Girlfriend Collective Swimwear Review

Girlfriend Collective swimwear comes in a variety of cuts and colors that are built to withstand any summer activity.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative I’m not a lay-out-on-the-beach type — swimming, surfing and sand sports are more my speed. The only problem? It’s hard to come by a swimsuit that’s built to withstand these summer pastimes.

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 Until now, that is. Enter Girlfriend Collective's new swimwear line, which features an array of simple, stylish and (perhaps most importantly) supportive suits.

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  Here's why this brand's bathing suits are the best swimwear I've ever worn, especially when it comes to aquatic activities.

They’re Supportive There are plenty of cute suits out there, and Girlfriend Collective swimwear is no exception. The brand’s array of bikinis and one-pieces come in a variety of cuts and colors, including scoop-neck, triangle and one-shoulder bikini tops; cheeky, mid- and high-rise bottoms and v-neck and one-shoulder bodysuits.

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 I went with the red Marina Tahoe Scoop Bikini Top and matching Lap Mid Rise Bikini Bottom, a simple but stylish set that seemed to offer adequate coverage and support for summer sports.

And indeed it does. I put this suit to the test swimming, surfing and running around in the sand. The top feels like a sports bra — comfortable, while still providing enough support that there wasn’t much bouncing while in motion.

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 It's made of regenerated nylon (more on that later) and spandex with thick straps and an elastic bust line, all of which provides the advertised medium-impact support. The top is also double-lined and includes removable cups so you can count on full coverage and comfortability.

They Stay in Place Besides providing notable support, the Marina top — thankfully — stayed where it was supposed to. Whether I was running around, swimming or getting pelted by ocean waves, the top stayed put.

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 The bottoms were no different. Also made of regenerated nylon and spandex, they had both stretch and support, which made it easy to move around without worrying that the bikini would move with me.

Even better, the bikini holds up against washing. I’ve purchased countless seemingly supportive suits, only to find them stretched out after a few wash cycles. Girlfriend Collective swimwear, in contrast, has consistently snapped back to its original shape and feel to provide lasting coverage and support.

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 They're Sun-Protective

Not only does Girlfriend Collective support your body, but it also supports your skin: The swimwear is rated UPF 50+, meaning it protects covered skin against 98 percent of harmful UVB and UVA rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. While this doesn’t mean you should skip the sunscreen (wearing safe sunscreen is one of the best lines of defense against sun exposure), wearing sun-protective clothing does provide an added layer of protection against incoming rays.

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 The Brand Is Sustainable and Inclusive

These sporty suits are also made with the environment in mind. For one, they’re 78 percent ECONYL® regenerated nylon, a type of recycled fabric made of nylon waste like fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic that may have otherwise ended up in the ocean or a landfill. Girlfriend Collective even gives you breakdown of the sustainability of your purchase. The Marina top, for instance, reported:

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0.99 oz. of oil conserved 0.30 lbs CO2 prevented 0.63 KWH (kilowatt-hours) of energy saved

The brand also offers sizes ranging from XS to 6XL, more inclusive sizing than comparable brands. If you’re looking to have supported, sustainable fun in the sun, Girlfriend Collective swimwear delivers. Just pick your favorite style and colors and head to the beach! Buy It Marina Tahoe Scoop Bikini Top (Girlfriend.com; $50) Marina Lap Mid Rise Bikini Bottom (Girlfriend.com; $45)

Shop the rest of the new swimwear collection here. More Summer Gear We Love

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  references
  
      Skin Cancer Foundation: "Sun-Protective Clothing"
       




  references
  
      Skin Cancer Foundation: "Sun-Protective Clothing"
    




Girlfriend Collective swimwear comes in a variety of cuts and colors that are built to withstand any summer activity.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

Marina Tahoe Scoop Bikini Top (Girlfriend.com; $50) Marina Lap Mid Rise Bikini Bottom (Girlfriend.com; $45)

Shop the rest of the new swimwear collection here.

            10 Personal Cooling Products to Keep You Comfortable This Summer
           by
          Kayla Hui
          
            The Best Swimming Caps for Every Type of Swimmer
           by
          Gabrielle Kassel
        


      Skin Cancer Foundation: "Sun-Protective Clothing"