Frankies, Beach Bunny, or Luli Fama: Which Designer Bikini Is Right For You?

Three of the most-searched names in designer swimwear, three completely different personalities. We carry all of them at The Bikini Shoppe, which means we get to say what the brands' own websites can't: how they actually compare when they're hanging side by side on the same rack. Here's the honest breakdown to help you find the one that's you.

The 30-Second Version

Frankies Bikinis: The Effortless Californian

If your ideal beach day looks like a sun-bleached film photo, Frankies is your brand. Founded by Francesca Aiello in Malibu, it's built around that off-duty-model aesthetic — soft hues, ribbed textures, ditsy florals, and the signature knit and crochet pieces that quietly become the most-worn thing in your vacation bag.

The cuts range from classic to cheeky to skimpy, and they generally run true to size (ribbed styles have natural stretch). What sets Frankies apart is how easily it moves from swim to street: a knit set or crochet dress works just as well over coffee as it does over a bikini.

Choose Frankies if: you want swimwear that feels like your favorite worn-in outfit, and you love a soft, nostalgic color story.

Beach Bunny: The Statement-Maker

Beach Bunny is for the moment you want to be seen. Founded in Newport Beach in 2003, it made its name on glamorous cuts and signature hardware — powder-coated rings, chains, and custom trims that turn a bikini into something closer to jewelry.

A fit note we always share in-store: Beach Bunny leans minimal and tends to run small, which is central to that California-glamour look. Many customers size up, especially on bottoms — and this is exactly where trying pieces on (or asking us) saves you a return. If you want more coverage, their one-pieces and monokinis deliver the same drama with more support.

Choose Beach Bunny if: you're dressing for a yacht day, a pool party, or golden-hour photos, and you want hardware that shines.

Luli Fama: The Bold Miami Beauty

Luli Fama is what happens when Latin heritage meets Miami energy. Founded by Lourdes "Luli" Hanimian, the brand is known worldwide for vibrant prints, gold-plated Luli rings, and — most famously — its engineered scrunch bottom, a cut that flatters just about everyone.

Here's the thing people don't expect from a brand this bold: the fits are genuinely forgiving. Luli Fama built its reputation on universally flattering silhouettes with real adjustability and a range of coverage, from cheeky Brazilian to fuller options. The European fabrics hold their color against sun and salt, so the pieces last well beyond one summer. (Fun fact: they just celebrated 20 years on the Miami Swim Week runway.)

Choose Luli Fama if: you want maximum color and a suit that photographs like a party but actually fits like it was made for you.

Still Can't Decide?

That's what we're here for. The real advantage of shopping a curated store instead of an endless online scroll is that someone can look at what you're after — coverage, support, the vacation you're packing for — and hand you the three suits actually worth trying. Come see us in Mission Beach, or browse each brand below and start narrowing it down.

• Shop Frankies Bikinis →
• Shop Beach Bunny →
• Shop Luli Fama →

Not sure of your size across brands? Our fit specialists live for this. Stop by the shop near Belmont Park and we'll get you sorted.