Shopping·10 min read

The Best Bathing Suits to Get You Ready for Summer

Best bathing suits for summer
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Same, Free People
March 27, 2024

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As spring starts to bloom, we’re defrosting, thinking warm thoughts, and realizing our swimwear drawer is filled with faded, stretched-out styles we’ve been wearing for years. If your beachwear leaves something to be desired, too, pick up some of the bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups ahead before your summer plans are in full swing.

one-piece
Cupshe

A one-piece that’s anything but boring…

We love Cupshe for its affordable suits that actually hold up. This one-piece will set you apart from the crowd with its chic one-shoulder style and mesh panels. It’s lightly compressive, so it’ll make you feel confident while you’re lounging by the pool, and we love that the bottom gives us a little more coverage. ($33.99, Cupshe)

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denim-top
Monday Swimwear

A denim underwire top we’re currently coveting…

The moment we spotted this denim top from one of our favorite swimwear brands, we knew it was our next buy. We have this underwire top in several colors, and we love that it offers support while still being sexy and fun. It works well for larger bust sizes, too. Grab the matching bottom for a Canadian tuxedo on the sand. ($98, Monday Swimwear)

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sporty-top
Free People

A sporty top you can wear out to dinner…

This full-coverage top is perfect for activities like water sports, but will also be comfortable if you’re just lying on the beach. We love the sporty-chic neon colors and contrasting trim. We’ve also paired it with a high-waisted skirt to hit the town when the sun goes down. Grab the matching bottom here. ($68, Free People)

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target-suit
Target

A high-leg one-piece that comes in extended sizes…

This classic one-piece will never let you down. It has high-cut legs, a square neck, and adjustable straps for a just-right fit. We love that the extended sizes come with removable cups inside the built-in shelf bra for added support. Wear it as a bodysuit with some breezy linen pants when you head out to lunch. ($20, Target)

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same-suit
Same

A swimsuit that’s going on our summer mood board…

Just when we thought we’d seen it all in swimwear, enter this adorable suit from Same Swim. It’s a textured, sporty style with three buttons up the front and comes in contrasting colors. Complete the look with the matching high-waisted bottoms. ($185, Same)

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full-cup-top
Abercrombie & Fitch

An underwire top with fuller cups…

It’s rare to find a bikini top that keeps fuller busts from spilling out, but this Abercrombie top will do just that. The ribbed fabric is soft and comfortable, and the band doesn’t dig in on the sides. Plus, the bows on the straps are a cute detail. There are several bottom styles to choose from. ($44, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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retro-suit
Rebdolls

A retro-inspired two-piece…

The blue and white stripe on this top looks like something you’d wear in the south of France in the ’50s, and we’re here for it. The wide straps will keep everything lifted, and the fabric is stretchy, so you can swim without feeling constricted. The matching high-waisted bottom completes the retro vibe. ($24.90, Rebdolls)

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beach-shirt
J.Crew

A linen beach shirt you’ll wear for years…

Throwing a linen shirt over your suit will never go out of style, and J.Crew makes the most classic version. It’s made of a lightweight, gauzy cotton-linen blend and is long enough to be worn as a dress or unbuttoned as a shirt. It comes in four solids and a blue and white stripe we’re eyeing. ($44.50+, J.Crew)

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crochet-pants
Abercrombie & Fitch

A pair of crochet cover-up pants…

What’s a vacation without a little crochet? These are high-waisted with a stretchy waistband and flowy straight legs. They’ll look cute with any swimsuit bottom peeking through. Psst…you can also get the fabric in a dress. ($64, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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amazon-bikini
Amazon

A bikini one editor has in two colors…

If we’re buying multiple colors of this budget-friendly option, you know it’s worth it. It’s a classic string bikini style that comes in several colors and patterns and has more than 8,000 five-star ratings. The stretchy fabric will move with you, whether you’re swimming, sunning, or taking a walk on the beach. ($24.99+, Amazon)

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Maternity Bikini
Hatch

A high-coverage bikini for your baby bump…

Who said maternity suits had to sacrifice style? This suit has a ruched bottom that will stretch with your belly, and a super secure top with adjustable straps you can wear three different ways. You just can’t go wrong with a classic black suit. ($178, Hatch)

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One piece
Free People

A one-piece with “Baywatch” energy…

There’s a reason why this one is called The Pamela. This suit has high-cut legs, barely-there sides, and a low open back that’ll take you back to the ‘90s. Plus, it comes in an interesting textured fabric, six colors, and is made with responsibly sourced materials. A heads up for brides: the white would be perfect for your bachelorette party. ($148, Free People)

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Triangle bikini
Frankies Bikinis

A classic triangle bikini top…

If skimpy swimsuits are your thing, this one from Frankies is a must-have. We have lots of suits from this brand, but we love how many patterns this one comes in, from cherry print to blue gingham. It has a string bottom sold separately, but if you want more coverage, there’s also a cheeky option. ($75, Frankies Bikinis)

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Crochet cover up
Frankies Bikinis

A cover-up you can also wear out…

Throw this on top of your swimsuit during the day and repurpose it for a night out. It has a ruched top with a bow and a smocked back, and it’s made with the brand’s super soft fabric. Grab it in a couple of colors and make it your summer uniform. ($175, Frankies Bikinis)

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Bikini top and Bottom
Skims

A crowd-favorite bikini…

If you’re looking for a standard bikini set you can mix and match, this is the holy grail. It comes in nine limited edition colors and two classic shades, and fits exactly how you want it to thanks to the adjustable ties at the neck and bust. Pair it with either the string bottom or the slightly higher coverage tanga option. The fabric dries quickly,  so you can throw on shorts and be on your way. ($38, Skims)

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Bikini
Revolve

A sparkly set made for your next vacation…

When we imagine a perfect getaway swimsuit, this is it. It’s made in Italy from shiny, stretchy fabric and comes in three bright colors and black. It’s an investment, but one you’ll want to keep wearing season after season. ($226, Revolve)

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Sheer cover up
Revolve

A chic sheer midi dress…

Dress to impress at your next pool party. This trendy cover-up will pair with any bikini or one-piece. It’s made with sheer fabric, and has a side cut-out and high leg slit that won’t let you overheat. Wear a black swimsuit underneath for a chic look. ($110, Revolve)

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