Bleu by Rod Beattie is a fabulous contemporary swimwear line. Designer Rod Beattie is inspired by his Southern California roots and his love of travel. The brand’s handwriting is a combination of modern classics with clean lines, no-nonsense solids, bright colours, bold prints, and interesting on-trend design details. 

Beattie says that when he’s putting together a collection, he’s “thinking of a chic woman of any age.”

Bleu offers bikinis, tankinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups across a range of colours, silhouettes, and sizes. There are as many quiet, simple and streamlined solids as there are bold and bright looks, so take your pick. The extensive selection of silhouettes offers two important features that I personally look for in swimwear: COVERAGE and SUPPORT. Designs are alluring, cheerful and modern, but with extra fabric and support in all the right places. It’s amazing how effective thoughtful design can be. Clever coverage around the seat, midsection and bust can make all the difference to feeling more secure and confident when you’re exposed and moving around in a bathing costume.

Sizes run from a US4 to US22. But like most swimwear, fits can run small or large depending on the style and how your body fits the silhouettes. My hope is that they extend their size range in both directions. Tops are offered in D and DD cups, although a slightly smaller and larger cup size can comfortably fit the sizes too. Tops and bottoms are sold separately so that a wearer can find the right size and proportion for their body type. Personally, I will only purchase a bikini if the top and bottom is sold separately, and the top comes in cup and width sizes. That way I can achieve a much more comfortable and flattering fit.

Bleu swimwear is generally less constricting than styles from other popular brands on YLF, like Miraclesuit and La Blanca. They are sometimes more playfully designed and colour-rich too. I like the additions of thoughtfully designed and matching cover-ups. When added to your bathing costume, they can amp up the polish and make you feel more pulled together. When I can, I try to buy a matching cover-up with my swimwear. I love a good match.

Unfortunately, I can’t find info on whether the items are sustainably and ethically produced, but I’m hoping so. So if you’re looking for new swimwear, remember the Bleu by Rod Beattie brand. You can purchase online from their site, from department stores, and some small swimwear stores.