There is an image that is conjured up when speaking about summer – the image of running on the beach, itsy-bitsy bikinis, and long flowing hair. While not everyone will fit their life into this semi-cliché picture of summer, there is one thing for certain that will be part of everyone’s favorite warm season: swimsuits! Whether used for tanning or swimming, finding the best swimsuit for the summer is a must.
Yet, if there is a season that pulls out anyone’s insecurities, it would be summer. In the fall and winter, we are able to sit bundled up in overcoats and mittens, while in the spring, loose dresses take precedence. But when it comes to the summer heat, nearly all skin is bared. Because of this, many people become insecure when picking out a swimsuit.
However, there’s no need to fear this, as I’ve incorporated all things that you’ll want to consider when swimsuit shopping, along with some of the best swimsuits for women and how to find the perfect suit for you. You’re welcome in advance!
In this article:
- Our Picks for the Best Swimsuits for Women
- What to Look for in the Best Swimsuit for You?
- Tips for Shopping for the Best Bikini for You
Best Swimsuits for Women Overview
- Best Overall: L*Space Camellia Bikini
- Best Designer: Gucci GG Printed Bikini
- Best One-Piece: PQ Alex One-Piece
- Best Bikini Set: Hunza G Xandra Bikini
- Best Triangle Bikini: The Attico Metallic Triangle Bikini
- Best Bandeau Bikini: Frankies Bikinis Jean Bandeau Bikini Set
- Best Printed: Shani Shemer Brooke Bikini
- Best High-Waisted Bikini Set: Lovers and Friends Cashel Bikini
- Best Stringy Bikini: Matteau Wrap Triangle Bikini
- Best Monochrome: Frankies Bikinis Gemma One-Piece
- Best Asymmetrical: Off-White Industrial Strap Bikini
- Best Romantic Design: Jacquemus Le Maillot Vichy Bikini
- Best Sparkly: Osèree Lumière Bikini
- Best Color Variety: Versace Greca Band Bikini
- Best Cutout Design: Nensi Dojaka Cutout Swimsuit
Our Picks for the Best Swimsuits for Women
From bikinis to one-pieces, this is the ultimate list of the best swimsuits for women to get hands on this summer.
Voted a favorite among many wearers, this bikini has quickly stolen our hearts. Both simplistic and sultry, the top is designed to cover up any insecurities someone might have about arm fat due to the cut of the neckline and arm shape. Along with this, there are four covetable colors to get excited about and a size range that (while not as inclusive as could be) is still exciting. The only small piece of advice we have when ordering is to size up – that way, you get the ultimate coverage. Pick it up from Revolve!
Key Features:
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex
- Origin: Made in the USA
Pros
- XS- XL
- Multiple colors
- Adjustable top
Cons
- Sizing isn’t accurate
Whether you’re sunbathing at a Vegas pool or looking to be just a bit flashier, Gucci’s ‘Love Parade’ bikini will certainly set you apart from the crowd. With the interlocking GG pattern across the fabric and the logo once again used for the hardware, there is a certain part of this bikini that just flaunts raw status. Get this set from Gucci or Net-a-Porter!
Key Features:
- Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
- Lining: 73% polyamide, 27% elastane
- Origin: Made in Italy
Pros
- Ties at neck and back
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Expensive
If the idea of celebrating the summer heat in a bikini doesn’t interest you, then this classic neutral-colored one-piece certainly will. Almost veering into the monokini territory, this strappy swimsuit is perfect for adding to your swimwear repertoire. Complete with a simple side tie and paired perfectly with either pants or a skirt, this is the one-piece swimsuit you’ll want at every family pool party this summer. Buy it from Revolve!
Key Features:
- Material: 79% polyamide, 21% elastane
- Lining: 89% polyamide, 11% elastane
- Origin: Made in Colombia
Pros
- Adjustable
- Easily transitioned into a shirt
- Lined
Cons
- Runs small
The ideal scoop-neck bikini set, the Hunza G bikini is designed as a one-size-fits-all in comfortable seersucker fabric. Created for the ultimate ease, the simple silhouette of the bikini is going to be best if you’re transitioning from a one-piece to a bikini (or if this is just the style you’re more comfortable in). We also love the bright color-blocked look that’s exclusive to My Theresa. Pick it up from My Theresa!
Key Features:
- Material: Knitted lycra and elastane
- Origin: Made in the UK
Pros
- One size fits all
- Comfortable
- Bright color-blocked design
Cons
- None
This isn’t your mother’s triangle bikini – though, what mom wears triangle bikinis? Entering the fashion trend of being partially Y2K and extra-terrestrial, this metallic suit will draw everyone’s eyes to you. Complete with a halter neck and cut-out detailing, this is a strappy bikini that will surely go down in history. It’s available at Farfetch.
Key Features:
- Material: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane
- Lining: 84% polyamide, 16% elastane
- Origin: Made in Italy
Pros
- Stretch design
- Side-tie bottoms
Cons
- Be wary of tan lines
Given that Frankies Bikinis is becoming more and more popular due to the collaboration with Gigi Hadid, this bright yellow bikini has summer written all over it. Crafted from a thinly ribbed fabric that is flattering on many figures and designed with a strapless neckline, this bikini – at least the top – can transition easily into daywear for the beach. Find it online at Shopbop and Nordstrom!
Key Features:
- Material: 77% nylon, 23% spandex
- Origin: Made in Colombia
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Lined
Cons
- Hand wash
A little print goes a long way in the summer when it comes to attracting the eye. And this beautiful pink gingham set will certainly do just that. With a front closure and cutouts on all sides, there is certainly a level of sex appeal to this swimsuit. Yet, the amazing thing is that it still comes off almost family-friendly, like something the cool aunt would wear! Buy it online at Revolve!
Key Features:
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
- Lining: 90% nylon, 10% elastane
- Origin: Made in Thailand
Pros
- Lined
- Straps are secure
Cons
- Can be complicated to put on
There isn’t a swimsuit style that I adore more than the high-waisted bikini because, like everyone, I have my own insecurities, and a good high-waisted swimsuit can easily diminish my fears. This Lovers & Friends suit is certainly one of the best swimsuits for women to get obsessed over too. With adjustable straps, stylish buckle closures, and an adorable mesh border for a bit of extra flair, what’s not to love?! Pick it up from Revolve!
Key Features:
- Material: 84% nylon, 16% spandex
- Mesh: 75% nylon, 25% spandex
- Origin: Made in China
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Great for days with body dysmorphia
Cons
- Unpadded
- Semi-see-through when wet
If Euphoria has encouraged us to take anything seriously this year, then it would be the ongoing love for everything strappy. We debated on exactly what category to place this under, given the classic triangle cups and low-rise style. But due to the belly straps, it’s obviously meant to be here. Crisscrossing over the midriff, the strappy details are the perfect addition to accent anyone’s waist. Get it from Forward!
Key Features:
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
- Origin: Made in Australia
Pros
- Multiple colors
- Adjustable straps
- Size range
Cons
- Be wary of tan lines
Not in the mood for an overtly patterned swimsuit? A monochromatic style always strikes up a simple elegance, and for this reason, we are in love with this pink, monochrome suit. Perfect for your sun-kissed days on the beach to come this summer, the halter neckline is a simple and flattering addition to the suit. Along with this, the front cut-out makes it just a tad sexy, proving you to be ready for some summer fun. It’s available at Revolve.
Key Features:
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
- Origin: Made in Colombia
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Hand wash only
A little more on the grunge side of swimsuit trends with the iconic industrial strap of Off-White, this SS22 bikini is a stunning masterpiece to add to your swimsuit collection. Part of the conscious product line at Off-White, the swimsuit is designed from recycled synthetic clothing, which is what gives the almost pre-shaped feeling to the suit. Grab it online at Farfetch!
Key Features:
- Material: 78% polyester, 22% elastane
- Origin: Made in Italy
Pros
- Stretch design
- Multiple colors
- Elastic waistband
Cons
- Expensive
A little romance goes a long way in the summer, particularly if you’ve always had a hot girl summer rather than one filled with old-fashioned romance. While I can’t promise that this swimsuit will provide you with the love you deserve, I can say that its classic silhouette and the delicate pattern will get both your grandmother’s approval and your fri-enemy’s envy. It can be found online at Forward.
Key Features:
- Material: 78% micro recycled poly, 22% elastane
- Origin: Made in Portugal
Pros
- Boned sides to keep the shape
- Unpadded
- Simple back tie closure for bikini top security
Cons
- None
If you’re on the hunt for an eye-catching summer swimsuit, this bikini set will certainly fill the void. With a completely sporty design, the ‘laminated’ water-proof fabric allows for the ultimate head-turning attention. Along with the beautiful fabric, the easy-to-use ties, and the ability to machine-wash this bikini set, it is a fantastic go-to. It’s available exclusively at My Theresa.
Key Features:
- Material: 64% polyamide, 36% metallic fibers
- Lining: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane, fully lined
- Origin: Made in Italy
Pros
- Machine washable
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Runs small
If you want a similar swimsuit as one of your besties or simply find that this suit looks fantastic on you and want it in every color possible, then this Versace suit will be the way to go. The color-blocked detail between the signature Greca band and the hue of the swimsuit itself also allows you to play with the tones and be inspired by the six various colors to choose from. Pick it up online at Forward!
Key Features:
- Material: 78% nylon, 22% elastane
- Trim: 82% poly, 9% elastane, 9% nylon
- Origin: Made in Italy
Pros
- Great coverage
- Unpadded
Cons
- Hand wash only
Designed exclusively for My Theresa, this swimsuit is the summer dream. With strategically placed cut-outs to always make someone guess just what is hidden and to accentuate both the waist and the bust, there is no swimsuit that follows the 2022 fashion trend of cut-outs more. While only available in black, there’s no way to go wrong with this suit. Get it exclusively at My Theresa!
Key Features:
- Material: 72% polyester, 28% elastane
- Lining: 73% polyester, 27% elastane
- Origin: Made in Italy
Pros
- Exclusive design
- Slender straps
Cons
- Expensive
- Only available in one color
What to Look for in the Best Swimsuit for You?
Given that swimsuit shopping can always be a bit of a hassle, it’s important to go in with a few thoughts in mind about what you’re looking for. In this section, we’ve covered the main details, such as material and price points, along with the best designs for ultimate flattery for each body type. However, if you think of other crucial things that you want to know before heading to make this summer purchase, always do a bit of research beforehand!
Materials
We live in a world where touch is a key factor in many things, and while inexpensive fabrics can appear (almost) like their expensive counterparts, knowing the fabric content of your swimsuit can make a big difference. For instance, the ideal combination of fibers will be a near 80/20 split of nylon (sometimes called polyamide) and elastane/lycra so that after wearing and washing, the suit will retain its original shape.
When purchasing a suit with recycled materials, pay attention to if the fabric seems scratchy at all and study reviews to know just how long the recreated materials will last.
Price Points
The one thing that I will never truly understand about swimsuits is their price point. Part of it is, of course, the labor that goes into production and design. However, I’ve always found the average of sixty dollars for only the bikini top or bottom to be a bit ridiculous. My personal way around this is often stalking sales at the end of one summer season, as I guess the trends for the next.
But, when you enter any store with the intention of buying something and not breaking the bank, a good rule of thumb is to come with a budget in mind and a maximum price that you refuse to go over. When shopping this way, you’ll find it easy to avoid the expensive suit that you may love but isn’t best for your wallet.
Your Body Type
If one swimsuit looks fantastic on your friend, it doesn’t mean it should work on you too. You should take into account your own body features when shopping for the best design for you.
Figure 8
Categorized as a body with the bust and the hips around the same size and a smaller waist, this curvy body type is (sometimes) luckier when it comes to swimsuit shopping because many brands design for this body type. However, there are a few notes that you can certainly take away if you fall into this category. The first would be to use high-waisted swimsuits to highlight your waist or use a halter top to draw attention to your bust. The only style I recommend avoiding would be strappier options because they can take away from your body.
H Shape
An H-shape figure is considered to be straight up and down with little to no curves. And while it’s idealized within the Western culture to achieve this appearance through any means necessary, my friends who have this figure always dread summer simply because they want to flaunt their curves only to realize they aren’t as curvy as others. So, if this sounds like you, then the best swimsuits for you this season would be those with slight ruffles, lightly padded bras, built-in belts, or monokinis in order to accentuate the curves you do have.
Inverted Triangle
An inverted triangle figure is when someone happens to have larger shoulders than hips. Because of this ratio, it can lead to insecurities about how to dress for the summer weather. Having many friends that also fit into this category, I’ve found that what makes people most comfortable is accenting the hips through belts and ruffles while making sure to have maximum support in the chest. Because of this, the go-to bikini top is a balconette bra!
Triangle
The opposite of an inverted triangle, the triangle figure has larger hips than shoulders. This can be incredibly uncomfortable in the summer, given the amount of tight clothing that is up for grabs. My main piece of advice is that if you’re lucky enough to have a booty, then flaunt it because trying to cover it up will only draw more attention. However, if being more modest is what you’re looking for, then hunt down hipster or hip-hugger bottoms for extra coverage, and don’t deny the cuteness of a swim skirt.
Tips for Shopping for the Best Bikini for You
When looking for your new go-to swimsuit, I’ve discovered that the trips to the store are often filled with stress instead of fun. Along with this, I’ve heard swimsuit shopping is compared to going to the dentist or getting a shot. But given that swimsuit shopping is something nearly unavoidable, over the last few years, I’ve been experimenting with just how to make the shopping excursion the best it can be. Below are my four biggest tips!
- Refuse to talk negatively about yourself. It might be easier said than done, but nit-picking your body will only cause you to feel worse. Instead, use the line, “I guess this swimsuit just wasn’t meant for me.” Because it’s that the swimsuit didn’t fit you, not that you didn’t fit into the suit – you’re more important than any piece of clothing!
- Go shopping with a friend you trust and can have fun with!
- Consider style and functionality before you hit the fitting rooms. For instance, if you’re the type that will sunbathe all day (coat yourself with sunscreen, you’ll thank me later!), having tie fastenings on your back could get uncomfortable. However, if you plan to play any sports on the beach, you’ll want to look for a suit that’s going to stay up well because flashing strangers should not be your lifelong embarrassment.
- If all these little tricks don’t make shopping any better, remember that online shopping exists for a reason! Just make sure you get free returns, and then cue the fashion show music in front of your mirror.
Photos via @belenhostalet, @collagevintage, Revolve, My Theresa, Farfetch