A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Aug. 30, 2024
Bathing suit shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how to find the best swimsuits for every shape, size and style preference.
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It’s that time of year again—bathing suit season! If that sentence elicited a slight panic from you, you’re not alone. While we’re all more than ready for gorgeous weather and summer fun—and even excited to stock up on summer essentials like the best summer hats, sunglasses and sunscreen—bathing suit shopping itself can be stressful and, well, not so fun.
We strongly believe that every body is bathing-suit ready, but we also strongly believe that you deserve to find a swimsuit that incites confidence. So, how does one find the best swimsuits? By focusing on your best assets and dressing for your body shape.
“Start by identifying the areas you want to enhance or attract attention to, and then the areas you want to minimize or distract the eye from,” advises Laurie Brucker Amerikaner, a professional stylist and author. From there, choose wisely—and know a few tricks. “Wearing solid colors, slim lines and minimal detailing works great for concealing, slimming and covering. Wearing bold patterns, bright colors and fresh design details work for accentuating, balancing and attention grabbing.”
There are also a few tried-and-true rules to flatter specific body types and honor current trends. Read on to find the perfect swimsuit match for your body type and personal style.
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In general, the best swimsuits for women offer a blend of fashion-forward styling, body-complimenting design and colors that make you feel happy. This Tempt Me High-Neck Mesh Monokini is a one-piece with figure-friendly ruching, a peekaboo mesh panel just below the high neckline and a waist-gathering knot that accentuates the narrowest part of the abdomen while smoothing the rest.
It’s easy to see why it’s an Amazon bestseller with more than 24,000 five-star ratings. Ashley, a five-star reviewer, describes how happy she is with her purchase: “It’s always hit or miss buying suits online because I’m so tall and have a long torso, but this suit is perfect. It’s flattering and covers your booty. The cups in the chest are super supportive and not the kind that slide out/around. Highly recommend this suit!!”
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A figure-enhancing swimsuit for less than $20? Yes, please! This pretty one-piece looks a lot more expensive than it is, thanks to its shirred front effect that flatters curves and a V-neck design with ruffles for added flair. It also features removable pads and a low-back design.
Frankly, a suit of this quality at such a low price is just the kind of secret we should probably keep to ourselves, but you seem trustworthy and deserving of a knockout swim look. File this one under products that are way cheaper at Walmart than Amazon. Speaking of, you might also like these Amazon swimsuits that are all under $40.
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The key to tummy control in your swimwear is color blocking. “This helps create the flattering frame lines while still being stylish,” says Amerikaner. “Look for color blocking that has a mid to dark lower portion that blocks out the waistline area, while using bolder colors at the bottom and top.” Beyond that, Amerikaner suggests using the art of distraction by choosing swimwear with a unique neckline, like a one-shoulder or cross-front halter. “It draws the eyes up and away,” she explains. That’s a tried-and-true personal stylist tip you’ll wish you knew sooner.
This Cupshe wrap-style one-piece is a highly-rated Amazon pick that offers color blocking, a side tie to accentuate the waist and a V-shaped neckline. It comes in 15 color block designs and patterns, in case you fall in love with this style but want to mix your tummy control swimsuit up a bit.
Verified Amazon reviewer Lori Fornaro adds, “I have a bigger midsection and I prefer a suit that can hold you in there. This one not only did that, but the design was flattering. It’s held up well with several uses and hasn’t lost any elasticity.” Here’s another Cupshe swimsuit favorite Amazon users love.
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Comfort is key if you’re sporting a baby bump on the beach, and once you’ve had your little one, easy access for nursing becomes another major priority. But the best maternity swimsuits and those early postpartum days aren’t just functional—they’re cute and flattering, too. This Kindred Bravely one-piece suit comes in four patterns to help you join in this season’s biggest color trends, as well as keep the same suit from bump to after-birth. It also offers UPF 50 protection, is made of recycled polyester and is fully lined.
Look for a tie, belt or wrap-style design that accentuates the waist’s smallest point. Avoid appearing matronly by choosing a trendy color or print, suggests style expert Sadie Cherney, who owns Clothes Mentor, an eco-friendly boutique. “Pastels are everywhere in fashion right now, but they’re especially present in swimwear,” she says. “There’s also been an emphasis on buttery-soft fabrics in swim, which is so cozy! But the combination of soft fabric and pastel tones can be very revealing, so if that’s not the look you’re going for, ribbed fabrics can provide more coverage, even in these beautiful light hues.”
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Using bold, busy patterns to make a small bust appear bigger or more balanced is one of the oldest yet surefire ideas in the stylist playbook. While you can go with whatever pattern you’re drawn to, bold prints are still very much in style. The plunge shape of this Andie Tropez bikini top adds volume and lift, making it one of the best swimsuits for small busts. It’s perfect for any chest size, but we especially like this top’s lower-cut style for accentuating smaller chests.
Florals, animal and patterned prints can be used anywhere you might want to confuse or trick the eye. Don’t be shy of animal prints, Cherney adds. “We’ve loved leopard for a few years now, and it’s refreshing to see it in larger repeats or more abstract colorways, and also to see some new animal prints gaining traction—especially zebra and tiger stripes.”
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The most important bit of bathing-suit advice for plus-size women? Always opt for supportive shapes and fabrics, says professional wardrobe stylist Megan Averbuch, who blogs at Belles & Rebelles. This Miraclesuit one-piece offers a plunge neck and mesh cutouts that add dimension to an otherwise solid black swimsuit. The crisscross pattern defines curves, while the solid black bottoms slim the waist. Don’t forget to bookmark this list of the best plus-size swimwear for your best summer look yet.
“Of course, confidence is everything, no matter what you wear, but you can feel your best by investing in pieces that offer support, such as underwire,” she explains. Beyond that, there are some tricks that will help flaunt your curves in the smartest ways possible. For example, Averbuch suggests looking for swimwear with ruching and high-waisted bikini bottoms. “No matter your figure,” she adds, “I always like to add shapes, such as flowing sarongs or caftan-style beach jackets, to make it more of a full look.” By the way, if you like this, you might appreciate our Miraclesuit swimwear review, too.
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The experts we spoke with agree that large busts are best served with extra support and subtle design details that offer balance and shape. This CUUP plunge bikini top supports all bust sizes, especially rounder busts. We love the sexy yet supportive design that accentuates large chests without covering them up. A lightweight underwire is also featured, though it’s designed to move with the body without poking or digging into skin.
It comes in seven beautiful colors and can be worn with matching, sold-separately bottoms, or black bottoms. This is one of the best swimsuits for large busts because it offers an inclusive size range and flatters every curve.
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This swim dress is a versatile choice for those interested in baring less but still looking younger. It offers a swim-friendly, tennis-outfit approach that makes it one of the best swimsuits for women who want extra sun protection and comfort. The neckline sits high on your neck while the A-line skirt sits just above midthigh. A ruched midsection also offers some flattering tummy control, and a built in bra helps add a confidence boost.
Add a bathing suit cover-up, some bermuda shorts and other modesty-approved essentials. Or, of course, wear it on its own.
