Swim Season Is Upon Us: We’ve Taken the Scary Out of Swimsuit Shopping

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Swimsuit shopping: Do any two words elicit more dread? Yes, finding a perfect swimsuit primes you for glorious warm days and leisurely pursuits, but that tiny garment requires a lot of effort. We’re here to help! Our first-ever Swim Awards highlight the most flattering and comfortable swimsuits by body type and solution. From one-piece swimsuits, swimsuits, and high-waisted sets to tankinis, swim shorts, and dresses, we’ve found the best bathing suits for women from affordable and luxury swimwear brands alike.

A quick word on shopping by body type: We’re all for embracing the body you’re in, but we absolutely relate to having areas you’re less comfortable exposing and others you want to accentuate. Whatever your goal, Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman offers this expert guidance when shopping for a bathing suit: “Don’t get hung up on numbers! Swimsuit sizing varies and is not always the same as your dress size.” And here’s what he advises once you’re trying on: Adjust the straps and ties to get your best fit, and if the top or bottom bunches or has wrinkles, it’s probably too big. “Do the towel test. Bend down as if you are picking up a towel, and move around a little. If anything digs or falls out of place, the suit is not a keeper.”

Keep these tips in mind as you explore our swimwear guide, which is organized by small and large bust, pear-shaped, plus size, and long torso. We’ve also included solution-based categories, such as bra-sized suits for larger busts and swim clothing with coverage and sun protection, as well as swimsuits with tummy control, slimming, and shaping properties. And, finally, when in doubt, make the little black swimsuit your best friend—we’ve picked four instant classics.

How we review

At Oprah Daily (and previously, O, The Oprah Magazine), the fashion and style teams have seen, felt, compared, and tried on thousands of swimsuits (yes, really!) over the years. We’ve also fitted women of all shapes, sizes, and ages for photo shoots, so we know for sure which swimsuits and silhouettes are most flattering. Many of these Swim Awards winners are longtime favorites that have been refreshed for this season; others are splashy newcomers with serious bona fides. Let’s jump in!

Daphne One-Piece Bimini Sky

No need to stick to solid colors if you want to slim your silhouette. According to Glassman, the abstract vertical pattern here elongates the frame, and the slim, strappy high neck and removable tie belt only add to the effect. It’s more than just pretty, too: Underwire and removable padding support cup sizes up to DD, and power mesh lining lends comfortable compression for the midsection.

The Sidestroke

“There’s just something about this suit—it looks amazing on everyone,” says contributing lifestyle editor Holly Carter of this one-shoulder swimsuit with diagonal seams. “Now that I’ve tried it, I see why it’s the brand’s bestselling style. It has ample compression, so I feel nice and cinched. And the design pairs well with shorts or jeans—great for the beach and the bar.” The material also provides full chest support without bulky padding or cups, and it comes in sizes 0 to 24 and for long torsos.

DreamSculpt Tankini Top

Founded by three former fashion industry vets (and moms!), this line is all about swimwear solutions that are sophisticated and fuss-free. The minimalist suits are constructed with a velvety-smooth French material that’s compressive yet allows for comfortable movement. “I’m obsessed with this tankini!” exclaims Oprah Daily style market director Rae Ann Herman. “The innovative fabric sculpts and defines in all the right places and gives me an instant boost of confidence every time I put it on.” Bonus: Expect perky boobs courtesy of the square neckline and lifting shelf bra.

Tropica Toile Temptress One-Piece Swimsuit

We are longtime fans of Miraclesuit at Oprah Daily. The innovative and supportive fabric provides allover slimming and shaping sans any added control panels. "I've had mine for years, at this point!” says Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box. “Like any compression fabric, it can be a bit of a task to pull on, but it’s so worth it for the cinched-waist effect.” Other thoughtful details include a sweetheart neckline and a tropical print down the sides to enhance the contouring effect.

Seamed Squarey

Va-va-voom ahead. Trust us: This hot one-piece suit leaves an impression. Constructed with an extra-compressive material, it sculpts curves like no other, and comes in regular, short, and long lengths from XS to 3X. Shimmy into it and adjust the lace-up back until you achieve the right amount of cinch. Subtle corset seaming completes the come-hither vibe. “I’ve never worn a swimsuit quite like this one,” says Hayley Duffy, assistant to the creative director. “The supportive design secured and accentuated me in all the right places.” Lee agrees: “I didn’t know I could look like this!”

Women's Slender Suit Pleated X-back One-Piece Swimsuit

Lands’ End is another reliable source for modest and supportive (yet cute!) swimwear. This one-piece tucks you in with 360 degrees of firming control, and the alternating pleats smooth and give the illusion of a nipped-in shape. Glassman’s rule of thumb: “When a suit has enough structure that it looks shapely on a hanger, it’s probably going to look great on you.” This one makes the cut.

Queensland 2 Top

“Female-founded Mikoh balances feminine pieces with strength,” says Oprah Daily fashion commerce editor Sara Klausing of this brand started by surf-loving sisters. “This suit is sporty and cool—it offers coverage for athletic types, while the asymmetrical cutout adds the right amount of edge.” It also happens to add shape to smaller chests, owing to the graphic lines and scoop front.

Woman’s One-Piece Swimsuit with Molded Cups

Glam it up on the beach in this luxurious one-piece. The molded demi cups feature underwire and soft padding for anyone who wants to look fuller and get a little boost. Plus, the brand’s fabrications are always beautiful. This one not only has an appealing sheen but also won’t pill, fade, or lose its shape—making it worth the investment.

Crinkle String Triangle swimsuit Top

When you have a small chest, skimpy string swimsuits are an easy sell. Textured crinkle material refreshes a classic triangle style while lending some dimension to your shape. There are hidden slip pockets to add optional padding (sold separately), while the ties let you adjust your fit.

Printed Underwire swimsuit Top

To create definition for smaller boobs, look for molded underwire cups and removable pads. This pretty floral swimsuit has both. “Although it’s on the pricier side, I like to treat myself to one classic bathing suit each year because I know it’ll stand the test of time,” says Duffy. “This style lifts and flatters, and the bottom has a family-friendly amount of coverage.”

Top Shelf

Founded by two Lululemon design vets, Left on Friday offers stylish, supportive swimwear for lounge and play. Everything is cut from buttery-soft Italian fabric that’s compressive yet comfy. “The quality is amazing, the fabric retains its stretch—I’ve had mine for years,” says contributing fashion market editor Paula Lee. “And I love that the cuts aren’t too revealing. They offer just the right amount of cleavage.” Best of all, they’ve reengineered their most popular silhouettes for D-plus cups. Take this square-neck top: It has medium coverage to keep the girls secure (no more spillage or bounce) and a no-dig band.

Mallorca Swimsuit

Glassman’s top style tips for big busts: “Look for underwire, fuller cups, and if possible, styles that come in lingerie sizing for a proper fit!” This floral one-piece from Bravissimo checks the boxes. The retailer specializes in D+ cups, so the swimwear is offered in cup and band sizes from 30D to 38H. Add a flattering balconette neckline, wired and non-padded cups to lend a rounded shape, and hint of stretch in the cup and band, and you get a flattering, supportive pick you can feel confident in.

Adele swimsuit

Crinkle and ribbed suits have been a strong swim trend the past few seasons. This iteration features stretchy material that’s one-size-fits-most, accommodating up to a cup size H. Not only is the fabric (and soft V-neck) great for all boobs, but it takes into account that real women’s bodies fluctuate in size. “I love that these suits are comfortable and supportive at the same time!” raves Herman. “They come in every color under the sun, and the design looks great on every figure.”

Ventura Top

Rendered in floral scarf print, this double-lined swimsuit makes for a feminine addition to your swimwear roster (it’s also available in other vintage-inspired prints). Shapely, underwire cups and wide straps—these are gathered, a detail we love—are ideal for supporting full bustlines. The back ties allow for adjustability, too, so you customize your perfect fit.

The Bandeau

Bandeaus aren’t usually considered supportive, but this one from the lingerie brand Cuup bucks the trend. With gathered cups and side boning, it offers dimension and structure, and the center U-ring also helps lift and separate boobs. Oprah Daily associate style editor (and longtime Cuup fan) Justine Anthony notes, “As someone who struggles to find the correct-size suit, the bra-sized top is a perfect solution that saves on fitting time!” And P.S. No pesky tan lines.

Castaway Underwire One-Piece

A stylish choice for your poolside lounging, this jewel-toned one-piece features delicate crochet overlay and transparent peekaboo detail. The non-padded cups, available in sizes C to I, are double-layered and have underwire for lift and support, and the double halter straps also help keep everything in place.

Mix & Match Full-Coverage swimsuit Top

Secret’s out: Bra-sized suits give you an amazingly precise fit. “There’s nothing worse than going into the ocean, getting knocked over by a wave, and feeling like your swimsuit top is about to come loose,” says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas. “Enter this swimming bra. I love the security it gives me, the extra lift, and the variety of patterns it comes in.” Offered in band sizes from 32 to 44 and A to F cups, this underwire top gets a little oomph from its center-notch detail.

1993 Underwire swimsuit Top

Why mess with a good thing? J.Crew reached into its archives and resurrected the classic (and cult fave) underwire swimsuit top from the ’90s. It looks and fits like a contoured bra, lending moderate coverage and a super-flattering shape, and adjustable skinny straps complete the minimalist vibe. It’s available in sizes 32A to 42D (and DD in select colors), and we can see why it’s a bestseller.

Long Torso Broadway Maillot

Marysia’s signature scallop design (a favorite of ours) is smartly engineered to suit long torsos. The chic maillot’s original fit is lengthened, while the halter tie-neck allows for an adjustable fit, so you can bid adieu to tugging or pulling down below. Look closely for the front boning, which not only lends structure but subtly traces your curves to create a contoured shape.

Piped Side-Shirred Surplice Long Torso Swimsuit

The name says it all: Intentionally designed in longer lengths, this line ensures proper fits on tall heights and long torsos. The wrap V-front and dark floral pattern on this one-piece is contrasted with black panels to flattering effect, and support comes by way of an interior control panel and soft bra cups.

The Malibu One-Piece LT

According to this brand, if you measure over 30 inches from your shoulder to crotch, a long torso size is probably in order. Our pick is this versatile number: Come for the henley design, stay for the quality. We love that you can be buttoned up one day and revealing the next. It feels great on the body, too, thanks to the smooth and stretchy compressive material that hugs in all the right places.

Women’s Shaping Swimwear, Tanksuit Colorblock

Tonal color block and a draped effect give this one-piece swimsuit its flattering form, and Glassman points out that “the darker bottom half visually whittles the hips and thighs.” It’s a great option for all body shapes, and there’s a version proportioned for long torsos. The quick-drying UPF50+ fabric is also reinforced with an interior tummy-control panel.

Skirted Bandeau One-Piece

Flouncy skirted bottoms are another clever design detail for minimizing and obscuring hips and butts, says Glassman. This playful one-piece starts with a subtle sweetheart neckline and gives way to a ruched body and flippy hem. Both the straps and the chest pads are removable.

Women’s Camellia Pink Dot Gathered swimsuit Top

A retro-inspired, high-waist set is especially flattering for pear-shaped figures. The cut offers coverage while accentuating the waist. Balance is the name of the game here: Opt for a top with wider straps such as this twisted bandeau-meets-bikini design (it also conceals underwire cups). Petite polka dots sweeten the deal.

Yvonne Swim Dress

We get it; sometimes you’re more comfortable covering your upper thighs, butt, and belly. That’s when swim dresses are an excellent option. This halter style has center ruching (“It highlights the narrowest part of the body,” says Glassman) and a just-right deep V-neck. “A plunging neckline draws the eye in and away from the hip area, if that’s an area you want to minimize,” Glassman explains. With wireless soft cup padding and tummy control that the brand is known for, this number might be your new go-to.

Delilah One-Piece Swimsuit

If you’re pear-shaped and looking to visually balance your proportions, try a neckline with more volume to draw eyes upward. This cute one-piece with cap sleeves “is the most flattering style I’ve ever worn—strangers come up and ask me where I got it all the time," shares Sandoval Box. "The silhouette makes my hips look smaller and the cap sleeves hide the little bulge of armpit fat I've never learned to love." Smocking is a nice design flourish, and you can wear the subtle puff sleeves off the shoulder to shake things up.

Mentor Tie-Front Shirred High-Waist swimsuit Set

This brand offers seemingly endless swimwear options in inclusive sizes and on-trend designs. We often return to this two-piece set. “Take full advantage of your curves in this classic swimsuit!” says Glassman. He also notes that the ruching in the high-waist bottom creates shape, while the inner power mesh serves as tummy control (if you’re looking for it). A functional front tie on the triangle top also shows off cleavage nicely.

No-Wire Wrap One-Piece

Stand out at the pool in this color-blocked plus-size swimsuit. “A faux-wrap front draped across the midsection tapers the waist,” says Glassman, and the adjustable bow sash and deep-plunge neckline also help create an hourglass shape. An interior shelf bra bolstered with foam cups provides comfortable support.

Zip-Front Sleeveless One-Piece

Available through size 4X, this scuba-inspired one-piece is a style you’ll get plenty of mileage from. Yes, it has a high neck, but it’s anything but boring: Just unzip the front to your preferred depth. And like all offerings from Skims, the material feels fantastic and enhances curves.

Women’s Plus-Size swimsuit Set High-Waisted Wrapped-Front Self-Tie Back-Knotted Bottom

Make a splash in this affordable plus-size swimsuit set found on Amazon. With trendy crisscross tie details and convertible straps, the swimsuit top with removable cups can be customized according to your mood. Complement it with the coordinating high-waisted bottoms featuring yet another sassy tie knot.

Sausalito One-Piece

What’s easier than tossing on a simple black suit? This one has a straightforward, looks-good-on-everyone scoop neck, but with a cool secret: curved under-bust seaming for support and a dash of style. And if you’re looking to elongate, the high-cut sides and cheeky fit deliver a truly leggy look.

Slinky Marissa

Designer Norma Kamali translates her signature body-con look for swim with this strapless one-piece. Defined by center ruching (which Glassman says “effectively narrows the figure”) and a sweetheart neckline, this soft and stretchy suit flatters most. And the high-cut leg is tempered by moderate butt coverage, so you won’t feel like you’re baring too much.

Kate & Aimee Set

From a freshly launched swimwear line comes this little black suit that the Oprah Daily style team instantly gravitated toward in the office (it was flattering on two reviewers with different body shapes and sizes). The smooth scoop-neck bralette hides the secret weapon: underwire cups. Silicone grippers also provide an extra barrier of security to this cap-sleeve top.

Piqué Longline Flounce Swim Top

Rethink the notion that black is boring with this peplum-inspired top. Crafted with textured piqué fabric that also smooths, it lends a flirty wink to the longline silhouette. And since this is Spanx, you know the bottoms hold respectable shaping properties. “As someone lacking curves (not self deprecating—just a fact!),” shares Rivas, “I’m always looking for a swimsuit that helps give the illusion of a waist. I love that these high-waisted bottoms keep everything in place while also hugging the waistline to create a more cinched look.”

Splash Around Sun & Swim Tunic/Dress

Line in the Sand first caught our attention with its collection of non-traditional water wear that has UPF protection—think swim leggings. Then we learned that the company gives 100 percent of profits to cancer and ocean organizations, and we became fast fans. The quick-drying, long-sleeved swim dress is particularly versatile for swimming or other outdoor activities (tennis, anyone?). Cinch the sides and you have a chic little tunic.

Long-Sleeved Front-Zip Swimsuit

Made for fun in the sun, this cheery floral piece is perfect for people who want built-in SPF. It’s cut from an opaque swim jersey fabric that blocks harmful UV rays and regulates temperature—zip it up and wear as is, or layer it over your swimsuit. "I'm fanatical about sunscreen application, and yet I still sometimes finish a beach day with pink shoulders or a strip I missed on my back—no longer!" says Sandoval Box. "Plus, the coverage lets me play with my kids without constantly adjusting my straps or cleavage."

The Corliss Short

“These striped shorts are perfect for people like me who want a bit more coverage at the beach,” says Anthony. “They’re easy-breezy to wear as part of my regular outfit while still giving me the freedom to dip into the water.” Equipped with a built-in liner, this lightweight and quick-dry pair is designed for total range of motion for sand and surf activities. And it has exterior and interior zip pockets that fit a phone.

Active Surplice-Hem Swim Skirt

In our opinion, swim skirts are underrated. “I’ve recently become a fan,” says Carter. “It’s ideal for when you come out of the ocean and want to pop over to the concession stand covered up a bit. I love that this one has a built-in swimsuit bottom, so it’s also great for swimming.” The curved hem on this short-and-sweet number adds some shape, while the wide waistband is comfy—we suggest getting the black to easily pair with swim tops already in your collection.

Photo Credits: Getty Images: Sand: Bozena_Fulawka; Beach Shed: Iluros; Purple Shell: Gnagel; Woman in pool video: PeopleImages; Pool video: sutichak; Flowers in pool: Laurence Monneret; Chair: Tetra Images, Chris Hackett; Overwater bungalow: ake1150sb; Woman in ocean: Gary John Norman; Walkway: Simon Dannhauer; Woman poolside: Jutta Klee; Woman leaving ocean: JLco-Julia Amaral; Woman in green swimsuit, Woman in pool: Westend61; Flip flops: the_burtons; Pink hotel: Katya Havok; Modern pool: mim.girl; Woman in pool: Prostock-Studio; Beachballs: Tetra Images; Inner tubes: Antonio Solano; Waves: Angie Marie Photography; Woman in yellow swimsuit: Maria Korneeva; Woman in pink inner tube: Flashpops; Adobe Stock: Sunset: Icemanphotos; Sparkling waves video: Shutter81; Woman in straw hat: Chotiga; Waves video: Li Ding; Palm tree video: Andrey; Woman walking video: PeterO; Umbrellas: Simonmayer;

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