Hey there, beach babes! If you‘re as obsessed with swimwear as I am, you‘ve probably heard of Frankies Bikinis. This LA-based brand has been blowing up on Instagram, spotted on everyone from Kylie Jenner to Gigi Hadid.
As a bikini connoisseur, I knew I had to get my hands on some Frankies suits to see if they‘re actually worth the hype. In this super detailed review, I‘m dishing all the details on the quality, fit, styles, and overall shopping experience. Whether you‘re a Frankies fan or skeptic, I‘m here to give you my honest, unfiltered opinion. So grab a cocktail and let‘s dive in!
What is Frankies Bikinis?
In case you‘re not familiar, Frankies Bikinis is a swimwear brand founded by Malibu native Francesca Aiello in 2012, when she was just 17 years old. What started as a small collection of custom suits for friends and family has since grown into a multi-million dollar company beloved by celebrities and influencers.
Frankies is known for their ultra-trendy, Instagram-worthy designs featuring flirty details like ruffles, keyholes, and cheeky cuts. The brand drops new collections every few weeks, often in limited edition prints and colorways that sell out quickly. Frankies has also expanded into apparel with beachy dresses, skirts, and loungewear.
With over 1 million followers on Instagram, collabs with style stars like Gigi and Bella Hadid, and features in Vogue, Elle, and Harper‘s Bazaar, Frankies Bikinis has undoubtedly made a splash in the swimwear world. But does the brand live up to the buzz? Let‘s find out!
My Experience with Frankies Bikinis
I first discovered Frankies Bikinis a few years ago while scrolling through Instagram and immediately fell in love with their dreamy, retro-inspired designs. I placed an order for the Tia bikini in a pretty mint gingham print and was blown away by the quality and fit when it arrived. The fabric was super soft and luxe, and the top had a comfy underwire that provided fantastic support.
Since then, I‘ve gone on countless beach vacations and pool parties in my Frankies suits, always receiving so many compliments on the unique designs. I love that the brand is always dropping new prints and styles, so my collection never feels stale. Some of my absolute favorites are the ruffled Eliza one-piece, the cheeky Stevie bottoms, and the wild rose print Kailyn bikini.
One of the best things about Frankies is how confident and cute their suits make me feel. As someone who‘s curvier on bottom, I appreciate that Frankies offers so many flattering styles like ruched fabrics and high-waisted bottoms that smooth over any insecurities. I also love their commitment to size inclusivity – the brand recently expanded their size range from XS-XL to XS-2XL, so even more body types can enjoy their designs.
Quality & Construction
Now let‘s talk about the all-important issue of quality. Frankies is undeniably on the pricier side, with bikini tops alone ranging from $80-$145. So are you getting your money‘s worth?
In my experience, absolutely. The swimsuits from Frankies feel notably more substantial, well-made, and long-lasting than ones I‘ve tried from cheaper fast fashion brands. All of the pieces are double-lined with soft, durable fabrics that feel amazing against your skin and hold their shape.
The suits feature high-end details like gold logo hardware, adjustable sliders on straps, and reinforced seams that can withstand lots of wear. I have Frankies bikinis that are going on three years old and still look brand new after so many washes and wears. The fabrics and colors don‘t fade or stretch out, which is super impressive for such trendy designs.
That being said, Frankies suits are definitely on the skimpier, sexier side, so they aren‘t the most practical choice if you‘re looking for something to surf or play beach volleyball in. But for sunbathing, pool parties, and taking cute Instagram pics? They‘re pretty much perfect.
Fit & Sizing
One of the biggest struggles with ordering swimwear online is figuring out what size to get. Luckily, Frankies has an in-depth size guide on their website that lists garment measurements and a "top tester" showing how suits fit different cup sizes.
In my experience, Frankies swim tops run about one size small, so I always go up a size. It‘s better to have a little extra room than risk an uncomfortably tight fit or wardrobe malfunction. Bottoms are more true to size, and the brand offers a variety of coverage options from full coverage to mega cheeky.
I‘ve also found that some of Frankies suits with less adjustable straps or hardware can be tricky for long torsos. I‘m 5‘8" and sometimes struggle with one-pieces or tops riding up. But the brand seems to be expanding its options for us taller gals – I recently snagged the adorable Reece one-piece which is made to fit longer torsos.
One thing I love is that Frankies models their suits on a diverse range of body types and includes customer photos in reviews. It‘s so helpful to see suits on different heights, shapes, and cup sizes to get a realistic view of the fit.
Sustainability & Ethical Practices
Swimwear is one of the harder clothing categories to shop sustainably, but Frankies has been making strides towards more eco-friendly practices. The brand now uses recycled nylon made from plastic bottles and fishing nets in many of their suits. They‘ve also released capsule collections made with Econyl, a regenerated yarn created from ocean waste.
Frankies has pledged to eliminate all virgin plastics and nylons from their clothing by the end of 2021, as well as transition to biodegradable packaging. However, some sustainability experts have pointed out that the "biodegradable" bags Frankies uses are only compostable in specific industrial facilities, not in your home compost.
When it comes to ethics, Frankies still has some room for improvement on transparency. The brand hasn‘t shared much about its factory conditions, though their suits are produced in Bali and LA. I‘d love to see Frankies release a social responsibility report or code of conduct showing their commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions.
Customer Experience & Reviews
For even more insights into the brand, I polled my fellow Frankies fanatics to see what they love (and don‘t love) about the shopping experience. Common raves include:
- Frequent new arrivals and limited edition drops keep collections feeling fresh
- Easy, free shipping and returns for US customers
- Responsive customer service team (I once had an issue with a wrong item being sent and it was resolved super quickly)
- Rewards program where you can earn points to redeem on future purchases
- Option to purchase matching separates from different suits to customize your perfect bikini
Some downsides reviewers noted:
- Sell out risk – popular styles can disappear from your cart if you don‘t check out fast
- Pricey shipping fees for international customers
- Duties and customs charges can add up, and returns are only free for US
- Website can be glitchy during big sales
- Some inconsistency with sizing, especially for suits that come in S/M/L rather than bra sizes
| Brand | Price Point | Size Range | Sustainability | Shipping & Returns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankies Bikinis | $80 – $200 | XS – XL (34A – 36DD) | Econyl & recycled fabrics, biodegradable packaging | Free US shipping & returns. $20+ for international. |
| Monday Swimwear | $80 – $170 | XS – XL (32A – 36DD) | Recycled nylon & polyester | Free US shipping & returns on $100+. Varies for international. |
| Solid & Striped | $80 – $200 | XS – XL (32AA – 36DDD) | Recycled materials & packaging | Free US shipping on $250+. $5 for returns. |
| Blackbough | $70 – $120 | XS – XL (32A – 36D) | Virgin plastics & nylons | $10 US shipping (free on $100+). $25 international. $5 for returns. |
FAQs
To wrap things up, I‘m answering some of the most common questions I see about Frankies Bikinis:
How does Frankies Bikinis fit?
In general, Frankies suits run small in the top and true to size in the bottoms. Check their size guide for measurements and top tester to find your perfect fit. When in doubt, size up for comfort!
Where is Frankies Bikinis made?
Frankies suits are made in Bali, Indonesia and Los Angeles, California. They are designed at Frankies HQ in LA.
How long does Frankies Bikinis take to ship?
Orders ship out within 1-2 business days. US orders typically arrive within 3-7 business days with standard free shipping. International orders can take 6-21 business days depending on the destination.
Are Frankies Bikinis worth it?
If you‘re looking for unique, high quality swimwear that makes a statement, Frankies is definitely worth the investment. The fit and designs are leagues above fast fashion suits. However, they are a splurge, so consider your budget and cost per wear.
Does Frankies Bikinis have sales?
Frankies rarely has sitewide sales. However, you can sometimes find past season‘s suits in their "Bikini Graveyard" sale section for up to 50% off. Frankies also does a big Black Friday sale and an annual warehouse sale in LA with deep discounts.
How do I care for my Frankies Bikinis swimsuit?
Hand wash your suits in cold water with gentle detergent after each wear. Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric, and lay flat to dry. Never put your suits in the washer or dryer which can break down the delicate fabrics and elastic.
The Verdict
So, what‘s the final verdict on Frankies Bikinis? Despite the price tag, I‘m a huge believer. No other swimwear brand makes me feel as confident, stylish, and sexy on the beach. I‘m constantly impressed by the exceptional quality, innovative designs, and meticulous attention to detail.
Of course, $150+ bikinis aren‘t accessible for everyone. And Frankies isn‘t the most practical choice for intense water activities or if you prefer full coverage. But for pool parties, tropical vacations, and channeling your inner Insta baddie? Frankies Bikinis are chef‘s kiss.
I also love supporting a female-founded brand that celebrates all body types and is taking steps towards sustainability. While not perfect, I appreciate Frankies‘ progress and commitment to do better for the planet.
At the end of the day, you have to decide what‘s most important for you in a bikini. If you‘re looking for your forever suit that makes you feel like a million bucks, I can‘t recommend Frankies enough. Start with a classic style like the Tia or Eliza, and I guarantee you‘ll be back for more.
Thanks so much for reading this super comprehensive review – I hope it helps you in your own Frankies Bikinis journey! If you have any other questions, drop them in the comments. Until next time, stay beachy!
Xx,
[Your Name]
