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36 Best Women's Bathing Suits to Wear All Summer Long
Lounge by the pool in style, thanks to these affordable bikinis and flattering one-piece swimsuits.
Shopping for a new bathing suit online isn't easy — there are so many brands and styles to choose from, from the best bikinis to the best one-pieces, and an endless array of colors, patterns and trends to scroll through. Of course, you'll also want a swimsuit that's comfortable, supportive and flattering, whether you plan to spend the warmer months lying outdoors in a lounge chair, hitting the waves at the beach or doing laps in the pool.
To help you find the perfect swimsuit, we put together this guide to the best bathing suits for women based on insights from our Good Housekeeping Institute analysts, who regularly test all types of swimsuits from slimming styles to bathing suits for large busts and everything in between, as well as rave online reviews and enthusiastic recommendations from our own writers and editors. Below, find best-selling Amazon swimsuits that won't break the bank, top bathing suit brands for older women and more, with something for every body type and budget.
At the end of our guide, find more expert advice on what to look for when shopping for a brand-new bathing suit.
Summersalt's insanely popular swimsuits are universally flattering on most body types and all ages and sizes, including styles for long torsos and maternity swimwear.
The brand's one-shouldered Sidestroke design is a best-seller (it sold out 25 times within its first year of sale!) and for good reason — 5 million body measurements were taken from 10,000 women to inform the fit, which users say feels soft and compressive without being too tight. While it's not cheap, reviewers call it "the best investment" and say it's "worth every penny." The style, which has no cups or padding, is available in 11 colors and patterns, including colorblock options and a range of solid neutrals and brighter hues. This suit is also available in a bikini version.
The bathing suits from the best-selling Amazon brand Tempt Me are fashionable, flattering and affordable. The brand offers a wide range of trendy styles and prints to pick from, but this high neck one-piece is its most popular, with over 32K reviews on Amazon.
While GH staffers who own this machine-washable swimsuit say it might not be the absolute best quality bathing suit out there, you do get a good amount of bang for your buck (one editor has been wearing this suit for years with only minor wear and tear). Plus, the mesh cutout, plunging back and high neck all work to make you feel sophisticated and sexy — and it's available in nearly 40 colors and patterns.
Miraclesuit's swimwear works like shapewear to flatter tummies, waists and hips. This style aced the Good Housekeeping Institute's slimming swimsuit tests, with the durable fabric standing up to elements like seawater, chlorine, sweat, UV rays and more, while our panel of reviewers rated it better than other tummy control swimsuits they've tried.
The sweetheart necklace and built-in underwire accentuates and lifts the bust while the mesh cutouts highlight curves in all the right places. Just note that while this style comes in a variety of colors and prints, it does have a limited size range (though there are plus-size and DD-DDD cup versions available).
Available in two dozen different shades and patterns, we're impressed with Cupshe's flattering styles and compressive materials designed to feel comfy during long beach and pool days.
A deep V-neck and side ruching are simple details that elevate this spaghetti-strap suit that features a front panel designed to be tummy-flattering. One five-star reviewer writes that she recommends this style to anyone who wants a comfortable, well-made swimsuit: "I especially recommend for anyone like me who just had baby and is trying to look stylish postpartum!"
Available in almost every color of the rainbow plus classic summer patterns like gingham and stripes, this one-piece bathing suit has hundreds of rave online reviews — and we can see why.
A full coverage bottom plus gentle ruching make it a comfortable yet stylish pick for all ages. Plus, the strapless top means no tan lines (it does come with removable straps though, FYI). One reviewer wrote that she owns four versions of this suit in different colors: " It's classy and slimming and so comfortable while carrying kids at the pool or beach. Great quality and design."
Slip on this elegant one-piece and stroll onto the sand or pool deck in style. "I tried on about 40 swimsuits in a single day at the mall and this was the only one that was comfortable and flattering," writes one happy five-star reviewer. Figure-sculpting banding around the torso and crisscross straps in the back are cool without trying too hard.
In GH Institute swimsuit tests, we found Lands' End swimsuits to be very durable, with fabric that was colorfast and held up to repeated laundering. Our testers also rated it as "most flattering": The brand's SlenderSuit is ideal for anyone looking for slimming details (thanks to a criss-cross design around the tummy area and compressive fabric). In addition to regular sizing, this style is also available in D, DD and DDD cup sizes, with petite, tall and plus options as well.
When it comes to the best period swimwear, Knix's pieces consistently outperform competitors in our tests, with its built-in liners absorbing up to three tampons of menstrual flow for protection even on heavy days. In addition to the high-level of absorbancy, our testers appreciated the flattering cut of this one-piece bathing suit featuring a built-in bra and adjustable straps; the fit is particularly ideal for larger busts with sizing up to a G cup.
This budget-friendly bathing suit brand is the way to go if you need to own multiple suits. It's super popular on Amazon with thousands five-star reviews from users who say they wear it for swimming laps. With over 30 patterns and colors to choose from, the style features wide racerback straps for a good range of motion and a built-in bra.
Whether you're a competitive swimmer or just prefer swimming laps to running on the treadmill, you're going to need a suit that's functional and won't get in the way of your workout.
Speedo is a favorite among professional athletes, and its one-piece styles are designed for performance so you can slip easily through the water. This best-seller may be basic in design but it'll stay put as you swim. Plus, the ProLT is made with durable fabric that the brand claims is chlorine-, sand- and sunscreen-resistant. Just note these suits run on the small side.
Sizes: 20-40
Best Plus-Size Swimsuit
Swimsuits for All Plus-Size Sarong Front One-Piece
Best Plus-Size Swimsuit
Swimsuits for All Plus-Size Sarong Front One-Piece
Swimsuits for All offers stylish, size-inclusive pieces for under $75. With sizes up to 34, this best-selling one-piece has a flattering mesh lining and a draped sarong-like front panel. With 15 colors and patterns available, one five-star reviewer on Amazon says: "Swimsuit construction is fantastic — solid fit for busty girls." Just note that the straps are not adjustable.
Ta3 has a dozen swimsuit styles on their website, but the Lacey is one of the brand's most popular picks. Available in seven colors as well as regular/long and short lengths, the suit is made from a compression fabric akin to that of a sports bra. Peep the back and you'll see where the bathing suit gets its name. One online reviewer notes: "This suit is beyond expectations. I got the red in small and I’m just saying ... be ready to look like a Baywatch babe when you get it!"
If you prefer a style that offers even more coverage than a traditional one-piece, L.L.Bean has an assortment of swim shirts, shorts, dresses and skirts made of swimsuit materials that you can wear on the beach and in the water.
This halter swim dress in particular is a great option, offering various torso lengths, cup sizes and plus sizes. Numerous reviewers note how great it looks on, too, with one writing: "I like the extra cover that the skirt gives and [it] is flattering around my hips and thighs. It is a great look for women with hourglass figures."
Sure, this swimsuit is an investment, but reviewers say they love the Veronica for its "beautiful shape" and "flattering" fit. The structured and supportive top, featuring underwire cups and adjustable straps, is simple yet stylish, meaning this number can double as a bodysuit, too — pair it with jeans or a skirt for a night out while on vacation.
Popular amongst fashion bloggers, Andie's designs are minimalistic, with solid colors only and no embellishments or ruffles. There is a big focus on getting the right fit though: You're encouraged to take a fit quiz on the brand's website and all orders feature free shipping and returns so you can try on multiple styles at home.
Customers can't stop raving about the sleek lines of the Mykonos one-piece which is available in six colors and smooth or ribbed options. With hundreds of reviews, the swimsuit has a 4.7-star rating, with one reviewer calling it a "magic suit." It also comes in a long torso version, which is ideal if you're tall or have a torso on the longer side.
The cut-0ut trend is still going strong, and this one-shoulder number is sexy but subtle thanks to its minimalist color palette. The horizontal and diagonal stripes combine with a side cut-out for a totally unique look that no one else will be wearing on the beach or by the pool.
Pull on this one-piece and immediately exude "quiet luxury" thanks to an abstract pattern that is actually Totême's monogram. We love the low-cut back and high-cut legs for medium coverage. Although there are only two colorways available and this suit is pricey at just under $200, the splurge may be worth it if you have the budget and value swimsuits made with recycled materials (the brand claims the fabric is made from 73% recycled fibers that have been diverted from landfills and oceans).
For a less revealing look, Hermoza offers comfortable styles that are on trend but not skimpy. This suit's high neckline provides more built-in sun protection while the halter style gives it a sophisticated edge. The side sash adds a chic touch while simultaneously flattering your waist — no need for a tummy control panel.
For those who like to stick to one classic suit to wear throughout the summer season, consider investing in Spanx's shaping one-piece. Like the brand's famous shapewear line, its swimwear line features flexible double-layer fabric and compressive mesh for a seamless fit that holds everything in place. The subtle plunge neckline, bust darts and cheeky rear coverage are sexy without being overtly so.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Prior to joining GH in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.