When it comes to swimwear, few things feel as exciting and nerve-wracking as trying on a fresh haul from a brand you’ve been eyeing for a while. PQ Swim, known for their bold yet feminine designs, has been popping up all over social media lately. Their bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups are praised for being stylish, body-flattering, and perfect for everything from lounging by the pool to full-on beach vacations. I decided to give them a try, order a few styles I’d been curious about, and share my honest thoughts. No sugarcoating—just a real try-on haul, with the highs and lows that come with shopping for swimwear.
First Impressions: Ordering & Packaging
Shopping online for swimsuits is always a gamble. Fit, fabric, and color often look very different in person. But the PQ Swim website is sleek and easy to browse. I appreciated that they had plenty of model photos, some even on different body types, which made picking out pieces less of a blind guess.
Shipping was fast, and when the package arrived, I immediately noticed the attention to detail. Each swimsuit came neatly folded in a protective bag, with tags that had a luxe, boutique feel. PQ Swim clearly aims for the premium experience, and that was obvious before I even tried anything on.
The Pieces I Picked
For this haul, I wanted a mix of bikinis, a one-piece, and something fun like a cover-up. Here’s what I went with:
- PQ Swim Isla Tri Bikini Top & Isla Tie Bottom – A classic triangle bikini in a textured coral fabric.
- PQ Swim Perla Halter Top & Ruched Bottom – A halter style in a creamy white shade with shell-inspired detailing.
- PQ Swim Lace-Up One Piece – A plunging one-piece in sleek black with lace-up details at the front.
- PQ Swim Crochet Cover-Up Dress – A beach-to-bar piece that caught my eye because of its bohemian vibe.
Trying Them On – The Honest Breakdown
1. The Isla Tri Bikini
This one felt like the safest bet—triangle tops usually work for most body shapes. The coral shade was vibrant and made me look instantly sun-kissed. The textured fabric gave it a higher-end feel compared to a plain swimsuit.
Fit: The top was adjustable, which is always a relief. I could tie it tighter around my ribcage for support. The bottoms had side ties, which made them forgiving if you’re between sizes.
My Honest Take: This bikini is flattering, versatile, and a solid basic. But, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. If you already own a lot of triangle bikinis, PQ’s version is nice but not revolutionary. The price point might feel steep for something so simple.
2. The Perla Halter Bikini
This one was the wild card. The creamy white shade was stunning online, but we all know white swimwear can be tricky—it can be see-through, or just not forgiving.
Fit: The halter style gave a lot of lift and made my shoulders look great. The ruched bottoms had a scrunched back seam that added curve enhancement.
Fabric: Surprisingly thick and lined, so no worries about transparency. The shell-like detailing around the edges was delicate and pretty in real life.
My Honest Take: This one looked way better than I expected. It had that glamorous “resort” vibe. The only downside? The halter strap put some pressure on my neck after a while. Not the most comfortable for all-day wear, but stunning for photos and short beach hangs.
3. The Lace-Up One Piece
The star of my haul. I’d been eyeing this one for weeks. Black swimsuits are always chic, but the lace-up detail gave it an edgy, sexy twist.
Fit: WOW. This piece cinched in my waist, offered good coverage in the back, and the plunging neckline with the laces was adjustable so I could show more or less depending on the occasion.
Fabric: Supportive and smooth. It had that “second skin” feel without being thin.
My Honest Take: This is the piece I didn’t know I needed. It made me feel confident, sleek, and like I could strut into a pool party with no hesitation. The price feels justified here because it doubles as a bodysuit—I could totally wear this with denim shorts for a festival look.
4. The Crochet Cover-Up Dress
Cover-ups are sometimes an afterthought when buying swimsuits, but I wanted to see if PQ’s version lived up to the hype. This crochet dress was lightweight, semi-sheer, and had a laid-back yet polished vibe.
Fit: True to size, with some stretch. It slipped on easily and hit mid-thigh.
Fabric: Not stiff at all—soft, breathable, and clearly designed for tropical weather.
My Honest Take: This is the piece I didn’t realize I’d wear the most. Perfect for walking to the beach café, throwing on after swimming, or even dressing up with sandals for a casual dinner. It instantly elevated my swim look.
The Good & The Not-So-Good
What I Loved:
- The fabrics feel luxurious and not flimsy.
- Colors are vibrant, and the details (like ruching, shells, and lace-ups) add uniqueness.
- Most pieces are adjustable, making them more forgiving with sizing.
- PQ Swim clearly aims for swimwear that flatters while still being fun and fashion-forward.
What Could Be Better:
- The price is definitely on the higher end. If you’re on a budget, these aren’t “buy five at once” pieces.
- The halter bikini, while gorgeous, wasn’t the most comfortable long-term.
- Some designs are trendy—great for now, but maybe not timeless staples.
Styling Tips for PQ Swim
One of the best parts of a try-on haul is imagining how to style the pieces beyond just the pool. A few things I tried:
- Pairing the black lace-up one piece with linen pants and gold jewelry for a chic dinner look.
- Adding a wide-brim hat and oversized sunnies to the coral bikini to make it more fashion-forward.
- Throwing the crochet cover-up over denim shorts for a quick market stroll.
PQ Swim designs really do transition easily from water to lifestyle looks, which helps justify their price tag.
Final Verdict
PQ Swim impressed me overall. The brand delivers on quality, style, and confidence-boosting cuts. Not every piece is perfect—the halter’s comfort issue and the simple triangle style being a bit overpriced were small misses—but the wins outweighed the flaws.
Would I repurchase? Yes, especially the one-piece and cover-up. Those feel like investments I’ll keep using for years. The bikinis were gorgeous, but I’d likely save those for special trips rather than everyday pool wear, mostly because of the price.
If you’re considering PQ Swim, my honest advice is: choose one standout piece that really excites you. Don’t splurge on basics you could find elsewhere for cheaper. But for that one jaw-dropping bikini or chic one-piece that makes you feel like a beach goddess, PQ Swim is absolutely worth it.
Closing Thoughts
This try-on haul reminded me that swimwear isn’t just about fabric and fit—it’s about how you feel in it. PQ Swim gave me pieces that made me feel bold, beautiful, and ready for sunshine. And at the end of the day, that’s what a good swimsuit should do.
So, just being honest: PQ Swim isn’t cheap, and it’s not flawless. But if you want swimsuits that combine glamour with a touch of practicality, you’ll likely find a gem in their collection—just like I did.
