What's The Real Difference Between A $20 Swimsuit And A $200 Swimsuit?

To the naked eye, most swimsuits seem like just a few pieces of fabric sewn together. Yet the cost of swimsuits varies widely, with some costing under $20 and others upward of $200.

The difference in price can be confusing, given that many higher-priced swimsuits look and feel so similar to their lower-priced counterparts. However, according to Amy Blea , an apparel designer and pattern-making instructor at the ArtCenter College of Design, even if a $20 and a $200 swimsuit look the same, there are probably several key differences that consumers should consider before taking the plunge and buying something new.

How Are Swimsuits Priced?

The final cost of a swimsuit starts with how much it costs to produce, plus markups from the manufacturer and retailer, Blea explained. Typically, a manufacturer marks up a swimsuit by approximately doubling their manufacturing costs before selling the swimsuit to a retailer. Then, the retailer usually doubles the price again before selling the swimsuit to a consumer.

“If it costs $50 to make the swimsuit, then the brand would sell it for $100. That’s their profit margin, and the retailer would sell it for $200 so they can make their profit,” Blea said.

Direct-to-consumer brands like Shein and Summersalt may have a lower markup than other swimsuit brands, but Blea said they likely include some retail markup. Even online-only brands “have expenses related to running a website” and advertising costs, so they are “justified in having a retail profit margin,” Blea said.

Fit and Construction

According to Blea, more expensive swimsuits are usually better quality, meaning “a better fit, better construction, better fabric and materials,” she said.

The fit of the garment is often much