related. A hub for people who love to chase the sun, sea and sand way of life, whilst looking and feeling their best. We have all the tips to feel just that!