✦ GUIDE 2026

Updated June 2026

White swimsuit – summer's most elegant choice

A white swimsuit is one of summer's most refined choices — clean, classic, and incredibly beautiful in the sunshine. But white also places special demands on fabric, fit, and construction. This guide gives you everything you need to know before you buy.

Why is a white swimsuit so sought after?

There is something timeless and elegant about a white swimsuit. It signals calm, sophistication, and a deliberate choice — far removed from fashion's busy color palettes. White reflects sunlight beautifully, enhances a sun-kissed complexion, and creates a clean, polished look that works equally well by the pool, on the beach, and at a beachside brunch.

The white swimsuit has been a symbol of elegance since the mid-twentieth century. The classic white swimsuit icon has never gone out of style — on the contrary, in 2026 we are experiencing a resurgence of minimalist, monochromatic swimwear, and white is by far the color that signals style and confidence.

But white is also a color that demands respect. The fabric, construction, and care are all crucial to whether a white swimsuit stays beautiful — or disappoints on the very first dip in the ocean.

What should you look for when choosing a white swimsuit?

Not all white swimsuits are created equal. Five factors separate a well-considered white swimsuit from one that disappoints after the first wear:

1. Fabric quality and thickness

This is the most important factor. A thin fabric becomes see-through when wet — and that is not a look most people want. Look for a tightly woven fabric with sufficient thickness and good coverage density. The tighter the weave, the better the coverage. Italian quality fabrics are generally significantly better than cheap synthetic alternatives.

2. Transparency — always test in good lighting

Hold the swimsuit up to the light in the store. Can you clearly see your hand through it? Then it will also prove to be see-through when wet. A good white swimsuit maintains its coverage density even after repeated exposure to water, chlorine, and salt.

3. Colorfastness and chlorine resistance

White swimsuits are particularly vulnerable to discoloration. Chlorine from swimming pools can cause a yellowish tint, and sunscreen can leave stains. Choose fabrics that are specially treated for swimwear use and that can withstand repeated exposure to chlorine without losing their color.

4. Bra support and padding

A white swimsuit with molded cups or removable pads offers a double benefit: great shape AND better coverage, as the pads create an extra layer. Always check that the bra channel is properly constructed so the pads do not shift during wear.

5. Fit and cut

White is unforgiving. A poor fit — one that gaps, pulls, or sits incorrectly — is far more visible in white than in dark colors. Take extra care to choose the right size and style for your body type. Use a size guide or fit finder, and do not hesitate to try multiple sizes.

    The rule is simple: quality fabrics in white cost more, but they do not disappoint. A cheap white swimsuit at £20 will turn see-through on the first swim — and then the whole point is ruined.
  

The practical challenges of a white swimsuit

It is important to be honest: a white swimsuit demands more from you as its owner. Here are the typical challenges and their solutions:

Challenge	Cause	How to avoid it
See-through in water	Thin or poorly woven fabric	Choose thick, tightly woven quality — test against the light before buying
Yellowing from chlorine	Reaction between chlorine and polyamide	Rinse immediately after the pool, hand wash in cold water
Sunscreen stains	Chemicals in certain sunscreens	Allow sunscreen to absorb for 20 minutes before dressing; rinse after use
Discoloration over time	UV light and salt exposure	Rinse in cold fresh water after the beach, dry in the shade
Fading	Machine washing or washing at too high a temperature	Hand wash only, never tumble dry, lay flat to dry

With the right care, a high-quality white swimsuit will last season after season. But it does require that little bit extra — a quick rinse and a gentle hand wash are non-negotiable.

White swimsuit summer styling — how to wear it

A white swimsuit is one of the most versatile pieces in your summer wardrobe. Here are the classic and current styling combinations:

The clean beach look

White swimsuit with a loose white or beige linen layer over the shoulders, classic sunglasses, and a straw hat. Minimalist and timeless — this is the look that never fails on the Mediterranean or at the seaside.

Pool-to-bar elegance

White swimsuit under a sheer midi dress in white or cream. Add simple gold jewelry and leather sandals. You can go straight from the pool to a lovely lunch table without changing.

Sporty-chic

High-waisted white swimsuit with wide linen trousers in black or navy. Simple, contrasting, and incredibly flattering on all body types. This combination works especially well if you choose a swimsuit with a good shaping panel that creates a sharp silhouette.

White on white

2026 trend: tone-on-tone in white. White swimsuit with a cream or off-white wrap and nude sandals. Subtle, sophisticated, and very photogenic. Works best with accessories in gold or natural materials.

    Styling tip: If you are unsure about transparency, a pair of short white shorts or a wrap skirt will give you peace of mind — and adds an extra layer of style at the same time.
  

MAYAS does not carry white — but here are the elegant alternatives

At MAYAS, the focus is on shaping swimsuits in a carefully selected color palette, and white is not part of the current range. This is a deliberate choice: MAYAS' selected colors have been chosen based on what actually looks beautiful season after season — and what complements as many skin tones as possible, using thoroughly tested materials.

But if you are looking for the same elegant, clean look that a white swimsuit provides, there are excellent alternatives in the MAYAS collection:

Silky Blue — the light, sophisticated option

Silky Blue is MAYAS' closest match to the white look. The soft, light blue color has the same lightness and summer energy as white, but without the challenges of transparency and staining. It looks beautiful on both light and dark skin tones and gives a fresh, elegant appearance.

Find it in the Eternal in Silky Blue, Grace in Silky Blue, and Vitality in Silky Blue — all at 899 kr.

Black — the timeless alternative

Classic black is white's counterpart on the color wheel — and equally timeless. A black swimsuit delivers the same sophisticated, polished look, but is significantly more practical: no transparency, no risk of staining, and it holds its color perfectly season after season. MAYAS' black styles feature a deep, uniform black that stays beautiful year after year.

Try the Aurora in Black or the Grace in Black — both at 899 kr.

Chestnut — the warm neutral tone

Chestnut is a warm, natural brown shade that reads almost like a nude on many skin tones. The effect is reminiscent of the fresh, natural look that white provides — but with a warmth that is especially flattering in the late summer sun.

See the Harmony in Chestnut at 899 kr.

Color	Closest to white in style	What sets it apart	See the style
Silky Blue	Light, fresh, summer-ready	Soft blue tone — no risk of staining	Eternal Silky Blue
Chestnut	Warm neutral, natural	Nude effect, flattering on many skin tones	Harmony Chestnut
Black	Classic elegance	Timeless, practical, no transparency	Aurora Black
Dusty Green	Muted, sophisticated	Quiet, nature-inspired tone that works as a neutral	Grace Dusty Green

All MAYAS swimsuits feature a 4-layer shapewear panel in Italian materials, OEKO-TEX 100-certified fabrics, and removable pads in three levels (standard, Light Push-Up, and Super Push-Up — available as an add-on for 49 kr per pair). You can find them all in MAYAS' swimsuit collection.

White swimsuit: is it the right choice for you?

A white swimsuit is a beautiful and timeless choice — but it is not the most practical one. Here is the honest summary:

Choose white if you:

Prioritize the classic, clean aesthetic above all else. You are willing to invest in high quality and take extra care following the care instructions. You wear the swimsuit on occasions where you have control over your surroundings — such as a private pool or shorter beach trips rather than long days in saltwater and chlorine.

Consider an alternative if you:

Want a swimsuit you can wear intensively — many hours in the ocean, the swimming pool, and under the summer sun — without thinking about stains, transparency, or upkeep. In that case, Silky Blue, Black, or Chestnut will give you the same elegant look without the practical concerns.

Whatever you choose: find your size with MAYAS' body type guide, which helps you find the style and size that fits your body perfectly.

Frequently asked questions

Does a white swimsuit become see-through when wet?

It depends entirely on the fabric quality. Thin, cheap fabric almost always becomes see-through in water. A tightly woven, thick quality fabric — such as Italian swimwear fabrics — maintains its coverage density even when wet. Always test the swimsuit against the light in the store before you buy.

Does MAYAS carry a white swimsuit?

No, MAYAS does not currently carry a white swimsuit. The collection instead offers colors such as Black, Silky Blue, Chestnut, King Blue, and Dusty Green. Silky Blue and Chestnut are the closest to the light, elegant look that white provides — and both are far more practical for everyday use.

How do I avoid stains on a white swimsuit?

Allow sunscreen to absorb for at least 20 minutes before putting on the swimsuit. Always rinse the swimsuit in cold fresh water immediately after the beach or swimming pool. Avoid direct contact with oil-based products and fake tan. Hand wash with mild soap — never in the machine and never with bleach.

What is the best alternative to a white swimsuit?

Silky Blue from MAYAS is the closest match to the light, fresh look of white. Chestnut is a warm alternative with an almost nude effect on many skin tones. Both deliver the elegant summer look without the risk of transparency or staining — and both are available in MAYAS' shaping collection from 899 kr.

Can a white swimsuit be worn as a top in everyday life?

Yes, but transparency is an even more important consideration than at the beach. Choose a white swimsuit with a tightly woven fabric and ideally extra padding in the bra channel, which provides an additional layer of coverage. With the right swimsuit worn under a blazer or over low-waisted trousers, it makes for a clean and modern look on the hottest days of summer.

How much does a good white swimsuit cost?

A white swimsuit of decent quality — thick enough not to become see-through and durable enough to withstand chlorine and salt — typically costs from 600–1,000 kr. Cheap alternatives under 300 kr almost always disappoint in white, because the thin fabric cannot hide behind dark colors. Invest in quality, especially when it comes to white.

Find your elegant summer swimsuit at MAYAS

White is beautiful — but MAYAS' colors are smart. Try Silky Blue for the light, fresh look or classic Black for timeless elegance. All styles feature a 4-layer shaping panel, OEKO-TEX 100 materials, and removable pads. An average customer rating of 4.8 stars and over 10,000 swimsuits sold speak for themselves.

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