In the age of Instagram, swimsuit season has taken on a whole new meaning. Gone are the days of buying a $14.95 Target swimsuit every year. As if swimsuit shopping wasn’t hard enough already. Instead, all kinds of online swim brands have taken over the gram with their innovative styles and gorgeous social media feeds.

These new brands motivate you to scoff at every cookie you see from now to eternity. They also drive you to take out a loan exclusively for your summer swimwear collection. They make you ask yourself questions like: “Is it possible to be that skinny?” or “If I do 10 crunches right now, will I become someone with abs?” or “How can so little material cost so much?” or “Has that girl ever seen a pizza?” “Does she know what pizza is?” “Should I tell her?” etc.

Despite how ridiculously fabulous the models look with perfectly wind blown hair on some yacht off the coast of the Caribbean, sporting the type of carefree, confident smile only possible of someone hired to shoot a swim ad, somewhere deep down inside, your annoying voice of reason is screaming that you cannot justify spending half of your paycheck on six inches of polyester.

It’s really cute polyester though (still not a good enough excuse).

Not all swim brands are created equal. In a time where normal has a dangerous relationship with perfection, some brands have chosen to embrace reality rather than reject it.

Awhile ago, Aerie began the #AerieReal campaign. In which, they refuse to retouch any of the models used in their ads. Not only that, but they have also committed to using models with bodies typical of their target demographic. In doing this, Aerie represents all young women. Plus, it’s super convenient to know what I will actually look like in their swimsuits rather than what a runway model will look like.

Their products are consistent with their mindset. Aerie swimsuits fit the way swimsuits should without having to give up any pizza. They cover what they are supposed to cover, and their styles are fresh and creative. Not to mention, the price tag isn’t going to break your bank *praise hands emoji*.

Check out some of my favorite picks below.

 

 

Shop: Green Swimsuit | Blue Swimsuit | Black and White Striped Swimsuit