21 Best Black-Owned Swimwear with Show-Stopping Styles (2026)
The best Black-owned swimwear brands in 2026 offer everything from bold African-print bikinis to minimalist luxury one-pieces — all designed by Black founders who understand style, curves, and cultural identity from the inside. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next go-to bikini or looking for a stylish Black-owned gift, this guide covers 21 active Black-owned swimsuit brands, what makes each one distinctive, who they are best for, and where to shop them.
| QUICK ANSWER |
| The best Black-owned swimwear brands include: BFYNE (bold prints, hand-sewn, celebrity favourite), Andrea Iyamah (African-inspired elegance, SI Swimsuit), Nanawax (West African wax print swimwear, worn by Bonang Matheba), Riot Swim (minimalist luxury, soft fabrics), Melissa Simone (90s-inspired, Revolve-stocked), Diarrablu (sustainable, size-inclusive, Senegalese), MBM Swim (structured silhouettes), Matte Collection (affordable luxury, Kim K approved), and House of Jem (custom-made Caribbean swimwear). All ship worldwide or to the US and UK. |
Why Shop Black-Owned Swimwear Brands?
Black-owned swimwear brands design with an intimate understanding of diverse body types, skin tones, and cultural aesthetics that mainstream brands have historically overlooked. They know which colours photograph beautifully against dark skin, which cuts work for curvy and athletic frames, and how to blend cultural heritage with contemporary style.
Shopping Black-owned also means supporting independent entrepreneurs — most of whom self-fund, hand-sew, and personally oversee every piece. When you buy from these brands, your money goes directly to Black business owners and their communities.
| LOVE AFRICAN PRINT STYLE? BRING IT HOME |
If bold African prints and celebrating Black beauty speak to you as much as it does to us, you’ll love the African Woman Art Print — a striking illustration celebrating African fashion and femininity, perfect for your home gallery wall. Same spirit as the swimwear below: bold, beautiful, and proudly African. ▶ Shop the African Woman Art Print |
Bold Print & African-Inspired Black-Owned Swimwear Brands
These Black-owned swimwear brands celebrate African heritage, vibrant colour, and the cultural richness of the diaspora — through swimwear that makes a statement before you even get in the water.
1. BFyne
Founded by: Buki Ade, Nigerian-American designer, founded in 2013
Best for: Women who want bold, hand-sewn swimwear with dramatic shapes and cultural pride
Style: Hand-sewn bikinis, one-pieces and resort wear with exotic prints, vibrant colours and daring cutouts. Celebrity-worn by Taraji P. Henson, Alicia Keys, and SI Swimsuit model Hunter McGrady (2024). Each piece is made with the intention to emphasise curves.
Shop: bfyne.com
2. Andrea Iyamah
Founded by: Andrea Dumebi Iyamah, Nigerian fashion designer
Best for: Women seeking luxurious, culturally rooted swimwear with elegant silhouettes
Style: Bold colours, retro classic silhouettes, and intricate draping inspired by African ethnic cultures and elements of nature. Features bikinis, one-pieces, robes and coverups. SI Swimsuit featured. Achieng Agutu wore Andrea Iyamah in their Mexico shoot.
Shop: andreaiyamah.com
3. Nanawax
Founded by: Maureen Ayité, an entrepreneur from Bénin/Togo, founded her Facebook group in 2008 before becoming a multi-million dollar ready-to-wear label
Best for: Women who want authentic West African wax print swimwear rooted in real fashion heritage
Style: Bold wax and loincloth print swimwear from one of West Africa’s most celebrated ready-to-wear brands, with 276K+ Instagram followers. Nanawax’s founder pays tribute to the Nanabenz — the original wax fabric traders of West Africa — in her brand name. Bonang Matheba was famously photographed in a Nanawax-printed swimsuit on holiday. Nanawax has physical stores in Abidjan, Cotonou and Brazzaville, with swimwear pieces shared regularly via Instagram.
Shop: instagram.com/nanawax
4. Nakimuli
Founded by: Tennille McMillan
Best for: Women who celebrate individuality and love expressive, colourful swimwear
Style: Bold colours, innovative patterns and distinctive shapes celebrating sisterhood and individuality. Each collection features swimwear designed for the confident woman who loves to stand out.
Shop: nakimuli.com
5. Keva J Swimwear
Founded by: Keva Johnson, Miami-based designer
Best for: Women of all shapes and sizes who want celebrity-approved curves-celebrating swimwear
Style: Bold prints, vibrant colours and flattering cuts. Motto: ‘Same suit, different bodies, same slay.’ Worn by Ashanti, Ciara, and Sanya Richards Ross.
Shop: kevabykevaj.com
Minimalist & Luxury Black-Owned Swimwear Brands
These Black-owned swimwear brands prove that less is more — offering clean lines, premium fabrics, and designs that photograph beautifully and last season after season.
6. Riot Swim
Founded by: Monti Landers, founded 2016
Best for: Women who want minimalist yet sexy swimwear with buttery-soft fabrics and cheeky cuts
Style: Buttery-soft fabrics, clean finishes and ultra-sexy silhouettes. Tagline: ‘#RelaxItsJustAss’. Worn by SI Swimsuit models Leyna Bloom, Brittany Mahomes, Kamie Crawford, Ellie Thumann and Ali Truwit.
Shop: riotswim.com
7. Jade Swim
Founded by: Brittany Kozerski, former Marie Claire fashion editor
Best for: Women who appreciate minimalist, sustainable swimwear that transitions from beach to beyond
Style: Clean lines, timeless designs, sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing. Worn by Caroline Marks and Suni Lee. SI Swimsuit editor’s favourite.
Shop: jadeswim.com
8. Matte Collection
Founded by: Justina McKee
Best for: Women who want affordable luxury minimalist swimwear with celebrity appeal
Style: Simple, clean and minimalist looks — one-pieces, separates, bikinis, three-pieces and coverups. Affordable luxury positioning. Worn by Kim Kardashian and Ciara.
Shop: mattecollection.com
9. MBM Swim
Founded by: Marcia B Maxwell, self-taught designer
Best for: Women who want structured, flattering swimwear with elegant silhouettes
Style: Structured, chic designs with clean lines and bold elements. Colourful prints with sexy cuts that highlight the female form. Also offers a great line of resort wear.
Shop: mbmswim.com
Luxury & Premium Black-Owned Swimwear Brands
These Black-owned swimwear designers offer premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and resort-ready collections for women who want the finest.
10. Melissa Simone
Founded by: Melissa Simone Gardner
Best for: Women who want luxurious, timeless swimwear inspired by 90s silhouettes
Style: High-quality luxury inspired by nineties’ timeless silhouettes. High-cut thongs, string-back bikinis and one-pieces. Available at Revolve, Kith, and FWRD. Spotted on celebrities and supermodels.
Shop: melissasimone.com
11. Asherah Swimwear
Founded by: Cheryl ‘Cejae’ Jones, Creative Director
Best for: Women seeking luxurious swimwear that flatters all shapes and sizes
Style: One-of-a-kind prints created for the confident woman. Bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups that appeal to the natural curve and shape of the female figure.
Shop: asherahswimwear.com
12. Mint Swim
Founded by: Draya Michele, media personality and entrepreneur
Best for: Trendsetters who want stylish, elegant swimwear with luxurious fabrics
Style: Sleek designs, luxurious fabrics and impeccable craftsmanship. Bikinis and one-pieces that suit multiple personal styles.
Shop: mintswim.com
13. Avid Swim
Founded by: Gigi Caruso, Jamaican-born designer
Best for: Women who want luxury swimwear that makes them feel confident and sexy
Style: High-quality materials, unique designs and meticulous attention to detail. Pieces designed to make women feel confident whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a day at the beach.
Shop: avidswim.com
Sustainable and Size-Inclusive Black-Owned Swimwear Brands
These Black-owned swimwear brands lead on sustainability, ethical production, and size inclusivity — proving that great swimwear does not have to cost the earth.
14. Diarrablu
Founded by: Diarra Bousso, Senegalese founder
Best for: Women who want sustainable, size-inclusive swimwear with iconic West African prints
Style: Size-inclusive contemporary lifestyle brand merging traditional Senegalese craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Iconic prints, bold hues, zero-waste commitment, artisan community support.
Shop: diarrablu.com
15. Lemlem
Founded by: Liya Kebede, Ethiopian model and designer
Best for: Women who appreciate ethically made resort wear that supports African artisans and weavers
Style: Artisan-driven resort wear preserving the art of weaving in Ethiopia. Name means ‘to bloom and flourish’ in Amharic. Chic, easy-to-wear pieces, including swimwear.
Shop: lemlem.com
16. Amini Swim
Founded by: Cierra Porter
Best for: Women who want sustainable, purpose-driven swimwear with flattering silhouettes
Style: Amini means ‘believe’ in Swahili. Sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of the brand. Super flattering silhouettes. Cited in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026.
Shop: aminiswim.com
17. Nomads Swimwear
Founded by: Black-owned brand
Best for: Women size XS to 5X who love bright colours and tropical patterns
Style: Extended size ranges from XS to 5X. Bright colours and tropical patterns. One of the most inclusive size ranges in Black-owned swimwear.
Shop: nomadsswimwear.com
18. Ego Swim
Founded by: Shakiera T., Tisa F., Sherika H. and Shanae C. — founded by a group of best friends
Best for: Women who want trendy, travel-ready swimwear born from a love of holidays with friends
Style: Trendsetting designs, high-quality fabrics and diverse sizes. Born from the founders’ shared love of travel and the need for swimwear that combines style with comfort — perfect for sun-soaked beach days and beyond.
Shop: egoswim.com
Custom and Unique Black-Owned Swimwear Brands
These Black-owned swimwear brands offer something you cannot find in any store — handmade, custom-fit, and completely one-of-a-kind swimwear.
19. House of Jem
Founded by: Jemima Harrigan, from St. Lucia, Caribbean
Best for: Women who want custom-made swimwear designed specifically for their body — and carnival-ready pieces
Style: Unique, custom-made swimwear and carnival wear handmade by Jemima. Every piece is designed by Jemima and made to order. Also offers lingerie and carnival wear. Currently experiencing high order volume (2025-2026). Ships worldwide.
Shop: houseofjem.com
20. Icon Swim
Founded by: Black-owned, size-inclusive brand
Best for: Women who want affordable, trendy swimwear that flatters all body types
Style: String bikinis, monokinis and styles that highlight curves while providing coverage. Committed to spreading positivity and great style at accessible prices.
Shop: iconswim.com
21. GYV Me Body
Founded by: Black-owned, size-inclusive
Best for: Women who want versatile swimwear that transitions from poolside to evening out
Style: Size-inclusive range of swimsuits that double as glamorous outfits. Ideal for jet-setters who love versatility.
Shop: gyvmebody.com
Black Women Swimwear — Style Picks by Occasion
Finding the right Black-owned swimwear depends on what you need it for. Here are the best picks by occasion.
Best Black-Owned Swimwear for a Tropical Holiday
→ Andrea Iyamah — African-inspired prints and elegant draping perfect for resort settings
→ Diarrablu — bold Senegalese prints that go from pool to happy hour
→ Lemlem — artisan-made resort wear that doubles as cover-up and swimwear
→ Mint Swim — sleek, elegant holiday pieces in a range of styles
Best Black-Owned Swimwear for Curvy Women
→ Keva J Swimwear — designed for curves, Miami-born, celebrity-loved
→ BFYNE — hand-sewn with intention to emphasise curves
→ MBM Swim — structured silhouettes that are genuinely flattering
→ Nomads Swimwear — up to 5X, tropical prints, inclusive
→ House of Jem — fully custom-made to your exact measurements
Best Black-Owned Swimwear for Minimalists
→ Riot Swim — buttery-soft fabrics, cheeky cuts, clean aesthetic
→ Jade Swim — sustainable minimalism, fashion editor-approved
→ Matte Collection — simple, affordable luxury
Best Black-Owned Swimwear Under $100
→ Icon Swim — affordable, trendy, all body types
→ Matte Collection — affordable luxury positioning, bikinis from ~$80
→ House of Jem — custom-made starting from ~$60-80
→ Nomads Swimwear — inclusive sizing at accessible prices
Best Black Designer Bikinis
→ BFYNE — hand-sewn exotic print bikinis, celebrity-approved
→ Andrea Iyamah — African-inspired bikini sets with intricate draping
→ Riot Swim — minimalist cheeky bikinis with buttery-soft fabric
→ Matte Collection — clean cut minimalist bikinis, celebrity-worn
→ House of Jem — custom-made bikinis in your choice of fabric and size
Where to Buy Black-Owned Swimwear Online?
Black-owned swimwear is available directly from each brand’s website. Here is a guide to where to shop by region and preference.
→ Direct from brand websites — the best option. Supports the founder directly and often offers the widest selection. Most ship worldwide.
→ Revolve — stocks Melissa Simone and other Black-owned luxury swimwear
→ FWRD — stocks Melissa Simone and select Black-owned designers
→ Kith — stocks Melissa Simone
→ Etsy — search ‘Black-owned swimwear’ for handmade and independent Black designers
→ Shoppe Black (shoppeblack.us) — curated directory of Black-owned swimwear brands
For UK shoppers: most of the brands above ship internationally. BFYNE, Riot Swim, Andrea Iyamah, Jade Swim and Melissa Simone all offer international shipping. Diarrablu is an excellent option for UK-based shoppers interested in sustainable, Senegalese-inspired swimwear.
| CARRY THE SAME ENERGY INTO YOUR HOME |
These brands celebrate Black beauty through swimwear — my art print collection does the same for your walls. Bold, elegant illustrations of Black women, including the African Woman Art Print featured above, are available in multiple sizes and ready to ship. ▶ See the Full Art Print Collection |
Explore More African Fashion and Black Style
→ The Ultimate Guide to African Fashion
→ The History of African Fashion
→ Beauty for Black Women — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions — Black-Owned Swimwear
The best Black-owned swimwear brands in 2026 are: BFYNE (bold prints, hand-sewn, celebrity-worn by Taraji P. Henson and Alicia Keys), Andrea Iyamah (African-inspired elegance, worn in SI Swimsuit), Riot Swim (minimalist luxury with buttery-soft fabrics, worn by SI Swimsuit models), Melissa Simone (90s-inspired luxury, sold at Revolve and FWRD), Diarrablu (sustainable and size-inclusive, Senegalese-inspired), Matte Collection (affordable luxury, worn by Kim Kardashian and Ciara), MBM Swim (structured, flattering silhouettes), and House of Jem (custom-made Caribbean swimwear for everybody).
You can buy Black-owned swimwear online from the brand websites directly — this is the best option as it supports the founder most directly. Most ships worldwide. Melissa Simone is also stocked at Revolve, Kith, and FWRD. For a curated directory of Black-owned swimwear brands, visit shoppeblack.us. On Etsy, searching ‘Black-owned swimwear’ returns a range of independent Black designers, including handmade and custom-made options. For UK shoppers, BFYNE, Riot Swim, Andrea Iyamah, Jade Swim, Lemlem and Melissa Simone all offer international shipping.
The best Black-owned swimsuit brands for curvy women are: House of Jem (fully custom-made to your exact measurements, ships worldwide from St. Lucia), Keva J Swimwear (designed specifically for curves, motto ‘Same suit, different bodies, same slay’), BFYNE (hand-sewn with the intention to emphasise curves), Nomads Swimwear (sizes XS to 5X, the widest size range among Black-owned brands), MBM Swim (structured silhouettes that create flattering shape), and GYV Me Body (size-inclusive swimwear that transitions from pool to evening).
The best Black designer bikinis come from: BFYNE — hand-sewn exotic print bikinis worn by celebrities; Andrea Iyamah — African-inspired bikini sets with intricate draping and bold colour; Riot Swim — minimalist cheeky bikinis with buttery-soft fabric, worn by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models; Matte Collection — clean-cut minimalist bikinis at accessible luxury prices, worn by Kim Kardashian; House of Jem — fully custom-made bikinis in your choice of fabric, colour and size. For UK shoppers, Riot Swim and Andrea Iyamah both ship internationally with strong reviews on delivery and quality.
Yes, several Black-owned swimwear brands are specifically committed to sustainability. Diarrablu (founded by Senegalese designer Diarra Bousso) has a zero-waste commitment and supports West African artisan communities. Arrow + Phoenix (founded by Kayla Bell in New Orleans) uses eco-friendly, silky-soft, resilient fabrics. Jade Swim (founded by former fashion editor Brittany Kozerski) prioritises sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing. Amini Swim puts sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of its brand. Lemlem (founded by Ethiopian model Liya Kebede) is dedicated to preserving the art of weaving in Ethiopia and supporting African artisans.
Several Black-owned swimwear brands have strong celebrity followings. BFYNE has been worn by Taraji P. Henson, Alicia Keys, and SI Swimsuit model Hunter McGrady. Keva J Swimwear is worn by Ashanti, Ciara, and Sanya Richards Ross. Melissa Simone has been spotted on celebrities and supermodels at Revolve and FWRD. Matte Collection has been worn by Kim Kardashian and Ciara. Riot Swim has been worn by SI Swimsuit models Leyna Bloom, Brittany Mahomes, Kamie Crawford, Ellie Thumann, and Ali Truwit. Jade Swim has been worn by Caroline Marks and Suni Lee.
Yes — African-inspired swimwear is one of the strongest categories among Black-owned brands. The top African-inspired Black-owned swimwear brands are: Andrea Iyamah (Nigerian designer, retro African silhouettes and bold cultural colours), BFYNE (Nigerian-American designer Buki Ade, African cultural prints and hand-sewn craftsmanship), Diarrablu (Senegalese designer, traditional artisan techniques with modern design and iconic West African prints), Lemlem (Ethiopian model Liya Kebede, woven textiles celebrating African heritage), and Nakimuli (colourful prints inspired by African patterns and traditions). These brands explicitly draw on African textile and design heritage in their swimwear.
House of Jem is the best custom-made Black-owned swimwear brand. Founded by Jemima Harrigan from St. Lucia in the Caribbean, House of Jem creates fully custom-made swimwear and carnival wear — designed by Jemima and handmade to your exact specifications. You can choose the design, fabric, colour, and size. Every piece is made on demand. They also offer lingerie and carnival wear. House of Jem ships worldwide and is currently experiencing high order volumes (2025-2026), so ordering in advance is recommended. Website: houseofjem.com
Yes, several Black-owned swimwear brands offer affordable options without compromising on quality or style. Icon Swim offers trendy, confidence-boosting swimwear at the most accessible price point, with string bikinis and monokinis that flatter all body types. Matte Collection offers affordable luxury, minimalist, celebrity-worn swimwear at more accessible prices than premium brands. House of Jem offers custom-made swimwear starting from approximately $60-80 — a remarkable value for a fully handmade, made-to-measure piece. Nomads Swimwear offers inclusive sizing at accessible prices, with sizes from XS to 5X.
| ABOUT THE AUTHOR |
| Doria Adouké is a French illustrator and writer based in London, specialising in African fashion, Black-owned brands, and Black women’s lifestyle. She has covered Black fashion history and Black-owned businesses since 2009. This guide is part of the African Fashion hub on her blog, which covers the history and contemporary landscape of Black fashion globally. |
