You might think the most useful piece in your holiday wardrobe is a white linen shirt or a pair of elevated flip flops that go with everything. But in Cocktail 2, costume designer and stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania makes a compelling case for the swimsuit. She builds Kriti Sanon’s Ally as the kind of well-travelled cool girl whose wardrobe is layered, a little undone, and makes swimwear feel like the starting point of a look. “Her character is basically how I’d love to dress on vacation… on my best day, in my fittest fantasy,” says Adajania. “But jokes aside, as someone who genuinely loves to travel, it’s really my take on how a cool girl just intuitively dresses when she’s out discovering the world.”
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12 homegrown swimwear brands that belong in your holiday suitcase
Whether you’re dressing for the beach, the pool, or everything that comes before and after, these Indian labels are making swimsuits that work all day long
Courtesy Bungalow Swim
Kriti Sanon as Ally in ‘Cocktail 2’
Courtesy Maddock Films
In the movie, Ally wears bikini tops everywhere: while cruising along the Sicilian coast in a convertible with a crochet miniskirt, at a vineyard with a knit cardigan and printed maxi skirt, and even in the town square with a matching skirt and a cover-up. The swimsuit becomes less a beach-only piece and more of a base layer for an entire holiday wardrobe, illustrating that a good swimsuit can do way more than survive a dip in the pool. “Honestly, I just think swimsuits are far more comfortable than most innerwear, so why not? They just make sense,” Adajania adds.
So, this summer, we’re making a case for taking swimwear beyond obvious locations. When styled right, a simple bikini top or one-piece can double up as a going-out top without looking too out of place. Whether your itinerary includes a sundowner at the hottest beach club, exploring a new city, or gallivanting in nature, below, a list of Indian brands you should consider adding to the mix before your next vacation:
01
In This Dream
This newly launched brand has caught our attention for all the right reasons—think adjustable straps, double-layer fabrics that feel secure, and cuts that flatter your body without making you fight for your breath. Made with Econyl, the swimsuits also claim to offer protection equivalent to SPF 50—always a plus when you plan on spending more than an hour in the sun.
02
Namara
Founded by Namrata Parikh and Rashi Gangwal with the aim of making people feel confident and comfortable in swimwear, Namara offers high-waisted bikini sets and one-pieces with thoughtfully placed cut-outs. The brand works with a wide range of colours, and they even have DIY tie-dye kits so you can have a swimsuit that no one else on the beach will be wearing.
03
Flirtatious
An influencer-vacation-wardrobe favourite, Indian brand Flirtatious is known for its playful prints and funky colour combinations. Some of its bikini sets and knit dresses even made it on Kriti Sanon in Cocktail 2.
04
Vitamin Di
Who says swimwear can’t have some tactile fun? Vitamin Di’s collection ranges from hand-beaded styles to cotton crochet and pieces that’ll instantly make anyone ask “Where did you get that from?”.
05
Verandah
Anjali Patel Mehta’s Verandah has built a global fan following for its consciously crafted resortwear—and its swimwear line is no exception. Apart from being stocked at luxury hotels and department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Printemps, the brand was also spotted on season three of The White Lotus.
06
Bungalow Swim
If you’re on the hunt for a sophisticated, solid swimsuit, chances are you’re going to love Bungalow Swim. Made in Bali with buttery smooth Italian Carvico Sumatra and Econyl fabrics, their one pieces and bikinis come in saturated hues that are great for adding a pop of colour to an otherwise pared-back vacation wardrobe.
07
Lemonlords
Polkas, paisleys, Indian block-print-inspired florals and stripes—this Ahmedabad-based brand knows how to have fun with prints without making it feel too chaotic.
08
Tau Tura
Tau Tura understands the perfect swimsuit is rarely one-size-fits-all, which is why the brand offers alterations and even a custom product builder so you can tweak everything from coverage to neckline. Prefer a cheekier cut? More coverage on the tummy? Or a neckline that sits exactly where you want it to? Tau Tura has your back (and front).
09
Simwear
Simwear makes holiday packing easy. This homegrown label offers a tight collection of modular swimsuits in unique prints, often with matching skirts in the same fabric, which means the outfit is practically built for you. All you need is a pair of sunnies and flip flops, and you’re set!
10
Nadi Nadi
Founded by designer couple Bhaavya Bhatnagar and Rishi Baweja (who are also behind Hannan Jewelry), Nadi Nadi serves clean silhouettes that offer both coverage and playfulness. The Delhi-based brand experiments with 3D bows and flowers, starfish-shaped bikini tops, and hand embroidery, proving that modest cuts don’t have to be boring.
11
La Paz
We’ve been talking so much about bright colours and prints, but for the girls who prefer cleaner silhouettes that still feel luxe, there’s La Paz. Think one-pieces and bikinis in soothing neutrals, tie-up details, and sleek gold hardwear that look just as good layered under a shirt as they do by the pool. They even have a bunch of reversible styles, which means you get two colour options even if you pack just one swimsuit.
12
Guapa
This celebrity-favourite resortwear label is all about the drama. Think maximalist tropical prints, eye-catching colours, and eccentric silhouettes where ruffles do all the talking.
