The era of fashion gatekeeping is over. It is time to pull back the curtain on the swimwear brand that has earned a permanent spot in many fashion editors’ closets: Monday Swimwear. In this monday swimwear review, I share my honest experience trying on pieces at their New York City store. I walked in skeptical and walked out understanding why this label has become a cult favorite.
What Makes Monday Swimwear a Cult Brand?
Founded by content creators turned entrepreneurs Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, Monday Swimwear did not appear overnight. The brand has spent years building a reputation for fit, quality, and timeless design. Unlike many swimwear labels that chase seasonal trends, Monday focuses on classic silhouettes that flatter a wide range of bodies. This commitment to substance over hype is what turns first-time buyers into loyal fans.
The brand’s cult status also comes from its refusal to compromise on construction. Seams lie flat. Underwire sits comfortably. Fabrics hold their shape after repeated wear. These details might sound small, but they make the difference between a swimsuit you wear once and one you reach for all summer long.
How Does the Brand Cater to All Sizes?
Size inclusivity is not an afterthought for Monday Swimwear. Bikinis come in sizes ranging from Petite Petite to Very Very Voluptuous. That is a broad spectrum that covers many body types, but the brand did not stop there. Recently, they launched a Small Band, Large Cup collection designed specifically for smaller frames with fuller busts. These pieces fit an underbust of 28 to 34 inches and cup sizes DD to G.
This new line addresses a common pain point: women with narrow ribcages and larger chests often struggle to find underwire tops that stay secure and look elegant. Monday’s solution uses reinforced side boning and adjustable straps to provide lift without digging into the shoulders. It is a thoughtful approach that makes the brand accessible to even more shoppers.
What Else Does the Brand Offer Beyond Swimwear?
Monday Swimwear is not just a bikini brand. It has grown into a full vacation wardrobe. You can find easy drawstring pants to throw over a bathing suit, structured straw totes that add polish to any beach look, and sarongs that tie around the waist or double as tops. Crochet mini and maxi dresses transition seamlessly from the sand to a dinner reservation. Statement earrings complete the outfit.
This expansion makes sense. When you travel, you want cohesive pieces that mix and match without requiring a second suitcase. Monday’s collections allow you to pack light while still looking put-together. The sarong from the swim section can become a skirt. The drawstring pants work with a tank top for a casual city stroll. It is versatility designed for real vacations.
What Is the Brand’s Design Inspiration?
Drawing from Oakley’s Australian heritage and Brugman’s California origins, the brand fuses two distinct coastal aesthetics. The Australian influence brings sun-washed, surf-inspired textures and earthy tones. The California side adds a relaxed, effortless vibe. The result is swimwear that feels beach-ready yet city-chic. You could wear a Monday bikini top with high-waisted jeans and sandals and look intentional, not like you forgot to change.
Modern details like twisted straps, textured ribbing, and subtle hardware keep the pieces from feeling generic. The color palette leans toward neutrals—sand, terracotta, ocean blue—so each item pairs easily with others in the collection. This design philosophy makes Monday a brand you can build a seasonal wardrobe around, not just a one-off purchase.
Where Can You Find Physical Stores?
Since 2014, Monday Swimwear has built a strong, trustworthy reputation. That success allowed the brand to expand beyond online sales into physical retail. A store opened in Los Angeles, and more recently, a second location debuted in New York City. Living in NYC and having never tried anything from the brand before, I made it my job to visit the Monday Swimwear NYC store within a week of its opening.
The store itself is bright and inviting, with pieces displayed on open racks so you can touch the fabrics and see the colors in natural light. The staff are knowledgeable without being pushy. They asked about my usual fit challenges and steered me toward styles I would not have picked on my own. That personal guidance made the try-on process far more productive than ordering online.
My Honest Review of Trying On Pieces
I tried on four different outfits during my visit. Here is what I thought of each one, including the fit, fabric feel, and styling potential.
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Outfit #1: The Sarong Styled as a Top
I spotted the Marina Piccola sarong in an elevated brown-and-white print and knew I had to try it. Instead of wearing it as a skirt, I decided to style it as a strapless top. I paired it with the Tahiti pants, which are very lightweight and comfortable. The combination felt chic and versatile. I can easily picture wearing the Piccola as a skirt over a white bikini or pairing the Tahiti pants with an elevated tank top and kitten heels. Both pieces fit true to size, though petite women should note that the pants run long. The sarong fabric has a nice weight—not flimsy, not stiff—so it holds its shape when tied.
Outfit #2: The Light-Blue Crochet Dress and Matching Bikini
I do not typically wear much color. I gravitate toward black, white, and beige. So I was surprised when the store associates recommended a light-blue crochet dress and matching bikini. They insisted I try it, and I am glad I listened. The dress draped beautifully, skimming the body without clinging. The crochet pattern is open enough to feel airy but dense enough to be opaque in the right places. The matching bikini underneath adds a playful peekaboo effect. This outfit convinced me that stepping outside my neutral comfort zone can pay off. The dress can transition from the beach to a casual dinner with a pair of sandals and simple jewelry.
Outfit #3: The Linen Set
The linen set—a relaxed button-up shirt and matching shorts—was a summer nonnegotiable for me. The fabric is breathable and slightly textured, perfect for humid days. The shirt has a relaxed fit that looks intentional when left open over a bikini top or buttoned with the sleeves rolled. The shorts hit at a flattering mid-thigh length. This set is the kind of outfit you throw on when you want to look pulled together without trying hard. It is machine washable too, which is always a bonus for travel pieces.
Outfit #4: The Bikini Set from the Small Band, Large Cup Collection
I also tried on a bikini top from the Small Band, Large Cup collection. The underwire style I tested had a 30-inch band and a DD cup. The fit was remarkably secure. The straps are adjustable and do not slip, and the band stayed in place even when I moved around in the fitting room. The bottom I paired it with was a classic mid-rise cut that offered good coverage without riding up. This set confirmed that Monday’s investment in engineering for fuller busts is genuine. It is not just a marketing claim; the construction actually works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Monday Swimwear sizing compare to other brands?
Monday Swimwear uses its own sizing system that runs from Petite Petite to Very Very Voluptuous. I found that the pieces I tried fit true to the size chart on their website. If you are between sizes, the store associates recommend sizing up for a more relaxed fit, especially in bottoms. The Small Band, Large Cup collection uses standard bra band and cup measurements, which makes it easier to find your match if you already know those numbers.
Is Monday Swimwear worth the price?
Yes, for the quality and longevity. The fabrics feel substantial, the stitching is clean, and the hardware does not feel cheap. A bikini top costs around $80 to $110, and bottoms are about $50 to $70. That is comparable to other premium swimwear brands. Given that the pieces hold up well after multiple wears and washes, the cost per wear becomes reasonable. The versatility of the separates also means you can mix and match across seasons, extending the value.
Can I find Monday Swimwear in stores or only online?
Monday Swimwear has physical stores in Los Angeles and New York City. Both locations offer the full collection and have fitting rooms so you can try before you buy. The brand also sells online through its own website with free shipping and returns. If you cannot visit a store, the online size guide is detailed, and customer service can help with fit questions. The brand’s social media channels also feature real customers wearing the pieces, which gives a better sense of how they look on different bodies.
This monday swimwear review started with curiosity and ended with a new appreciation for a brand that delivers on its promises. Whether you are shopping for a bikini, a cover-up, or a full vacation wardrobe, Monday Swimwear offers pieces that feel considered and built to last. The NYC store experience only reinforced why this label has become a go-to for so many women.
