22 Low-Back Swimsuits for Showing a Little Skin
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The sun is hot. The pool is cool, blue, and awaiting your crisp dive in. In this moment, the last thing you want is a swimsuit that’s going to bunch, twist, or even tug off as you make your big entrance. As an alternative to a bikini, consider the best low back one-piece swimsuits, styles that show off a bit of skin while still remaining snug whether you’re swimming laps or simply sunbathing.
These revealing one-piece swimsuits are a go-to choice for style experts like Alison Bruhn, co-founder of The Style That Binds Us. "Since you’re wearing a one-piece, the suit will have more coverage anyway, so it’s nice to have the back showing a little extra skin," she explains. "It’s a very graceful look with the eye following the curve of the back." When you’re done swimming, these suits can do double duty as a top—no need to throw on a bunch of soggy layers. Bruhn suggests styling yours with a skirt or shorts if you’re headed out. "It’s really pretty to have a sarong tied at the waist or hip, because then, even when you’re wearing your cover-up, the elongated back area can still be a focal point," she adds.
Just like any vacation swimwear, fit will make the difference with a low-back one-piece. Shoppers with a long torso should consider ordering a size up, as sometimes suits may be too short (though the brand Left On Friday featured below, includes a tall sizing option). Also, keep in mind the cut of the suit. For those with fuller chests, you’ll still want to make sure you’re supported with thick straps or even a bustier-style design.
Whatever your size or poolside style, shop the 22 best one-pieces designed to show off your back ahead.
Low Palace One-Piece Swimsuit
The name Bond-Eye is a play on the famous Australian suburb Bondi Beach, where this brand’s suits are made. This style is made of comfortable, crinkled fabric, and has adjustable straps, a feature that you don’t always find in one-piece swimsuits.
Size: One Size
Color: Purple
Material: 55% recycled polyamide, 35% polyamide, 12% elastane
GG-Belt V-neck Swimsuit
Punctuated by a subtle interpretation of Gucci’s signature interlocking-G logo, this belted suit is made for poolside selfies and lounging at the country club.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Red
Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
Streamline Suit
For those who struggle to find a one-piece that fits just right, Left On Friday makes suits that come in not just XS-2XL, but also regular and tall, for those with longer torsos. It also has a square neck and high-cut leg.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Color: Bronze, pink, green, purple, black
Material: 46% nylon, 38% polyester, 16% lycra
What reviewers are saying: "I have literally never, in my 26 years, felt hot in a swimsuit...until this one. I took mirror selfies, ran around the beach and just generally felt amazing in this bad boy."
Holiday One Piece
This Zonarch style comes recommended from Bruhn. "I love that it’s low enough in the front to feel glamorous, and low in the back too, but it still gives you plenty of coverage and holds you in," she says. "This brand is sustainable and affordable and very well-made."
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Black
Material: 74% recycled nylon 26% spandex
What reviewers are saying: "I feel confident, strong, and sexy in this suit! It fits perfectly in all the right places, and is still comfortable enough to surf in."
The Scoop Swimsuit
A ditzy floral is the perfect suit for styling with a floaty white skirt and Birkenstocks—a go-to summer outfit. It’s the look editors break out for brunch by the beach and post-meal swim time.
Sizes: 1-5
Color: Blue
Material: 80% recycled nylon, 20% elastane
Solid Strapless Cut-Out Swimsuit
Strapless low-back suits are generally an impossibility, but supportive one exist! Three cross-back straps made this one's low-cut silhouette possible.
Sizes: S-L
Color: Pink
Material: 85% polyamide, 15% spandex
Thalia One Piece
Sporty simplicity with a bold twist. This oversized floral print from Mikoh is the kind you’d want to whip out on vacation somewhere tropical.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Multi
Palm Springs Swimsuit
Scalloped edges have become a signature for Marysia (its tennis dresses with the same detail are a must-have). It’s a small feminine touch on an otherwise simple suit.
Sizes: XS-L
Color: Pink
Material: 88% polyamide, 12% elastane
Scoop Neck One Piece
An LBO (Little black one-piece) is a must-own for someone building out a collection of swimsuits. It’s effortless, easy to style, and looks good on everyone.
Sizes: 2XS-4XL
Colors: Onyx, cocoa, pink, and more.
Material: 76% Recycled Nylon, 24% Spandex
What reviewers are saying: "The swimsuit really compliments the figure, snatches the waist, and elongates the legs. The scoop neck might look quite low if you have small breasts."
Printed Underwire One-Piece
A balconette silhouette feels inherently dressier than a standard suit without cups. While “dressy” may not be a requirement in your search for swimsuits, they're great for trips with friends when you'll be posing for lots of photos.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Pink
Material: 71% nylon, 29% lycra
Bella Tank One-Piece Swimsuit
If you're looking for a minimalist suit that you can swim in, this high-cut style with thick straps fits the bill. For surfing, this swimsuit's wide, supportive straps are reliably slip-free.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Brown
Material: 80% nylon 20% spandex
The Tulum
Calling all serious swimmers! This supportive style still has a low-cut back, but cross-shoulder straps offer additional support as you freestyle your way through the pool.
Sizes: XS-3XL
Colors: Black, red, white, blue
Material: 82% nylon and 18% spandex
What reviewers are saying: "It's the best one-piece I've ever had. I was looking for a cross-back style with a low back. I like the combination of support and exposure to the water. The cut of the leg is just right, as is the neckline."
Swim Straight One-Piece
For a casual trip to the coast, use a black swimsuit in the same way you’d style a sleek bodysuit. Try throwing one on with denim cutoffs.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Black
Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
What reviewers are saying: "My husband gifted this one-piece swimsuit with the pareo. It’s a beautiful set. One thing I would say, take one size up as it runs small and be mindful that if the torso is short it’s because you wear this swimsuit high."
The Gabby
Solid & Striped has been one of the best swimsuit brands for years thanks to their fun prints and trendy cuts. This white and blue color combo instantly transports you to Greece.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Blue
Material: 86% recycled polyamide, 14% lycra
Mio Halterneck Swimsuit
Norma Kamali has carved a space for herself in the fashion industry for her ability to make sexy pieces also feel comfortable. This suit is no exception.
Sizes: XS-XL
Color: Red
Material: 72% polyester, 28% spandex
x No Vacancy Inn Stretch jersey swimsuit
Marni’s bold colors get a playful reimagination in this Galactic Paradise print, created in collaboration with No Vacancy Inn. This suit is at the top of fashion insiders' summer wish lists because it has an unquantifiable feeling of playful ease.
Sizes: 36-48
Color: Multi
Material: 80% polyamide woven 20% elastane woven
One Piece Swimsuit
Emilio Pucci’s signature swirling print gets the swimsuit treatment. This low-cut suit is made in Italy and features a deep-back cutout.
Sizes: XS-L
Color: Pink
Material: 90% viscose, 6% polyamide, 4% elastane
Square Neck Swim T One Piece
Hunza G’s stretchy suit holds onto its spot in the swimwear zeitgeist. It’s comfortable, colorful, and never constricting.
Size: One Size
Color: Green
Material: 96% nylon, 4% elastane
Printed Body Flowers Swimsuit
You’ve probably seen JPG’s body-silhouette dresses and tops popping up on celebs all year long. Now, you can embrace a swimsuit with the same eye-catching design.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Color: Blue
Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
The Square-Neck One-Piece
Everlane is known for its mastery of great basics. This sleek black swimsuit is a simple staple that you’ll want to reach for over and over again.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Color: Black, blue, herb, tiger stripe
Material: 82% ECONYL regenerated nylon, 18% elastane
What reviewers are saying: "I am legitimately surprised! The fit is flawless, who does that with a swimsuit!?!?! I'm 5'1, 125 lbs and it's extremely difficult for me to find swimsuits and jeans. This suit is beautiful, extremely flattering, and comfortable."
Idalia One Piece
Mara Hoffman is the top destination for pieces with a wider range of sizes as well as eco-conscious fabrics. This colorful suit, for example, is woven with recycled nylon.
Sizes: XS-3XL
Color: Multi
Material: 49% recycled nylon, 32% nylon, 19% elastane
What reviewers are saying: "Beautiful."
Lumière Swimsuit
Shimmer! Sparkle! Oséree’s signature Lumière fabric is woven with a metallic thread that adds that shine on top of a low-back silhouette.
Sizes: XS-L
Color: Green
Material: 64% polyamide, 36% metallic fiber
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