The Best Affordable Swimwear For Summer 2021, According to a Fashion Editor
Between chlorine, sunscreen, sweat and sun damage, it doesn't always make sense to drop a ton of money on a brand new bikini, tankini or one-piece (no matter how cute it may be). Fortunately for everyone, there's a plethora of affordable swimwear that are every bit as flattering, functional and fun as their pricier companions. We've rounded up a fresh crop of 22 budget-friendly suits that check all the boxes and let you save your extra cash for poolside service. Heck, go ahead and snap up two or three new suits.
RELATED: 6 Swimwear Trends That’ll be Huge For Summer 2021
1. CUPSHE V Neck Ruffled One Piece
Reviewers of this super-affordable suit rave about the fact that it has a full bottom and fully-lined, ruched middle (which skims over any lumps or bumps), adding that they still felt sexy and flirty, thanks to the ruffled straps. Not to mention, those ruffles make this an excellent option for those with a smaller bust looking for a little boost up top. And, yes, it also comes in black.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
2. Kitty and Vibe Scoop Top and High-Waisted Bottom
Kitty and Vibe’s unique sizing system, which takes into account the shape of your bum in addition to your waist and hip measurements, has garnered a very devoted fan base. And the brand just keeps introducing new prints that you'll absolutely lust over. Last spring it was a series of cheerful lemon designs that felt perfect for a vacation to Italy (or, you know, a trip to the patch of sun in the backyard). FYI, those patterns are still available, in addition to these chic cowgirl spots (which were introduced back in November 2020) and a sweet blue floral, which is totally new for this summer.
Available in sizes A to G and 00 to 26
3. L.L.Bean Square-Neck One Piece
The combination of the square neckline and an all-over print make this one uber-flattering swimsuit. Plus, it has built in UPF 50+ so you can feel confident you're being protected from the sun's harmful rays no matter how long you're hanging out by the pool. It also comes in a long length for those long-torso gals struggling to find an adequate one piece.
Available in sizes 4 to 18
4. Xhilaration Blue Stripe Lace-Up Bikini
Classic blue-and-white stripes combined with a nod to sailing rope give this suit timeless appeal, but we’re also excited about the fact that both top and bottom from this Target brand offer more coverage than your average string bikini...without looking dowdy or matronly.
Available in sizes XS to XL and D-cup
5. Summersalt the Sidestroke One Piece
Summersalt has long been one of our favorite places to pick up high-quality, super-flattering swimwear that won't break the bank, but the Sidestroke one piece might just be our favorite style to date. It's one of the brand's ultimate best-sellers, partially for its slimming and fun tri-color design and partly for the comprehensive size guide that basically ensures you’ll order the right fit on the first try.
Available in sizes 0 to 24
6. Lulus Sunnyside Rust Orange Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom
There's a lot of talk about suits that work for larger busts, but what about the A-cup crowd? A ruched bust, as found in this Lulu's top, will add volume and definition to this area—sans any excessive padding—so you can feel confident hitting the waves.
Available in sizes XS to XL
7. Tempt Me High Neck Plunge Mesh Ruched One Piece
In 2020, we declared this inexpensive suit the ‘Amazon Coat’ of the summer for its best-seller status and since then, it's only gotten better. There are now a whopping 39 colors to choose from, way up from the original 13, and while the price has gone up from $28 to $32 for some styles, others will cost you only 14 bucks.
Available in sizes XS to 22 Plus
8. CUPSHE Wrap Top Floral Bottom Bikini
Wearing a solid hue up top and a patterned or more detailed bottom is an excellent styling trick for those looking to minimize their bust, shoulders or upper-half in general and add a boost to their hips or bum. Plus, the molded cups and thick banding on this Cupshe style offers larger busts ample support...all for just $27.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
9. Swimsuits For All WHITE LATTICE PLUNGE ONE PIECE
This subtly sexy suit may not have an underwire, but the adjustable straps and soft molded bra cups ensure that even those with big boobs get the support they need for a day with the kids at the beach or pool. It also fully lined with a Power Mesh tummy-control fabric that helps create a smooth silhouette. And don't worry about the white fabric suddenly becoming X-rated after a dip in the pool. That same lining ensures that the fabric remains opaque no matter how much swim time you plan on enjoying.
Available in sizes 4 to 26
10. ZAFUL Tie Dye Knotted High Leg Tank Bikini
The ongoing tie dye craze shows no sign of letting up anytime soon, so if you haven't already, you might as well apply the trend to your swimwear collection. There are eight color combos of this tank style to choose from and at 15 bucks a pop we’re tempted to just pick up a few to mix and match all summer long.
Available in sizes S to L
RELATED: I Bought a $16 Bathing Suit from Amazon, and It's Actually Really Great
11. La Blanca Halter One-Piece Swimsuit
Even if it looks like a super basic one-piece from the front, the halter tie and plunging back add a sexy touch to this peachy suit. Not to mention, that interlocking back detail adds a nice hint of support—without looking too obvious. Not into the pink shade? This number comes in black and light blue, too.
Available in sizes 0 to 16
12. Madewell Second Wave Retro High-Waisted Bikini Bottom in Wildgarden
We’re really into the retro but still sporty vibe that this Madewell suit brings to the table beach. And because the top and bottom are sold separately, you can mix and match sizes, to find the one that best fits your body.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL
13. ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust ruched underwire swimsuit
This cute suit from ASOS is actually sized according to cup and dress size—and it's been specially designed to fit those of us with bigger busts. To be honest, we're not totally sure what feature is our fave: The adjustable side ties, the all-over floral pattern, the supportive but not-too-wide shoulder straps or the fact that it'll cost you less than $50.
Available in sizes 0E to 14G
14. Aerie Waffle Scalloped One Shoulder Bikini Top and High Waisted Bikini Bottom
Another big trend for 2021 is textured fabrics that feel like a total departure from the slick materials of the past. (Not to mention, these fabrications tend to be a little more hardy, so they won't instantly be ruined by rough bricks of a pool deck.) Whether you like this scalloped one-shoulder style or prefer a plunging triangle cut, a high-cut brief or a booty baring cheeky bottom, Aerie's got a few options to check out in their waffle fabric. Plus, the brand doesn't photoshop its imagery, so you can revel in the fact that these models have cellulite, acne and underarm hair, just like the rest of us!
Available in sizes XXS to XXL
15. Hilor Front Crossover One Piece
Another Amazon best-seller, this halter-neck one piece has over 4,000 five-star reviews from women with a wide variety of body types. The brand does recommend sizing up and most reviewers agree that's the right way to go. Keep in mind that the straps and middle stripes are sheer, so be sure to apply extra sunscreen on before you slip into the suit to prevent weird stripes from appearing at the end of the day.
Available in sizes S to XXL
16. Swimsuits For All AVENGER SASHI WHITE HALTER BIKINI
This simple black-and-white halter is one of the best-sellers at Swimsuits For All, which is likely why it keeps coming back year after year. The thick band under the bust and double straps at the neck provide a ton of support for larger busts without actually looking like a bra. Reviewers were also huge fans of the slightly higher cut of the bottom waistband. It’s not a true ‘50s-esque high waist, but it goes up just enough to keep everything tucked into place. Oh, and it’s fully lined so you can go ahead and dive right in without fear of your bikini suddenly becoming totally sheer.
Available in sizes 4 to 24
17. Andie The Paloma Eco
We love Andie suits for being simple, chic and usually offered in long-torso sizing options. And while most cost around $95, you can definitely find these pieces on sale—though we'd recommend acting fast when you find one in your size and preferred color, because these babies sell out fast. Right now, we're all about this juicy mango shade and the combo of a full-coverage top and a hip-baring bottom, along with a back tie that can be secured in whatever way you'd like. Oh, BTW, it's also made from 87 percent recycled polyester fabric, hence the "eco" in the name.
Available in sizes XS to XXXL
RELATED: 7 Swimsuit Brands That Are Specifically Designed to Fit Long Torsos
18. Old Navy Ruched Deep V-Neck One-Piece
Here's proof that one-pieces can be flattering, sexy and the furthest thing from boring. The deep-V front of this leopard print design will stay firmly in place, thanks to the fully adjustable straps, while the empire waist and side ruching will flatter your every curve. But that's not all. The removable cups will offer some additional bust support, while UPF 40 will provide some extra sun protection (in addition to your actual sunblock, of course).
Available in sizes XS to XXXL
19. Century Star Floral Tankini with Boyshorts
Tankinis too often get a bad rap but we’re big fans of the style which has almost the same coverage as a one piece but is infinitely easier to put on (and use the bathroom while wearing). This particular suit shows just a hint of skin at the sides and features a fitted elastic bottom band to prevent the whole thing from floating away once you get in the water. Plus, the bottom has adjustable side ties to prevent the waist from digging in and the straps up top can also be shortened or elongated, as needed—and it's all available in a whopping 39 colors.
Available in sizes 2 to 16
20. MADAME EVERGLADE UNDERWIRE HIGH WAIST BIKINI
Most swim trends will ebb and flow like the tide itself, but palm prints are one style we’re willing to bet stays en vogue for a long time. The same goes for flattering high-waist bottoms, making this comfortable underwire bikini a win-win for those looking to pick up a new suit that will last multiple summers but won’t burn too big a hole in their wallet.
Available in sizes 4 to 24
21. Calvin Klein Pleated One-Piece Swimsuit
At $80 this certainly isn't the cheapest bathing suit on this list. But it's a worthy investment because it's both classic and has a sleek, full-coverage fit. From the square neckline to the four-way stretch material, that pleated front panel and the sewn-in molded cups, there's definitely a lot to love here. And those classic hues? We're all about them.
Available in sizes 4 to 18
22. Solid + Striped Morgan Striped Bikini
We know this is the second nautical-inspired bikini on this list, but it's so different from the first! It's a bit skimpier, combining a strappy triangle top and a string bottom to match. Plus, Solid + Stripe suits usually cost well over $100, but if you search for them on sale at this time of year, we promise you'll find one just under the three-figure mark.
Available in sizes XS to L
PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.
