9 Best Bathing Suits for Style, Sustainability, and Inclusivity This Summer
Summer’s just around the corner, and it’s time to update your swimwear collection. Finding the perfect bathing suit can be a game-changer for your confidence and comfort at the beach or pool. Whether you’re looking for something sporty, chic, or timeless, there’s a style out there that’s just right for you.
High-Waisted Bikini Sets
High-waisted bikini sets have surged in popularity for their blend of retro charm and modern chic. They’re a versatile choice that flatters many body types.
Retro Charm Meets Modern Chic
High-waisted bikini sets capture that vintage vibe while staying on-trend. Think of iconic swimwear from the ’50s and ’60s with a fresh, contemporary twist. Brands like ModCloth and Aerie offer styles that balance this nostalgic charm with current fashion elements. These bikinis often feature bold prints, ruffles, and high-cut legs, giving you an effortlessly stylish look.
Key Features and What to Look for
Fit is crucial when choosing a high-waisted bikini set. Look for styles that provide ample coverage, particularly around the stomach area, for a streamlined silhouette. Materials like spandex and nylon are ideal for their stretch and durability. Make sure the waistband sits comfortably without digging into your skin. You can find options with added support features like built-in tummy control panels and underwire for enhanced comfort and confidence.
One-Piece Swimsuits
One-piece swimsuits are making a fashionable comeback with all-new designs catering to every body type and style preference.
Versatility and Comfort
One-piece swimsuits offer incredible versatility and comfort. They provide more coverage than two-piece options, which is great for activities like beach volleyball or swimming laps. Modern one-piece suits come with features like adjustable straps and built-in bras for better support. Look for materials like spandex and nylon for a snug yet comfortable fit that moves with you.
Best Designs for Different Body Types
Finding the perfect one-piece swimsuit involves considering your body type. For pear-shaped bodies, suits with ruffles or embellishments on the upper half can balance your silhouette. If you have an athletic build, opt for swimsuits with cut-outs or bold prints to create the illusion of curves. Apple-shaped figures benefit from tummy control panels and V-neck designs that elongate the torso. Meanwhile, hourglass figures look stunning in belted or wrap-style swimsuits, which highlight the waist.
Tankini Sets
Tankini sets offer a stylish and versatile option for swimwear, ideal for those seeking a blend of coverage and fashion-forward design. Here’s why they’re perfect for the summer season.
The Blend of a Bikini and a Tank Top
Tankinis combine the best of both worlds by offering the coverage of a tank top and the convenience of a bikini. Featuring longer tops that extend to or beyond the waist, these sets provide modest coverage while still keeping you cool and comfortable. Some popular styles include halter necks, strapless options, and sporty cuts. Tankini sets are perfect for active beach days, ensuring you can swim, play volleyball, or simply lounge without worry.
Top Picks for All Ages
No matter your age, there’s a tankini that will suit your preferences. Younger wearers often gravitate towards vibrant prints and trendy designs, such as floral patterns and geometric shapes. Mature users might prefer classic solid colors and elegant, understated patterns. Brands like Lands’ End and Athleta offer age-inclusive designs that cater to different tastes, ensuring everyone can find a tankini that provides both comfort and style.
From toddlers to grandmothers, tankini sets cater to all ages by providing customizable options like mix-and-match tops and bottoms to flatter different body types.
Rash Guards
Protection and Style for Active Swimmers
Rash guards are perfect for those who love to stay active in the water. These tops provide UV protection, keeping your skin safe from harmful rays. They also minimize irritation and protect against jellyfish stings and surfboard rashes. Look for options with flatlock seams to reduce chafing. Many brands offer stylish designs with vibrant colors and patterns, ensuring you look good while staying protected. Pair them with matching swim shorts or leggings for a complete look.
Recommendations for Water Sports Enthusiasts
If you’re into water sports, you’ll need a durable rash guard. O’Neill’s long-sleeve options are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand rigorous activities like surfing and paddleboarding. For a lightweight option, try Rip Curl’s short-sleeve rash guards, which offer flexibility and comfort without compromising protection. These brands often feature quick-drying fabrics and compression fits to enhance your performance in the water. Choose gear that offers sun protection of UPF 50+ for the best coverage.
Swim Dresses
Swim dresses provide chic options for extra coverage while keeping you stylish at the pool or beach.
Elegant Solutions for Extra Coverage
Swim dresses are perfect if you’re looking for a bit more coverage without sacrificing style. These pieces often have extra fabric around the hips and thighs, offering a flattering fit for various body types. They’re ideal for women who want modest swimwear options that still look fashionable. Brands like Lands’ End and Speedo offer swim dresses with built-in tummy control and supportive busts, ensuring comfort and confidence in and out of the water.
Top Designs Trending This Season
This season, floral prints and polka dots are making waves in swim dress designs. Retro styles with A-line cuts and ruching around the midsection are particularly popular, adding a vintage charm to your swimwear collection. Look for swim dresses with adjustable straps and quick-drying materials to maximize comfort and functionality. Popular brands like Miraclesuit and Anne Cole provide trendy designs that blend fun patterns with practical features, ensuring you look and feel your best.
Cutout Swimsuits
Cutout swimsuits add a trendy twist to your summer wardrobe. They combine sophistication and style with strategic skin exposure.
Bold and Beautiful Statement Pieces
Choose bold and beautiful cutout swimsuits to make a splash at any pool or beach. Opt for pieces with vibrant colors and patterns, like tropical prints and geometric designs. These eye-catching styles are perfect for the confident wearer who enjoys standing out. Brands like Trina Turk and Mara Hoffman offer stunning options that fuse comfort with high fashion.
Best Cutout Styles to Consider
Explore the best cutout styles to suit your taste and body type. Monokinis are ideal for a daring look, featuring cutouts on the sides and front. Asymmetrical one-pieces with single-shoulder straps highlight your curves, while providing a modern edge. High-waisted bikini sets with side cutouts offer a mix of retro and contemporary vibes. Look for adjustable straps and support features from brands like Becca, L*Space, and Luli Fama, ensuring a flattering silhouette.
Sustainable Swimwear
Sustainable swimwear is gaining traction as more people prioritize eco-friendly choices. Whether you’re looking to support the environment or find stylish options, there’s plenty to explore.
Eco-Friendly Options Making Waves
Swimwear made from recycled materials is at the forefront of sustainable options. These swimsuits often use recycled polyester or nylon derived from ocean waste. For example, Econyl, a regenerated nylon, is a popular choice. Choosing eco-friendly swimwear not only reduces waste but also often comes with quality features like UV protection and durability.
Water-based dyes and eco-conscious production methods are also making waves in the industry. Brands are shifting to less harmful dyes and incorporating ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that your swimsuit purchase doesn’t have to compromise the planet’s health.
Leading Brands in Sustainability
Several brands lead the charge in sustainable swimwear. Patagonia uses recycled nylon and polyester for its swimwear, pushing eco-friendly initiatives. Another brand, Reformation, creates stylish pieces with Econyl and emphasizes low-waste production processes.
For luxe and high-performance swimwear, check out Vitamin A. They use a blend of recycled nylon and Lycra in their collections. Meanwhile, Outerknown offers minimalist designs with recycled polyester, focusing on stylish yet sustainable pieces. Both brands ensure quality without sacrificing eco-friendly manufacturing.
These sustainable swimwear brands prove you can look good and do good for the environment simultaneously, providing sleek, trendy pieces for your summer wardrobe.
Size-Inclusive Swimwear
Finding the perfect swimsuit can be challenging, especially if standard sizes don’t fit your body type. Thankfully, size-inclusive swimwear brands cater to all shapes and sizes, ensuring everyone can find something that makes them feel confident.
Embracing Body Diversity
More brands are recognizing the importance of body diversity. Size-inclusive swimwear celebrates all body types, offering extended sizes and various styles to suit different needs. From curvier frames to athletic builds, there’s a design for everyone. Companies understand that every body is unique, so they provide swimsuits with different cuts, adjustable straps, and supportive features. This ensures that you can choose swimsuits that highlight your best features while offering comfort and support.
Brands Leading the Charge in Inclusivity
Several brands stand out for their commitment to inclusivity.
- Swimsuits For All – This brand offers sizes ranging from 4 to 40, providing stylish and trendy options for plus-size women. Their swimsuits are designed with comfort and support in mind, featuring details like underwire, tummy control, and adjustable straps.
- Summersalt – Known for its data-driven approach, Summersalt designs swimsuits using measurements from 10,000 women to create the perfect fit. They offer sizes from 0 to 24, ensuring a wide range of body types are catered to.
- Aerie – Aerie’s Real Me Collection is all about body positivity. Catering to sizes XXS to XXL, they feature unretouched photos in their advertising to promote natural beauty. Their swimsuits offer inclusive sizing with a focus on comfort and style.
- Girlfriend Collective – This brand is committed to sustainability and inclusivity. Available in sizes XXS to 6XL, their swimwear is made from recycled materials and designed to accommodate a wide range of body shapes.
By supporting brands that prioritize inclusivity, you can not only find swimwear that fits you perfectly but also support a movement towards a more diverse and accepting fashion industry.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bathing suit can transform your summer experience. Whether you’re drawn to versatile styles, eco-friendly options, or size-inclusive designs, there’s something for everyone. Brands are making strides in sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring you can find swimwear that aligns with your values and fits perfectly. Dive into the season with confidence, knowing that the best bathing suits cater to both your style and comfort.
