9 Best Women’s Swimwear Picks: Top Styles, Eco-Friendly Options, Plus-Size & Luxury Brands

Finding the perfect swimwear can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With countless styles, cuts, and designs available, there’s something out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking to make a splash at the beach or lounge by the pool, the right swimsuit can boost your confidence and make you feel fabulous.

1. Best One-Piece Swimsuit

Features to Look For

• Supportive Design: Ensure the swimsuit provides adequate bust support. Look for underwire, built-in bras, or padded cups.
• Quality Fabric: Prioritize chlorine-resistant, UV-protective, and quick-drying fabrics like nylon and spandex.
• Comfortable Fit: Opt for adjustable straps and a smooth lining for added comfort throughout wear.
• Flattering Cut: Consider cuts that highlight your best features. High-cut legs elongate the legs, while tummy control panels offer a slimming effect.
• Versatile Style: Choose a design suitable for multiple activities, from swimming laps to lounging by the pool.

1. Speedo One-Piece Swimsuit: Known for durability and performance, this swimsuit features chlorine-resistant fabric and a sleek design, perfect for avid swimmers.
2. Miraclesuit Tummy Control Swimsuit: Offers a slimming effect with its sophisticated cuts and built-in shaping panels, ideal for a figure-flattering look.
3. CUPSHE Mesh Insert One-Piece: Combines fashion and function with trendy mesh inserts and a supportive bust, great for both swimming and sunbathing.
4. Athleta Colorblock Swimsuit: Made from recycled materials, this eco-friendly option provides a sporty look with adjustable straps and a supportive fit.
5. Tommy Bahama High-Neck Swimsuit: Features a stylish high-neck design with UPF 50 protection, ideal for spending extended time in the sun.

2. Best Bikini Set

Finding the ideal bikini set can change how you feel at the pool or beach. The right bikini enhances your figure and boosts your confidence.

What Makes a Great Bikini Set

Fit: A great bikini set fits your body perfectly. It shouldn’t pinch or sag. Adjustable straps and ties help customize your fit.

Support: Ensure that the top provides adequate support. Look for features like underwires, padded cups, or halter ties if you need extra lift.

Material: Quality fabric is crucial. Opt for bikinis made from durable materials that resist chlorine, saltwater, and sun damage. Nylon and spandex blends are a great choice.

Style: The style should match your taste and body type. High-waisted bottoms, bandeau tops, triangle sets—there are many options to explore.

Color and Pattern: Choose colors and patterns that complement your skin tone. Bright colors can highlight your tan, while darker shades often provide a slimming effect.

Leading Bikini Brands

Victoria’s Secret: Known for its sexy and stylish silhouettes. They offer a variety of cuts, colors, and prints that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Calvin Klein: Offers minimalist designs with a modern edge. Known for their clean lines and classic pieces, these bikinis often feature subtle branding and high-quality fabrics.

CUPSHE: Popular for their trendy designs and affordable prices. CUPSHE offers a wide range of styles, from bold prints to solid colors, catering to various body types.

Rip Curl: A favorite among surfers and beach enthusiasts. Known for their sporty, durable designs, Rip Curl bikinis often come in vibrant patterns and high-performance fabrics.

Seafolly: An Australian brand renowned for its trendy and high-quality swimwear. They offer a range of stylish and functional bikinis with attention to detail and fit.

Choosing the best bikini set involves finding a balance between style, fit, and functionality. Opt for brands that align with your needs to ensure you look and feel your best.

3. Best Tankini

Tankinis offer the perfect blend of coverage and versatility. They’re stylish and practical, making them a favorite among women seeking both comfort and fashion.

Comfort and Style in Tankinis

Comfort and style are paramount when it comes to tankinis. Look for designs with adjustable straps for a customizable fit, soft cup inserts for added support, and high-quality fabrics that dry quickly. Choose styles that flatter your figure, like those with ruching or color-block patterns that enhance your shape. Remember to consider your activity level—whether you’re lounging by the pool or engaging in water sports, ensure your tankini provides adequate support and flexibility.

1. Athleta Tulip Tankini: This piece boasts a flattering fit with its tulip hem and ruching details. It’s made from recycled materials, offering both style and sustainability.
2. Lands’ End Square Neck Underwire Tankini: With underwire support and a square neck, this tankini offers both elegance and comfort. The fabric is chlorine-resistant, ensuring longevity.
3. CUPSHE Floral Print V-Neck Tankini: Featuring a vibrant floral design and a deep V-neckline, this tankini is perfect for those looking to make a statement. The padded bra and adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit.
4. Seafolly High Neck Tankini: Known for its chic designs, Seafolly’s high-neck tankini provides full coverage with a stylish twist. The high-neck design offers sun protection for your décolletage.
5. Tommy Bahama Halter Tankini: This option provides a sophisticated look with its halter neck and luxurious fabric. The soft cups and ties at the neck and back allow for an adjustable, secure fit.

Each of these tankinis combines fashion with function, ensuring you look and feel great whether you’re relaxing by the pool or taking a dip in the ocean.

4. Best Swimsuit for Sports

When you’re hitting the waves or doing laps at the pool, you need swimwear that keeps up with you. Here are the key factors to consider and top brands for active swimwear.

Durability and Functionality

Choosing a sports swimsuit means focusing on durability and functionality. Look for chlorine-resistant fabrics like polyester blends that withstand frequent use. Opt for suits with reinforced stitching to endure rigorous activities. Consider features like racerback styles for full range of motion or built-in bras for extra support during intense swims. Remember, a comfortable, secure fit is essential to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions mid-stroke.

Best Brands for Active Swimwear

Several brands excel in crafting swimwear perfect for sports. Speedo offers a wide range of tech suits designed for competitive swimming. Tyr provides durable options with compression technology to enhance performance. Arena creates high-quality swimsuits favored by athletes for their advanced materials. Additionally, Under Armour focuses on moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable even during the toughest workouts. These brands ensure you get the best in style, performance, and reliability.

5. Best Eco-Friendly Swimwear

Eco-friendly swimwear is becoming increasingly important as more brands prioritize sustainability. Here are some top picks that combine style, comfort, and eco-conscious materials.

Importance of Sustainability in Swimwear

Choosing sustainable swimwear helps reduce your environmental footprint. Many eco-friendly swimwear options use recycled materials like plastic bottles or fishing nets, providing a second life to waste products. Sustainable practices also promote ethical labor standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers.

Eco-Friendly Brands Leading the Way

Athleta offers swimsuits crafted from recycled materials like nylon and polyester. Their designs are not only stylish but also durable and comfortable for all-day wear.

Patagonia is renowned for its commitment to environmental responsibility. Their swimwear line uses recycled fabrics and fair trade practices, making them a top choice for eco-conscious consumers.

AURAI Swim focuses on sustainability through the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Their innovative designs cater to both aesthetics and environmental concerns.

Outerknown provides swimwear made from ECONYL, a regenerated nylon derived from industrial plastic waste and fishing nets. Their sleek designs and responsible manufacturing processes make them a standout brand.

Vitamin A integrates eco-friendly fabrics such as EcoLux, a superfine matte jersey made from recycled nylon fibers, into their chic swimwear offerings. Their commitment to sustainability extends to packaging and production practices.

Choosing from these eco-friendly brands helps you look great while supporting sustainable initiatives.

6. Best Plus-Size Swimwear

When it comes to plus-size swimwear, fit and comfort are paramount. Let’s dive into what you should look for and explore some top-rated brands that excel in this category.

Understanding Fit and Comfort

Finding the right fit is crucial for plus-size swimwear. Look for features like adjustable straps, underwire support, and full-coverage bottoms to ensure maximum comfort. Choose swimwear with ruching or tummy control panels for a flattering silhouette. Prioritize quality fabrics like nylon-spandex blends, which provide both stretch and support.

Top Rated Plus-Size Swimwear Brands

Several brands stand out for their plus-size swimwear collections:

1. Swimsuits For All: Offers a wide range of styles, from one-pieces to bikinis, focusing on fit and support.
2. Summersalt: Known for its sustainable fabrics and chic designs, offering extended sizes with excellent bust support.
3. Eloquii: Features trendy and youthful styles, catering exclusively to plus-size women, ensuring a perfect fit and modern look.
4. Torrid: Specializes in plus-size fashion, providing swimwear with excellent bust and tummy support in stylish designs.
5. Ashley Stewart: Offers vibrant, eye-catching swimwear with features like adjustable straps and tummy control.

Choose any of these brands to ensure you have stylish and comfortable swimwear that makes you feel confident.

7. Best Swimwear for Sun Protection

When soaking up the sun’s rays, having swimwear that offers sun protection is essential to keep your skin safe.

Features of Sun-Safe Swimwear

Look for high UPF ratings. Swimwear with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+ blocks about 98% of UV radiation. Get full coverage designs. Rash guards, long-sleeve swimsuits, and high-neck swimwear offer better protection from harmful rays. Ensure quality fabrics. Swimwear made from tightly woven materials and specialized fabrics like polyester blends provide excellent UV defense. Choose darker colors. Darker fabrics typically provide more protection than lighter ones. Opt for chlorine resistance. Chlorine can degrade fabric and reduce its UV protection, so go for chlorine-resistant materials.

Trusted Sun Protection Swimwear Lines

Consider Coolibar. Coolibar offers a wide range of UPF 50+ swimwear, from rash guards to swim shorts. Explore UV Skinz. UV Skinz features comfortable and stylish sun-safe swimwear options for all ages. Check out Sunsets Separates. Known for its mix-and-match styles, Sunsets Separates provides UPF-protective pieces. Try Cabana Life. Cabana Life combines fashion with function, offering chic designs with UPF 50+ protection. Pick Lands’ End. Lands’ End offers durable and stylish swimwear with high UPF ratings, perfect for active sun-lovers.

8. Best Budget-Friendly Swimwear

Finding affordable swimwear that doesn’t compromise on style and quality can be a challenge. Here’s how to discover hidden gems without breaking the bank.

How to Find Quality Affordable Swimwear

Know the Materials
Seek out fabrics like nylon and spandex that offer durability and stretch. These materials ensure a longer-lasting suit.

Check Customer Reviews
Look for user reviews that mention longevity and fit. Real-life feedback is invaluable for finding reliable, affordable options.

Shop Off-Season
Buy swimwear during off-peak times, like fall or winter, to snag great deals. Retailers often mark down prices during these periods.

Compare Prices
Use price comparison tools and apps to find the best deals across different retailers. This ensures you’re getting your money’s worth.

Buy Separates
Sometimes, mixing and matching can be more cost-effective. Consider buying tops and bottoms separately to save more.

Best Budget Swimwear Options

Target
Target’s swimwear line features on-trend designs at wallet-friendly prices. Look for their Mix & Match separates and size-inclusive options.

Old Navy
Old Navy offers stylish swimsuits under $50. Their collection includes one-pieces, bikinis, and tankinis in a variety of prints and cuts.

Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials has a vast range of affordable swimwear items. Look for basic designs and reliable quality.

ZAFUL
ZAFUL offers trendy swimsuits at low prices. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and discount codes to save even more.

Aerie
Aerie’s Real Good swimwear line combines affordability with eco-friendly materials. Options include a variety of fits catering to different body types.

H&M
H&M provides budget-friendly swimwear that doesn’t skimp on style. Find everything from high-waisted bikinis to chic one-pieces.

9. Best Luxury Swimwear

What Defines Luxury Swimwear

Luxury swimwear stands out through its superior quality, exclusive designs, and attention to detail. High-quality fabrics offer comfort and durability, often featuring materials like Italian Lycra or French lace. Unique design elements such as hand-sewn embellishments, intricate patterns, and flattering cuts make these pieces feel unique. Sustainable practices in production and ethical manufacturing processes are also becoming hallmarks of luxury swimwear, ensuring you look good and feel good about your purchase.

Leading Luxury Swimwear Brands

Eres
Eres offers timeless and elegant designs known for their perfect fit and luxurious fabrics. Their pieces are crafted using innovative techniques, ensuring longevity in both style and quality.

Zimmermann
Zimmermann combines romantic designs with luxurious materials, delivering swimwear that feels both fashionable and high-end. Expect intricate detailing like ruffles, florals, and custom prints.

Marysia
Marysia is famous for its signature scallop-edged designs and chic, minimalistic styles. Using premium Italian fabrics, their swimwear is both stylish and comfortable.

La Perla
La Perla translates its expertise in lingerie to swimwear, offering pieces with exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious details. These swimsuits often feature elegant lace and strategic mesh panels.

Missoni Mare
Missoni Mare brings vibrant patterns and a rich color palette to its swimwear collection. Known for their unique knitwear, these pieces are a blend of comfort, art, and luxury.

Vix Paula Hermanny
Vix Paula Hermanny’s swimwear boasts of a seamless blend of Brazilian flair and sophisticated design. Their use of high-quality materials and standout prints make each piece an eye-catcher.

Norma Kamali
Norma Kamali delivers innovative designs that often double as streetwear. Known for bold cuts and unique silhouettes, these swimsuits are perfect for making a statement.

Melissa Odabash
Melissa Odabash offers refined and versatile swimwear that’s suitable for luxurious beach outings. Expect high-quality materials and elegant, timeless designs.

Tory Burch
Tory Burch combines her preppy and polished aesthetic with luxurious fabrics and impeccable craftsmanship. These swimsuits frequently feature classic prints and sophisticated styles.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect swimwear can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, you can make an informed choice that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for support, eco-friendly options, or luxury swimwear, there are plenty of high-quality choices available. Brands like Eres, Zimmermann, and Marysia offer both style and sustainability, while La Perla, Missoni Mare, and Tory Burch bring exquisite craftsmanship to the table. Remember to consider what matters most to you, whether it’s sun protection, budget, or plus-size options. Happy shopping!