Summer is a stress-free haven for many students, but there’s one aspect that never fails to stress people out: what to wear. Summer brings the need for a whole different wardrobe than the school year as people have fun in warmer weather. When swimming in the ocean or pool, or tanning in the sun, everyone wants to wear a cute, comfortable bathing suit. While this standard is seemingly low, it is actually quite difficult to buy bathing suits that meet these requirements.
One of the many complaints about bathing suits is the prices. “It’s hard to fully commit to buying a bathing suit sometimes if just half of it is one hundred dollars,” said B-CC Junior Zara Mistry. This sentiment is widely shared, as bathing suit prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Popular companies such as Triangl and Dippin’ Daisy’s sell bikini tops and bottoms for up to $100, or more, for just one piece—so, if someone wants a matching bathing suit, they might have to spend around $200, excluding any tax and shipping costs. Many argue that such prices are unreasonable, especially for people who plan to buy multiple swimsuits. These expenses also expand inequality between communities, as only a select few people can afford to be ‘on trend’ each summer.
Another relevant issue with many bathing suits is the fit. “There are less and less bathing suits that have a range of sizes and styles that have enough coverage and support,” said Mistry. Many that do have the desired cut and fit either are too ‘full coverage’ or don’t have the same cute patterns/styles that the smaller, more popular ones have. This also makes it more difficult for buyers because many trending bathing suits only fit the beauty standard of being thin or skinny, excluding others from joining in on the trend.
While price and fit are two of the biggest obstacles when shopping for bathing suits, accessibility is another concern — especially for students who may not have transportation to reach malls or high-end boutiques. Luckily, there are still a few local and online options that offer more affordable, size-inclusive swimwear.
Some good options are Target and Pacsun, which are both short distances from B-CC. These stores offer a variety of styles, patterns, and price points. Target is known for having swimsuits that are both trendy and budget-friendly, with many sets ranging from $30 to $50 total. Pacsun similarly has sets that go for around $60, and the brand can be found in most malls, namely Tysons’ Corner Mall, but is also located in Fairfax and Columbia. A few more popular options are Aerie (by American Eagle) and Hollister. Aerie has gained attention for its commitment to body positivity and non-retouched marketing, helping buyers view how the suits appear on real people. Both Aerie and Hollister provide size ranges from XXS-XXL, establishing their inclusive status.
As summer approaches, the pressure to “fit in” with the latest trends can be intense. But it’s important to remember that the right bathing suit is the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the sunshine. With more brands embracing diversity and affordability, students have more options than ever to find a suit that suits them.
