Skatie Swimwear Review

Once upon a time, I could comfortably and confidently fit into any straight-size swimwear on the market. Over the years, my body changed (as it does) and I entered the midsize space. With fewer options, I started to feel at odds with my bikini drawer. Considering I’m a river, lake, and ocean lover, though, that simply wasn’t going to work for me, so I set out to find my perfect swimwear brand. At Reviewed, we’ve tested numerous swimwear brands from Summersalt to Andie, and yet after many, many Google searches, my phone must have caught on because all of a sudden I had an Instagram ad for Skatie.

Intrigued by the many colorful options and cuts that the brand offers, I headed to the website and placed an order. After receiving the Annie Top ($60) and Monroe Bottom ($65) in the mail and wearing it just one time, I went back to the site and ordered the Penny Top ($65), Lacey Top ($65), Kate Top ($70), Sarah Top ($65), and Melly Bottom ($65)—some of which I bought in multiple colors. That was four years ago. Suffice to say: I’m hooked on Skatie. Keep reading to find out why.

What is Skatie?

Skatie is a sustainable swimwear brand designed to deliver that “California-cool vibe.” Since its founding in 2016, the brand has released dozens of swim prints and cuts, and has also delved into the athleisure space.

“Skatie was founded on the idea that sustainability encompasses more than just an environmental responsibility,” the brand’s site reads. As such, in addition to locally sourced manufacturers, ethical fabric composition, and compostable mailers, the brand only works with production partners that “value a work-life balance for their workers, as demonstrated by paid vacation time, standard hours, and a fair wage.”

Shop Skatie Swim

What I like about Skatie

The fabric is buttery-soft

When I unzipped the bags, I was met with the softest swimwear I have ever felt in my life; when I put it on, I knew I’d found a winner. Skatie swimsuits are made of ultra-smooth, stretchy yet slightly compressive recycled polyester.

The colors and prints

Skatie absolutely kills it when it comes to color and print variety. In total, there are over 50 to choose from. Whether you’re in the market for animal prints, florals, newspaper prints, retro-inspired prints, tropical prints, or anything in between, Skatie has you covered.

The Monroe Bottoms are divine

For the longest time, I opted for more bum coverage when shopping for bathing suits—even at my smallest. For whatever reason, though, when I scrolled across Skatie, I was head over heels for the appearance of the Monroe Bottoms, which are high-waisted, high-cut, and ultra-cheeky. I ordered them in an XL (they’re sold in sizes XS to XL) and was thrilled with the fit.

The bottoms don’t dig in at all, they don’t constantly scrunch into a wedgie, and they don’t get saggy with water exposure or wear. Instead, they remain form-fitting and comfortable for hours on end. Because of this, I now own the Monroe bottoms in various prints, including ‘80s-inspired florals, ‘70s-inspired swirls, and a burnt orange tiger print—all of which have since sold out.

The packaging is recyclable

From the moment I received my first Skatie package, I was sold. Fresh out of the mail, my swimsuit came in an ultra-small compostable package, in which the top and bottom had their own small zip-top recycled (and potentially reusable) plastic baggies.

What I don’t like about Skatie

Not every style is sold in every color and print

My biggest complaint about Skatie is the fact that not every bathing suit style is sold in every print. This is quite the bummer when I receive a text from the brand alerting me of a new print launch, only to find that it’s not available in the Monroe bottom or Penny, Lacey, or Annie Tops (my top three faves). That said, it’s because of this that I was forced to venture out and explore different cuts. In doing so, I uncovered styles I can fall back on if I’m in love with a print and it’s only sold in limited styles. Those are the Melly Bottom, Kate Top, and Sarah Top.

Also, while on the topic of prints, if you’re particular about your seams matching up, the brand might irk you, as the seam down the buttcrack rarely lines up. That said, it’s so subtle, not to mention behind you, so it’s never bothered me.

The straps on some tops are super thin

While I now love the Kate and Sarah Tops, I didn’t at first. The reason? The straps are so thin that they would roll right off my shoulders. Eventually, I learned that they can be crisscrossed in the back, and I no longer have the issue.

The sizing isn’t inclusive

Since Skatie swimsuits are only sold in women’s sizes XS to XL, it’s not the most inclusive swimwear brand. That said, as someone who is a size 12/14 and has trouble with most straight-size swim brands—they either cut in, are too low, or my boobs overflow. With Skatie, I can comfortably wear an XL.

Is Skatie worth it?

Absolutely.

While I wish the brand offered an extended size range, I’m grateful to comfortably fit in the styles they offer. I’ve truly never slipped into a more comfortable swimsuit in my life and I have every intention of adding more prints to my collection. All this to say, if you’re a straight- to mid-size gal looking for high-quality swimwear, Skatie is most definitely worth the investment. However, if you need more inclusive sizing, accessible pricing, or additional striking designs, check out the Reviewed-approved options below.

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