Think one-piece swimsuits are out? Think again. One-piece swimsuits continue to be a staple that's well worth having in your arsenal. Heck — they even tend to be a go-to for some of our favorite stars. Everyone from Princess Diana to Emily Ratajkowski has turned to the little black one-piece for a subtle, sexy look. It's easy to see why these fashion-forward celebs have been ditching their itty-bitty bikinis in favor of the more modest silhouette. Not only are one-piece swimsuits extremely flattering on practically every body type, but they also look super glamorous in poolside selfies. Plus, did we mention the versatile pieces can also be worn as a cute top when layered under your favorite skirts and pants? After tapping into editor recommendations and product reviews, we found the best pieces for vacations ahead.
Best Overall
Andie The Amalfi
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Despite the straps being rather thin, they held up our E cups like it was no big feat.
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The leg cutout is rather high and shows off a good chunk of your hips.
This one-piece has been perfected to flatter all bodies. We were able to choose between a smooth, ribbed, and patterned fabric, among eleven colors (and seven sizes!), so it was easy to find something that matched our individual tastes. Once on, we were delighted to find that the deceivingly thin, adjustable straps held up our E cups like it was nothing. Even while on waterslides (yes, we wore it to an amusement park), this suit stayed in place and kept everything concealed. It was one of those swimsuits we felt comfortable enough to run around in, eat in, and do more than just lie around and look cute (although we did look cute). Just be aware that the leg cutout does come up a little high. We found it rather flattering, but some might not like the amount of hip that’s being revealed.
The fabric didn’t cling to us or feel soggy when it was wet, retaining its shape impressively throughout different dryness levels. And because we are lazy (sue us), we threw this swimsuit in the washer and dryer — something that’s typically taboo. Still, the piece came back out again like new, revealing no damage done through the wash cycle.
Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: 11 | Padding: Yes | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Budget
Amazon Essentials Women's Thin Strap Scoop Neck Swimsuit
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With 19 colors and patterns to choose from and an affordable price, owning more than one is totally possible.
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We wish it had a low back for a bit more sex appeal.
For a no-frills yet still attractive bathing suit, turn to this Amazon Essentials one-piece, which fits sizes up to 3X and comes in 19 colors and patterns to choose from. (We're partial to this charming blue and green gingham, but knowing that's not everyone's cup of tea, you can't go wrong with any of the solid shades, like terracotta or violet.) The cut gives off more of a swim meet vibe, rather than a sexy day at the beach, so we would've loved to see a low back on it. However, this cut does offer a lot of support for those with larger breasts.
Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: 19 | Padding: No | Fabric: Polymide, eslastane
Best Splurge
Mara Hoffman Emma One Piece
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The double-layered fabric feels high-end.
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We wish it came in more colors.
Designer swimsuits can feel like a little treat — a reward, if you will — to complement a well-deserved vacation. But to justify spending a good chunk of your income on something you only wear a handful of times, it should be more than a mere treat. The Mara Hoffman Emma one-piece is not just a suit from a well-known label, it’s a leopard-printed masterpiece, with a criss-cross back, V-cut front, and double-layered fabric. The material itself stretches a lot giving us full mobility while wearing it. If you have a long torso, you’ll be happy to know that this fits our five-foot-nine body like a glove. We typically struggle to find a one-piece that fits our tall body, but this piece, combined with the adjustable straps, made it work like a dream.
Because the one-piece is constructed with two layers — a textured outer layer and a smooth, seamless inner layer — it felt very substantial, and it’s evident that there’s really no chance of it ever being see-through (or weathered down). The fabric also made it more sturdy, never changing in elasticity when wet. It withstood our intense wringing and did not show signs of stretching or damage. We loved it so much that we wished it came in more color options, as the leopard print might not be to everyone’s liking. It does come in black, too, but it is nearly sold out, so act fast if you’re keen on buying it.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 1 | Padding: No | Fabric: Recycled polyester, elastane
Best Plus-Size
Daci Front Cross Plus Size One-Piece
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Adjustable shoulder straps make this a stylish suit that can double as a top.
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The front cross straps may move around during wear.
We're obsessed with this stylish cross-halter swimsuit from Daci. The modern silhouette features a ruching along the stomach and you can tie the halter straps in different ways for a customized look. The crisscross option is so eye-catching that we can definitely see ourselves wearing it under a wrap skirt on nights out this summer.
Size Range: M-28 | Colors: 33 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best for Small Busts
Qinsen Strapless One-Piece Swimsuit
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The strapless, tie-knot top leaves no tan lines on the shoulders.
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The strapless top may not be supportive enough for larger busts.
Prevent unwanted tan lines on the shoulders with this cute strapless one-piece from Qinsen. The fun cut-outs add a hint of sex appeal, while the tie-knot front gives the sultry suit a sweet and feminine feel. Although it's a particularly great swimsuit for smaller busts, it does come with removable straps, and it's made from a soft and stretchy spandex/nylon material that provides a comfortable and supportive fit. The maillot is also fully lined and comes in 20 different colors and patterns.
Size Range: S-XL | Colors: 20 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spadex
Best for Large Busts
Summersalt Swimsuit
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The adjustable straps, shelf bra, built-in cups, and compression support the bust without the digging and discomfort.
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It runs a size small, so consider sizing up.
Forget the halter tops, string bikinis, and everything else in between, this SummerSalt swimsuit flatters the silhouette, looks cute, and supports larger busts all in one. Take the straps, for instance: they're adjustable, soft, and don't dig at the shoulders — a must for larger breasts. It helps that the one-piece also has a shelf bra with built-in cups for extra support, as well as built-in compression to keep everything in place, so consider this a win for your chest and back. However, it does run small, so consider sizing up one size for a more comfortable fit.
Size Range: 2-22 | Colors: 8 | Padding: Built-in cups | Fabric: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Best Halter Top
Smismivo Halter Neck One-Piece
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Ruching gives this one-piece a vintage vibe that's flattering for all cup sizes.
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The thick straps will leave tan lines.
This sleek halter top one-piece from Smismivo features flattering ruching on the front and removable padded cups. Laura Paulino Rosenbaum, owner and designer of Novel Swim, says ruching is a great detail to look for as it flatters both small and large cup sizes. The suit comes in different colors and prints, ranging from classic solids to pretty florals to fun animal prints. But the thick straps will leave harder-to-get-rid of tan lines
Size Range: S-3X | Colors: 35 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Sustainable
Londre The Minimalist
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Made from recycled plastic bottles, the fabric is buttery soft yet supportive.
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Not every color comes in a longer option.
Londre founders Hannah Todd and Ainsley Rose started Londre to create swimwear that's sustainable yet stylish, and their first design is the brand's best-selling style today. This one piece is sneakily sexy, with a low scoop neck, low back, and a cheeky butt that won't sag thanks to the scrunch design. Made from recycled plastic bottles in Vancouver, the fabric is compressive and molds to your body over time. "I've tried the brand's bikinis and I love how silky and sturdy the material feels," says Emily Cieslak, assistant commerce editor. "The colors are really beautiful too." Because it can be hard to find your size in one piece, this style comes in both a classic and long fit to better fit those who are above 5'7" or have a long torso, depending on the color. And if you would like to shop around, senior fashion commerce editor Chloe Anello owns and loves this option from the brand, for a more feminine silhouette.
Size Range: XS-4XL | Colors: 11 | Padding: No | Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles
Best High-Neck
Tempt Me High-Neck Mesh One-Piece
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The high neck with mesh subtly shows off your cleavage.
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There aren't any neutral colors.
This option from Tempt Me is one of the most popular swimsuits on Amazon. The high-fashion one-piece is made from a stretchy, comfortable material that will hug your curves in all the right places. We love that the high-neck design features a mesh cut-out in the middle to show off a tasteful amount of cleavage on this covered-up design. The back, too, has mesh straps, tying the two elements together. We just wish it came in a neutral shade, rather than just bold patterns and this bright fuchsia.
Size Range: XS-24 | Colors: 43 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Scoop Neck
Robin Piccone Ava One-Piece Swimsuit
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The material is next-level soft, sturdy, and lightweight, making us look and feel amazing in it.
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There aren’t many color options.
We have one word to describe this swimsuit: wow. We give this piece ten’s across the board, from the coverage to the material to how flattering it is. If you want to look amazing, but still feel comfortable (especially around family members), this swimsuit offers full coverage around the chest and the bum. The scoop neck and back keep things lighthearted and flirty with a bit of a Baywatch vibe (especially if you buy the red). But we really can’t rave enough over the material. We don’t know how Robin Piccone engineered this piece, but somehow the material hugs and clings onto the body in an extremely flattering way. It felt absolutely buttery soft and sturdy, while remaining lightweight and stretchy, even after being wrung out and hung up to dry. Simply put, wearing this had us feeling like a million bucks. If only it came in more colors because we would have loved more options to choose from.
Size Range: 2-14 | Colors: 4 | Padding: Yes | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Shapewear
Miraclesuit One-Piece Slimming Underwire Swimsuit
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This vintage suit lifts and tones.
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The underwire in the cups can pop out.
How sleek is this suit from Miraclesuit? Along with draping around the middle to create an hourglass effect, the bathing suit also boasts a built-in underwire bra for added support. Its patented Miratex material provides a smoothing effect, while the brief-cut bottom gives you extra coverage in the back — it's like Spanx you can swim in. The underwire has been known to pop out, though, so take extra care of it when washing or storing it.
Size Range: 8-18 | Colors: 16 | Padding: Yes | Fabric: Nylon, lycra spandex
Best Belted
Zimmerman Tiggy plunge-neck swimsuit
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The belt cinches the waist, highlighting your natural curves.
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The plunge might be tricky for those with larger breasts.
To make any vacation feel like a luxury resort or trip to a posh place, this Zimmermann will give you that vibe, even if you're not actually going to those places. The sleek blue sheen looks luxe, while the belt will cinch in your waist, highlighting natural curves. While we love the look of the plunge front (and back, for that matter), we know it might not be as practical for those with larger busts as it might not offer enough coverage. We suggest sizing up, but the Zimmermann sizing can be a bit confusing to navigate. It technically goes up to a size 4, but Zimmermann uses its own sizing system. A zero fits like a four, while a four fits like a 12. Keep this in mind when you order.
Size Range: 0-4 | Colors: 1 | Padding: No | Fabric: Polymide, elastane
Best Lace-Up
Shekini Lace-Up One-Piece
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The lace-up front makes this suit customizable for your chest.
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There is no padding, and it is not available in size XS.
Strappy lace-up bathing suits are one of the biggest swimwear trends this season, so it makes sense that Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this Shekini one-piece. The sexy maillot has a plunging neckline with adjustable lace-up details that allow you to make it as tight or loose as you'd like. But it doesn't come in an extra-small, so petite women might have trouble
Size Range: S-XL | Colors: 12 | Padding: No | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Sporty
Skims Swim Zip Front Sleeveless One Piece
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It's a functional swimsuit that can be styled in various ways based on comfort.
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The lining is thin in the bust area.
Looking to add a cute and sporty one-piece to your collection? Skims Zip Front Sleeveless One Piece will make every water activity look like a runway. Its high neckline will keep everything in place, while the medium coverage back and center zipper closure (which you can lower for a more revealing fit) adds a sexy flare. It's made from recycled nylon and spandex, so trust it will move and mold with you as you're lounging underneath the sun. However, we do wish it had a thicker (or double) lining to add more support to the bust.
Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: 5 and 2 limited edition | Padding: No | Fabric: Recycled nylon, spandex
Best Prints
Tempt Me Printed Ruffled One-Piece
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Bold prints and a ruffled top are great at enhancing petite figures.
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The ruffle might feel heavy when wet.
If stylish prints are important to you, look no further than this Tempt Me one-piece swimsuit. With 31 different patterns — ranging from pretty florals to tropical prints — you're bound to find a style that you love. The ruffled off-the-shoulder silhouette will look great on all shapes and sizes, and the bathing suit also comes with removable straps to make it feel more secure. Just think twice before fully submerging yourself in the pool, though, as this is more a lounging suit, than one made for swimming. The ruffle might feel heavy when wet or stick to your arms in an awkward way.
Size Range: XS-22 | Colors: 37 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Retro-Inspired
Sovoyontee Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit
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It offers full coverage in an iconic vintage silhouette.
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Molded cups may cause gaping for those with smaller chests.
How adorable is this retro-inspired one-piece from Sovoyontee? Its vintage silhouette, halter top, and front ruching are just a few of the reasons why the suit is our new go-to when we want to feel glam by the pool. The boyleg design is great for those looking for a little extra coverage in the back, but the molded cups might be too cumbersome on those with smaller breasts.
Size Range: S-XL | Colors: 25 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Cheeky
Viottiset Ruched One Piece Swimsuit
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This adjustable suit has just the right amount of cheekiness — it shows off your booty without riding up.
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We wish it came in an extra small.
Of all the one-pieces on Amazon, this design stood out to our eCommerce writer Christina Butan due to its casually sexy design. You can adjust the high-cut fit thanks to the drawstrings on the side and the wire-free scoop embraces your curves without being uncomfortable. "I was pretty shocked by not only how comfortable the Viottiset swimsuit was when I slipped it on, but how flattering it looked, too," says Butan. "It doesn't feel suffocating or squeeze me in the wrong places, and the cheeky cut is just cheeky enough that it's super cute and won't get scrunched up in your derrière." While she appreciates the adjustable straps in the spaghetti strap design, you can also buy the one-shoulder version. Get yours before it's gone.
Size Range: S-XXL | Colors: 34 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Scalloped
Cupshe Knotted Scalloped One Piece Swimsuit
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The scallops and cutouts make this suit extra flirty.
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You may get some underboob action.
Scallops add a little pizazz to the most basic swimsuit, and this design by Cupshe is the perfect balance between simple and flirty. The knotted top is extra adorable but also provides the functionality of adjustable straps, removable pads, and back hook closure. Those with bigger breasts may have some underboob, but as celebrities like Kendall Jenner demonstrate, that's not necessarily a bad thing. The silhouette isn't too high cut for those that want more coverage and the scallops soften the lines so your legs never look cut off.
Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: 5 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Polyester, spandex
Best Off-The-Shoulder
Tempt Me Ruffled Bathing Suit
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Romantic ruffles play up your bust while cutouts show off some skin.
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The white lining may pop out during wear.
The benefits of this off-the-shoulder swimsuit are endless. You don't have to worry about awkward tan lines or the top slipping down. The ruffles play up your chest while hiding any trouble spots on your arms. And this design features one of the hottest swim trends of the season, cutouts. With all the vivid colors and high-quality materials, you can easily wear this suit outside of the pool as a top and pair it with chic sunglasses to complete the look. Reviewers complain that the white lining pops out sometimes during wear, but it's an easy fix — just fold it back in.
Size Range: XS-22 | Colors: 25 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best One-Shoulder
Summersalt The Sidestroke
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It's a supportive suit with strong tummy control.
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The suit runs a bit small.
As the swimsuit that launched Summersalt to fame, this one-shoulder one-piece offers full coverage and compression for a snug, supportive fit. We were delighted to learn that the same swimsuit is available in a tall version (albeit in fewer colors), too, to fit longer torsos.
Instead of being a typical one-shoulder design, the strap splits into two in the back, giving you an open, more unique-looking design. But you don’t lose any support with this design — just make sure you apply sunscreen to the cutout area. We also noticed that there was double lining around the chest (although no padding), but only a single layer for the bottom. While it did help the top to be more covered, our nips poked through when wet. It wasn’t see-through in any way, but the texture was visible through the fabric. It’s nothing that bothered us too much, but it’s worth noting if that’s something you look out for. Otherwise, the piece stayed in place at all times, never slipping or sliding around the body. We felt safe engaging in physical activities in this, getting ample amounts of support from the single strap.
Size Range: 0-24 | Colors: 10 | Padding: No | Fabric: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Best Performance
TYR Solid Maxfit One-Piece
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The durable fabric stands up to chlorine and offers sun protection for the regular swimmer.
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The suit runs a bit small.
Looking for a high-performance suit that will keep you covered as you do laps in the pool? Check out this option from TYR. The one-piece boasts UPF 50+ protection to keep your skin protected from the sun's harmful rays, and it's made with a patented Durafast Elite fabric that is specially designed to last for over 300 hours of use. It is also fully lined and 100 percent chlorine-proof.
Size Range: 26-40 | Colors: 3 | Padding: No | Fabric: Polyester, spandex
Best Cut-Out
Leisup Tie Knot One-Piece
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It combines the look of a bikini with the support of a one-piece.
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The white lining can pop out during wear.
Love the support of a one-piece but the look of a bikini? Consider this skin-baring option from Leisup. From the back, it looks and fits like your average maillot, but the front of the suit shows just as much skin as your favorite two-piece. The adjustable tie-knot allows you to customize the suit's fit, while the cheeky bottom shows off your assets.
Size Range: S-XL | Colors: 16 | Padding: Removable | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Long Torso
SummerSalt Wrap One Piece
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The bathing suit is constructed with an additional 1 1/4 inches in length to cater to longer torsos.
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The padding is not removable.
If you have a long torso, finding a one-piece that is flattering is a task in and of itself. SummerSalt makes the search less time-consuming with their range of swimsuits catered towards this body type, especially for a one-piece. This swimsuit in particular is a wrap style that promises to compress everything in place, meaning, the fit should be perfect and secure to your body. Similar to the brand's other pieces, the swimsuit is constructed with an additional 1 1/4 inches in length compared to their regular sizes but still supports and coverage for the bust and butt (without the digging on your sides). The one downside is that the padding is built-in, so you're unable to remove it if you dislike padding.
Size Range: 2LT-14LT | Colors: 5 | Padding: Built-in cups | Fabric: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Best Strapless
Aerie Ribbed Wrap Strapless One Piece Swimsuit
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Straps are optional for this piece, so if you want extra support, you can opt in or opt out — the decision is yours.
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The bust does not provide much coverage for larger busts.
We love that the straps are optional on this swimsuit. Anyone who prefers additional support for their bust can hook them into the hidden loop at the top, but we love how it looks strapless. The swimsuit even has an adjustable tie front to tighten the waist, making it more secure, and it's made out of pre-consumer recycled nylon fabric. It really does offer it all, but it does not provide as much coverage for larger busts, so be mindful of that before adding to the cart.
Size Range: XXS-XXL, long available | Colors: 1 | Padding: Not listed | Fabric: Recycled nylon, elastane
Best V-Neck
Everlane The V-neck One-piece
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The chest is supported by built-in pads, so you never have to worry about your nipples poking through.
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The fabric can bunch up around the bum and the chest if you don’t fill it completely with your body.
We loved this sleek, minimal, yet sexy one-piece from Everlane for several reasons. The V-neck provides decent support, thanks to the built-in cups. While swimming, it never ballooned or gave us any unwanted nip slips, and the fabric is very soft and stretchy, making it easy to get in and out of. On our thicker thighs, the leg opening didn’t cut into our skin uncomfortably, which we found refreshing given our past experience. When we left the swimsuit to air dry, we were surprised to see no salt remnants from the sea on the fabric.
On the downside, however, we did notice that the bum portion didn’t fit quite right. The back kind of stands out, instead of laying flat against the skin, and it felt a little awkward at times. The V-neck also didn’t work wonders on our A cups. There was some bunching of the fabric around the armpit since we couldn’t fill the cups all the way. However, if you have a mid to large-sized chest, then this would be great.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: 4 | Padding: Yes | Fabric: Regenerated nylon, elastane
Most Comfortable
Lands’ End Rouched One Piece Swimsuit
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The fabric resists breakdown from chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat.
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The size range is very limited.
Upon slipping this on, we were immediately hit with a wow impression. Every section of our body felt hugged, supported, and carried, never flopping around or biting into the skin. We made the distinction that it’s a little bit like waterproof Lululemon leggings (if you know, you know) — thick, stretchy, sturdy, and quality. Its comfort lies not only in the soft material but in the way it supported us. We found it to be perfect for doing any sports, like beach volleyball, as it remained put and never caused any chafing. We could seriously wear this the whole day, if we wanted to, as it felt like a thick second skin. And as an added bonus, the fabric was engineered to resist breakdown from chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat, guaranteeing you a piece that lasts beyond a single summer season. We wish more sizes were available, however, as it’s currently only stocked in two. You can find more sizes and colors in the scoop neck version, but you also lose the flattering ruching on the sides with this pick.
Size Range: 6-8 | Colors: 2 | Padding: No | Fabric: Lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon
Best Tummy Control
Hilor One Piece Front Twist Bathing Suit
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The ruching on the belly combined with the sweetheart neckline creates a very beautiful silhouette.
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The material, albeit durable, isn’t all that soft.
While swimwear isn’t exactly shapewear, some bathing suits offer similar tummy-controlling properties. We found the ruching on this swimsuit to not only disguise our tummies but also cinch it in to create a beautiful silhouette. Combined with the criss-cross ruching on the chest that creates a sweetheart neckline, we loved how flattering this swimsuit looked while on.
The fabric of this swimsuit wasn’t the softest, but it felt very durable and high-quality, which was a pleasant surprise considering the affordable price. We felt comfortable swimming laps in this, thanks to its supportive grip on the body. And while it is a full-coverage swimsuit, it didn’t lack its feminine touch due to how it accentuated our figures. Especially on bustier women, the padding in the bra portion held everything up nicely to show off a well-supported, curvy body.
Size Range: 6-18 | Colors: 15 | Padding: Yes | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Full Coverage
Body Glove Smoothies Mylene One-piece Swimsuit
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We were able to do butterflies, sprints, and flip turns, and the piece kept up with our movements immaculately.
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It clings onto the body when wet, revealing everything underneath, including our belly buttons.
We really put this swimsuit’s coverage to the test, by wearing it to a full swim workout routine. Color us impressed with how it held up, because the chest, back, and front stayed comfortably covered, and never gaped or required us to adjust it awkwardly. The butt and straps stayed in place, even while doing butterflies, flip turns, and sprints. While it’s not exactly an Olympian’s swimsuit (you know, the ones that go all the way up to your neck and are skin-tight), this did allow us to engage in our full range of motion without ever worrying about exposing ourselves.
On top of that, the suit feels very lightweight while still providing coverage, so it was flexible to move around in both wet and dry conditions. When wet, it clings to the skin quite noticeably. We didn’t love how our entire front’s outline was visible (belly button and all) but with the built-in bra, at least our nipples were spared from poking through. it was also quick to dry while on, so it never occupied our minds for too long, and it remained opaque through it all.
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 12 | Padding: Yes | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Underwire
Panache Anya Riva Underwire One-piece
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Not only is the chest well-supported thanks to the cups, underwire, and back clasp, but the sweetheart neckline looks extremely flattering.
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For women five-foot-two and under, the piece is a little too long on the torso.
For our big-chested ladies, we finally found a swimsuit that fits (and looks gorgeous) on larger breasts, including K cups. We loved everything about this one piece, from the adjustable straps, ruched front, sweetheart neckline, and most of all, support. Yes, our big chests were not only properly fitted (you chose your size based on your cup size) but also held up comfortably thanks to the cupping and underwire. The additional back clasp, not unlike a bra, provides some additional support and lift as well. This option was great for when we wanted support, but still look sexy, as the lower neckline allowed us to get a nice chest tan (post sunscreen application, of course).
The swimsuit never retained a lot of water after we wore it in the pool. In fact, it dried up pretty quickly without ever weighing us down or leaving us feeling sticky. The material was constructed with precision and care, so we feel comfortable spending a little more on a piece that will likely last for many seasons to come. The only thing is that it’s a little long on petite women. If you have a shorter torso, you’ll notice some extra fabric around the tummy bunching up, as it did on our five-foot-two body.
Size Range: 30D-40K | Colors: 2 | Padding: Yes | Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Our Testing Process
In order to write this piece, we tested 36 pieces of swimwear on various bodies and occasions, to see which held up in comfort, support, style, and coverage. In the span of four weeks, we wore these swimsuits to the pool and beach and engaged in various water activities like swimming laps, jet skiing, and beach volleyball. We collected our insights and gathered the top-performing pieces into this story, among other popular pieces selected by editors and raving customers.
What to Keep in Mind
Materials
Sometimes, your swim plans only consist of lying by the pool or on the beach. In those cases, you can't go wrong with most swim fabrics. However, if you plan to swim regularly in chlorine or salt water, look for durable fabrics, such as nylon and spandex, that have been proofed for chlorine and offer sun protection. These features, along with proper care, can help your swimsuit last longer. Today, you can also find swimwear with compression material that provides extra support to areas like your tummy and butt.
Padding
To pad or not to pad? Many swimsuits offer removable cups while others come with no padding whatsoever. Depending on your cup size, you may appreciate the extra shape and support of a built-in bra as well as the nipple coverage. Others may enjoy the more natural look and feel of no padding. "Swim padding is always a personal choice. Some people, myself included, don't care as much and love a little side or underboob," says Rosenbaum. "Others want their ladies locked in place. If you're the latter, I would recommend a suit that at least has optional removable cups."
Lining
Have you ever come out of the water only to find that your suit has become practically see-through, especially in all the wrong places? That's the pitfall of unlined suits, even if the fabric comes in a dark color. To avoid the mishap, double check if the suit is double lined, especially when browsing cheaper styles. Also note that some suits have a light inner lining, even when the outside shade is darker. The lining can pop out as you swim and move around, so if you think this mismatch will bother you, look for suits that are the same color on the inside and outside.
Your Questions, Answered
How do I shop for a one-piece when I'm different sizes on top and bottom?
One of the downsides of a one-piece is that you can't choose a different size top and bottom, as you can with a two-piece. Don't give up though. Rosenbaum offers a few tricks and features for finding the ideal sized one-piece.
"I always recommend starting from the bottom and working your way up. You can often adjust the top of a one-piece, but the bottoms are usually a bit more rigid, So if you're a medium on bottom and a large on top, go for the medium suit, and shop a style that features a top that can be loosened," says Rosenbaum. "Lean into your coverage preference. If you like less coverage, you won't mind the added cheekiness and exposure of a smaller suit."
How do I style a one-piece so it feels modern and trendy?
Swimsuits aren't just for the water. Whether you are going from brunch to the beach or dressing up for a pool party, a one-piece can easily become the foundation of a summer outfit. And with all the stylish offerings today, you can wear your favorite one-piece as a body suit for a night out. All you need is the right accessories to complete the look.
"I love piling on accessories like beaded necklaces, belly chains, and beach totes to pull together a whole look. A sheer coverup or pareo also elevates any swim costume," says Rosenbaum. "Denim, whether it be a high-waisted jean or a '90s style jacket, takes your one-piece to a whole other level for off-the-beach wear. And, if you're feeling extra bold, you can style your favorite one-piece over a long sleeve top for a chic layered look."
Why Shop With Us
Emily Cieslak is the Assistant Commerce Editor at InStyle, and has worked on many sides of the fashion industry, including as a stylist and fashion buyer. Her work has been published in a number of Dotdash Meredith brands, including Byrdie, Real Simple, and Brides. For this piece, she worked with Madison San Miguel to research the best-selling one-piece bathing suits on the market and reached out to fashion experts for their professional advice on the garment.