The 12 Best Swimsuits, According to Bazaar Editors

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For such a tiny amount of fabric, the best swimsuits have a huge impact on my mood while I’m vacationing. I’m the type of sun worshipper who can easily spend hours swimming laps or lying outside with a summer beach read nearby. When I’m wearing a one-piece or bikini that’s comfortable, supportive, and cute, I’m glued to the water from sunrise to sunset.

With a summer full of weekends at the pool and a few special beach trips ahead, I’m taking stock of the fresh low-back one-pieces and high-waist bikinis arriving in stores to find a new swimsuit that will make me feel my best. And I’m doing so with help from other style experts who’ve swum, sunbathed, and relaxed in the season’s top beachwear first. Before Bazaar editors jetted off on their summer escapes, I asked each one to share the absolute best swimsuit they’ll wear this summer. Some favorites are skimpy string bikinis in Instagrammable colors and prints; others are the sort of classic black one-piece designed for lounging at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. All 12 styles on the upcoming list were tested and reviewed at beaches, pools, and warm-weather locales where the best swimsuits belong.

Grab a beach bag or tote, then find the vacation swimwear that will make the summer getaways ahead feel even better.

Aplomb High Waist Two-Piece

“You don’t need to choose between comfort or style when it comes to Youswim. Offered in countless sumptuous colorways and made out of a stretchy, breathable fabric that clings to your body in the most flattering manner, their swimsuits are my go-to when it comes to lazy lounging beach days.” —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor

Sizes: Stretch I and Stretch II

Colors: Juniper, umber, plume, espresso, sage, and more

What reviewers say: “Have been wanting a Youswim suit for years! After seeing friends love theirs I took the plunge myself. Love this style and feel of the Aplomb high waist!”

Peak Suit

“Skimpy two-piece swimsuits have never been my thing, but I still like my one-pieces to feel playful. This Left on Friday suit is the perfect balance of covered-up and cute, thanks to its slim cutout detail and zesty red shade.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colors: Black, red, white, brown, purple, gold, and more

What reviewers say: “This swimsuit is adorable. I love the cutout under the chest because it adds detail and support for my chest. The bottoms are a little cheeky, but not to the point of discomfort, and very flattering. The material feels like it is holding me in, but it’s not restricting.”

Multicolor Laced One-Piece Swimsuit

“I bought a Ottolinger two-piece last year, and it’s the best swimsuit I ever got. It has this bungee-style drawstring that you can wrap around in a handful of ways to make the swimsuit look different every time. This one-piece by them still has a strong distinctive design that’s a little easier to throw on. I just love how the asymmetrical straps, uneven cutouts, and lemon-print pattern by artist Georgia Gardner Gray give it a look that feels so unusual for a one-piece. And this absolutely works as a bodysuit worn with jeans or a miniskirt.” —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor

Sizes: XS–XL

Color: Lemon print

Kai Knotted Bikini Top

“While some like their bandeaus straight up, I prefer mine with a twist. The strapless silhouette is my go-to for keeping tan lines to a minimum. Plus, I love how the cocoa-brown hue translates on its crinkle fabric.” —Jennifer Jenkins, assistant accessories editor

Complete the swimsuit: Matching bottoms Shop Now

Sizes: XS–XL

Color: Brown

Equator Top

“This tie-dye set makes a sunny beach day even brighter. The fabric is also soft and comfortable for a long day of swimming and sunbathing.” —Nicole Tripodis, assistant market editor

Complete the swimsuit: Matching bottoms Shop Now

Sizes: XS–C+

Colors: Tie-dye, zebra print, black, red, and more

Jenna Ribbed High Waist Bikini Bottom

“While I love getting a summer tan, tan lines are a no for me. This hot-pink number from Frankies Bikinis is super comfortable, a fun color, and allows me to gain a glow without pesky markings once vacation is over.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colors: Cherub, suntan, midnight, cerulean, and more

What reviewers say: “Love this bikini! The fabric is so soft, the colors are just as vibrant in person, and it fits like a glove without being too tight.”

Morocco Bottom

“Monday Swimwear has some of the most fun silhouettes, colors, and prints out there. I especially love their high-waisted bottoms and monochrome sets with a little bit of sparkle.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor

Complete the swimsuit: Matching top $79 at Monday Swimwear

Sizes: Petite–Very Voluptuous

Colors: Pearl shimmer, black, red, white, and more

Aquarelle Swimsuit

“I’m usually a two-piece bathing suit kind of girl. But for the perfect coverage that can take you from laying out at the beach to tucked into shorts for lunch, it’s a black one-piece for me! I love that this suit is such a classic staple and elegant tank shape. It gives amazing sun protection, and beside any body of water it’s simply the chicest!” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor

Sizes: 4–16

Color: Black

Open-Back Seersucker Swimsuit

“I’m a one-piece girl through and through, but it can be hard to find options that don’t look like they were made for a day lifeguarding at the local pool. Luckily, I came across British brand Hunza G scrolling through Instagram, and quickly fell in love with this one-piece. The crinkle fabric is enough to make the style feel elevated and stylish, but it also helps that it features a low back for a hint of skin. My favorite color? Bubblegum (bright pink)—just in time for a Barbiecore summer.” —Daise Bedolla, interim social media manager

Sizes: One size

Colors: Pink, white, purple

Amy Snap One-Piece Swimsuit

“Robin Piccone is one of my favorite swimwear brands of all time, and this summer, I plan on updating my rotation with the streamlined Amy Snap one-piece from their newest collection. I love that the swimsuit is equal parts comfortable and stylish, and features a ribbed nylon and spandex blend that can seamlessly double as a bodysuit when I’m not at the beach or pool. And since it also has adjustable straps and gilded front snaps, I can customize its fit depending on the occasion—from summer baecations to family get-togethers.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

Sizes: 2–14

Colors: Black, pink, navy

What reviewers say: “This swimsuit color looks beautiful on and the fit is very flattering. I was curious if the back cut too high but it covers my (thicker) butt very well. Definitely keeping.”

Ribbed Cross-Back Skimpy-Fit One-Piece

“Hear me out: Lululemon makes a great bathing suit. I own an earlier version of this one, and I love it. The name is a bit misleading—I wouldn’t call it skimpy compared with, like, any bikini ever, but it’s definitely cut high in the back. The overall effect is cute but not so naked that you’d feel uncomfortable wearing it to a family reunion at the beach.” —Izzy Grinspan, deputy digital editor

Square Neck Bikini Top

“A simple black two-piece is my favorite suit of choice, and I especially love this version from COS for its high-waisted briefs and adjustable straps. It’s comfy, offers support, and features a nice ribbed texture for good measure.” —Ariana Marsh, senior features editor

Complete the swimsuit: Matching bottom Shop Now

Sizes: 2–14

Color: Black

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