THE SUMMER OF SWIM

Brazilian Designer Sinesia Karol Is Bringing Sophistication To Swim

The swimwear designer talks swimwear, summer beauty, and more.


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Brazilian-born Sinesia Karol launched her eponymous swimwear line in Boston when she discovered a niche in the market: a line that brought the Brazilian spirit of the bikini stateside. Upon her relocation to the United States, Karol learned that American women had a different attitude toward swim that in her home country where more skin than fabric is the norm seaside. Her beach and swimwear line focuses on comfortability without sacrificing elegance. Case in point: the brand’s perfect high-waisted bottom bikini. Here, the designer shares the beginnings behind the brand, her favorite secret beach in Brazil, and more.

What is your favorite beach?

I have so many, but my favorite is Trancoso in Brazil. It is a very rustic, bohemian, music, and visual art community. It’s fun when you’re on the beach and just as much fun when you’re off the beach. There is a hidden gem called Praia do Espelho, which means Mirrored Beach, where the water is reflective and stunning; it is simply my favorite place to relax and enjoy the ocean.

What is your favorite thing to do pre- and post- beach?

Beforehand, I like to work out and then have a nice breakfast at Uxua. After, I will walk around town find one of the small bars that have amazing musicians and have a drink with friends and family.

Do you prefer the pool or the beach and why?

Both. The pool if I’m hanging with my husband, friends and sipping rosé. It’s like that phrase, rosé all day. The beach, if it’s family time and I’m with my kids.

What do you always bring to the beach?

Nice big towels. They need to be comfortable. I designed this big comfortable neoprene beach towel with one of our original prints that is great if I just want to hang out, read, or talk to friends.

How does your favorite beach inspire your work?

Simple, natural beauty always inspires me. Peaceful long beaches where people can take long walks, breathe and be happy. I also like to people watch, and look at everybody’s different, wonderful body shapes.

How would you style your swimsuit from the beach to a night out?

All you need to do is pair it up with one of my cover-ups, some nice local accessories, and a great pair of flats or espadrilles, and you have your outfit ready to go for dinner, lunch, or play.

What is your ultimate do and don’t at the beach?

Do respect the sun by using skin products, a hat and sunglasses. Don’t play your music too loud, talk too loud, or drink too much alcohol.

Which swimsuit reference has influenced you most?

The 1960s. The high waist is my favorite. I love a beautiful one piece, as well. They are super sexy and make any woman look amazing.

What are you reading this summer?

We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Related: Shop Summer’s Best Sandals Now, Just In Time For Your Summer Getaway

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20 Essential Sun Hats That Will Protect Your Skin From Harmful Rays

This natural straw hat provides just the right amount of sun coverage. Gucci hat, $715, mytheresa.com{: rel=nofollow}.

Only Saint Laurent could create a straw boater that was a little rock-and-roll. Saint Laurent hat, $795, mytheresa.com{: rel=nofollow}.

Ready for island life? Missoni has created some of the most colorful and playful hats of the season, try this green multi-stripe crochet version on your next adventure. Missoni hat, $152, mytheresa.com{: rel=nofollow}.

The bucket hat is back in a big way—try a minimal take on this trend with an all-white topper. Ashley Rowe floppy hat, $75, needsupply.com{: rel=nofollow}.

This hat is yearning to be worn on the Mediterranean coast, shielding your face from the sun or hanging down your back, blowing in the sea breeze. Clyde hat, $280, netaporter.com{: rel=nofollow}.

Why not merge two of the year’s best hat trends? The beret gets its summer makeover in straw, thanks to New York milliner Gigi Burris. Gigi Burris hat, $275, gigiburris.com{: rel=nofollow}.

For a day out in the country side, this frayed-edge Sensi Studio straw hat should be your go-to. Sensi Studio hat, $171, revolve.com{: rel=nofollow}.

When you’re in need of a sun hat that still has a little flair. Johanna Ortiz hat, $225, modaoperandi.com{: rel=nofollow}.

Vince stores now curate a selection of small brands that pair well with its own minimalist aesthetic, like the milliner Janessa Leone. Janessa Leone hat, $198, orchardmile.com{: rel=nofollow}.

Classic Burberry check is always in style, but this bucket hat in the vintage check print feels exceptionally on point this season. Burberry hat, $344, farfetch.com{: rel=nofollow}.

This Panama straw hat is perfect for those who can’t imagine wearing an uber-feminine sun hat. Rag & Bone hat, $250, bergdorfgoodman.com{: rel=nofollow}.

The classic straw hat feels more refined in navy. Kate Spade hat, $78, katespade.com{: rel=nofollow}

For those going on holiday in the Balearics, a bohemian-feeling oversize sun hat is the way to go. Lola Hats, $430, fwrd.com{: rel=nofollow}.

With its grosgrain bow and under-the-chin tie, this straw boater feels like a throwback to a previous era. Ruslan Baginskiy hat, $200, fwrd.com{: rel=nofollow}.

Not one for the typical sun hat? Let’s make it easy and tuck your hair up under your new favorite baseball cap before hitting the beach. Vetements hat, $360, fwrd.com{: rel=nofollow}.

This Off-White hat is a statement in and of itself. Off-White hat, $135, fwrd.com{: rel=nofollow}.

Take the bucket hat up a fashion notch in this logo hat, made in the house’s favorite black nylon. Prada hat, $330, modaoperandi.com{: rel=nofollow}.

A little bit of gingham goes a long way. LHD x Maison Michel hat, $990, thewebster.us{: rel=nofollow}.

While this hat may not offer as much sun protection as one may like, it is still a great option if you find yourself in France this summer. Brixton beret, $57, shopbop.com{: rel=nofollow}.

This bucket hat is not as floppy as your traditional one, and it’s a perfect way to block the sun when you’re out on your next hike. Madewell hat, $32, shopbop.com{: rel=nofollow}.

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