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The right swimsuit is as essential to a travel wardrobe as a passport—versatile, effortlessly confidence-boosting, and ready for wherever the itinerary leads. From a quick dip in a hotel plunge pool to long days by the ocean, a great suit pulls double duty: It's functional, flattering, and makes packing that much easier.
Still, finding one that fits just right—and actually holds up across multiple destinations—is easier said than done. To help, we've carefully selected an array of swimsuits from brands we trust—to name a few, Monday Swimwear, Solid & Striped, Andie Swim, and Left on Friday—chosen for their quality, fit, and versatile styles. We also tapped our well-traveled editors to share the suits they love most, and return to season after season.
From minimalist one-pieces to high-waisted sets and classic bikinis, this list covers a range of silhouettes that work for every body type and destination. Whether you're headed to the Amalfi Coast or kicking it out to Montauk for a beach weekend, these are the swimsuits worth packing.
Editor favorites
Our editors have handpicked the best bathing suits to pack this summer, from durable one-pieces at budget-friendly prices (hello, Cupshe suit) to vintage-inspired high-rise bikinis made for sun-soaked beach clubs (we're looking at you, set from Monday Swimwear). Below, flirty patterns, cult-favorite brands, and flattering fits you’ll love. Curated by a worldly crew with great taste, these suits are equal parts functional and fabulous.
Left on Friday Reef top & Throwback bottom
Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny has this insanely soft Left on Friday suit. “The tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched, depending on how much support or coverage you prefer,” says Kenny. The top can be worn two different ways: with straps crossed in the front or crossed in the back. Plus, it dries quickly and is fade-resistant.
Montce Euro Bow top & Euro Rib bottom
“All of Montce’s cuts are so flattering, and you can easily mix-and-match based on the coverage level and support you want,” says associate articles director Megan Spurrell, who has this cute suit in sage green. “Plus, they’ve got tons of solid colors and patterns that are quite interesting in a nice, slinky material that holds up after many beach days."
Hunza G Jean bikini set
According to associate social media manager Emily Adler, this cute purple suit is super stretchy—making it effortless to take off when wet. “It's super durable with good coverage,” says Adler. Not to mention, the strapless top with the center knot makes for a fun and flirty design.
Biliblond Arava 70s Stripes swimsuit
In all honesty, research director Alexandra Sanidad bought this as a bodysuit to wear with her brown corduroy pants, and it looks amazing as an out-of-water outfit. “But it turns out this is also a really flattering bathing suit that supports larger chests with optional cups,” says Sanidad. “The style itself comes in a handful of aesthetically pleasing solid and striped combos.” She also digs the black-and-nude version.
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Chateau des Saints V one-piece
Commerce writer Jessica Chapel has recently fallen in love with “all the colors and patterns that Chateau des Saints has to offer”–but the brand, with the release of this suit, “has an absolute grip on her and her summer plans.” It comes with a gold belt chain that is flattering and snug around the waste, and is all sexy, fun, and sophisticated. “It's if Ibiza was a bathing suit,” says Chapel.
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Chateau des Saints Vilana triangle top & V bottom
Chapel also has this triangle top and mid-covering bottom. It's super-soft material as well as vibrant, flattering colors make for an effortlessly chic beach or pool day. “I've already gotten countless compliments on this bad boy of a suit,” says Chapel. “And it's not even full-on summer yet.”
Monday Swimwear Clovelly top and Argentina bottom
Monday Swimwear is one of Chapel's new favorite bathing suit brands. To spice things up, she bought this high-rise color block suit. “It is so fun to style with cover-ups and beach hats,” says Chapel. “And it's super comfortable for a high-waisted option, which usually feel a bit unnatural on me.”
Monday Swimwear Jamaica sarong
Chapel loves to pair this sarong with the staple Tamarama top and Le Marais bottom by Monday Swimwear, too. It comes in heaps of colors and patterns that change with the seasons. “Keep an eye out for its trendy collections," says Chapel. Its flattering fit, matching design, and fun colors make it one of Chapel's favorite items to wear to any beach club.
Eres Cassiopee Bustier one-piece
As someone who avidly swims and surfs, senior features editor Rebecca Misner is hard on her suits and she finds Eres swimsuits to be extremely well-made. “They truly last for years without snagging or bagging—and are chic, timeless, and flattering while still being practical,” says Misner. This suit, in particular, is one of her favorites, as it “looks great with shorts or a skirt—so you can go from the beach or pool to an indoor setting without feeling like you need to go back to your room and change. (It might just be me, but I always feel a little funny eating in a bikini top—while this looks more like a cute strapless top.)”
Cupshe Tummy Control bathing suit
This suit comes recommended by associate commerce director Madison Flager. “I admit, I was a little skeptical to purchase it without being able to try it on, but it’s since become a go-to for me,” says Flager. She finds the piece to be super comfortable and flattering, and of course—loves the nautical vibe of the navy and white stripes. To top it all off: It hasn’t started to pill yet, and she's taken it on at least three or four beach trips over the last year.
Jade Swim Via top
According to Chapel, Jade Swim is a reliable and trendy swimwear company—which can sometimes be hard to find these days. With no shortage of colors that are all-so-flattering, you can mix and match this Via top with any bottoms. “It's the perfect comfortable cup for my size, and I'll take it will me wherever I go,” says Chapel.
Classic two-piece bathing suits
A classic black bikini will never go out of style. Andie Swim's Santorini top and Skim's triangle top are two of our most-loved swimwear pieces. The fabric on both suits is buttery soft, doesn't dig into the skin, and is designed to hold up well after several washes. These pieces can be worn with the brands' mid-rise bikini bottoms or paired with other higher or lower cuts. If you prefer prints and patterns over solid-colored bathing suits, Farm Rio and Billabong have you covered. And for a flattering neutral color and comfortable fit, turn to this trendy Rielli pick.
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High-waisted bathing suits
High-waisted bathing suits are one of our go-to styles for active summer trips and leisurely beach days alike. Left on Friday makes some of our favorite suits for swimming and surfing—and we especially appreciate the ultra-high rise bottom that comes up past your belly button, offering plenty of coverage. Styles like the Hi Hi bottom and Hi Tide bottom dry quickly and are snag-resistant. Mix and match any of these high-waisted bottoms with a variety of tops, from bandeau and scoop bras to styles specifically designed for women with bigger chests. The brand's bathing suit tops and bottoms are available in over a dozen fun, bright colors, from neon pink and purple to more subtle shades like periwinkle.
For maximum coverage, consider the crossover bikini bottom from Farm Rio. The cut of this set looks great on any body type. Bonus: These bottoms hit at the belly button for a little extra coverage, and the unique design offers a more playful look.
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One-piece swimsuits
A sleek one-piece suit is ultra-flattering and always in style. Whether you're heading on a family trip or have a more active beach day planned, a one-piece is equal parts practical and stylish. More reasons we love a good one-piece: they're comfortable, packable, and wearable throughout the day—toss on any cover-up skirt or pant and you're ready for lunch at the resort.
If you're looking for something simple, versatile, and that you'll have for years to come, choose one of these chic one-pieces from Andie Swim, a favorite bathing suit brand of our editors. If comfort and coverage are your top priorities, you can't go wrong with a suit from Summersalt—especially The Sidestroke. This style is one of the brand's bestsellers and it's no secret why. Its compressive material offers more support than one-shoulder suits typically can and its color blocking makes it look great on everyone. Bonus: These suits are available in a long torso version, allowing you to pick the best fit possible for your body type. And if you're looking for something a little bit more fun, say for a bachelorette party or European vacation, these options with sexy cut-out details below from Monday Swimwear and Left on Friday fit the bill.
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Cover-ups for women
Lightweight cover-ups are key for any tropical vacation or a beach day down the shore. A packable skirt takes up little-to-no suitcase space, while crotchet minis and casual two-piece sets make it easy to grab a quick lunch or drink at the hotel. For something more versatile, pack a button-down like this J.Crew linen and cotton blend classic. It's a staple in every traveler's wardrobe and looks put together over any swimsuit. And just for fun, pull it all together with this uber cute straw beach hat from Monday Swinwear. (It conveniently masks your day-at-the-beach hair.)
For more summer style inspiration:
- Cute and versatile cover-ups
- A beach vacation packing list
- The best summer wedding dresses
- Linen basics to keep you cool
- How to dress for humid destinations
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
