Babe… let’s talk. Last summer, I strutted down Bondi Beach in what I thought was a moment: a high-street Zara bikini that had been all over my TikTok feed. The cut looked cute online, but the second it hit saltwater? Saggy. Unflattering. Gave me the kind of accidental side-boob I did not consent to. Fast forward to this summer, and I’ve upgraded to Dekota Swim — and let’s just say, she slays. These bikinis don’t just survive the waves, they own them.
Meanwhile, my bestie @ella.in.bali rocked up in her Penelope Bikini – Black from Dekota Swim and honestly, she was serving main-character energy so hard strangers were asking for selfies. That was my villain origin story — the moment I swore off fast-fashion swimwear and went full Dekota devotee.
And if you’ve ever done the whole “Zara vs Dekota Swim” debate in your head while panic-shopping for a summer getaway, I’ve got you. Let’s break it down bestie-style, because your beach wardrobe deserves better than mid-swim malfunctions and regret purchases. 💅
Why High-Street Bikinis Just Don’t Slay Anymore
Here’s the thing: Zara is fun when you want a dopamine hit at checkout… but when it comes to swimwear, it’s like bringing a paper straw to a cyclone.
Their bikinis look cute for five seconds on a mannequin, then start betraying you the second you actually live in them. The stitching? Questionable. The fit? Chaotic. And the longevity? About as fleeting as your situationship with that guy from your Byron Bay trip.
I learned the hard way — after just two swims, the colour on my Zara bikini faded faster than my tan. And don’t even get me started on the way it went see-through under sunlight (yep, we had a Marilyn moment on the sand… mortifying).
Dekota Swim, on the other hand, is built for real-life beach days — not just bathroom selfies. We’re talking:
Thick, luxe fabrics that hold their shape (and your confidence)
Curve-loving cuts designed by an actual bikini brand in Australia (who know how Aussie bodies move)
Small-batch production, so you’re not wearing the same bikini as every second girl on your feed
It’s giving… made to last, not made for landfill.
The Fit That Flatters (Not Fights)
Zara bikinis are notorious for their one-cut-fits-none approach. The result? Waist digging, straps slipping, and that weird “pancake effect” on the booty that no amount of posing can save.
But when I slipped into my Maya Bikini – Aztec, it was a whole body love moment. The triangle top actually held me in (even mid-wave), and the tie-sides meant I could adjust it to sit just right on my hips. It’s giving effortless, glowing goddess instead of constantly readjusting while pretending you’re chill.
Dekota pieces are created like fashion girl armour — designed for movement, not just posing. And because they come in a huge range of cuts, it’s actually possible to find one that feels personalised to your shape. Whether you want a bikini two piece that snatches your waist or a black two piece bathing suit that’s sleek and timeless, the fit is chef’s kiss.
👉 Explore our full range of bikini two piece styles
TikTok-Worthy Designs That Outlast the Trend Cycle
One thing about Zara? Their bikinis are trend-chasers. One season they’re all ruffles and cut-outs, the next they’ve ghosted that whole aesthetic. Which means what felt “it-girl” in January will feel op shop bin by Easter.
Dekota Swim doesn’t play that game. Our styles are designed to outlast trends while still turning heads. Think timeless silhouettes with spicy colourways — like the Brooklyn Bikini – Citron (hello, neon dopamine hit) or the Scarlett Bikini – Silver (which literally catches sunlight like a disco ball).
They’re TikTok-worthy enough to star in your summer content — but you’ll also still love them next year, and the year after. Because real style isn’t fast… it’s iconic.
And let’s be real, buying swimwear online should feel like an investment in your hot-girl era, not like panic-buying a disposable outfit.
Why “Made to Last” Beats “Made to Toss”
Let’s talk about the word everyone throws around: sustainable.
Here’s the honest tea. At Dekota Swim, we’re not perfect — but we’re intentional. While our current pieces aren’t made from recycled fabrics (yet), they are created to last longer than the average fast-fashion bikini. That means fewer replacements, less waste, and way more beach days with the same iconic ‘fit.
We do small production runs to avoid overstock waste, and we’ve ditched plastic packaging because the planet deserves a glow-up too. It’s not about pretending to be “eco swimwear” — it’s about doing better, season by season.
So while Zara’s swimwear often ends up as a one-summer fling, Dekota is built for long-term love.
👉 Discover more about our slow fashion swimwear ethos
Real Girls, Real Vibes
Want proof? Just scroll the ‘gram.
If you’ve seen @sophiesummer’s reel in our Lyra Bikini – Purple, you know why this set is the moment. It’s been reposted on #BikiniTok like twenty times because the way it hugs curves is almost illegal.
Or check out @sydneybeachbabe in the Calliope Bikini – Black. She styled it with a linen button-up and a straw bucket hat, and honestly? It was giving Amalfi Coast on an Aussie budget.
This is what makes Dekota Swim feel so different — it’s not just swimwear, it’s a whole vibe. A community. A glow-up you can actually swim in.
Your Zara vs Dekota Swim Cheat Sheet 📝
| Feature | Zara | Dekota Swim |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for Aussie summers | ❌ Mostly Euro/US sizing | ✅ Tailored for Aussie beach life |
| Fabric quality | ❌ Thin, loses shape fast | ✅ Luxe, holds shape and colour |
| Fit & support | ❌ One-cut-fits-none | ✅ Adjustable, curve-hugging |
| Longevity | ❌ Fades in weeks | ✅ Made to last season after season |
| Style factor | ✅ Trendy (but fleeting) | ✅ Timeless and TikTok-worthy |
| Sustainability approach | ❌ Mass-produced | ✅ Small-batch, intentional production |
Basically? Zara is cute for a throwaway top, but for swimwear — Dekota Swim wins in every category.
FAQs from My DMs 💌
Q: What is a bikini model bikini?
A bikini model bikini is that ultra-flattering set you see on beach campaigns — usually a triangle bikini two piece with minimal coverage, sleek lines, and adjustable ties that enhance your natural shape. Think the Maya Bikini – Fruit Salad or the Scarlett Bikini – Light Blue — made to show off your glow without sacrificing comfort.
Q: What makes a sustainable bathing suit better?
A sustainable bathing suit is one designed to last, both in style and construction. It uses durable fabrics, thoughtful cuts, and intentional production runs — meaning fewer replacements, less waste, and way more wear. Dekota Swim focuses on quality and longevity over fast trends, which means your fave summer bikini won’t be landfill by next season.
So… Are You Team Zara or Team Dekota?
Here’s the truth: if you want a bikini just for one quick snap in the mirror, Zara will do. But if you want swimwear you can live in — surf, sun, sip spritzes, and slay all summer long — Dekota Swim is the move.
The fits are hotter. The fabrics are stronger. The vibes are unmatched.
And the best part? You don’t need to wrestle with chaotic change rooms or low-rise lighting — you can shop the full range while sipping your oat latte at home.
👉 Start your glow-up and shop our bikini two piece styles
👉 Learn more about Dekota Swim and our story
Tag me @dekotaswim.official when you pull this look — I’ll probably repost it, no cap.
Because once you go Dekota… you never go back. 💖
