Your Ultimate Guide to Summersalt Swimwear: My Honest, In-Depth Review
Hey girlfriend, can we talk about swimwear for a sec? I don‘t know about you, but shopping for a new swimsuit is usually a struggle. Between unflattering fluorescent lighting, squishy changing rooms, and teeny bikini bottoms that barely cover my lady bits, I often leave empty-handed and frustrated.
But recently, I discovered Summersalt – you know, the colorful, size-inclusive swimwear brand that‘s all over Instagram – and my swimsuit shopping experience has been forever changed. After trying several of their bestselling pieces, I‘m convinced Summersalt is the real deal.
In this tell-all Summersalt review, I‘m sharing everything you need to know about the brand‘s quality, fit, customer service, and more. I‘ll give you my honest thoughts on some of Summersalt‘s most popular swimsuits and clothing, and I‘ll answer all your burning questions like "Is Summersalt worth the hype?" and "How does it compare to other swimwear brands?"
Whether you‘re a Summersalt newbie or already own a few of their famous Sidestroke suits, I hope this in-depth guide helps you decide what‘s worth adding to your cart. Grab a margarita and let‘s dive in!
What is Summersalt?
In case you‘re not familiar, Summersalt is a direct-to-consumer swimwear and apparel brand that was founded in 2017 by Lori Coulter and Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin. The duo wanted to create swimsuits that would actually fit and flatter a wide range of body types, rather than just the tall, thin ideal perpetuated by most swimwear brands.
To achieve the perfect fit, Summersalt used data from 3D body scans of over 10,000 women to inform the design of their suits. The brand also puts a big emphasis on quality, using super soft, luxe compression fabrics that smooth and support in all the right places.
One of the coolest things about Summersalt is their commitment to using sustainable materials. In fact, 78% of their swimsuits are made from recycled post-consumer materials and nylon waste like old fishing nets. They‘re also making efforts to be more eco-friendly in their packaging and supply chain.
Summersalt has a huge focus on inclusivity too. Their suits come in sizes 2 to 22, with long torso options for one-pieces. And rather than using conventional models, the brand features women of diverse shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities in their campaigns.
Summersalt Swimwear Review
Now, for the moment of truth – my thoughts on Summersalt‘s actual swimsuits! I ordered a bunch of their bestselling one-pieces and bikinis to try out for myself. Here‘s how they measured up:
The Sidestroke
No Summersalt review would be complete without mentioning The Sidestroke, aka the one-shoulder wonder that‘s probably popping up on your Insta feed as we speak. This color-blocked one-piece put the brand on the map, and after wearing it, I totally get the hype.
Imagine the butteriest, softest fabric against your skin, but with the perfect amount of compression to hold everything in and smooth you out. That‘s what The Sidestroke feels like. The built-in soft cups and shelf bra kept my DDs supported without digging in or creating awkward bulges.
I‘m obsessed with the diagonal seaming and contrasting colors, which create a super chic colorblocked effect and somehow made me look like I had an hourglass figure. The slightly cheeky cut made my legs look a mile long too. Basically, I felt like a retro bombshell in this suit and never wanted to take it off.
Looks like I‘m not alone in my Sidestroke love affair. This suit has a whopping 3,135 reviews on Summersalt‘s website, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Even those with long torsos, large busts, or plus-size figures say it fits like a glove. One customer gushed, "I can‘t believe how good this makes me look and feel!"
The Perfect Wrap One-Piece
Another Summersalt one-piece I fell for? The Perfect Wrap. As the name suggests, it features a deep V neckline that wraps around the bodice and ties at the side, accentuating curves in all the right places. While The Sidestroke is more sporty, I found The Perfect Wrap ideal for lounging and looking glam.
Again, the material was out-of-this-world soft and the compression perfectly snug without being restrictive. I loved how the wrap silhouette and tie at the hip created ruching that concealed my tummy. The full-coverage bottom was comfy for all-day wear too.
The Perfect Wrap has 631 reviews and 4.8 stars, with many customers praising its universally flattering fit. StyleCaster said, "The Perfect Wrap One Piece will make you feel 100% that beach, no matter your size or body type."
The Marina Bikini Top + High Leg Mid Rise Bottom
When I‘m in the mood for a two-piece, the Marina bikini top and High Leg Mid Rise bottom have become my go-to‘s. The Marina top has a square neckline with wide, supportive straps that don‘t slip or dig. I love the vintage-inspired sweetheart cups and side boning for a little extra oomph.
The High Leg Mid Rise bottoms are equally dreamy, with a waist-cinching high rise and lengthening high cut leg. The compression material sucks you in at all the right spots and doesn‘t budge, even when swimming or playing beach volleyball. Zero wedgies or nip slips!
I feel like a retro pin-up girl in this bikini, which now comes in a bunch of fun prints and colors. Over 500 reviewers have given the Marina top and bottoms 5 stars, calling them "flattering," "sexy without being too revealing," and "worth every penny."
Sizing and Fit
For reference, I‘m a 34DD and wear a size medium or 8 in most clothing brands. In Summersalt, I went with a size 8 in one-pieces and medium in tops and bottoms.
Overall, I found Summersalt‘s sizing to be accurate and consistent with their size chart. Here‘s a quick breakdown of their size ranges:
- One-pieces: 2-22, with long torso options
- Bikini tops: 2-22 or XS-XXL
- Bikini bottoms: 2-22 or XS-XXL
If you‘re between sizes, Summersalt recommends sizing up for a more comfortable fit. The brand also has a free "Find My Size" quiz on their website where you input your measurements and they give you personalized size recs for every suit. So handy!
Summersalt Clothing Review
As I fell deeper in love with Summersalt‘s swimwear, I got curious about their clothing and accessories too. Could their pajamas and coverups be as wonderful as their suits? Spoiler alert: yes, yes they could.
The Cloud 9 Silky PJ Set
Let me introduce you to the pajamas that ruined me for all other pajamas: the Summersalt Cloud 9 Silky PJ Set. Made from a featherlight, cool-to-the-touch charmeuse fabric, these truly live up to their dreamy name.
I opted for the Cloud 9 short set, which comes with an easy, boxy-fit button down top and flowy elastic-waist shorts. The material feels incredibly high-end and luxurious, but has been surprisingly durable wash after wash. No bleeding, shrinking or pilling!
I love how generously cut the Cloud 9s are – the relaxed fit skims your curves and the elastic doesn‘t pinch or dig. They keep me cool even on hot summer nights. And can we talk about the luminous sheen of the fabric? Ugh, so gorgeous on.
Given their quality and comfort, I wasn‘t shocked to see the Cloud 9s have 4.7 stars and over 1,600 reviews on Summersalt‘s site. They‘re pricey at $95 but feel more expensive than designer versions I‘ve tried. One reviewer said, "I wish I could wear these to work, on dates, to weddings, everywhere!"
The Ruffle Onesie
Summersalt has some super cute rompers and cover ups too, like the Ruffle Onesie. I‘m a sucker for all things rainbow, so this cheery striped one-piece instantly went in my cart.
The material is a lightweight but high-quality rayon and spandex blend that doesn‘t wrinkle, making it perfect for beach days or brunch al fresco. It has the same compression as Summersalt‘s swimsuits to smooth and hold you in.
The fluttery ruffled straps add the perfect flirty detail and I love the bum-grazing length. I wore it as a swimsuit cover up but it would look equally cute with sandals and sunnies for running around town. The Ruffle Onesie has all 5-star reviews, with one customer calling it "the only romper I‘ve found that fits my long torso!"
Summersalt Reviews: The Good, The Bad, The Bottom Line
Since you can‘t always trust a brand‘s website for honest feedback, I did a deep dive into Summersalt reviews across the internet. The good news? This brand has a very happy customer base. Summersalt has:
- 4.7 stars from 10,800+ ratings on its website
- Named "Best Swimwear for Women" in 2021 by Vogue
- Made People‘s "25 Travel Essentials of Summer 2022" list
- 90K+ followers and hundreds of glowing testimonials on Instagram
That said, no brand is perfect. Here were a few of the most common complaints I saw about Summersalt:
- Some long torso folks felt the one-piece suits were still too short
- A few reviews said the material was uncomfortably tight or suctioned to their body
- Several customers had issues with returns if their suit showed any sign of wear
But overall, the vast majority of Summersalt customers say their suits are the best they‘ve ever worn. I saw countless reviews like:
- "This is by far the most comfortable, flattering bathing suit I have ever owned!"
- "I feel SO confident in my Summersalt. Everything stays in place."
- "I never want to buy a swimsuit from anywhere else!"
Personally, I‘m thoroughly impressed by the design, quality and fit of Summersalt‘s swimwear and clothing. Yes, they‘re pricey compared to fast fashion brands, but I‘ve found the suits hold up so well over time. The fact that they use recycled and eco-friendly materials is just the cherry on top!
How Summersalt Compares to Other Swimwear Brands
To help put Summersalt‘s prices and value in perspective, here‘s a quick comparison to some similar swimsuit brands at different price points:
Budget: Brands like Target, Old Navy, Aerie, H&M (Under $50)
While these fast fashion retailers offer trendy suits on the cheap, both the quality and fit tend to be hit or miss. Most of their swimwear is made with thin, flimsy material that doesn‘t last more than a season or two.
Mid-range: Brands like J.Crew, Athleta, Lululemon ($50 – $150)
Swimwear from these athletic and lifestyle brands tends to be well-made and supportive, but the styles can lean more basic or sporty. Size ranges also aren‘t typically as inclusive as Summersalt‘s.
Contemporary: Brands like Solid & Striped, Mara Hoffman, Vitamin A ($150 – $300+)
In this designer tier, you‘ll find luxury fabrics, fashion-forward silhouettes and higher price tags to match. While gorgeous, these suits often only go up to a size large or 12.
What sets Summersalt apart is its unbeatable combination of quality, fit, style and size inclusivity at a relatively affordable contemporary price point. While $95 for a one-piece certainly isn‘t cheap, it‘s much less than you‘d pay for a designer suit and, in my experience, a worthwhile investment.
Summersalt Discounts, Shipping + FAQ
Before I wrap up this beast of a Summersalt review, here are a few more key things you should know about shopping the brand:
Discounts & Sales
- Students & teachers get 10% off with a valid ID
- Healthcare workers & first responders get 20% off
- Military members get 10% off
- Buy with Afterpay for 4 interest-free installment payments
- Sign up for the email list for seasonal promo codes
- Follow Summersalt on Instagram for 48-hour flash sales
Shipping & Returns
- Free shipping for orders over $99
- Flat rate $5 shipping for orders under $99
- Ships to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada & UK
- Free returns & exchanges within 30 days if unworn & unwashed
Other FAQ
- Based in St. Louis, MO but suits are made in Asia & Latin America
- Sustainable fabrics made from 78% recycled materials
- Orders usually ship in 1 business day & arrive in 1-7 days
- Suits & clothing available in sizes 2-22 (XS-2XL)
I hope this ultra-thorough review of Summersalt has been helpful as you decide whether to take the plunge on their famous suits! In my book, their innovative fits, quality fabrics, and mission to make every body feel confident in swimwear make Summersalt 110% worth the buy.
As someone who has felt dread trying on swimsuits for years, I can honestly say my Summersalt pieces are total game-changers. I finally have a suit for every mood and occasion – whether I want to turn heads in a bright bikini or feel sleek and secured in a chic one-piece.
If you‘re still on the fence, I‘d recommend starting with Summersalt‘s comprehensive fit quiz and going for one of their bestselling suits. Trust me, once you experience the magic of a Summersalt suit that actually looks good and stays put, you‘ll be counting down the minutes til your next beach day!
Questions about sizing or picking the right style? Feel free to drop them in the comments below or shoot me a DM on Instagram, @yourfaveswimwearguide. No matter what your size or body hangups, there‘s a Summersalt suit out there destined to bring out your inner beach babe. Promise!
