So you and your girls have a pretty extra summer planned. Maybe you’re renting a beach house for a long weekend, or you’re piling onto a plane to recharge and let loose someplace tropical. Either way, those precious few days and nights will likely involve Instagram-worthy hats and sunnies, old inside jokes, suntan lotion chased with aloe and a fair number of rum-based cocktails.
With you and your crew in mind, Bare Necessities swimwear buyer Megan Puma played personal shopper, pulling the best bikinis (and an unforgettable one-piece) for everyone in the inner circle. Just match the squad member with her ideal swimsuit and get packing.
THE SUPER-SUPPORTIVE ONE
Your ride-or-die BFF knows how to read your mood with a single emoji. She can always be counted on for an airport pick-up, a reliable second opinion and a good cathartic cry. She carries both Advil and Tylenol, because she knows girls need choices. She is the swimwear equivalent of a bra-sized bikini.
Freya Sundance Sweetheart Bikini: Everyone is going wild for the new black cherry color of this uplifting, fabulously fitting full-bust bikini that locks and loads in style.
Freya Run Wild Idol Bikini: “This is the same shape and fit as the uber-popular Idol bra,” says Megan. The hot tub-friendly version has a chic abstract animal print and three different coverage options in the bottoms—in other words, plays well with others.
THE SWEETHEART
Bless her, this friend doesn’t have a single mean bone in her body. She’s kind to animals, allergic to gossip, tips lavishly and has a laugh you would recognize a mile away. She’s basically a real-life fairy tale princess, and she dresses the part.
Freya Endless Summer Underwire Bandeau Bikini: Megan loves the optional strap on this ruffled, watercolor top, which comes in D to G cups. It looks more unstructured than it is, with side-boning and power-net back wings.
Becca Femme Flora Ruffle Bikini: Ruffle-trimmed triangle cups for chest sizes 32 to 40 stretches on overhead like a bralette. Pair it with the coordinating romper cover-up for a darling matchy-matchy look.
THE SPORTY ONE
You know who we mean—she can’t kick back in a lounge chair for more than fifteen minutes before she’s off joining a pick-up volleyball game, hiking a volcano or learning to stand-up paddleboard. She rises with the sun to hit the hotel gym; her only tan line is from her Fitbit.
Freya Back to Black High Neck Underwire Bikini: What to wear under a wetsuit? A sleek, simple silhouette with a built-in bra, in the most versatile color combo known to womankind.
Pour Moi Glamazon Scoop Neck Underwire Bikini: Trimmed in basketball-esque mesh netting for that just-one-of-the-guys appeal, this scoop-neck bra-sized knockout is as comfy and functional as it is fabulous.
THE DRAMA QUEEN
Though she lost her driver’s license in the ocean the day you arrived, you find her endlessly endearing. She is always fashionably late. She likes to keep things interesting, and she’s down for turning up on the dance floor and at the bar—just be sure to get her a wake-up call if you want to see her at brunch.
Pour Moi Glamazon Double Strap Bikini: Sexy layered straps turn it from “game day” to “game on” (see image at top of post). Bottoms range from scant and side-tied to high-leg briefs.
Miss Mandalay Icon Strappy Bikini: Miss Mandalay brings the drama with a strap-happy suit in a bold cobalt color. Choose from two equally modern bottom styles with the same cool strap detail served up different ways.
THE INDIE BOHO FRIEND
The easygoing earth goddess who walks among you is happy to roll with whatever—so long as she’s not missing any music festivals. She’s seriously considering opening a coconut stand on the beach and never going back home.
Seafolly Bali Hai Underwire Bikini Top, DD-Cups: With DD-cups and convertible straps, these Far-East florals on a batik background bring a little luau wherever you go. Just tuck a flower over one ear.
Tommy Bahama Cowrie Diamond Halter Bikini: A classic blue-and-white shibori halter inspired by cowrie shells needs only a wood bead necklace and a piña colada. The sarong-esque skirted bottom is like a built-in cover-up.
THE PARTY GIRL
She’s single and ready to mingle, so why shouldn’t her swimwear say as much? There are worse places to meet someone than paradise. So play on at the playa, player. Bring on those summer nights…and these suits.
Robin Piccone Luca Plunge One-Piece: The bikini’s brave older sister is this un-basic black, deep-vee halter, with hardware suggestive of a bar piercing.
Luli Fama Mambo Push-Up Halter Bikini: If you love this friend, then whatever you do, please do not pull her over to the swim-up bar by the lace-up straps.
THE ONE WHO CAN SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF WHATEVER COUNTRY YOU’RE IN
This is the friend who fills half her suitcase with novels and plays Duolingo and Words with Friends on her phone in her down time. You rely on her to plot out the itinerary, read a map, converse with the concierge in his native tongue and generally get things handled.
Becca Tahiti Halter Bikini: A toile-inspired floral print with darling crochet trim and an adjustable string tie in back is understatedly sweet and smart. A white bikini made wearable, in Tahiti or Tijuana.
Pour Moi Barcelona Halter Bikini: The metallic threads woven into this pinup-worthy, supportive underwire halter sparkle in the sun—not unlike your amigas.
