A Personal Deep Dive Into Monday Swimwear
Finding swimwear that flatters your body, survives a full day at the beach, and still looks stylish after multiple wears is surprisingly difficult. Many brands focus on trends over fit. Others offer limited sizing that excludes a large portion of shoppers. I wanted to see if one brand could solve all these problems at once. That curiosity led me to explore Monday Swimwear firsthand.
I visited their New York City location shortly after it opened. I walked in with questions about fit, fabric, and value. I walked out with a much clearer understanding of why this label has such a dedicated following. This monday swimwear review covers seven pieces I tested personally, from swim tops to cover-ups. Each item got worn, stretched, washed, and evaluated for real-world use.
Monday Swimwear Philosophy and Background
Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman launched the brand in 2014. Both founders came from content creation backgrounds rather than traditional fashion design. That origin story matters. It explains why the brand prioritizes visual appeal without sacrificing construction quality. Oakley brings Australian coastal influences. Brugman contributes a relaxed California perspective. Together they created a line that feels both laid-back and intentional.
Size inclusivity sits at the core of their mission. Bikinis range from a Petite Petite cut up to a Very Very Voluptuous option. That range covers a wide spectrum of body types. The brand recently introduced a Small Band, Large Cup collection as well. Those pieces fit underbust measurements from 28 to 34 inches with cup sizes from DD to G. That specific range addresses a common pain point for women with smaller rib cages and fuller busts. Most swimwear brands ignore that combination entirely.
Beyond swimwear, Monday Swimwear offers an entire vacation wardrobe. You will find drawstring pants, structured straw totes, sarongs, crochet dresses, and statement earrings. The goal seems to be one-stop shopping for a beach trip without sacrificing style cohesion. The fabrics feature surf-inspired textures and earthy tones that transition from sand to sidewalk.
What the New York Store Looks Like
The NYC store opened recently in a bright, airy space. White walls and natural light make the colors of each piece pop. The layout feels open and approachable. Nothing about the environment screams luxury or intimidation. That atmosphere matters when you are trying to assess fit and feel. I appreciated being able to browse freely without pressure.
Store associates offered suggestions based on my preferences rather than pushing specific items. That approach made the experience feel personal. I tried pieces I would never have picked on my own, which ended up being the highlight of the visit. If you are near either the Los Angeles or New York location, I recommend visiting in person. The fabric quality and fit nuances are easier to judge when you can touch and try.
Seven Pieces I Tested
I selected a range of items to get a full picture of the brand. Swim tops, bottoms, cover-ups, and separates made the list. Each piece went through a wear test that included movement, water exposure, and drying time. Here are my honest observations.
Marina Piccola Sarong
This sarong features an elevated brown-and-white print that looks more polished than typical beach cover-ups. The fabric has a soft hand feel with enough weight to drape nicely. I styled it as a strapless top by folding and tying it securely. The material held its shape without constant adjustment. That surprised me because sarongs often slip or sag when worn as tops.
You could also tie this piece around your waist as a skirt. The versatility makes it a strong addition to any beach wardrobe. I can picture wearing it with a white bikini underneath or pairing it with elevated sandals for a casual dinner. The print does not scream beachwear, so it blends well with non-swim pieces. One note: the sarong is generous in size, which works well for creative styling but may feel bulky if you prefer minimal coverage.
Tahiti Drawstring Pants
These pants are lightweight and comfortable. The drawstring waist allows for adjustability, which is useful after a big lunch or a day of travel. I paired them with the Marina Piccola sarong for a coordinated look, but they also work with a simple tank top and kitten heels. The fabric breathes well in warm weather and does not cling uncomfortably.
Fit runs true to size through the hips and waist. However, petite women should note that the inseam runs long. I am 5 foot 4 inches and the pants pooled at my ankles more than I prefer. Hemming would solve that issue easily. For taller women or those who like a longer silhouette, the length will be ideal. The pants feel substantial enough for running errands but light enough for beachside lounging.
Montego Crochet Dress
I typically avoid color. My wardrobe leans heavily on black, white, and beige. So when a store associate handed me a light-blue crochet dress, I hesitated. She insisted I try it. I am glad she did. The dress falls in a mini length with open stitching that allows airflow. It draped beautifully over my frame without adding bulk.
The crochet pattern feels sturdy rather than delicate. You do not have to worry about snags from casual wear. I wore it over a matching bikini, but you could layer it over a simple slip for a night out. The openness of the stitch pattern adds visual interest without revealing too much. This piece surprised me the most during my testing. It expanded my idea of what a cover-up can be.
Palma Bikini Top
This top comes from the Small Band, Large Cup collection. I tested it specifically to evaluate how well the brand supports fuller busts on smaller frames. The underwire construction provides structure without digging into the ribs. The straps adjust easily and stay in place during movement. I did not experience any slipping or shifting while walking or bending.
Fit runs true to the stated measurements. The band sits snugly against the rib cage without leaving red marks. The cups offer full coverage without looking matronly. For women who struggle to find bikini tops that combine support with style, this option deserves serious consideration. The Palma top proves that engineering and aesthetics can coexist in swimwear.
Kauai Bikini Bottom
Bikini bottoms often create anxiety during the shopping process. Cut, coverage, and rise all need to align with your comfort level. The Kauai bottom strikes a balanced middle ground. The coverage is generous enough for active beach days but not so full that it feels like boy shorts. The side cut sits flatteringly on the hips without creeping up.
I tested the matching light-blue color to pair with the Montego dress. The elastic band stays flat against the skin without rolling. That is a small detail that makes a big difference during long wear. The fabric dries relatively quickly after swimming. I would recommend these bottoms for anyone who wants reliable coverage without sacrificing a modern silhouette.
Linen Button-Down Shirt
A linen set is a summer-wardrobe essential. The Monday Swimwear version includes a button-down shirt with a relaxed cut. The fabric feels breathable and crisp without being scratchy. Many linen shirts soften after multiple washes, but this one felt comfortable from the first wear. The cut allows for easy layering over swimwear or a tank top.
The buttons are secure and the collar holds its shape. I wore the shirt untucked for a casual look. You could also tie it at the waist for a cropped effect. The earthy hue coordinates well with the other pieces in the collection. This shirt works as both a beach cover-up and a standalone top for warm evenings.
Linen Wide-Leg Pants
Matching the linen shirt, these wide-leg pants complete the set. The cut is generous through the leg without being baggy. The elastic waistband includes a drawstring for a custom fit. I appreciated the ease of movement. Sitting, walking, and bending all felt unrestricted.
Length is generous. Tall women will likely find the inseam adequate. Petite shoppers may need alterations again. The fabric resists wrinkling better than most linen pieces I have tried. That makes them practical for travel. You can pack them, pull them out, and wear them immediately without steaming. The linen set as a whole represents the effortless style that Monday Swimwear promotes.
Size Inclusivity and the Small Band Large Cup Collection
The Small Band, Large Cup collection addresses a specific gap in the swimwear market. Many women with smaller rib cages and fuller busts end up buying tops that fit poorly in one area or the other. Monday Swimwear designed three underwire styles specifically for underbust measurements of 28 to 34 inches and cup sizes from DD to G. That range covers a demographic often overlooked by mainstream brands.
During testing, I noticed that the straps on these tops adjust with precision. The underwire channels are fully encased in fabric, which prevents poking or irritation. The gore area between the cups sits flat against the sternum instead of floating. Those engineering details separate this collection from generic plus-size or small-band offerings. If you have struggled with bikini tops that gap at the center or pinch at the sides, this line is worth exploring.
The size chart on the website includes detailed instructions for measuring your underbust and bust. Taking those measurements before ordering will save time and frustration. The brand also offers free returns for size exchanges, which reduces the risk of ordering online. That policy shows confidence in their fit while acknowledging that swimwear sizing varies across brands.
Fabric Quality and Construction
Fabric quality determines how long swimwear lasts. Monday Swimwear uses materials that hold their shape after repeated exposure to saltwater, chlorine, and sun. The stitching is reinforced at stress points such as strap attachments and side seams. I did not notice any loose threads or weak points during my inspection.
The crochet pieces use a dense stitch pattern that resists stretching out of shape. The linen items feature a midweight weave that softens with washing. The swim fabrics retain their color after rinsing. I tested a small section of the Palma top under running water to check for dye bleed. Minimal color loss occurred, which is a good sign for longevity.
One practical observation: the pieces dry relatively quickly compared to standard swimwear. The crochet dress air-dries in about two hours. The bikini items dry within three to four hours depending on humidity. That matters when you are traveling or need to wear pieces on consecutive days.
You may also enjoy reading: 7 Ways Emma Roberts Wore French Girl Denim with Blazer.
Value Assessment and Pricing
Monday Swimwear prices sit in the mid-to-premium range. A bikini top typically costs between 80 and 110 dollars. Bottoms range from 60 to 85 dollars. Cover-ups and dresses vary from 90 to 180 dollars. Those prices are higher than fast-fashion alternatives but lower than luxury designer labels. The value equation depends on how often you wear the pieces and how well they hold up.
From my testing, the construction quality justifies the price point. Straightforward seams, sturdy hardware, and fabric that does not pill or fade after washing all contribute to longevity. If you buy a bikini from a cheaper brand and replace it every season, you end up spending similar amounts over three years. Investing in pieces that last multiple seasons makes financial sense for frequent beachgoers or travelers.
The brand also runs seasonal sales and offers a rewards program for returning customers. Signing up for emails gives you access to early sale notifications. That strategy helps offset the upfront cost if you plan to build a full vacation wardrobe over several purchases.
Tips for Shopping Monday Swimwear Online
If you cannot visit a physical store, online shopping requires some strategy. Start by measuring your underbust, bust, waist, and hips with a soft measuring tape. Compare your numbers to the brand size chart rather than relying on your usual clothing size. Swimwear sizing differs from ready-to-wear sizing across most brands.
Read customer reviews for the specific item you want. Reviews often mention whether a piece runs small, large, or true to size. Look for reviews from people with similar body types. That information is more useful than general feedback about the brand as a whole.
Order two sizes if you are unsure about fit. The return process is straightforward, and seeing the item in person helps you understand the cut better. Many shoppers find that one size works for tops and a different size works for bottoms. That is normal and expected when buying separates.
Pay attention to fabric content. Items with higher elastane content offer more stretch and recovery. Items with higher natural fiber content breathe better but may sag over time. The Monday Swimwear website lists fabric percentages clearly for each piece. Use that information to make informed choices based on your priorities.
Will This Brand Work for Your Body Type
No swimwear brand works for everyone. Monday Swimwear excels for women who want structured support in a stylish package. The Small Band, Large Cup collection serves a specific need that few competitors address well. The size range from Petite Petite to Very Very Voluptuous covers a broad spectrum, but individual cuts may still not suit every body shape.
Women with straight body types may find that the curved cuts of the bottoms require adjustment. Women with very long torsos should check the rise measurements on one-piece styles. The brand offers detailed size guides, so spend time reviewing those before purchasing. The return policy provides a safety net if something does not work out.
During my testing, I found that the bikini tops stayed secure during active movement. I did not feel the need to adjust or tug constantly. The bottoms stayed in place without riding up. Those factors contribute to confidence at the beach or pool. When your swimwear fits correctly, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying yourself.
How Monday Swimwear Compares to Other Brands
Several swimwear brands compete in the same premium direct-to-consumer space. Some focus on minimal trends with thin fabrics and limited support. Others prioritize function over aesthetics with blocky cuts and dull colors. Monday Swimwear attempts to bridge both sides of that divide. The pieces look fashionable but also include structural elements that improve wearability.
Compared to fast-fashion options, Monday Swimwear uses thicker fabrics and more robust stitching. Compared to luxury brands, the prices are more accessible while still maintaining quality. The size inclusivity also outpaces many competitors who stop at an XL or a size 14. The Petite Petite and Very Very Voluptuous options show a commitment to serving a wider audience rather than chasing the easiest market.
The brand does not use real fur, exotic skins, or other controversial materials in its products. The packaging is minimal and recyclable. Those details matter to shoppers who consider environmental impact alongside style and fit. The brand does not heavily market sustainability as a core pillar, but the operational choices lean in a responsible direction.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Swimwear lasts longer when you care for it properly. Rinse pieces in cold water immediately after exposure to salt or chlorine. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, which damages the elastic fibers. Lay items flat to dry in the shade instead of hanging them. The sun degrades elastane over time, leading to sagging and loss of shape.
Machine washing is possible but not ideal. If you must use a machine, place items in a mesh lingerie bag and select a delicate cycle with cold water. Skip the fabric softener, which coats fibers and reduces stretch recovery. Hand washing remains the safest method for preserving fit and color.
I rotated through the seven tested pieces over several days and washed each one according to these guidelines. The fabric maintained its feel and shape. The colors did not fade or transfer. The elastic did not relax prematurely. With proper care, these pieces should last three to five years of regular seasonal use. That is a strong return on investment for swimwear.
Final Assessment After Testing
Monday Swimwear delivers on its promises. The fit is precise, the fabric is durable, and the designs are versatile enough for both beach and city settings. The size range is genuinely inclusive rather than performative. The Small Band, Large Cup collection solves a real problem for women who have been underserved by most swimwear brands. The physical stores in Los Angeles and New York City provide an opportunity to test before buying, which reduces the guesswork of online ordering.
The pieces I tested all performed well during real-world use. The Marina Piccola sarong offered creative styling options. The Tahiti pants provided comfort despite the long inseam. The Montego dress expanded my color comfort zone. The Palma top and Kauai bottom delivered reliable support and coverage. The linen set rounded out the wardrobe with polished, packable separates.
If you are looking for swimwear that combines thoughtful design with inclusive sizing, this brand deserves your attention. Visit a store if possible, or order from the website with confidence knowing that returns are easy. The investment is reasonable for the quality you receive. This monday swimwear review confirms that the hype surrounding the brand is based on real strengths rather than marketing alone.
