Swimsuit shopping is never easy, especially when you're scrolling through brands and styles online. From bikini sets to one-piece styles available in an endless assortment of colors, patterns and trends, it can be difficult to pin down the perfect swimsuit that's actually comfortable, flattering and lasts for more than one swim season.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I review swimwear from some of the most popular brands on the market, first assessing the swim styles and their corresponding online reviews before evaluating them in the Lab, sharing them with consumer testers to try out for themselves and wearing them on my own trips to the beach and pool for firsthand experience — gathering feedback on comfort, appearance, construction, fit and more each step of the way.
After years of evaluations, here are the best swimsuit brands, according to GH editors, analysts, testers and online reviews.
Best Overall: Summersalt
Summersalt's iconic swimwear was developed to look great on most body types and is loved by swimmers of all ages and sizes. To achieve the best possible fit for its swimsuits, the brand took more than 5 million body measurements from 10,000 women. The result is a collection of swimsuits available in sizes 0–24 in long and standard torsos that are lightly compressive, buttery soft and super chic. The brand also makes maternity swimsuits, which have performed well in our tests.
- Size range: 0–24
- Price range: From $45 for bottoms to $125 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: High quality smoothing swimsuits that fit a wide variety of body types and are worth the investment
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
Our testers noted that the colorful swimsuits are compressive but not too tight. One who had tried the best-selling Sidestroke said, "The material smooths my stomach and back, but doesn't cut into my legs or shoulders. I can comfortably wear it all day while lounging, swimming or running around on the beach." Most of Summersalt's suits come without padding or cups, but even our larger cup-sized testers said the swimsuits felt supportive.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Summersalt The High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottom
RELATED: The Best Maternity Swimsuits
Best Value: Tempt Me
The bathing suits from best-selling Amazon brand Tempt Me are fashionable, flattering and affordable. Tempt Me offers a wide range of trendy styles and prints to pick from with tens of thousands of five-star reviews from real users who love that these suits offer full coverage yet are still sexy.
- Size range: XXS–26 Plus
- Price range: From $19 for bottoms to $40 for swim dresses
- Why we love it: Bang for your buck — these stylish swimsuits offer the perfect balance of quality and price.
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
When 10 women of different body types tried on the brand's popular High-Neck Ruched Mesh Swimsuit, every single one of them rated the one-piece as "flattering." They highlighted standout details like the stomach ruching, mesh cutout and plunging back. Plus, a GH analyst who has worn a swimsuit from the brand year after year says it has held up with minimal signs of wear and tear, noting that the color hasn't faded with time.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Best Size-Inclusive: Swimsuits for All
Whether you wear a size 4 or a 34, Swimsuits for All has a bikini, tankini, one-piece, swim dress or swim skirt for you. The majority of the brand's swimsuits have full-coverage bottoms, along with built-in smoothing mesh paneling, shelf bras and soft cups for the ultimate all-over support. And while we think the swimsuits are worth the higher price tag, Swimsuits for All usually offers steep discounts, making it much more affordable.
- Size range: 4–34
- Price range: From $36 for bottoms to $156 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: A wide selection of swimsuits for all style preferences in an inclusive range of sizes
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
Our testers, whose sizes range from 4 to 16, shared that they felt confident and comfortable in swimwear from Swimsuits for All. One tester who tried the Side Tie Bikini Bottoms shared, "I love that I'm able to adjust the amount of coverage, and they fit me perfectly." A tester with DD-cups was impressed by the supportive feel of her swim top, despite there not being an underwire. Many online reviewers said they stock up on the swimsuits, buying several colors of the same style so that they can wear them over and over again.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Swimsuits for All Flared Tankini Top
RELATED: The Best Plus Size Swimsuits
Best One-Pieces: Andie
At nearly 6-feet tall, I understand the woes of trying to find a one-piece swimsuit that actually fits without digging in or sagging. Andie's smoothing one-pieces are the solution: stylish swimsuits in classic colors and prints that you won't have to adjust all day long. Not only does the brand carry one-pieces in standard and long torso sizing, but Andie's most popular styles are available in cheeky, medium and full-coverage, so you're able to choose just how much skin you want to show on the beach.
- Size range: XS–3X
- Price range: From $95 to $134 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: Sleek, smoothing designs available in a variety of lengths and coverage options
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
According to a GH analyst who sports Andie's best-selling Amalfi one-piece swimsuit, the compressive material feels comfortable and isn't overly restrictive like other smoothing styles she's tried. Thousands of online reviewers also loved Andie's one-piece swimsuits, with many of them describing the swimsuits as "magic" and one saying, "It’s so clear that Andie’s designers actually love women and know how to create swimsuits to showcase that."
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
RELATED: The Best One-Piece Swimsuits
Best Bikinis: Monday Swimwear
From barely-there bottoms and itty bitty tops to more modest designs with a little added coverage, Monday Swimwear carries a variety of swim separates for all types of tastes. The bikini tops and bottoms come in tons of fun colors and unique textures and can be mixed and matched. Plus, the brand offers petite swimwear, along with swimsuits for those with large busts, so you'll be able to find the perfect bikini to coincide with your personal style and body type.
- Size range: P to VVV (covering sizes 0–18) with petite options
- Price range: From $76 for bottoms to $100 for tops
- Why we love it: Trendy separates in a slew of popular colors, textures and sizes
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
Though the swimsuits are a bit pricey, our testers said the swimsuits are high quality and beautifully designed with sturdy hardware and nice fabrics, making them worth it. One GH analyst shared, "I love that I was able to pick the top and bottom that best suit and feel comfortable for me, instead of having to buy a set." Online reviewers appreciated that the brand stays on trend but also carries go-to classics, and those with large and small busts find the swimwear to accommodate their shapes.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
RELATED: The Best Bikinis
Best on Amazon: Cupshe
Cupshe carries two-piece sets including bikinis and tankinis for the price of a single top or bottom at other brands, along with trendy one-piece swimsuits and swim dresses — all available in dozens of fun colors and prints. The popular swim styles have amassed thousands of reviews from Amazon shoppers who couldn't pass up the incredible value.
- Size range: XS–XXL with plus options
- Price range: From $18 for bottoms to $43 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: Highly popular, affordable swimsuits in exciting colors and prints
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
While testers noted that the swimsuits aren't as high-quality as other brands, they said that the affordable price and convenient Amazon shipping can't be beat. One tester who tried a two-piece bikini from Cupshe shared, "I've worn swimsuits that cost three times as much as this one, but I'm always reaching for it on a pool day," further adding, "The pattern and style with little ruffles on the shoulder are so fun." Online reviewers especially loved the brand's ruched one-piece swimsuits to wear postpartum because of the camouflaging coverage and light compression.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
RELATED: The Best Swimsuits on Amazon
Best with Tummy Control: Miraclesuit
All the swimsuits in Miraclesuit's collection are specially designed to shape and contour your body for an overall slimming effect without feeling restrictive. Mostly one-piece styles, the swimsuits have a more mature, sophisticated look, however they doesn't mean they lack sex appeal. Many of the swimsuits incorporate trendy features like wrapped material, see-through mesh, peekaboo cutouts and plunging necklines.
- Size range: XS–XXL with plus options
- Price range: From $76 for bottoms to $216 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: Slimming styles equipped with quality compressive fabrics and unique design details
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
When we tested Miraclesuit's Oceanus swimsuit in the Textiles Lab, it slimmed our testers more than any other slimming swimsuit we tried — we took our testers' measurements to prove it. Testers gave the swimsuits high scores for appearance and for their shaping abilities. And the material proved highly durable in our evaluations, standing up to seawater, chlorine, sweat and UV rays without major fading or wear.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Best Classic: J.Crew
Known for its preppy clothing that never goes out of style, J.Crew's line of swimwear is equally as classic. From simple triangle string bikini tops to strapless one-pieces to hipster bottoms, the brand's swimsuits haven't strayed far from their original designs, with just small adjustments being made over the years for a slightly more modern look.
- Size range: 0/XXS–24/3x
- Price range: From $45 for bottoms to $138 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: Timeless swimsuits to mix-and-match swim season after swim season
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
One GH editor can't get enough of J.Crew's Ruched Bandeau One-Piece, sharing that she has worn the style for years. Despite trying tons of swimsuits from other brands, she continues to go back to this minimalist style and has repurchased it many times, though she says it is long-lasting. Online reviewers loved the "vintage" appeal of the swimsuits, and many shared that they like to buy multiple pieces to mix-and-match different tops and bottoms from the collection.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Best Athletic: Speedo
Synonymous with swimming, Speedo is one of the most popular brands for athletic swimsuits. Whether you're swimming laps competitively or recreationally, Speedo has a wide assortment of simple designs that are made with compressive fabrics that are helpful with recovery and also move with your body for better range of motion in the pool. Plus, the brand says they're built-to-last without stretching or fading.
- Size range: 20–46 (competitive swim sizes) and XS–XXL (recreational sizes)
- Price range: From $16 to $142 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: Sporty swim styles that are long-lasting and don't hold you back in the pool
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
A GH editor who has spent hours in Speedo swimsuits both recreationally and as a lifeguard shared that the swimsuits provided ample coverage on the bottom and kept her large bust secure while she was swimming laps. When it comes to the fit, our editor said that she felt "very compact and sucked in," explaining that it kept everything in place while still feeling comfortable and not too restrictive. However, she did note that the swimsuits dug into her shoulders during longer wears.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Best Colorful: Boden
If you want to make a statement on the beach, look no further than Boden. The swimsuits are available in a fun kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, along with contrasting color-block designs. Designed with more modest silhouettes, Boden's swimwear is ideal for those looking for a little extra coverage.
- Size range: 0–20/22
- Price range: From $42 for bottoms to $155 for one-pieces
- Why we love it: Practically designed swimwear in vibrant colors and prints that both look and feel great
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
Testers were big fans of these thoughtfully designed, bold swimsuits, which are equipped with elements like inner linings for smoothing, silicone bands along the neckline to prevent slippage and built-in boning for shaping. One GH editor shared that her go-to style is the Santorini Halterneck. She agreed that the swimsuit is smoothing but said it's not overly structured, adding, "It holds you in without squeezing you too hard."
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Best for Women Over 50: Lands' End
A top-performing brand in our swim evaluations for years, Lands' End continues to make quality, durable swimwear that our testers, analysts and online reviewers love. With subtle necklines, wrapped waists, full-coverage bottoms, ruched details and compressive fabrics, the swimsuits, including one-pieces, rash guards, swim skirts and dresses, are modestly designed for a stylish look that suits mature bodies. Plus, many of the styles come in standard, petite, long, plus and long plus sizing, along with options to accommodate large busts.
- Size range: 6–24W
- Price range: From $35 for rash guards to $185 for swim dresses
- Why we love it: Modest swimsuits made of durable materials
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
During our Textiles Lab evaluations, Lands' End's swimsuit material proved to be incredible durable. Not only did the colors hold without fading, the material also looked great after being laundered over and over again. Our testers especially loved the brand's Slender Suit collection, giving the styles high marks for their flattering appearance and torso-slimming effect.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Lands' End Tummy Control V-neck Wrap One Piece Swimsuit
RELATED: The Best Swimsuits for Women Over 50
Best for Large Busts: Bare Necessities
Bare Necessities carries swimwear from our favorite bra brands like Panache and Freya that come in bra sizes (cup and band) — ideal for those with big busts who struggle to find a swimsuit that truly fits their chests. Underwires, wide straps, side boning and hook-and-eye closures are just some of the common design features that allow these swimsuits to support larger busts and minimize slips or discomfort during any beach activity.
- Size range: XS–3XL (standard sizes) and 32C–40G (bra sizes)
- Price range: From $26 for bottoms to $210 for swim dresses
- Why we love it: Cute swimsuits with bra band and cup sizing designed to cater to those with large busts
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
While we haven't tried swimwear from Bare Necessities in the Textiles Lab, we have tested plenty of bras from its best-selling brands that perform well both in the Lab and with our consumer testers. One tester who wears a 34G shared that her Freya bra that's designed similarly to its swim tops was "very supportive and held everything perfectly in place." Testers also gave brands like Freya and Panache high scores for fit and comfort.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
RELATED: The Best Swimsuits for Large Busts
Best Full Coverage: Athleta
A teeny string bikini may not be your cup of tea, but it can be difficult to find a full-coverage two-piece swimsuit that's not too mature-looking. Top-tested fitness brand Athleta's swim line provides full coverage but is also fun, sporty and fresh. The comfy swimsuits are perfect for adventurous beach-goers and are designed to be worn during water activities like paddle boarding or water skiing too.
- Size range: XXS–XL
- Price range: From $49 for bottoms and tops to $139 for rash guards
- Why we love it: Colorful, cute and full-coverage swimsuits to wear during water activities
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
When we've tested apparel and accessories like workout tops, leggings and rain gear from Athleta in the past, they've stood out for their durability, comfort and style, earning high marks both with consumer testers and in the Textiles Lab. We love that the brand's swimwear is available in extended cup sizes and long torso options and that it comes in trendy colors and textured materials. Hundreds of online reviewers have given the swimsuits five stars, including one who shared that her swimsuits "stayed put while swimming or doing other activities," and emphasized that she "never have to adjust them."
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
Best Period Swimwear: Knix
Getting your period doesn't have to hold you back, even when you're headed on a beach vacation or want to lounge by the pool. Our best period underwear brand, Knix carries a selection of leakproof period swimwear specially made to absorb and hold onto menstrual flow, meaning you don't have to worry about bleeding through your favorite swimsuit. The period swimsuits look and feel just like regular swimwear, so no one will even know that they're providing extra period protection. The brand carries "+" sizes for those with large busts.
- Size range: XS–XXXXL+
- Price range: From $35 for bottoms to $150 for swim sets
- Why we love it: Swimsuits designed to absorb menstrual flow so you don't have to stress about leaks
WHAT TESTERS SAY:
According to one tester who has worn several styles from Knix, the period swimwear is "completely undetectable." The same tester said, "I reach for these swim bottoms all of the time even when I'm not on my period because they're so comfortable and flattering." Our testers have worn the swimsuits as backup with a tampon or menstrual cup on heavier days and have tried the swimsuits on their own and have happily reported no leaks.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES:
RELATED: The Best Period Swimwear
How we choose the best swimsuit brands
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we review apparel, including popular swim styles of all kinds, like bikinis, swimsuits for women over 50 and styles that slim and shape with tummy control. During our swimwear analysis, we consider durability properties in the Textiles Lab, and we share the swimsuits with consumer testers who provide us with real-user feedback.
One element we analyze in the Lab is stretch recovery, or a swimsuit's ability to maintain its shape after being stretched to a standard length for a set amount of time, to ensure your swimsuit won't sag or become misshapen. We also test abrasion resistance to determine how well a swimsuit will hold up after being repeatedly rubbed against a rough surface, like the steps of a concrete pool. We consider colorfastness as well, evaluating the material to see how well the color performs against elements like chlorine, UV rays, salt water and sweat. And we wash swimsuits in the Lab, noting any major changes in appearance.
When we share swimsuits with consumer testers, we ask them to wear the styles on their own trips to the pool or beach and share their thoughts on factors like overall comfort, fit, appearance and more. If a brand claims a swimsuit is slimming, we've even taken measurements of our testers before and after putting the swimsuits on to determine how well the styles really shape and smooth their waists and hips.
What to look for when shopping
The key to swimsuit shopping is finding one that you feel confident in. No matter how trendy a suit looks on the hanger, if you don’t feel your best, it’s not the suit for you. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when shopping for your next swimsuit:
✔️ Style: Choose styles that you feel comfortable spending the day in. From one pieces to strappy bikinis, there's a wide range of styles to choose from. These are some of the most popular swimwear styles:
- Maillot: A basic one-piece swimsuit with a rounded, scooped neck and straps
- Bikini: Two-separate swimsuit pieces — a top that only covers the chest and a coordinating pair of swim bottoms
- Tankini: Two-piece swimsuit with a full-coverage top that extends down the torso and a coordinating pair of swim bottoms
- Bandeau: Strapless one-piece swimsuit or a strapless bikini top, which often includes removable straps
- Swim dress: A one-piece swimsuit with an extra panel of material around the waist and hips like a skirt for added coverage, comparable to a mini dress
- Rash guard: Short or long-sleeve swim top that offers additional protection from the elements, especially the sun
✔️ Care: While some suits can be machine-washed, many styles are hand-wash only. Hand-washing your swimwear can extend its life, but machine-washing is more convenient and typically provides a better clean.
✔️ Versatility: A skimpy suit may be perfect for a day of tanning or a weekend getaway with your friends, but it won’t work for beach sports. Consider what activities you will be doing while wearing your swimsuit. Some styles are better designed for lounging while others are made for swimming laps; other options balance both with details like thicker, adjustable straps and supportive cups.
✔️ Support: Like sport bras, swimsuit tops come in many different styles: underwire cups, built-in padded cups, removable padded cups or totally unlined cups. Unlined cups are the least supportive and are often seen as more revealing because they don't conceal the natural shape of the breast. Our testers with larger chests tend to prefer padded cups (built-in or removable), as they offer more definition and lift, and on top of that, a swim top with an underwire can lend even more support. It comes down to personal preference when deciding the amount and type of padding that is best for you. Just make sure to take out any removable cups when laundering to prevent them from getting misshapen.
✔️ Return policy: As with any clothing purchase online, you'll want to pay attention to the brand's exchange policy, especially if you plan to order a few sizes at once online to find the right fit. Some brands offer free returns, while others may charge a fee. And when summer sales roll around, keep an extra close eye on how long the return time turnaround is.
More swimwear guides
- Best One-Piece Swimsuits
- Best Bikinis
- Best Swimsuits with Tummy Control
- Best Swimsuits for Women Over 50
- Best Swimsuits on Amazon
- Best Swimsuits for Large Busts
- Best Maternity Swimsuits
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine, home & apparel reviews analyst, has a background in apparel and fashion and regularly writes about swim styles from one-piece bathing suits, bikinis, slimming swimsuits with tummy control, swimsuits on Amazon and more. For this article, she used her relative expertise and included swimsuit brands that have performed well in consumer tests or have stood out in Textiles Lab evaluations, as well as brands that are particularly popular online.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
