I recently went over the basics of resort wear in my aptly named post, “The Basics of Resort Wear.” I covered the exact items you need to pack before jetting off to warmer weather come winter. In this post, I would like to go over my favorite resort wear designers and brands, but first a little history…
Resort wear first popped up in between the world wars when affluent movie stars and socialites would jet off to warm destinations during the winter months. Their outfits were photographed and written about and designers started creating clothing specifically to be worn at these resorts, such as so-called “beach pajamas,” which were shocking back then (women wearing pants, what?!). After WWII, the economy was booming and travel became more accessible for more people. That’s when the release of yearly resort wear collections really became solidified.
In short, resort wear is chic lightweight summer clothes intended for travel, and available in between the release of winter clothes and spring collections.
Many designers still create specific resort wear collections, but nowadays there are designers and brands that focus entirely on the resort wear vibe year-round. When I am preparing a client for a warm-weather vacation, these are my go-to designers and brands for resort wear…
Resort Wear Brand: Farm Rio
Farm Rio is a resort wear feast with their gorgeous colors and natural fabrics. Founded in the tropical city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it’s no surprise they’ve nailed the tropical and beachy resort aesthetic. Check out my full Farm Rio review for more details on one of my favorite brands for resort wear and more.
Available at Bloomingdale’s, Farm Rio, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Sizing: XXS-XL
Material: 100% cotton
Resort Wear Brand: Indah
Unsurprisingly, many of my favorite resort wear brands are founded in tropical, resort destinations. Indah means beauty in Indonesian and is created and produced in Bali. They excel at lightweight, breezy fabrics and describe their designs as “bold and sensual.” They’re one of my favorite resort wear designers for embracing the sexy side of resort-style.
Available at Revolve
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 50% rayon, 50% cotton
Resort Wear Brand: VIX
A luxury swimwear company, Vix is one of my go-to brands for sexy resort wear. I love both their swimsuits and cover-up dresses. And in case you were wondering, the designer, Paula Hermanny, grew up in Brazil and says her designs are inspired by its exotic beaches. In past years, Vix has featured bright colors and patterns, but the current resortwear collection is embracing muted neutrals in breezy fabrics.
Available at Vix
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 72% polyester, 28% polyamide
Resort Wear Brand: Faithfull The Brand
Another Bali-based brand, Faithful The Brand says each collection is “youthful and uncomplicated in design, with a nostalgic nod to vintage wardrobes of summers past.” Their designs have lots of floral prints, bright colors, and flattering silhouettes.
Available at Revolve and Faithfull the Brand.
Sizing: XS-XXL
Material: Self: 100% linen, Lining: 100% rayon
Resort Wear Designer: Johanna Ortiz
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz started this brand as a swimwear line inspired by “the beauty and lushness” of Colombia. It’s since evolved into year-round resort wear pieces and accessories, featuring unique, bold prints and simple, yet feminine designs.
Available at Revolve, Shopbop, Matches, Net-A-Porter, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Sizing: 0-12
Material: 100% cotton
Resort Wear Brand: L* Space
L*Space is a California brand that focuses on comfortable and flattering beachwear pieces. Their simple colors and patterns are designed to easily mix and match.
Available at Revolve, Shopbop, Zappos, Nordstrom, Amazon and Anthropologie.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 85% viscose, 15% cotton
Resort Wear Designer: Rhode
Rhode is another resort wear designer that has really mastered vibrant patterns and bright colors.
Available at Revolve and Rhode.
Sizing: XS-L
Material: Self – 100% linen, Lining – 100% cotton
Resort Wear Designer: Just Queen Bee
Just Bee Queen describes their luxury resort wear as “feminine, flirty, and figure forming,” aka sexy. As I mentioned in my post on what to pack for a resort vacation, they make the dresses you want to wear for a bold, beachy dinner look. The dress featured above (that I’m also wearing at the top of the post) is technically described as a “swimsuit coverup,” but it truly is a glamourous statement dress that is begging to be worn to dinner or a beach party.
Available at Bloomingdale’s
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% linen
