White swimsuit for women: the handmade RHUM COCO collection

A white swimsuit for women that does not turn see-through once wet: that is the promise of the RHUM COCO collection. Its four pieces, cut from a textured white fabric and fully lined, are sewn by hand by the designer of atelier culotté in her workshop in Andoins, in south west France. Here is how to wear, pair and care for them.

Why wear a white swimsuit

White is a summer classic, and for good reason: it shows off a tan better than any other colour. The RHUM COCO bralette’s product page sums it up in one line: “For caramel skin, go for white this summer!”

It also has a practical side: it goes with everything. A linen shirt, denim shorts, a colourful wrap skirt, a printed sarong: a white swimsuit is a neutral base for any beach outfit. That is how the one-piece is described, too: “Your partner for swimming and summer evenings!”

Then there is the fear everyone knows: white turning transparent in the water. It is a real flaw of unlined white swimwear. The RHUM COCO pieces answer it with full lining, stated on each product page: no see-through effect, even as you step out of the sea.

The pieces in the RHUM COCO collection

Every piece is made in a textured white fabric, 94% polyamide and 6% elastane, a French fabric. They are gathered in the RHUM COCO collection.

• The RHUM COCO one-piece (€95): a white one-piece that “subtly reveals the bust”, adorned with a stainless steel jewel. Medium-high leg, adjustable straps, fully lined. Sizes S to XL.
• The RHUM COCO triangle (€45): a flattering cut that “enhances small busts without forgetting fuller ones”, with thin adjustable straps trimmed with pearls. Sizes S to XL.
• The RHUM COCO bralette (€50): “ultra comfortable”, it shapes the bust. Lined, with pearls on the straps. Sizes S to XL.
• The RHUM COCO Brazilian briefs (€40): low-rise, with a Brazilian cut that “slightly reveals the bottom”, fully lined. Sizes S to XXL.

White one-piece or white bikini?

The collection offers both, and the choice comes down to what you want.

The one-piece is the dressiest piece in the collection. Its gold-tone jewel and medium-high leg let it go from beach to aperitif with nothing more than a skirt or wide trousers on top. It suits anyone who wants a swimsuit that stays in place while swimming.

The bikini gives more freedom. Tops and bottoms are sold separately, and you can choose a different size for each. Between the triangle and the bralette, it depends on the support you want: the triangle, with thin adjustable straps, has a lighter look; the bralette shapes the bust. To weigh up the pros and cons, one-piece or bikini compares the two options.

The Brazilian briefs are easy to pair, as their product page points out: “Don’t hesitate to mix and match tops and bottoms, this design pairs easily.” A triangle from another collection over white briefs, or the other way round, works very well.

Choosing your white swimsuit size

The product pages give the size each model is wearing:

• One-piece: Chloé, a French size 40, wears L; Marie, a size 36/38, wears M.
• Triangle: Chloé, a D cup, wears L.
• Bralette: Audrey, a size 36/38, wears S.
• Brazilian briefs: Audrey, a size 36/38, wears M.

If you are between two sizes, compare your figure with these reference points or write to the designer before ordering. A well-fitting swimsuit is also the best guarantee against creases and a shifting lining.

Keeping a white swimsuit white

The RHUM COCO product pages give these instructions:

• Wash at 40°C maximum
• Do not bleach
• Iron at low temperature
• Do not dry clean
• Do not tumble dry
• Rinse in clean water after every swim

Rinsing matters most for a white swimsuit. Chlorine, salt and sunscreen residue eventually dull the fibres and can leave yellowish marks. Rinse as soon as you are out of the water, then dry flat in the shade. Avoid bleach as well: “do not bleach” applies to white too. Every step is covered in how to care for your swimsuit.

Frequently asked questions

Does a white swimsuit go see-through in the water?

An unlined white swimsuit can. The RHUM COCO pieces are lined: the pages for the one-piece, triangle and Brazilian briefs state “no see-through effect”, and the bralette is lined too.

Does a white swimsuit suit every skin tone?

White flatters every complexion. On tanned skin it highlights the tan; on fair skin it adds brightness, especially with a gold-tone jewel like the one on the one-piece.

Can RHUM COCO pieces be mixed with other collections?

Yes. Tops and bottoms are sold separately, and the Brazilian briefs' page encourages mixing and matching. White goes with every colour in the shop.

Where is the RHUM COCO swimsuit made?

It is sewn by hand by Chloé, in her workshop in Andoins, in south west France, from a French fabric. Delivery is free in France on orders of €120 or more.