Learning to embrace your skin tone is a lifelong journey. It’s difficult when the media tells us that tanned skin is “more attractive” or “more desirable” than pale skin. However, there are a lot of perks to naturally pale skin. First, you will never have to worry about tan lines, you can wear whatever swimsuit you’d like! Second, if you desire a natural-looking glow, you can use self-tanner to safely bronze your skin. And third, since you know you aren’t getting tan already, you’ll apply sunscreen and avoid skin cancer and wrinkles.
Here at Geode Swimwear we want you to feel your best in a swimsuit. This is why we have put together this guide for you on the best colors of swimsuits to wear for your skin type. With the right color swimsuit, you will feel ready to bring on summer.
What Type of Pale Skin do You Have?
Did you know that there are actually three types of pale skin? Each one has a different underlying pigment. It’s important to understand which type of skin you have so that you can adequately dress for your skin type.
There are three types of pale skin:
- Pale skin with warm undertones
- Pale skin with cool undertones
- Pale skin with neutral undertones
To discover which type of skin you have, use a white sheet of paper or even a white piece of clothing and hold it up to your skin. If your skin looks pink or red by comparison, you have cool undertones. If your skin looks yellow by comparison, you have warm undertones. And, if you do not look yellow or pink by comparison, you have neutral undertones.
The Science Behind What Colors Look Best with Pale Skin
Before we dive into the swimsuits and shades that’ll actually do something for your skin tone, let’s talk color theory—yeah, we’re getting a little science-y. Jenna, one of Geode’s founders, breaks it down like this:
“You want contrast. If the color’s too close to your skin tone, it’ll just wash you out. But if you go lighter, it’ll actually pull out the opposite hue in your skin—kind of like a color wheel. Find your swimsuit color, check the opposite side of the wheel, and boom—that’s what you’re projecting onto your skin.”
So yeah, grab a color wheel (or Google one real quick), find what you're wearing, and trace it to the other side. That’s the color your skin is picking up. Wild, right?
Best Color Swimsuit For Pale Skin with Warm Undertones
Pale skin with warm undertones looks best in colors from the warm side of the color spectrum. Specifically, deep colors, earth tones, and neutrals.
Best Colors for Pale Skin with Warm Undertones
Wear these colors to make your pale skin shine:
- Olive green
- Periwinkle
- Tomato-red
- Mustard yellow
- Brown
- Amber
- Gold
Colors to Avoid for Pale Skin with Warm Undertones
These colors will wash you out, wear with caution:
- Icy blues
- Jewel tones
- Silver
Best Swimsuits for Pale Skin with Warm Undertones
#1: Sonora Top
The Sonora top is the perfect red tankini top to make your pale skin with warm undertones stand out. It is comfortable, cute, and made for great times outdoors.
#2: Willow Top
The Willow is the perfect olive green tankini top for your pale skin type. It has a cute lace-up back and is made for any body shape or size.
#3: Cabo One Piece & Cabo Bikini
Whether you go with the one-piece or two-piece, the Cabo suit in its rich, earthy brown is basically made for warm undertones. Its crinkle texture, flattering cuts, and classic style make it an effortless go-to for sun-drenched days.
#4: Paisley One Piece Swimsuit
The Paisley One Piece is a soft pink dream that pairs beautifully with warm undertones. With retro florals, gold clasp details, and a high-cut leg that flatters every curve, it’s pure summer confidence in swimsuit form.
#5: Rio Tankini
With a neutral tropical toile print and warm, flattering tones, the Rio Two Piece is calling your name. Its subtle print and classy shape strike the perfect balance between fun and timeless—ideal for warm-toned beach lovers.
#6: Ginger Tankini
This strapless-friendly orange stunner is everything on warm skin. The Ginger Two Piece crinkle texture and sun-kissed hue make it your new favorite tankini (and yes, those high-waisted bottoms are as flattering as everyone says).
#7: Myrtle Tankini
Check it out—literally. The Myrtle’s olive and white checkered print is vintage, bold, and a perfect match for warm undertones. With ribbed fabric and high-waisted shorts, it’s a statement you’ll want to wear on repeat.
#8: Catania One Piece Swimsuit
Dusty purple meets sculpting ribbed fabric in the Catania One Piece. This one is soft, supportive, and unexpectedly flattering for warm undertones—think neutral with a twist.
#9: Sol Tankini
The Sol’s soft yellow wildflower print is a match made in heaven for pale warm-toned skin. With its feminine shape and comfy honeycomb texture, it’s sunshine in a swimsuit.
#10: Flora Tankini
Warm florals on a soft yellow base? Yes please. The Flora swimsuit is made for golden undertones and beachy days, with a flattering fit and vintage vibes that never go out of style.
#11: Kokkini Top
Rust orange and long sleeves? Say less. The Kokkini Top is a bold, sun-ready choice for warm undertones—ideal for active days when you want coverage and style.
#12: Celeste One Piece Swimsuit & Bikini
Whether you go for the bikini or the one-piece, the Celeste’s golden olive hue and celestial print were practically designed for warm-toned skin. It’s flirty, fun, and looks like golden hour in swimsuit form.
Best Color Swimsuit For Pale Skin with Cool Undertones
Pale skin with cool undertones look best in colors from the cool side of the color spectrum. Specifically, pastels and jewel tones.
Best Colors for Pale Skin with Cool Undertones
Your skin will look best when paired with these colors:
- Emerald green
- Royal purple
- Bright blue
- Ice blue
- Lavender
- Pink
- Silver
- Crisp white
Colors to Avoid for Pale Skin with Cool Undertones
If you want your clothes to complement your skin color, stay away from these colors:
- Orange
- Yellow
- Tomato-red
Best Swimsuits for Pale Skin with Cool Undertones
#1: Pacific One-Piece Swimsuit & Bikini
With its deep blue floral print and structured, adventure-ready design, the Pacific is the definition of stylish functionality. This one-piece and bikini's ocean hues perfectly complement pale skin with cool undertones—whether you're paddleboarding or pool lounging.
#2: Laguna Tankini
Cool-toned jewel shades like teal and sapphire were practically made for you. The Laguna's stunning print and flattering tankini style pop against fair, cool skin—plus, it's stylish enough to double as a beach-to-brunch outfit.
#3: Havasu Tankini
This blue-green ribbed beauty is your go-to for sunny adventures. The Havasu’s cool, muted tones and soft texture play perfectly with your natural complexion, and the sporty cut keeps everything in place whether you're hiking to a hidden cove or chasing waves.
#4: Indigo One-Shoulder Tankini
Cobalt blue is a dream for cool undertones and the Indigo delivers it with flair. This asymmetric tankini top and matching high-waisted bottoms bring out the pink undertones in your skin while giving major “cool-girl-on-holiday” energy.
#5: Monroe Tankini
Lavender and lilac shades are basically a cheat code for enhancing fair cool skin. The Monroe’s soft purple crinkle texture is flattering, fun, and functional.
#6: Georgia Tankini
Classic gingham in crisp blue tones? Yes, please. The Georgia set's vintage-inspired style looks effortlessly fresh on cool-toned skin and has just enough detail (hello, side cutouts!) to keep things interesting.
#7: Capri Bikini
Navy blue is a classic for a reason—it’s universally flattering, but especially striking on cool-toned complexions. The Capri’s structured crinkle texture and clean lines make it a capsule wardrobe-worthy swim staple.
#8: Topanga Long Sleeve Tankini
Navy with a soft white floral print = a cool-toned dream. The Topanga gives serious sun protection without sacrificing an ounce of style. Bonus: the elegant long sleeves make your skin look extra radiant.
#9: Porto Bikini & Tankini
Navy and white stripes are a match made in cool-toned heaven. The Porto’s shirred texture and timeless palette are both flattering and functional—plus, the adjustable, convertible top means you’ll wear it on repeat.
#10: Magnolia Bikini & One Piece Swimsuit
A soft gray floral on a white base is the kind of neutral that works wonders on pale, cool-toned skin. Elegant, subtle, and endlessly versatile—the Magnolia is your secret weapon for looking polished and put together at the pool.
#11: Seaside Tankini & Swim Skirt
Light blue with dainty florals? Absolutely made for cool-toned girls. The Seaside top's romantic ruffles and mid-length coverage keep things feminine and fresh, while the high-waisted skirt adds a flirty vintage twist.
#12: Santorini One Piece Swimsuit
Sky blue and white paisley combine for an ultra-cool palette that enhances fair, pink-toned skin beautifully. The Santorini’s modest cut and charming trim make it a standout- perfect for beach weddings and Euro-trips.
A clean white base with delicate lavender florals? Say no more. The Iris flatters cool skin while its crepe texture and ruffle details keep the look fresh and fashion-forward. Wear it strapless for even more of a sun-kissed glow.
#14: Peony Tankini & Bikini
Soft pink with white floral detailing is a subtle stunner for cool undertones. The Peony’s sweetheart neckline and supportive straps create a graceful silhouette that radiates gentle femininity.
#15: Coral Bikini & Tankini
Though coral is often warm-toned, this suit’s crisp white trim cools it down just enough to make it wearable for some cooler skin tones—especially if you’re leaning neutral. The bold color-block design adds just the right amount of pop.
Best Color Swimsuit For Pale Skin with Neutral Undertones
If your undertones aren’t playing favorites- congrats, you’ve got neutral pale skin. That means you get the best of both worlds: warm and cool tones totally work on you. Mix ‘em, match ‘em, and watch yourself glow like you got eight hours of sleep.
Best Colors for Pale Skin with Neutral Undertones
These colors will make your skin gleam:
- Jade green
- Light pink
- Muted green
- Muted orange
- Muted red
Colors to Avoid for Pale Skin with Neutral Undertones
While you can wear whatever you like, these colors will wash you out compared to the colors that look best on you:
- Brown
- Black
- Navy
Best Swimsuits for Pale Skin with Neutral Undertones
#1: The Oahu Tankini
The perfect modest suit that somehow checks every box: comfy, flattering, and dipped in the dreamiest muted green that makes pale skin look way more warm and glowy.
#2: Sandstone Top
This muted rust-orange tankini top is basically the MVP if you’ve got pale skin with neutral undertones. It’s comfy, flattering, and low-key one of our all-time bestsellers.
#3: Breeze Tankini & Bikini
Muted purple with soft pink trim = the cool-girl color combo your summer didn’t know it needed. Whether you go for the tankini or the bikini version, the ribbed texture and subtle contrast give this suit major glow-up potential for neutral-toned skin. Bonus points for the flattering scoop neck and boy-short bottoms.
#4: Savannah Tankini
Earthy forest green with a floral texture? Say less. The Savannah’s high-quality fabric and retro-style shorts offer coverage without sacrificing aesthetic. And that muted green hue? Practically custom-made for neutral undertones.
Cream, golden olive stripes, and baby blue dots—this ribbed one-piece is a whole vibe. The soft neutrals enhance your natural tone while the flattering high-cut leg and open back make sure you feel as confident as you look.
#6: Topaz Swim Dress
Rich teal, floral texture, and a silhouette that hugs in all the right places. The Topaz is the swim dress for girls who want effortless elegance and a color that adds depth and radiance to neutral complexions.
#7: Costa One Piece Swimsuit & Bikini
A soft cream base with wildflower florals and bold white trim—this set walks the line between sporty and sweet. The slightly warm-toned print won’t clash with your neutral skin; it’ll enhance it. Just enough color to make things interesting, not overwhelming.
#8. Bella Tankini + Swim Skirt & Bikini Bottoms
A soft green base with golden-yellow wildflowers = chef’s kiss for neutral undertones. The ruffled straps add flirty charm (wear them on or off the shoulder), while the swim skirt or high-cut bottoms keep things fun and functional.
Floral, flirty, and feminine—the Lotus is covered in smocked fabric and features vintage-style tie straps. The mix of purple and green shades flatters both warm and cool tones, which makes it perfect for neutral skin. Trust us, you’ll glow.
#10: August Tankini
Neutral gingham never goes out of style. The August’s adjustability and seamless fit make it a go-to for beach days and beyond. The soft beige tone plays nice with your skin without washing you out- basically, it’s the neutral for neutrals.
No matter your shade, we hope this little color guide gave you some clarity (or at least a few cute new options). Think we missed a must-have hue? Drop it in the comments. We’re all ears.
