With how many bikinis we have to pick from — do we want full coverage or string and should we go all out with a pattern or stick to a classic solid? — we know how overwhelming it may be to shop for one. But what we do know is whether you gravitate toward the classic coverage of a one-piece, a tan-line-free bandeau top, or the hybrid flexibility of a tankini, the right swimsuit can help you look and feel your best.
To make the shopping process easier, we researched and collected our favorites with the help of some experts to find the ones you'll also love. Of course, there's no such thing as a universally perfect bikini — an infinite number of body shapes and personal styles means that "best" means something different for everyone. Therefore, for our list, we considered objective factors like coverage, support, design options, and inclusive sizing. Read on for the best ones to take on your next vacation.
Best Overall
Becca By Rebecca Virtue Jolene Halter Bikini Top
What We Love: The quality of the fabric is very substantial.
What We Don’t Love: The bikini bottoms are low-rise and cheeky, which might not be to everyone’s liking.
Right out of the package, we could tell how high-quality this bikini felt. With a super rich, vibrant color, the bikini didn’t look like it will fade easily in the sun (and hasn’t so far). And during our lounging session, the bikini slicked off water easily and didn’t make us feel cold with moisture.
We felt very secure and supported while wearing this bikini. You know that moment of panic when you pull yourself out of the pool thinking your bikini moved around? That doesn’t happen here, despite being a low-rise, cheeky bikini bottom — we never had to hurriedly adjust our bottoms as we stepped out. The straps of the top are also adjustable, and once we found the ideal length, it never stretched or slipped throughout the day.
Size: XS-L | Colors: 9 | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Ruched Hipster Bikini Bottom
Best Budget
CUPSHE Women's Two Piece Swimsuit
What We Like: You can buy the top and the bottom together.
What We Don't Like: Women with short torsos might find the bottoms come up too high.
If you prefer not to shop for separate bikini pieces, this affordable bikini comes with both a top and bottom for less than the price of most single styles. Available in 20 colors (ranging from vibrant neons to classic neutrals), the top features a twisted v-neck front, plus adjustable spaghetti straps and removable cups for customizable support. The bottom is high-waisted, hitting above the belly button, and offers a flirty cheeky cut in the back. But for any women with shorter torsos, you might find the bottoms come up a bit too high. Luckily, Amazon has a generous return policy.
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 23 | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Padding: Yes
Best Splurge
Hunza G Flora Embellished Seersucker Bandeau Bikini
What We Love: It molds and moves with your body for a perfect fit.
What We Don't Love: The set only comes in one size.
For a tropical vacation (think of all the cute Instagram photos), pack an extra special bikini that deserves a luxurious setting. Case in point: this set from Hunza G. Locally made in the United Kingdom, this suit has a unique texture that moves and molds to your body shape. Wear as you please, whether you prefer to hike up the bottoms for a cheekier fit or use the top as a transition piece from the beach to night on the town. Dyed to this gorgeous sage green color (but is also available in white), the bikini features a tortoiseshell resin buckle for a bit more detail. We do wish the set was available in more than one size, though, because even with such stretchy fabric, we know it won't stretch that much to fit a wide range of styles.
Size Range: One size | Colors: 2 | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Padding: No
Best Plus-Size
Summersalt Mid Rise Bottom
What We Love: The signature color block looks timeless.
What We Don't Love: The bottoms fit a bit snugly.
"I don’t believe there are any 'rules' and 'do’s and don’ts' when shopping for swimwear in sizes 14+ because there is no one size fits all," says Yesenia Torres, the creative director at Eloquii, a size-inclusive brand catered towards sizes 10-28. "Whether you feel the most confident in a string bikini or skirted one-piece, I encourage you to shop for what you feel the best in." This swimsuit from Summersalt keeps comfort in mind while still being cute and on-trend (we truly love the color block). It has the coverage and compression in its construction for a "perfect, secure fit," yet a mid-rise style with an extra high leg to highlight the hips and heighten the legs. The bottoms do fit snuggly, especially at first, so if you want a looser fit, you might want to size up. In the end, though, expect nothing but compliments with this one.
Size Range: 2-22 | Colors: 7 | Materials: Recycled polyamide, elastane | Padding: No
Buy the top: The Marina Bikini Top
Best Cup-Size
CUUP The Balconette and Brief Swim Set
What We Love: The top offers a wide cup and band size range to suit every cup size.
What We Don't Love: We'd love to see more plus-sizes.
For sufficient support, opting for a cup-size bikini top is a no-brainer, especially now that buzzy intimates brand Cuup offers swimwear alongside its signature minimalist bra styles. The Balconette is its best-selling bikini top, combining a vintage silhouette with the same clean, pared-down feel that's made the brand so popular. The wide-set straps and light underwire won't dig into or poke your skin, only lift and support your breasts as a traditional bra does. We appreciate that you can buy this bikini as a set, too, The top even comes with a mid-rise brief that offers moderate coverage for those not keen on cheeky fits. All eight colors are available in bands 30-44 and cup sizes A-H. But if you prefer a more cheeky coverage, you can opt to buy the top on its own and pair it with the classic bikini or cheeky high-waist cuts.
Size: 30A-42F for tops, XS-3X for bottoms | Colors: 7 | Materials: Recycled Econyl polyamide, elastane | Padding: No
Best for Small Busts
Left On Friday Sunday Top
What We Love: We could wear it from the lounge chair to the surfboard, and felt cute and secure all the way.
What We Don’t Love: The bottoms didn’t always stay in place, causing us to adjust it every once in a while.
This bikini top is quite snug, on top of running a bit small, which made it ideal on our smaller chest. It provided full coverage, tucking in our girls protectively against the chest. It’s in between a sporty and loungy aesthetic, so we had no problem going from surfing to tanning in the same hour.
Even with a high-leg cut, the high-waisted bottoms covered our entire bum. But we noticed it shifted a bit throughout the day, requiring us to pull and adjust it sometimes. Appearance-wise, however, we looked great, if we do say so ourselves — tucking our tummies in and enhancing the curves of our hips. When we took it off, not only did we notice zero salt, sweat, or sunscreen marks, but it dried in less than an hour.
Size: XS-XXL | Colors: 35 | Materials: Nylon, polyester, lycra | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Hi Hi Bottom
Best for Bigger Busts
Lively The Busty Bralette
What We Love: It supports larger busts with removable padding and wide straps.
What We Don't Love: Band size is not considered in the size range, and the cups only go up to a DDD.
From the makers of the popular Busty Bralette, which was designed specifically for those with large breasts in mind, Lively's swim line follows suit with a bikini top for larger cups that closely resembles its inclusive intimates. The style is designed for sizes D to DDD with a fit that offers comfort, coverage, and support; traditional sizing is available for smaller chests, too, as are bottoms in high-waisted and bikini cuts. It does all this will the help of removable padding, a wide sport band, adjustable straps, and a soft lining for all-around comfort that holds the body. However, the size range is only based on cup size and does not take into account band size and busts larger than a DDD.
Size Range: 1-3 (D-DDD) | Colors: 2 | Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: The Bikini
Best Triangle
Wild Fable Women's Triangle Bikini Top
What We Love: The bikini felt really secure even through water activities like snorkeling and surfing.
What We Don’t Love: It takes a long time to dry.
A lot of triangle bikinis come with minimal coverage, but we felt comfortable enough to go snorkeling and surfing in this vibrant option from Wild Fable, Target’s in-house line. The thick bikini straps on both the top and bottom made it easy to securely tie the suit around our body, and it stayed put for the entirety of the wear.
For a bikini where the top and bottom combined come out to less than $40, we at first worried that it would feel cheaply made and flimsy. But we were pleasantly surprised to find a very sturdy and comfortable fabric. It passed our wring test and the color held well whether wet or dry. While it did take some time to fully dry (at least 12 hours on a towel rack), it didn’t shrink or deform in the process at all. We simply recommend hanging it up the night before you need to pack it, if you want to avoid soiling the rest of your clothes.
Size: XXS-XL | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Side-Tie Extra Cheeky Bikini Bottom
Most Supportive
Robin Piccone Ava Knot Front Tee Bikini Top
What We Love: We felt completely comfortable surfing in this.
What We Don’t Love: The front tie creates a rather weird tan line.
This was the first time we ever tried a two-piece where the top is formed like a crop top, and we have to say, we fell in love. Not only is the design very cute, but the extra fabric also gave us great support and coverage from the sun. The bottoms fit ever-so-slightly high-waisted, giving our booty a good amount of coverage without looking like granny panties. As a beginner surfer who wipes out every five seconds, we still felt properly supported and covered in this set. When wet, the thick and quality fabric forms nicely to the body, giving us a body-hugging look without exposing too much skin. The material moved swiftly with our bodies, encouraging sporty activities without constricting us. When we looked at the suit after we had taken it off, we didn’t get the sensation that it got outstretched either. Just be aware that you might get a weird tan line at the front where the bow is.
Size: XS-L | Colors: 5 | Materials: Micro-nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Ava High Waist Bikini Bottom
Best Square Neck
Andie Swim The Rye Top
What We Love: It has the support, practicality, and durability you need in a swimsuit.
What We Don't Love: You have to hand wash this piece to maintain its quality. So if you are in a crunch, this might be an inconvenient task.
Thanks to the handy clasp in the back and thick straps, we love this swim top for its reliable support that allows you to swim freely without fear of your suit coming undone. Unlike most clasp-back designs, which offer us a one-size-fits-all band, this swimsuit features three holes to slide the clasp into for a more customized fit. (We think this will be especially useful for those with large busts but small backs who constantly deal with a floppy band in order to get proper chest coverage.) The soft material made from sustainable, recycled material will cling to your body in a flattering way, adding to its comfort and security that the suit won't be budging anywhere.
Size: XS–3X | Colors: 3 | Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex | Padding: No
Buy the bottoms: The 90s High-Waisted Bottom
Best Curvy
Tempt Me High-waist Two-piece Swimsuit
What We Love: The top and bottom come as a set.
What We Don’t Love: It takes extremely long to dry.
We found this two-piece, with its vintage-inspired push-up, ruched belly, and lifting halter top, to be extremely flattering on our curvy body. Because of the almost stiff construction, it has a supportive shape that holds our breasts up, while properly covering everything. The high-waisted bottom (which you don’t have to buy separately) has almost a cinching effect, making us look like we have an hourglass figure. When it comes to the fabric, the thickness fit snugly, keeping everything in place. But despite the tightness and compression in the tummy area, we maintained full mobility. For some reason, however, this piece took ages to dry. Even when we left it to hang overnight, we found dampness in the material the morning after. It’s vital you hang this somewhere with ample amounts of wind or sunlight to speed up the process and avoid any molding.
Size: XXS-22 Plus | Colors: 15 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Padding: Yes
Best Underwire
Zonarch Grace Top
What We Love: The tie-back allows you to adjust for sizing a little.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t fit A cups that well.
Not only does this bikini top have a supportive underwire, but it also is double-lined (as are the bottoms) and keeps everything comfortably covered. On top of that, the fabric feels ridiculously soft, thanks to the high-quality materials (that are also sustainably made).
On our mid to larger chests, this balconette top lifted our girls up nicely and created a bit of cleavage. While it kept what needed to be covered properly concealed at all times, it definitely put our chests up for display a little. We were able to adjust for snugness using the tie-back, which was a little added bonus. On our A cups, however, it fit a little awkwardly, with the band and straps sitting flat against our skin but the cups feeling less supportive. More than anything, however, we adored the full-coverage bottoms. Despite keeping everything concealed, it still looked flattering and youthful.
Size: XS-XL | Colors: 4 | Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Grace Bottom
Best Sporty
Athleta Triangle Bikini Top D-DD
What We Love: The strap in the back crosses three times, making us feel extra secure.
What We Don’t Love: The thicker material absorbs a decent amount of water and becomes a little heavy when wet.
If you mainly go to the ocean to engage in water activities, be it beach volleyball, jet skiing, or kite surfing, you’re going to want to skip the skimpy triangle bikinis and opt for something with a little more coverage and support. We’re impressed with athleticwear brand Athleta for creating a swimsuit that’s equal parts cute and sporty. We found this specific set to be very durable, thick, and secure, without infringing on our mobility. We felt confident getting in and out of the water, never needing to look down and check whether we were still covered. On the other hand, the thick material absorbed a decent amount of water and felt a bit heavy while wet.
We particularly loved how the top straps cross in the back three times for added security. It was easy to adjust the piece to fit perfectly against our bodies. The matching bottoms offer full coverage as well, and when combined, we felt fully confident that nothing would escape the bikini’s embrace.
Size: XXS-XL | Colors: 3 | Materials: Recycled nylon, lycra | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Athleta Clean Full Swim Bottom
Best Bandeau
SKIMS Swim Bandeau Bikini Top
What We Love: The strapless look will leave your shoulders tan line free.
What We Don't Love: Larger busts won't find much support in this piece.
Beat the tan lines this summer as best you can with this bandeau style that's practically made for sunbathing on the beach. Featuring a straight neckline, this strapless, slip-on top that has no padding enhances your décolletage and neckline (and ensures no lines will form around your shoulders), but thanks to the silicone strip alongside the top of the bandeau, it will stay put, saving you from any accidental slips. And in case you do want some extra support, it comes with removable straps.
We suggest going full out with the bikini bottoms and a tie-sarong skirt to complete the playful look. But there are no additional features for the bust, so this might not be the most supportive for large cups.
Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: 8 | Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex | Padding: No
Buy the bottoms: Mid Waist Bottoms, Micro Tanga Bikini Bottoms
Best One-Shoulder
Summersalt Sidestroke Bikini Top
What We Love: The one-shoulder splits in the back to give you a visually interesting keyhole.
What We Don't Love: We wish it came in as many colors as the one-piece.
No doubt you've seen Summersalt's best-selling Sidestroke one-piece a time or two before (especially if you have spent any time on Instagram over the last few years, which you probably have). Well, the brand cut the successful suit in half, giving you a color-blocked bikini that's equally as wearable. Though it's only available in only three colors — pink and orange, black and white, and green and teal — similar to the one-piece, the suit features built-in, soft cups and a compressive recycled material that's sustainable and supportive. The one-shoulder then splits in the back, giving you a keyhole look and a more open back. Mix and match with your choice of bottoms, like the matching Classic Turn-Down, which does not come in pink, if that's what you were hoping to buy, or the solid High-Leg Mid-Rise Bikini — but you'll have to purchase these separately.
Size Range: 2-12 | Colors: 3 | Materials: Recycled polyamide, elastane | Padding: Built-in cups
Buy the bottoms: The High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottom, The Classic Turn-Down Bottom
Best High-Neck
Athleta Maldives Bra Cup Bikini Top
What We Like: It keeps everything in place, especially if you're wanting a modest coverage or are active in water sports.
What We Don't Like: It doesn't cater to those smaller than a B cup.
With all the string bikinis and itty bitty tops out there, sometimes it can be hard to find a top that offers enough coverage and support to swim in without fear of an accidental nip slip — or worse, losing the whole top — while taking a dive. That's why we're fans of this high-neck bikini from Athleta designed for everything from swimming to surfing to paddleboarding. It has a modest fit with playful straps in the back, leaving the back relatively open. For what it does cover, it offers excellent UPF protection (rated 50+) and even dries quickly around the (removable!) cups that keep their shape, instead of folding or creasing, leaving a lumpy look if you decide to put them back in. But Athleta doesn't recommend this top for anyone with a cup size smaller than a B, so keep that in mind if you're contemplating purchasing.
Size Range: 32-40 bands, B/C-D/DD cups | Colors: 5 | Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Clean Medium Swim Bottom
Best Long Line
Beach Riot Eva Top
What We Love: The ribbed fabric stretches to mold to your body.
What We Don't Love: The bust is not padded, only lightly lined.
Without going full tankini, this longline bikini gives you a bit more coverage than your average bikini. And when paired with Beach Riot's matching high-waisted bottoms, the set shows a small sliver of skin around your midsection (more than a tankini would) and has just enough coverage from behind with its cheeky fit. The adjustable shoulder straps help lift and support an unpadded, lightly lined bust, while a ribbed design offers a comfy T-shirt-like feel. The top doesn't look like your traditional top either, so we think you could easily wear this with just a pair of pants as a cover-up on your way to the beach.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Padding: No
Buy the bottoms: Emmy Bikini Bottoms
Best High-Waisted
Everlane The High-Rise Hipster Bottom
What We Love: For those days when you want a bit of coverage, this bathing suit bottom hits at the waist and has moderate coverage from behind.
What We Don't Love: It's final sale.
Everlane does basics like no other brand, so it's no wonder its swimwear is just as popular, too. Add this bottom to your collection while you still can, featuring a waist-scraping rise and moderate coverage from behind. In true Everlane fashion, it's made of sustainable materials — as is the coordinating Square-Neck Bikini Top — and fit-tested on over 100 women to ensure comfortable, flattering, and secure wear on every body type. We do wish there were more colorways, though.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: Herb, black, blue dusk, bright red | Materials: Econyl regenerated nylon, elastane | Padding: No
Buy the top: The Square-Neck Bikini Top
Best High-Leg
Good American Always Fits Cheeky
What We Love: They're made out of a stretching fabric that makes them easy to hike up for a higher leg.
What We Don't Love: We wish the bottoms came individual sizing for a better fit.
Go high with a waist-scraping cheeky cut that'll give you legs for literal days. This option from Good American is made of a flexible crinkle fabric that stretches up or down a size, adapting to your body as it changes over time and even from day to day. Plus, the texture adds to its nostalgic retro look. Pair it with the Always Fits Perfect Fit top, made of the same stretchy material for a coordinated look. But if you're not in-between sizes, it is important to note these bottoms don't come in individual sizing.
Size Range: XXS/XS-4X/5X | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Padding: No
Buy the top: Always Fits Perfect Top
Best Cheeky
Inamorata Neptune Bottom
What We Love: The cheeky cut plumps the behind and can be adjusted for less or more coverage.
What We Don' t Love: The velvet is more for lounging rather than swimming.
If there is one thing about Emrata, it's that she knows how to make — and wear — a good bikini. From the back, the cheeky cut instantly gives you a plump peach booty, showing just enough skin without inducing the wedgie feel. And because it is ruched in design (with thick straps, might we add), you can make it as cheeky as you want. An added bonus is that the low-rise front elongates the torso, so the bottoms alone will accentuate every part of the body. We love the uniqueness of the velvet texture, but we wouldn't consider it to be the most durable if you plan to go into the water. It comes in plenty other textures, though, so you can opt for a more safe bet.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 12 | Materials: Nylon, lycra | Padding: No
Buy the top: Neptune Top
Best Micro
Tropic of C The C Bottom
What We Love: It's a tasteful micro that can be adjusted to your liking.
What We Don't Love: There are limited sizes available.
Itty-bitty barely there swimsuits will never go out of style, and this tastefully tiny option from Tropic of C is particularly trendy right now. A double side-tie closure and adjustable sliding fit create customizable wear, so you can go bold with a thong back or fan out the front for more coverage. It's available in one solid color and two prints and can be paired with The C Bralette to maintain the string style. However, we do wish there were more sizing options.
Size Range: XS-C+ (XL) | Colors: 5 | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Padding: No
Buy the top: The C Bralette
Best Full Coverage
Daci Women's Two Piece Long Sleeve Swimsuit with Boyshort Bottom
What We Love: The rash guard has built-in UPF50+.
What We Don’t Love: The material feels a bit heavy when wet.
While full-coverage and bikini are not often words that go together, we know certain times and occasions call for a little more coverage, whether it’s a personal preference or a need to abstain from the sun. This long sleeve rash guard and shorts effectively block your skin from being exposed to harmful UV rays. We personally loved the built-in bra in the shirt, which even worked well on our larger chests both in wet and dry conditions. The suit is made of thick and sturdy material, so we trust that it will last for a good few years. We didn’t love, however, how it retained water and weighed down a little. It also felt rather cold during the drying process when we were still wearing it. Otherwise, the full coverage and built-in UPF50+ protection adequately kept us from getting sunburned and allowed us to feel modest in a public space.
Size: XXS-24 plus | Colors: 15 | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes
Best Full-Coverage Bottom
Miraclesuit High-Waist Bottom
What We Love: This offers maximum coverage thanks to its extra high waist and light compression.
What We Don't Love: It might be too high for those with short torsos.
For maximum coverage, this retro bottom takes high-waisted to a new extreme, elongating your torso with its rib-grazing fit. A moderate leg cut lengthens legs while maintaining modesty, and from the back, a comfortable cheek-concealing fit allows you to bend and move without worry. Best of all, it serves double duty as a shaper, flattening your tummy for an ultra-flattering fit, but anyone with a short torso might find it to be a bit too high waisted. Most sites have generous return policies, though, if you dont like it.
Size Range: 8-18 | Colors: Black | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Padding: No
Buy the top: Solid Plunge Bikini Top
Best for Water Sports
lululemon Waterside Square-Neck Swim Top
What We Love: It keeps the breasts secured, protected, and lifted throughout extensive water sport activities.
What We Don't Love: The sizing runs small despite being made for B/C cups.
Whether you're throwing down in a game of beach volleyball or water skiing on a lake, everyone needs a suit that goes the extra mile. We love the square neck, full-coverage design of this athletic bikini that fits just like your favorite sports bra (making it perfect for land-to-water sports and triathlon training). Because it is designed for swim, the fabric is actually quick-drying and soft against the skin for a barely-there feel. For those with bigger busts, the thick straps and back hook are adjustable, so you can make the swimsuit tighter or looser based on your preference. It is important to note this top is designed for B/C cups, and runs a size small. So be mindful of the size you select before adding to cart.
Size Range: 2-14 | Colors: True navy, black | Materials: Nylon, lycra elastane | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Waterside High-Waist Bottoms
Best for Small Chests
Triangl Maia Jaded Sparkle Bikini Set
What We Love: The bikini top naturally lifts small chests without additional padding.
What We Don't Love: You have to hand wash it.
The deep scoop neck on this bikini top was practically made for small chests. It essentially perks the girls up without additional padding, uncomfortable compression, or accidental nip slips. The lifting effects can even be enhanced with adjustable straps. Triangl allows you to choose separate sizing for the top and bottom, so if you're wider on the hips and want less coverage, you can opt for a different size for the top and a cheeky bottom. But, you'll have to take additional care measures for this suit because it requires hand washing. We think it'll be worth it, though, for how great you'll feel in this suit.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Padding: No
Best String
J.Crew String Bikini Top
What We Love: Nothing but sex appeal with this number, with cheeky bottoms and a revealing top to show-off every curve.
What We Don't Love: The top runs small.
You can never go wrong with a classic string bikini. Basic in nature yet sexy for flaunting every curve, the simplicity of a string bathing suit is what keeps us reaching for it over other styles. This one from J.Crew is all about minimal coverage, keeping the top revealing and the bottom cheeky. But, if you want more coverage, make sure to size up because it runs small. We love that you can mix and match the set with other prints and solid colors for a practically customized suit. The set, while small, does offer built-in UPF protection (up to 50) for the areas it does cover.
Size Range: xx | Colors: 22 | Materials: Recycled nylon, elastane Repreve, polyester | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: String Hipster Bikini Bottom
Best with Ruffles
Frankies Bikinis Colby Tie Front Ruffle Bikini Top
What We Love: The ruffles look whimsical and romantic, which is not something you see often in swimwear.
What We Don't Love: Those with bigger chests might want to size up for more coverage.
This cottage-core-inspired silhouette with lots of ruffles adds a flirty and romantic touch to beachwear. The front tie will flatter almost every cup size (those with bigger chests will want to size up, however), as it will subtly lift the chest and keep your breasts secure. Its matching bottoms have a similar whimsical silhouette, delivering the same cheekiness to your tush. If you're not convinced already, the sweet mini crochet flowers throughout might do the trick.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Padding: No
Buy the bottoms: Pippa Ruffle Bikini Bottom
Best Ribbed
Aerie Crinkle Voop Cut Out Bikini Top
What We Love: We felt secure while playing all kinds of sports in this bikini.
What We Don’t Love: There are no adjustable features to the top.
Aerie is a fantastic place to shop for affordable swimwear because yes, they stay on trend but the brand actually considers women’s bodies in their designs. We tested a few from the brand, but we found the Crinkle Voop Cut Out Bikini set equal parts cute and supportive. The ribs (or crinkled, as Aerie calls it) had great compression to it, clinging onto our bodies in all the right ways. We still had our full range of motion, and felt secure thanks to the slight padding in the top. (We played beach volleyball and spike ball without a problem.) The moderate coverage hit that sweet spot for us because we felt comfortable wearing it on a family vacation, but it never felt like too much fabric (for a bikini). On our bigger chest, however, we occasionally felt a little insecure about possible slippage. It didn’t help that there were no adjustable features (like a strap or a back clasp) on this, so we had to work with what was there.
Size: XXS-XXL | Colors: 3 | Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Crinkle High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom
Best Halter
Boden Ithaca Halter Bikini Top and Panelled Bikini Bottoms
What We Love: The material felt superb: strong, durable, stretchy, and soft.
What We Don’t Love: If you have a larger chest, it will not provide enough support to engage in any sports.
This halter top kept up with the demands of a mother with two toddlers and still managed to make us look (and therefore feel) good. For a triangle bikini, this provided an impressive amount of support and coverage — not enough to play any kind of sports if you have a D cup or higher, but enough to race kids, bend over to pick up toys, swim and walk with a C cup or lower. We felt like the fabric was superior — soft, strong, flexible, snug, and silky — that we couldn’t believe it retails for less than $50. Thanks to it being a halter top, it was easy to tie the straps to our neck, making it as tight or loose as we wanted, and the back clasp also felt very secure. As an added bonus, we were grateful to find the bikini bone-dry after only six hours of air drying.
Size: 2-18 | Colors: 10 | Materials: Polyamide, elastane, polyester | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Panel Bottom
Best Scalloped
Aerie Waffle Scalloped String Triangle Bikini Top
What We Love: This bikini offers a playful twist to your typical triangle bikini with waffle texture and scalloped edges.
What We Don't Love: It doesn't offer enough coverage for larger breasts.
Triangle bikinis stick around because they're a reliable classic — they typically look flattering and can fold up easily into a suitcase since, well, there's not much to it, but we know they can be a bit boring sometimes. This bright scalloped two-piece from Aerie is anything but, though. The material has a light waffle texture to it that emphasizes the playfulness of the scallop details that edge the top and matching bottoms. Ties at the neck and back allow for ultimate adjustability (including the sides of the bottoms), while sliding triangle cups create customizable chest coverage. Select from six summer-friendly shades that you can mix and match with any other of their bottoms.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: 5 | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Padding: Yes
Buy the bottoms: Waffle Scalloped String Bikini
Best Maternity
Ripe Check Nursing Bikini
What We Love: It suits every stage of pregnancy, including postpartum.
What We Don't Love: We wish you could choose the top and bottom sizes separately.
When it comes to shopping for maternity swimsuits, think of it similarly to shopping for a bra. Ariane Goldman, CEO of Hatch Collective, suggests asking yourself these questions: "How much support do you like and need? Do you want the option to easily nurse or pump? Which type of functionality feels best and most comfortable on your body?" She goes on to add, "It’s also important to remember that your breasts will change (in size and shape) throughout pregnancy and postpartum, so you’ll want a bathing suit top that allows you to adjust the fit as needed and will span the full journey, from the first trimester to the fourth and beyond." This bikini from Ripe is meant for nursing, but also keeps every stage in mind, too. There's nursing access, but also bottoms that gather around the tummy to grow as you grow, even post-pregnancy.
You can't, however, choose the size you want for each top and bottom (the curse of it coming as a set), so if your top and bottom sizes don't tend to be the same, you'll need to take that in consideration before purchasing. We recommend checking out the size guide prior to adding to your cart.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Padding: No
Our Testing Process
In order to write this article, we tested over 36 pieces of swimwear and rated them based on their fit, comfort, quality, and performance. We also paid close attention to how they retained water, how long they took to dry, and the amount of coverage they provided. The majority of the tested bikinis were worn by more than one person, so we could gauge how they performed on various body types. We then collected all our insights, picked the top-performing bikinis, and collected them here in this article. We also searched high and low across the internet for more highly-rated suits to give you a more well-rounded story.
What To Keep In Mind
Material
From nylon to spandex, there are a variety of fabrics to choose from for swimsuits. Some offer more durability than others, and might even feel lighter and softer on the skin, too. But if you don't know where to start, Monti Landers, Founder of Riot Swim, has a few she recommends for comfort and longevity. "Elastane is a great fabric for swimwear being that it is a synthetic fiber that offers a comfortable stretch, she says. "Polyester is also another great fabric for swimwear because not only is it recyclable, but is highly durable and could hold its shape well." You might even want to consider bathing suits that have UPF built into the fabric, which offers additional sun protection from UV radiation outside of your sunscreen.
Padding
When it comes to your bikini top, you'll want to think about whether you want removable padding, built-in padding, or simply none at all. "With removable padding, women have more options in how they want to feel and look in their swimwear, whether she is wanting a push-up or sleek look in her bikini," Sanders explains. "In contrast to built-in padding, there is a constant adjusting to the padding of swimwear, or it can simply be uncomfortable for some people." If you decide on no padding at all, make sure the top is double lined to avoid it being see-through.
For maternity suits, Goldman says to go for removable padding "to easily adjust (or completely remove) them to accommodate your growing and changing body throughout pregnancy and postpartum."
Closure
No one wants their suit to accidentally fly off while they're swimming or to be struggling to loosen the straps as they plan to tan. Take the closure into deep consideration, so your suit fits the t activity you plan to do. "If you plan to be more active in your swimwear (playing water sports, for example), I recommend selecting a hook closure as those tend to be more supportive," she says. "If you prefer the look of a string bikini and wish to adjust your sizing more often and easily, then I’d recommend choosing string."
Your Questions, Answered
Should a bikini fit like a bra?
"A bikini top should have a similar fit guide to a bra, such as making sure the band is snug enough to fit three fingers to check for tightness," suggests Landers. "Also, the straps should always support the weight of the breast area, and should not add any pressure on the skin just like a bra would fit." For those who are nursing, Goldman recommends opting for a bikini top that accommodates nursing, similar to a nursing bra, and is flexible enough to grow as your cup size grows, too.
How do you find the bikini best for your body type?
"It is always a best practice to take good measurements of your silhouette prior to choosing a bikini," says Landers. "Then, one can choose which body type they identify with from the most common body types, such as hourglass or athletic shapes." Once you've taken your measurements, you can compare to a brand's size chart to find the right size for you.
But if you're basing it off on a bikini's silhouette, look at the features you want to enhance. If you want to lift the chest, opt for tie, string, and v-neck styles. Small busts might want to consider deep cuts to flatter this area without needing additional padding, and bigger busts will want extra support from the straps. For more coverage in this region, high-neck pieces are a good option to consider. The same goes for bottoms — the less coverage you'd like, the more cheekier of a bottom. Add ruffles to the mix to enhance the hips, and a high-cut to elongate the legs.
Why Shop With Us
Zarah Kavarana is the e-commerce editor for InStyle and Shape, focusing on everything beauty and fashion related. Outside of InStyle and Shape, she has written shopping content for other legacy Meredith brands, including PEOPLE, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple, among many others. Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer focusing on beauty and fashion, and Madison San Miguel is a former commerce writer for InStyle. For this piece, they researched the best bikinis according to reviews, style, fabric, and trends, and spoke to Yesenia Torres, the creative director at Eloquii, Monti Landers, Founder of Riot Swim, Ariane Goldman, CEO of Hatch Collective