4 Editors Review Reformation's Swimwear — Here's What We Think
It may come as no surprise that Reformation's revamped swimwear comes with new and improved materials. The line, which retails from $68 to $168 in sizes XS-XL, is made from a renewable and bio-based fiber called EVO by Fulgar. And, according to Reformation's chief innovation officer Alison Melville, the product will only grow more sustainable with each seasonal drop (check out drop three here!). The first range incorporated deadstock fabric from the brand's debut swimwear collection in 2019, and Reformation promises to "continue innovating and trying out new materials until we create the most sustainable swimwear possible," according to Melville.
Instantly attracted to the striking bikinis and one-pieces, PS editors were eager to get our hands on the latest swimwear designs, many of which were influenced by bestselling products across other categories. "We designed Ref Swim to complement and round out our customers' existing Ref wardrobes," Melville tells PS. "Throughout the design process, we were inspired by the concept of outfitting and looked to the silhouettes of some of our top performing apparel items to create complementary swim pieces. For example, the Melanie Top was one of our most popular styles in 2023 so we carried the peekaboo design detail through in our Tossa One Piece and Tossa Bikini Top."
Melville confirms that the success of drops one and two has exceeded expectations, with solid colors being most popular — a trend that speaks to the Ref shopper's love for '90s minimalism. The Tossa Top, Azure Bottom, and Soleil Top are within the top five SKUs, and they just so happen to be three of the pieces we selected to try at PS.
Ahead, you'll hear from four different editors about their experiences trying Reformation swimwear with one shared sentiment: the quality is in the fabric and the fit.
Reformation Monaco Bikini Top + Volta Bikini Bottom
Reformation Monaco Bikini Top ($78) and Reformation Volta Bikini Bottom ($78)
"With these separates, I leaned into my go-to silhouettes for both a bikini top and bottom. Since I have a small bust, I usually tend toward strapless bandeaus, but I was surprised by how much I appreciated the delicate white spaghetti straps affixed to this top. They didn't fall down throughout the day, but also weren't tight enough to leave imprint marks on my shoulders. The bottom is pretty high-cut, and you can hike up the sides to your waistline (which tends to elongate the leg), or settle it at the hips. The EVO by Fulgar material is notably sturdy and not at all flimsy, and, finally, the blue Cozumel pattern is eye-catching and compliment-worthy without being over-the-top." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Commerce
Rating:
★★★★★
Reformation Soleil Bikini Top + Evora Bikini Bottom
Reformation Soleil Bikini Top ($78) and Reformation Evora Bikini Bottom ($98)
"When I tried on this set, I was immediately impressed by how flattering the cut of the swimsuit was. I tend to look for swim tops with adjustable straps, but found the Soleil top to be really supportive without them. Everything stayed in place the entire time I wore it, which is a big deal if you 1) have a mid-size bust like me. and 2) are actively avoiding any nip slips. When it comes to bikini bottoms, I usually go for a high-waisted cut, but was so glad I took a risk on the lower rise Evora bottom. They framed my hips nicely, and were a perfect balance of offering coverage and showing some skin — which, in my experience, can be hard to find. I'm also happy to report that this is not the kind of swimsuit you can only lounge around in — it performed nicely in the water, too. Another plus? The suit comes in this fun plaid pattern called 'Chippy' that's helping to liven up my otherwise neutral swimsuit lineup for the summer." — Alida Araica, manager, Newsletter
Rating:
★★★★★
Reformation Tossa One Piece Swimsuit
Reformation Tossa One Piece Swimsuit ($178)
"I was immediately attracted to the classic '50s style of this polka-dot number, which is a design I normally wouldn't go for. As someone who's petite at 5'1", I generally stray away from one-pieces — unless there's a cutout to break up the pattern — simply because they make me appear shorter. Unfortunately, I did feel that this pattern did just that; however I was delightfully surprised by the contrasting balconette insert, which added length to the overall look and became a flattering detail that won me over. Of course, the insert is also what makes this style unique, bestowing the suit with a vintage-inspired twist. The suit runs true to size (I took it in an XS), and even though it's stretchy, it still provides structure and support, holding me in all day long." — SW
Rating:
★★★☆
Reformation Verne Bikini Top + Faro Bikini Bottom
Reformation Verne Bikini Top ($98) and Reformation Faro Bikini Bottom ($88)
"As a city girl, I take my beach days seriously. I typically like to spend hours by the water, so my swimwear has to be comfortable to lay and tan in all day, and hold up for frequent dips in the ocean. This retro-inspired swim set passed the test and more, making it one of my favorite pieces of swimwear to date. The brand's new eco fabric felt both soft and stretchy, and the halter neckline made the suit very sunbathing-friendly, though it's worth noting it may lack support for those with larger chests (it has no underwire or molded cups). It also changed my mind about swim bottoms — I usually prefer a high-cut style, but I found these boy shorts to be so flattering and fun." — Yerin Kim, editor, Features
Rating:
★★★★★
Reformation Tossa Bikini Top + Azure Bikini Bottom
Reformation Tossa Bikini Top ($98) and Reformation Azure Bikini Bottom ($88)
"This set is as classic as can be. The high-waist bottoms and lovely print feel timeless, while the unique white contrast in the top adds an interesting detail. The fit is great on both, and the bottoms have a slight compression quality that makes me feel like I can comfortably swim or do other beach activities without worrying.
Worth noting: since I tend to have a hard time finding bikini tops with enough coverage, I've developed a habit of sizing up. To my surprise, however, that was not needed here, and truthfully, I could've used the size below. (Shopping habits can be hard to break, especially when you've been burned one too many times.) Thankfully, the top does have adjustable straps, making it a little easier to find the right fit." — Kelsey Garcia, associate director, Balance
Rating:
★★★★★
Reformation Lago Bikini Top + Azure Bikini Bottom
Reformation Lago Bikini Top ($98) and Reformation Azure Bikini Bottom ($88)
"This bikini top caught my eye because it felt like something an old Hollywood starlet would've worn. I styled the retro design with the halter on, but you can also remove it for a strapless look. The molded cups and underwire on the bust do offer some support, but it's not the type of top that I'd wear if I was going to be super active. I didn't experience any boob spillage personally, but the risk was there — so that's something to consider if you have a larger chest or you're looking for a top that's more water-sport appropriate. The matching bikini bottoms were comfortable and provided a good amount of coverage, too. They came up a bit too high on my torso, but overall I liked the fit and could see myself styling these with a few different swim tops in my wardrobe." — AA
Rating:
★★★★☆
Reformation Tossa Bikini Top + Azure Bikini Bottom
Reformation Tossa Bikini Top ($98) and Reformation Azure Bikini Bottom ($88)
"I already own plenty of trendy swimwear, so I was excited to try Reformation's relaunched swim collection, which included more classic, feminine styles, similar to its clothing. I was immediately drawn to the vintage feel of this contrast-trimmed bikini, which could even double as a regular bra top. Though I did feel secure in the top, it didn't come with adjustable straps to allow for a more customized fit. The sustainable, interlock knit fabric also made the high-waisted bottoms more comfortable than any other I've worn, as they can often feel restrictive." — YK
Rating:
★★★★
Reformation Verne Bikini Top + Evora Bikini Bottom
Reformation Verne Bikini Top ($98) and Reformation Evora Bikini Bottom ($98)
"I love a classic solid-color swimsuit as much as the next person, but this tropical print just sparks joy. It's a statement piece in any swimwear drawer, and the colorful fruit print also reminds me of my hometown of Miami. (It would fit right in on Ocean Drive.)
I can't stress enough how comfortable the bottoms are, with the rise and coverage being just right for me. The top, meanwhile, has such a unique halter silhouette unlike any other swimsuit I own. While the coverage on the top is definitely ample, there aren't adjustable straps so it likely won't be the most supportive top you own. I'd recommend this one for casual lounging rather than intensive swimming." — KG
Rating:
★★★★☆
Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at PS. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.