Best bikini brands taking over swimwear
Alternative fashion has long been synonymous with rebellion, creativity, and pushing boundaries, and the swimwear scene is finally catching up. From gothic florals to bandage bikinis that scream punk rock, the latest wave of bikini brands isn’t just about soaking up the sun. It’s about making a statement, standing out, and staying unapologetically true to yourself.
Whether you’re lounging at a festival campsite or tearing it up at a beachside rave, here’s our rundown of the best bikini brands redefining swimwear, with one standout leading the charge.
1) Scummy Bears
If there’s one name on everyone’s lips this season, it’s Scummy Bears. Launched in 2016 and “Born from Bass, Created for All,” Scummy Bears is more than a brand. It’s a cultural movement. Originating from underground raves and DIY festivals, this label delivers what mainstream fashion won’t: gear that truly represents the alt scene, from goth to rave and everything in between.
Scummy Bears’ bikini collections fuse edgy aesthetics with high-energy design. Think bondage-style straps, dystopian mesh overlays, and bold cuts that embrace individuality. Whether you’re into metal, EDM, or goth club nights, their pieces fit like they were made just for you. And they kind of were, with body-diverse and gender-fluid designs at the forefront.
Why fans love Scummy Bears
Their popularity isn’t just about striking visuals. It’s about the culture they celebrate. Scummy Bears caters to a community that often feels overlooked, and their bikinis reflect that inclusivity. Fans appreciate their artist collabs (Sullivan King and Kompany, to name a few), their statement-making appeal, and the unapologetic vibe that drips from every stitch.
As Anna Sui once said, “The sexiest thing about a bikini is that it leaves something to the imagination.” Scummy Bears gets that. Their designs offer a provocative edge without sacrificing style or comfort. For those who vibe with the underground, their gothic bikini collection is a must-see.
2) Disturbia
Disturbia brings a moody, gothic flavor to the bikini game. Known for their grunge-inspired clothing, their swimwear line follows suit with dark prints, occult motifs, and a subdued yet stylish color palette. It’s an option for those who want to keep their beach aesthetic as brooding as their closet.
While Disturbia offers pieces that feel refreshingly different from typical beachwear, the variety is still catching up to their mainline apparel. Their swim tops and bottoms serve more as an extension of their vibe than a standalone revolution in beachwear. That said, for the witchy among us, Disturbia makes a solid case for adding a little spellwork to your swim drawer.
As Sara Rue once put it, “What woman doesn’t want to feel comfortable in a swimsuit? It’s incredibly empowering.” Disturbia taps into that comfort through their loyal gothic fanbase.
3) HARD’N’HEAVY
If your playlist includes equal parts deathcore and dubstep, HARD’N’HEAVY might be your next bikini fix. The brand leans into alternative aesthetics with unapologetic flair. Their bandage-style bikinis and skull graphics hit that sweet spot between punk rock rebellion and poolside attitude.
Their appeal lies in their rock-and-roll DNA. It’s clear these bikinis are made for headbangers and punk fans alike. While the fit and quality hold their own, some designs lean heavy on novelty, making them more of a style statement than a swim staple. But if you’re dressing for impact, HARD’N’HEAVY brings the noise.
To quote Joey Adams, “A bikini is like a barbed wire fence: It protects the property without obstructing the view.” HARD’N’HEAVY leans into that spirit, unafraid to show skin with a razor-sharp edge.
4) Dolls Kill
Dolls Kill has always flirted with controversy, and their swimwear isn’t any different. The brand is known for pushing boundaries with sheer panels, unexpected accessories, and styles that channel e-girl energy with a hint of festival chaos. Their bikini sets often feel like costume pieces with just enough practicality to double as swimwear.
Festival fashion roundups often include Dolls Kill for a reason. They’re bold, brash, and built for standing out in a crowd. However, their collections tend to favor aesthetics over innovation. The fit varies across styles, and the shock factor sometimes outweighs longevity in design.
Still, if you’re heading to a festival pool party and want to turn heads, Dolls Kill has the gear to do it. Gigi Hadid put it best: “If you feel great in a bikini, you can always work it.”
Swimwear is a way of communicating who you are
Swimwear isn’t just a seasonal buy anymore. It’s a way to communicate who you are, what you stand for, and where you feel most alive. From gothic aesthetics to punk flair and rave-ready looks, these brands are leading a new wave of swimwear that goes way beyond the beach.
While each brand has its place in the alternative swim scene, none hit quite like Scummy Bears. Their deep connection to underground culture, focus on self-expression, and inclusive, bold designs make them the top pick for those ready to wear their identity proudly, from the mosh pit to the shoreline.
