Monday Swimwear Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Monday Swimwear has been on my radar for years. Founded by Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman — two women who essentially built careers around swimwear on social media before that was even a viable career path — the brand has cultivated a following that borders on cult-like. But the question I get asked more than almost any other is simple: is it actually worth the money?

After owning six pieces across three collections, I can finally give a proper answer. And that answer is: mostly yes, with some caveats.

Quality and Fabric

The first thing you notice when you take a Monday piece out of its (admittedly beautiful) packaging is the weight of the fabric. This is not flimsy fast-fashion swimwear. The signature ribbed fabric is thick, supportive, and has a buttery feel that holds its shape beautifully after multiple wears. I’ve put my Malibu one-piece through chlorine pools, salt water, and roughly twenty machine washes, and it still looks almost new. That alone puts it ahead of 90% of what I’ve tested at this price point.

The brand has also moved toward more sustainable fabrications recently, incorporating recycled nylon into several lines. It’s not their entire range yet, but it’s a meaningful step and the sustainable pieces feel identical to the originals.

Fit and Sizing

Here’s where it gets nuanced. Monday Swimwear runs small. I cannot stress this enough. If you normally wear a UK 10, you will likely need a 12 in most Monday styles. The ribbed fabric has stretch, but the initial fit is snug, and if you’re between sizes, going up is almost always the right call. The brand’s own size guide is helpful but slightly optimistic in my experience.

That said, once you find your Monday size, the fit is genuinely exceptional. The Barbados bikini top is one of the most supportive triangle tops I’ve ever worn — it gives you shape without underwire and stays put whether you’re swimming or just lying by the pool reading your book. The Malibu one-piece is similarly sculpting without being restrictive. You feel held, not squeezed.

Best Pieces to Start With

If you’re buying your first Monday piece, I’d point you toward the Malibu one-piecein black. It’s the brand’s signature for a reason — universally flattering, incredibly versatile, and the kind of piece that works poolside with slides or dressed up with a sarong and gold jewellery for a beach bar. For bikinis, the Barbados top with the Byronhigh-waisted bottom is my personal favourite combination.

The Verdict

At £90 to £160 per piece, Monday Swimwear isn’t cheap. But it’s not trying to be. What you get is swimwear that lasts, flatters, and makes you feel like you’ve made a genuinely good purchase rather than an impulse buy you’ll regret by August. Size up, start with the classics, and you won’t be disappointed. The hype, for once, is earned.