Ugly Duckling © Rotem Lebel
Ugly Duckling © Rotem Lebel

The Best Israeli Swim and Beachwear Brands for Summer

Just Swimmingly

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Every season is swimsuit season in Israel, so it’s befitting to turn to homegrown talent for fashion inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a classic two-piece, a covered-up one piece, or a new-fangled silhouette, Israeli designers have all the bases covered. They also have styles to fit a wide range of body types and activities (everything from surf-ready to sunbathing only).

Here’s a look at the standout swimwear brands:

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If you’re the kind of woman who believes that you don’t need to show everything to be sexy, you’ll love Ugly Duckling. Quirky prints (think cat-inspired) as well as classic motifs, like polka dots and gingham, are presented in retro cuts including 50s high-waist style bottoms. Besides swimwear the line, helmed by Israeli designer Gal Angel, also stocks lingerie and leisure pieces.

Rinikini

A standout at the latest Tel Aviv Fashion Week, Rinikini is known for their sexy crochet bikinis. Designed by Shenkar graduate Rinat Golan, the brand also features bedazzled and patterned pieces as well as cover-ups, caftans, and other beach day essentials.

Rinikini.com

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Gallabia’s collection includes everything from caftans and casual shirts, to evening dresses and hand-crafted jewelry. The brand’s signature aesthetic mixes ethnic inspiration with an urban sensibility. This is an ideal resort brand if you’re looking for pieces to take you from lounging poolside straight to dinner.
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Vilebrequin lovers will fall head over flip-flops for this men’s swim line. Expect the same fun-loving vibe, but at a fraction of the price. The brand is known for its eye-catching, hand-drawn designs that come in a range of bold prints and patterns.

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Zohara is best known for making tights in every shade and print imaginable – they’re basically the Middle East’s answer to an affordable Wolford. Tights may be their signature, but Zohara also has a burgeoning swimwear business. Many of their designs are modeled online on both plus-size as well as regular-size models, so customers can have an easier time deciding what to buy, making the line as progressive as it is stylish.

LILO Swim

Founded in 2016 by Lee and Loren Alon, Lilo is an emerging swim brand known for their monochromatic separates and one-pieces with cut-out and/or front/back tie detailing.

Lilo-swim.com

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Arguably the most well-known Israeli swim brand, Gottex was founded in the 50s by a pioneering female entrepreneur and WWII survivor Lea Gottlieb. Since then, the brand has maintained its top-tier status as a go-to for luxury swimwear. Over the years fans of the brand have ranged from Diana, Princess of Wales, to Brooke Shields.

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Long Israeli summers mean that a lot of time is spent in a seaside. Swimwear label Almarie values quality and comfort first, and the unique, decorated bikini and one piece suits will have you standing out even in literally a sea of beachgoers. Inspired by a love for the sun and sand, each design is colorful and feminine, with flattering cuts and prints.

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  • Tel Aviv City Center

Often inspired by ethnic prints and classic iconography like the evil eye, Bilibond is an affordable Mara Hoffman doppelganger. The brand also makes adorable kids swimwear – including rash guards – as well as handmade shoes.

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