Panera Just Announced It's Coming Out with Swimsuits, and I Lowkey Want One

The chain that made everything better by putting it in a bread bowl wants to remind you that soup is best served poolside. In winter, the brand had us clambering for their limited edition Panera BAGuette bag, and now it’s time to make closet space for their latest in resort wear. Panera’s Summer 2023 collection of swimsuits are inspired by its much-loved “You Pick 2” combination deal. Tomato soup and tan lines– get into it. 

The Swim Soups: You Pick 2® Collection lets you flaunt your love of a good combo deal with options from swim trunks, bikinis, one pieces, and swim tank tops for a variety of pairing possibilities. While this isn’t the first time Panera has dipped a toe into the swimsuit game, this year, they’re expanding the line to include salad and sandwiches—ohhh lala. 

If you thought the idea of a steamy, packed subway car in the summer heat would deter me from a warm ladle of creamy broccoli cheddar soup then you are…absolutely dead right. However, more than 70% of those surveyed by Panera in 2021 are ride or die for hot soup no matter the temperature. So much so that their last limited-edition collection of soup themed swimwear sold out faster than it took me to decide my soup and sandwich order, and I anticipate the same will happen with this latest collection.

These days we don’t just eat our food, we wear it. We sport farfalle-adorned puffer jackets, limited edition sneakers to match our margarita, and a plush robe to eat pancakes in style while watching the World Cup.

Andrea Hernandez, founder and cult leader of Snaxshot, predicted it all. Consumer product goods (CPG) are no longer just a point of transaction, but Community Product Goods that we follow as closely as the drama on this season’s Vanderpump Rules. It’s the time for food and beverage brands to rejoice. We don’t simply want your snacks. We want to gloat that we are your biggest fans.

But, are the newest Panera swimmies cute? While it’s giving adult gymboree vibes, I also feel I would look quite regal in the v-neck Chipotle Avocado one-piece as I slouch over my plate at the next pool party. We’re here for the snacks and to look like a snack, too.

I admit I miss the more subtle, Spanish moss-themed hues of their 2021 season’s line, along with the one-piece that simply shouted “Soup.” However, I’m digging this season’s mixing and matching trend that speaks to anyone who ever lost a sock buddy. 

How to Get a Swim Soup Of Your Own

The lunch...er...swim menu includes: Strawberry Poppyseed Salad, iconic Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Sandwich, classic Grilled Cheese, and the creamy Tomato Soup. The new Swim Soups: You Pick 2® Collection will be available at ThePaneraShop.com on June 21st, with prices starting at $32. 

Now I’m just hoping they bring back the bread bowl pool float so I too can feel the comfort of curling up in a carb vessel.