Wala Swim: Fit for Summer in the Hamptons

Wala, the mythical Australian sun goddess, was known for her beauty as she traveled across the sky each day. Now she lends her name to Wala Swim, an ecommerce site that curates a wide-ranging selection of swimwear from some of the hottest brands around the world.

Feeling like a sun goddess on the beach can often seem like a lofty ambition. More often when women go shopping for swimwear it can be a daunting process turning potential beach goddesses into grumps. Fortunately, Wala lets women avoid all of this and makes that goddess goal way more achievable.

Its founders are well versed in what makes a bathing suit work and what can make a look fall flat. They’ve traveled around the world and learned the ins and outs of the most beautifully designed and best fitting swimwear on Earth. They’ve taken all of that knowledge and made women’s lives a whole lot easier. The main lesson? Fit is everything.

“For a suit to make the cut in our selection process, it must have something special about the design, cut or fabrication which provides enhanced fit,” explains Jen Resnick of Wala Swim.   “We look for features such as an underwire for full-bust support or a bump pad for a little extra oomph. tummy control or soft side shirring and of course great add-on features like adjustable straps, removable straps or other aspects that create flexibility and additional ways to cater to a variety of body types.”

The sleekly designed site cares about fit so much that they even allow visitors to shop by “fit tags” and “fit filters.” If underwire support is what you desire, with a click all the best options designed to flatter appear. How about some extra lift? Take a look at Wala’s selection of “Bust Boosters.” There’s even a selection tagged “Anti-Muffin Top.” Do you want a sexy one-piece that offers coverage, a flattering silhouette and some extra va-va-voom? Try the “Not Your Mother’s One Piece” selection.

These tags feature products from 36 of the hottest brands from around the world. One of Wala’s feature brands, Azura, creates swimwear styles inspired by the faraway beaches of Australia and the sun-kissed Aussies who call them home.

“The sharpest swimwear comes to us this season from designers getting creative with updated and sexy onepeice suits, high-necks, color-blocking and sporty-chic athletic styles,” says Resnick.

Cia Maritime is a Brazilian resort wear brand with bold prints and fresh, feminine silhouettes that can make anyone look ready for the beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

American swimwear lifestyle brand, Helen Jon provides looks that are casual, chic and classic with a twist. Whether it’s a pop of color or an unexpected print, Helen Jon keeps beachgoers looking timelessly elegant with some added contemporary flair.

If it’s a bold, show stopping look reminiscent of revelers in Ibiza that you want to emulate, then try Roidal. In Italy, fine fabrics make for a rich, lasting look. Valimare makes swimsuits you’d find on the Amalfi coast.

These are just a handful of the brands featured on Wala. The best part? They’re all in one spot and you don’t need to buy the plane ticket to Ibiza or Rio. It’s all at your fingertips.

This season’s trends? Stripes, cutouts, bold prints, accessories, and retro glamour.

Stripes are never not a trend. From beaches in the South of France to the shores of Eastern Long Island, stripes are a classic nautical tradition. Pair a navy striped suit with glamorous accessories and you’re instantly ready for a poolside soiree in the Hamptons.

Cutouts are also on trend. Funky, well-placed cutouts can be flirtatious without asking ladies to bare too much. A one-piece bathing suit can transform from nun-at-the-beach to cabana-lounging-mojo-sipping-sexy with playful cutouts.

Retro swim suits have made a comeback too. So pin back your luscious locks, throw on some cat-eyed Christian Dior sunglasses and make like a modern day Marilyn Monroe in Amagansett.

Beach season is officially in full swing and if your suits have lost their pop or are just not fitting right, then check out the selection at Wala Swim. There’s free shipping, free returns and free home try-ons. There’s even free “Wala Wisdom” where the Wala team provides helpful tidbits on exactly how to find the right fit because fit is everything to a sun goddess.

“When shopping for a swimsuit,” says Resnick, “look for a style that enhances your best assets and don’t put too much emphasis on overcompensating for the areas you don’t like as sometimes, less is more and too much fabric can add bulk when you’re trying to do just the opposite!    Make sure to get the proper top support to lift and flatter your bust line and use hardware, back interest or other details to attract attention toward your best features.   And don’t forget about coverups!  The best way to switch up your look during a trip and take your suit from beach to street!”

Wala Swim will join Dan’s Papers for Dan’s Taste of Summer which kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton presented by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors on Friday, July 17, and continues on Saturday, July 18, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company, both at Sayre Park, 156 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton. Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, rounds out the trio of events on August 22 in Cutchogue. For more information on all three events, including tickets and VIP packages, visit DansTaste.com.