When Princess Diana was photographed on vacation she was usually found in the same swimwear brands. Lounging aboard a yacht in the summer of 1997, the People’s Princess was photographed in a leopard one-piece by Israeli brand Gottex. Diana’s swim style in the South of France captivated many royal watchers who were intrigued by her flashy aquatic fashions and colorful bathing suits. Diana’s one-piece (created by the brand specifically for her) became so iconic the company reissued the animal print design and still sells the ‘Safari’ suit today.
Lady Diana’s beach attire wasn’t limited to Gottex; she also donned sporty styles from Jantzen Apparel and was particularly fond of the brand’s Black Sheer Delight high-neck one piece. She was even pictured in the suit on the cover of magazines like Majesty.
The late Princess of Wales coveted her Jantzen LBS (Little Black Swimsuit) for its versatility, comfort and coverage. The brand currently sells the suit in an updated version called the ‘Farrah’ and the design remains a customer favorite for its flattering high neckline, UPF 50 Protection and tummy control design. Shop the look HERE
The late Princess of Wales was also photographed in striped neon one-piece styles, tangerine pink two-piece designs and floral bandeau bikinis.
Today, Princess Kate loves a two-piece as much as her late mother-in-law but prefers more simplistic and solid designs. The former duchess has a few go-to brands just like Diana and often appears in the same swim labels as her sister Pippa Middleton.
Here are 3 of Kate Middleton’s Favorite Swimsuit Brands:
1. Melissa Odabash
The American fashion designer and former model’s eponymous label is one of Kate’s favorites for stylish and trendy swimwear. Based in London, the New Jersey native and mom of two has been heralded by Vogue Magazine for creating impressive luxury bathing looks and deemed her creations the “Ferrari(s) of swimwear.” Odabash’s pieces have been featured in Sports Illustrated calendars and have been stocked by Victoria’s Secret stores. Often utilizing Italian fabrics, her beach garments frequently showcase vintage prints and botanical motifs.
Kate loves the brand’s white halter neck bikinis and was spotted in Ibiza aboard a private yacht in March 2011 wearing a past season white halterneck design from the brand along with Chanel 5115q CC logo sunglasses. Celebrities like Eva Longoria, Kourtney Kardashian and Heidi Klum have been spotted in the brand’s sleek swimwear. Pippa Middleton has worn the Odabash ‘Grenada‘ red embellished bikini top and foldover briefs in St. Barth’s in August 2015.
2. Vix Paula Hermanny Swimwear
Growing up in South America, Paula Hermanny was inspired by the local beaches and culture surrounding her hometown of Vitória, Brazil. Today, she creates high-end and sophisticated sea wear with a brand focus on beach-friendly pieces including lightweight cover-ups, straw bags and packable visors. She also sells a ready-to-wear clothing collection and offers knit dresses, crochet minis and cut-out cover-ups.
Kate is fond of the brand’s Vix Bia logo blue bikini with gold hardware and wore the design for a babymoon beach vacation in February 2013. Still, the princess isn’t the only Middleton who sports Vix on vacation — sister Pippa has been photographed in the brand’s white bead embellished Paula bikini two-piece and cactus green Bia tube top and matching bottoms in St. Barth’s in February 2024.
3. Seafolly Australia
In the Seychelles in May 2011 on her honeymoon, the princess was spotted walking hand and hand with her newly minted husband on the beach wearing a Seafolly Goddess black halterneck bikini and matching bottoms. Beloved by Kate, the Australian born brand focuses on retro designs and classic swim styles. Plus, the company sells crochet kaftans, beach accessories as well as poolside clothing.
Kate Beckinsale was recently spotted in the brand’s bandeau Goddess bikini top in cream, Gigi Hadid is a fan of the chevron cropped tops and Taylor Swift loves the Seafolly boyleg retro inspired swimsuit and cabana rose bandeau bikinis.
