22 Swimsuits Worth the Awkward Tan Lines
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Summer is almost here, which means the hunt for the best swimsuits is officially on. Time to start stocking up on cute suits for all your upcoming beach trips and pool outings.
But let’s be real, you’re not shopping for just any kind of swimsuit. You want to stand out in the best swimsuits the internet has to offer — even if that means sporting a design that’s likely to create those awkward tan lines.
Whether you’re looking for sparkling cutouts, a bikini with chains, or one with polka dots, we’ve got a little bit of everything in our best-swimsuits lists — including affordable sets and stylish plus-size options. Read on to see our “awkward tan line worthy” picks for the best swimsuits to shop this summer.
SO, YOU NEED CUTE SWIMWEAR?
➼ Best swimwear under $100
➼ Best swimwear under $200
➼ Best swimwear under $500
➼ Our experts
Best Swimwear Under $100
If You’re Not Afraid to Be a Little Cheeky
Janthee Berlin Amy Bottom - Ameni
Available in sizes XS to L.
This Brazilian-style bottom comes in several shades and patterns. It’s a little bit cheekier if you’re not afraid to show some extra skin and features cute adjustable double straps.
If You Want Really Good Plus-Size Option
Good American Always Fits Monokini
Available in sizes XXS to 5XL.
You can’t go wrong with a cool cutout, especially one fittred for any and all body types. Make a bright statement in this Good American suit featuring innovative stretch fabric that’s comfortable and cute. If you’re a fan of the Khloe Kardashian co-founded brand, try and nab some new pieces from Good American’s recent partnership with Body Glove for metallic swimwear options with some ‘80s flare.
If You Want to Show Your Stripes
Triangl Vinca - Sherbet Stripe
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
When it comes to the best swimsuits, you can never go wrong with a Triangl bikini. And this Vinca suit is no different. Bright and striped swimwear in a terry-cloth material — and it comes with a matching neoprene bag. What more could you ask for?
If You Want Something Classic But Not Boring
Aerie Strappy Full Coverage One Piece Swimsuit
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
This is the best swimsuit for those who want a classic “business in the front and party in the back” look. The front of the suit features a slight plunge neckline but otherwise remains conservative. Once you turn around you’ll see the suit’s bold cross-back detail that is anything but boring.
If You Want a Good Size Range
Old Navy Twist-Front One-Shoulder Swimsuit
Available in sizes XS to 4X.
This one from Old Navy is all covered in the back with a cool cutout in the front. Reviewers love how flattering and comfortable it is.
Best Swimwear Under $200
If You Want Something Before (and After) Labor Day
Beach Riot Carlie One Piece
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Whether you follow the Labor Day rules or not, everyone needs a good white swimsuit. This one-piece by Beach Riot features a side cutout with a waist tie, which elevates the simple yet stylish suit. It’s perfect for any upcoming long holiday weekend festivities by the pool or beach.
If You’re Into Sustainability
Jade Swim Luna One Piece
Available in sizes XS to XL.
If you’re looking for a standout sustainable swimsuit, we love Jade Swim. The brand’s innovative designs feature only solid-color fabrics crafted from ECONYL (100 percent regenerated nylon made from recycled items, such as fishing nets and plastic bottles). Their popular sheen collection has a super smooth texture and gives off a shine in the sun, especially in colors like this bold orange. According to founder Brittany Kozerski Freeney, the Luna one-piece can easily be worn “beyond the beach.” The suit can be “paired with jeans, pants, skirts, etc., since the cut-out detail is above the waistline,” she adds.
If You’re Not Afraid of a Little Color
Year of Ours Tiffany Bikini Top
Year of Ours Football Bikini Bottom
Available in sizes XS to 2X.
If you’re a fan of Year of Ours activewear, you’re going to love their sporty swim collection, which features a variety of pastel and neon swimsuits. This unique capped-sleeve suit is approved by Year of Ours designer and the stylist behind SZA’s looks, Alejandra LaPilusa. “The Tiffany top is the best for two reasons. One being it’s made out of our swim rib which has the best stretchability, it feels great and does not lose its shape when in the water,” she said. “The second reason is that it’s a bikini top that can also be worn as a cute top with trousers or paired with a blazer,”
If You Want to Show Some Skin
Riot Swim Blaise One Piece - Fire Red
Available in sizes XS to XL.
Riot Swim offers plenty of cheeky, high-waisted, barely there swimwear in colors for mixing and matching. This cutout one-piece is a happy medium. Show a little bit of skin in one of seven colors.
If You Like a Bold One Shoulder
Hunza G Nancy One-Shoulder Seersucker Swimsuit
One size.
This bold Hunza G suit is a twist on the brand’s signature sculpting seersucker one-piece. The iconic design is a favorite of model Brooks Nader, who currently appears on the cover of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue in the red version of the classic one-piece. “This Hunza G suit is perfect for those looking for comfort and style. It’s super-stretchy and flattering,” Nader said of her SI cover look inspired by the ’90s styles of Pamela Anderson and Cindy Crawford. “I love pairing these suits with a vintage chain belt for added drama.”
If You Want the Retro Look
Norma Kamali Bill Mio One Piece Swimsuit
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
If you were a fan of the Norma Kamali Diana Dress that Carrie Bradshaw sported in the first season of And Just Like That …, then you’ll love this sweetheart halter-neck swimsuit by the same designer.
If You Want Something Eye-catching
SAME Gold Chain Triangle
SAME Gold Chain High-Rise Bikini Bottoms
Available in sizes XS to L.
If you’re a believer in “more is more” and looking to make a fierce sparkle statement in the water or on the sand, then this golden shimmer suit by Same Swim may be the best swimsuit for you. And SAME creative director and style influencer Shea Marie, agrees. “One of our standout styles over the past few years have been our signature chain suits. The large oversized gold chains (that are made of a lightweight, non-metal material and coated to be water resistant) have turned simple swimwear styles into stand-out fashion pieces,” she said of the fan-favorite suit.
Best Swimwear Under $500
If You Love Prints
Koraru Zabel Tube One-Piece Coral Print
Available in sizes S to XL.
If you love this ocean-inspired print, it comes in plenty of styles, including this offbeat one-piece swimsuit. The zigzag strap adds a bit of edge, and it’s perfect for wearing like a bodysuit en route to the beach and pool.
If You’re Willing to Spend a Little Extra
House of Aama Bikini Set With Vintage Beads
Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Sorry in advance to your wallet, but this two-piece cutout set from House of Aama is worth the splurge. It features this cool tattoo print and bead accents.
If You Want Some Drama and Shine
Oséree Lumière Metallic Bikini
Available in sizes S to XL.
No need for beach accessories with this swimsuit from Oséree. Accented with shimmery fabric and gold ring, brand co-founders Jannine Vinci and Isabella Cavallin suggest styling the piece with “a sheer cover-up or satin kaftan adorned with crystals to enhance the overall sparkle, which will make for a look that can easily transition from the beach to a beachside bar.”
If You’re Diving Into the Mermaid Core Trend
Adriana Degreas La Mer Coquillage High-Rise Bikini
Available in sizes S to L.
Lean into the trend without being too over the top with this subtle shell bikini made for sunbathing and photo ops.
If You Want to Accessorize
Christopher Esber Ruched Prong Bandeau Bikini Top
Christopher Esber Orbit Ruched High-Waisted Bikini Briefs
Available in sizes 4 to 12.
It’s usually best to skip the jewelry at the beach lest you lose your earrings in the ocean à la Kim Kardashian. If you still want to add a little shine, this set from Christopher Esber comes with brass accents that will turn a few heads.
If You Want an Interesting One-piece
Johanna Ortiz Aquatic Path Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit
Available in sizes XS to XL.
If you don’t need another one-piece swimsuit consider this one from Johanna Ortiz that’s far more interesting than the few you have in your drawer already. with an open back and offbeat cutouts this will look just as good off the beach.
If You Want to Splurge
Magda Butrym Cutout Faux Pearl-Embellished Bikini Top
Magda Butrym Faux Pearl-Embellished Bikini Briefs
Available in sizes 2 to 10.
Sure, it’s a splurge, but the cool colors and pearl accents are worth it, especially if you want to skip all the poolside accessories. With this, all you’ll need are your basics, maybe some sunglasses or a hat, but definitely sunscreen.
Our Experts