Fashion / Style

Sun safe swimwear: your guide for the summer heat

Heat seeker. With summer still upon us and and the slogan ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ summoning more than just a nostalgic note in our memory, the need to cover up and save ourselves (and our skin) from UV damage is a high priority.

Here, we round up our top five favourite swimwear brands that have gotten sun coverage just right - daggy rashies no more.

Cool girl protection

Australian natives and sister design duo, Matteau’s Peta Heinson and Ilona Hamer, understand first-hand the need for adequate cover from our harsh sun, and their minimal, modern and considered designs make it easy to say yes to being sun safe. Matteau’s long sleeve tee and maillot embody the forward thinking aesthetic the brand has become synonymous with. We’ll take both.

It's iconic

Local brand Bondi Born provides fabrications with UPF 50+ protection for that extra barrier against the harsher rays we experience down under. While they're known for their classic and sleek silhouettes, their garments embody notions of the quintessential Australian lifestyle, a throwback to our childhood oceanside summers, and the rash guard collection allows for stress-free, sun-safe days spent along Bondi’s shores.

It's iconic

Local brand Bondi Born provides fabrications with UPF 50+ protection for that extra barrier against the harsher rays we experience down under. While they're known for their classic and sleek silhouettes, their garments embody notions of the quintessential Australian lifestyle, a throwback to our childhood oceanside summers, and the rash guard collection allows for stress-free, sun-safe days spent along Bondi’s shores.

Tropicool styling

The scalloped-edge maillot by Marysia has us conjuring images of clear waters, blue skies and a countdown to our next summer getaway. Former ballerina and surfer, Marysia Reeves, has spent a lifetime under the sun, and knows no limits for when it comes to design and quality. Sun safety is as effortless as taking your pick from fun prints and fresh hues.

They've got you covered

True to their motto: ‘Chic sun protection and functional luxury’, Cover will have you moving through the sun in no time. Designed to go straight from the ocean to biking, running or paddle boarding, their variety of swim tees and maillots will have you ready for any warm weather activity. Their innovative pieces are made from their own recycled microfiber fabric that block 98 per cent of UV rays, and are favourites of the likes of Jamie King, Karolina Kurkova and more.

They've got you covered

True to their motto: ‘Chic sun protection and functional luxury’, Cover will have you moving through the sun in no time. Designed to go straight from the ocean to biking, running or paddle boarding, their variety of swim tees and maillots will have you ready for any warm weather activity. Their innovative pieces are made from their own recycled microfiber fabric that block 98 per cent of UV rays, and are favourites of the likes of Jamie King, Karolina Kurkova and more.

Well rounded protection

Proving that swimwear can be fashion and eco-friendly, Solid & Striped have placed sustainability at the forefront of their designs for years through their continued use of recycled plastics and fishing nets. Alongside their signature styles, hinted retro impressions make it easy to transition from the beach to street. Pieces like the Georgia top fuse functionality and style; designed to be perfectly paired with the brand's in-house sun care products available at their online store.

From top: @matteau; @bondibornaustralia; @marysia; @coverswim; @solidandstriped.