Price: $24-26
Size: M (available in S to XL)
Color: Varied
https://n2nbodywear.com/collections/swim
N2N Bodywear is a difficult brand to review. New collections are released. They’re not restocked. When a collection sells out, it’s removed from from the N2N site. I have a few N2N swim thongs, but none of them are available for purchase any more.
Rather than focus on any single item, I’ll review the basic swim thong, which is almost always available in some variation. For the purpose of this review, the “basic” thong is the design without any embellishments. N2N makes swim thongs with side clips (“Fire Island”) and enhancing inner rings (“Maverick”). I don’t own and cannot comment on those styles. The cut of the basic swim thong is consistent; some fabrics fit a little differently, but the overall design is the same. Most of what I say here should apply to current and future versions.
Andrew Makay started N2N in 1997. While performing on a cruise ship in 1987, Makay found a turquoise bikini in Acapulco. He wore it until it started falling apart, created a pattern based on its design, and began making his own swimsuits. That eventually led to Makay launching an apparel line and retail store. The retail store closed, but he continues to release new collections on the N2N website. Check out Makay’s 2017 interview on the Dennis Anyone podcast to learn more about him and the brand.
N2N makes sexy swimwear. This is not a swim thong masquerading as an athletic swim brief. The front of the N2N swim thong provides a more contoured fit than styles from other brands. It is full coverage; sure, it’s a thong, but it’s not a micro pouch that only covers the bare minimum. The N2N swim thong is unlined and does not have a drawstring. I wouldn’t wear it to swim laps, but the N2N thong is perfect for lounging by the pool or beach.
Fabrics are ever-changing. They include a variety of solids and prints. Some are more transparent than others, but it’s usually obvious when a fabric is not opaque. Fabric blends are included on the product pages. I tend to prefer the nylon/spandex swimsuits.
I usually wear a size small, but I prefer the medium N2N swim thong. The rise is shorter than other swim thongs. Sizing is consistent. I have a few N2N thongs, and they all have the same fit. Some fabrics are stretchier than others, but I haven’t found any that make me want a smaller or larger size.
N2N’s products are well made. They’re not quite at the level of Charlie or Todd Sanfield, but those cost 2-4 times more. I haven’t noticed any defects or had any problems with durability.
Clearance items are available for up to 50% off, which is a great deal if your size is still in stock, and N2N has frequent holiday and end-of-season sales. Shipping is about $4 in the US and free on orders over $100.
I don’t have much negative to say about N2N. It’d be nice if they went tagless or switched to tags that tear out easily. And sometimes N2N doesn’t have anything in stock that appeals to me. But those are minor quibbles. N2N’s swim thong is an iconic design. You won’t regret adding one to your collection.
