The Black travel movement can’t stop won’t stop & with summer’s arrival our IG feeds are already being flooded with sultry pics of beautiful, Black bodies suited up in swimwear. Yesss. ?
And what better way to travel unapologetically melanated than to don #melaninmade swimwear that feature African-inspired prints?
We’ve rounded up 7 dope swimwear lines designed to help you celebrate your Africanness, regardless of whether you find yourself scaling Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; chillin in the Blue Lagoon with bae in Iceland or indulging in a volcano mud bath in Cartagena, Colombia with the homies.
Check it.
[Related Post: Melanin Majority: Rep Your Your Favorite International Cities With This Beach Towel]
Ashanti Swimwear
Siblings Dexter & Yasmeen created Ashanti Swimwear to share their beautiful, royal culture with men & women from around the world and remind you that we are all Kings & Queens.
The company name ‘Ashanti Swimwear’ originates from the Ashanti region of Ghana formerly known as The Gold Coast, a land rich in gold and resources. The entrepreneurial spirit of this kingdom birthed the Kente woven cloth, rich in color, quality and meaning, unlike any other African cloth. Kente has survived and is still the most sacred cloth of Ghana and West Africa.
[Related Post: Hit The Beach Unapologetically Melanated With A Swimsuit From Ashanti Swimwear]
Andrea Iyamah
Andrea Iyamah is the brainchild of Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah. Perhaps you’ve spotted the brand’s artistic and vibrant pics in your IG feed depicting gorgeous melanated women in otherworldly locales or sunbathing on a yacht deck? Andea Iyamah’s designs are definitely out-of-the-box, using bright vivid and retro cuts inspired by an array of African cultures. If you’re looking to rock an edgy swimsuit during your travels or simply daydream about a tropical escape, this is your brand.
Òkun Beachwear
Kings, we can’t leave you out. We see you looking hot & steamy out here in the world (ahem, on the gram)! Òkun Beachwear describes itself as catering to “the ones who draw energy from exuberance and embrace discovery through travel.” Channeling a Pan-African spirit, Òkun serves fresh and quality swimwear that you’ll be happy to sport while you’re globetrotting.
Bantu Wax
“Inspired by Africa’s transition from Dark Continent to Bearer of Light, tales of the mermaid goddess of oceans Mami Wata, and a passion for surfing,” Ethiopia-based Bantu Wax describes itself as “serene yet chaotic; untouched yet urban; ancient yet modern, dreamy yet very real, rich, poor, old, new, sacred, sexy, wise, fast and funny – Africa: cannot be contained.” What’s more is Bantu Wax is made sustainably & fairly in Africa by African artisans using traditional processes & designed with surfers, urban nomads and Afro-punks in mind. Did we mention, they make surfboards, too? Rad.
[Related Post: Bantu Wax: Celebrating Africa’s Deeply Rooted Surf Culture]
Nakimuli (pronounced nah-kim-u-lee)
Reppin’ Brooklyn, Tennille McMillan created this fashion-forward brand for progressive women in 2009. Erykah Badu and Jill Scott both have worn Nakimuli. We love the mudcloth prints and that this brand recognizes women are beautiful in any size. Tennille also designs bombass, ethnic everyday wear, check that out too!
[Related Post: NAKIMULI: This Kente Swimsuit Will Have Your Melanin Poppin On The Beach]
Redstar Collection
Red Star specializes in striking, handmade swimsuits using Kente, Ankara & dashiki prints. Traveling moms can appreciate this brand because it has a matching mommy-and-child collection for beachtime with your lil one.
Gabi Fresh
Curvy girl-turned-fashion blogger Gabi Gregg has created a swimwear line that is all about body positivity — and we’re here for it! GabiFresh swimwear comes in sizes 12-24 and empowers women of all shapes and sizes to take risks & have fun whether poolside or by the beach.
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