fashion
So you can focus on the sand and surf
By Abby Hepworth
•
Published May 12, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Abby Hepworth for PureWow
Much like hunting for a truly comfortable bra, finding a comfortable bathing suit can feel like striking gold or discovering the Holy Grail. It can make your beach vacation infinitely more fun, give you a major mood boost and all around make you feel like a superstar akin to the sexy lifeguards on Baywatch. Rather than struggle through the ordeal of ordering multiple suits from multiple brands to test them all out, I set out to do the heavy lifting for you by tracking down the most comfortable bathing suits on the internet...at least, according to PureWow editors and readers. Here are the ten best styles to shop (and wear) ASAP.
The Most Comfortable Bathing Suits at a Glance
4
Most Splurge-Worthy
Hunza G Square-Neck Swim
read more
$230 at Revolve
Show More
How I Tested the Most Comfortable Bathing Suits
All of the below swimsuits come recommended by PureWow editors and readers who’ve worn them at the beach or pool (or both) numerous times and can attest to their lasting comfort. Of course, I also made sure to do a deep dive into reviews from others to corroborate their claims and found that these bathing suits are indeed notably comfortable.
RELATED
Cult Favorite
What We Like
- select colors available in long torso sizes
- flattering silhouette
- durable and long lasting
What We Don’t Like
- no padding in the cups
Summersalt
Multiple Summersalt swimsuits were thrown in the ring in my poll to find the most comfortable bathing suits, but it was the Sidestroke that came up more often than any others. (Although the Marina and the Ruffle Backflip were fairly close seconds.) The standout feature here appears to be the Goldilocks-level of compression—not too much, not too little—which helps smooth your silhouette without feeling like shapewear. As one buyer writes, “This suit is exactly as described. The blocking of colors provides a slimming effect. The material is thicker than most other brands so it holds everything in and provides the exact right amount of coverage. I’ve never received so many compliments as when I wear this suit!” It’s durable, too, so you won’t suddenly find yourself needing to purchase a new swimsuit after just one season. One reviewer who owns multiple Summersalt one-pieces, says, “My oldest one is 4 years old and still in perfect condition. I live at the beach and have a pool, so I get a lot of usage out of it and wash it frequently. I’m amazed how well they hold up.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 2 to 24, also Long Torso
- Material: 78 percent recycled polyamide, 22 percent elastane
- Care Instructions: hand wash in cold water, lay flat to dry
Best Bikini
2. Cupshe Lavender Dream Keyhole Top and V-Waist Bottoms
What We Like
- affordable price point
- flattering cut
- adjustable straps
What We Don’t Like
- few color options
Cupshe
I have numerous bathing suits from Cupshe, and love all of them, but this two-tone bikini is the one I reach for more often than any other. The top has a nice wide band that doesn’t dig in, and the cups provide ample coverage without feeling dowdy. (The bust also comes with removable pads.) The shoulder straps are also adjustable for a more custom fit. But the real all-star is the waistband on the bottoms. The wide criss-cross waist is incredibly flattering and actually moves with my body rather than digging in or pinching as I swim, lounge or walk along the beach. The leg holes are also cut to just the right height so I feel foxy but not overly exposed. I find Cupshe usually fits true to size, and while this bikini is sold as a set, you can select different sizes for the top and bottom if need be.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Material: 80 percent nylon, 20 percent spandex
- Care Instructions: machine wash, lay flat to dry
Best Under $50
3. Wild Fable Textured Tie-Front Top and Textured High-Leg Bottom
What We Like
- affordable price point
- adjustable straps
- flattering high waist
What We Don’t Like
- tends to sell out quickly
- few color options
Wild Fable
Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario is a big fan of stocking up on bikini separates from Target that she can mix and match all summer long. And while there are multiple styles she loves, the best come from Target’s Wild Fable line. “I’ve bought, like, a million pieces at this point. There are so many options to mix and match! I have a large chest and wide hips, so I appreciate that there are so many cute options that cover the bits so I don’t have to worry about anything slipping out on vacation.”
This specific two-piece has adjustable straps and removable padding in the bust. And while the front tie is sewn on, you can tighten and loosen it if you want the top to fit more like a triangle bikini or a scoop neck. The high-cut legs on the bottom are phenomenal for lengthening your stems. According to reviews, this particular Wild Fable swimsuits runs much smaller than normal, with shoppers recommending going up by two sizes.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL, also D/DD
- Material: 97 percent polyamide, 3 percent spandex
- Care Instructions: hand wash, lat flat to dry
Buy the top ($18)
Buy the bottom ($20)
Hunza G
Most Splurge-Worthy
4. Hunza G Square-Neck Swim
What We Like
- signature stretchy material is super comfortable and conforms to your curves
- lots of colors and styles to choose from
What We Don’t Like
- may not provide enough support for larger busts
- high price point
Hunza G
Multiple PureWow editors recommended this sustainably-focused swimwear brand that’s also loved by celebs like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber and Kim Kardashian. And while we’re always skeptical of brands that sell just one size, PureWow-ers with a range of body types all raved about Hunza G’s signature stretchy material. Emily Kerr, SVP of growth, says, “I was so surprised at how flattering and supportive the swimsuit was while also being mega comfy. A bunch of my friends had recommended it, and I was doubtful as a lot of my friends who recommended it are teeny, and I have a chonky arse and big, droopy boobs, but it lives up to the hype!” An editor who recently became a mom adds, “I really didn’t want to spend a ton on maternity swimwear that would only be relevant for one summer. But Hunza G’s suits were able to expand with my belly and are still flattering and fit beautifully postpartum. And while some folks might be disappointed by the level of support (there isn’t a ton), I loved that the material wasn’t compressing my already uncomfortable pregnant body.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: one size (fits approximately US 2 to 12)
- Material: 96 percent nylon, 4 percent elastane
- Care Instructions: machine wash with cold water, lay flat to dry
Best String Bikini
5. J.Crew String Bikini Top and String Bottom
What We Like
- lots of color options
- comes with removable padding
- built-in UPF 50 sun protection
What We Don’t Like
- not very supportive for larger busts
J.Crew
I know this isn’t the most popular swim silhouette right now, but I’ve always loved string bikinis because you can adjust them to fit your curves exactly the way you like. And this set from J.Crew offers just the right amount of coverage—just because I’m wearing a string bikini doesn’t mean I want to expose everything—and the bottoms don’t ride up in back. Indeed, adjustable strings allow you to tighten or loosen your bikini as needed, and the top can be tied in a myriad of ways if you want to shake things up. The recycled nylon material is also wonderfully soft to the touch and won’t appear sheer or show the removable padding in the bust when wet.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X
- Material: 82 percent recycled nylon, 18 percent elastane.
- Care Instructions: machine or hand wash, lay flat to dry
Trendiest silhouette
6. Vitality Oceana Scoop Top and Midi Bottom
What We Like
- size inclusive
- machine washable and dryer safe
- wide shoulder straps
What We Don’t Like
- few color options
Vitality
Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera recently discovered Vitality swimsuits and is already head-over-heels in love. “I’m obsessed with thisOceana setfrom Vitality right now. It has a super-lightweight feel and stretchy textured fabric that I don’t mind wearing all day long. I also love that the bottoms have a mid-rise that doesn’t cut off my torso too much and moderate coverage at the back so I can feel comfortable wearing it on family vacays too.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: 2XS to 4XL
- Material: 97 percent nylon, 3 percent spandex
- Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best for Active Beach-Goers
7. Left On Friday Double Scoop Suit
What We Like
- lots of color and style options to choose from
- long torso one-pieces available in select colors
- incredible customer service
What We Don’t Like
- high price point
Left On Friday
Both myself and Director of Brand Partnerships Lisa Del Vecchio adore the brand Left On Friday. The color options are incredible, but the fit is also impeccable. I’ve seriously never felt more comfortable in a swimsuit, both for just lounging around and for getting far too into beach volleyball and/or chasing my niece and nephew around the sand. I know no matter what I’m not going to fall out or get a wedgie or generally feel the need to adjust, tug or pull throughout the day. Del Vecchio is similarly impressed with the fit, raving, “Their suits are so comfy and super supportive for a variety of body types. I’m personally a huge fan of the Double Scoop one-piece because it is so supportive for bigger busts and has that timeless Baywatch vibe that never goes out of style.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL, also Tall
- Material: 46 percent nylon, 38 percent polyester, 16 percent Lycra
- Care Instructions: machine wash, lay flat to dry
Best Plus-Size Bathing Suit
What We Like
- super stretchy material is incredibly comfortable for numerous body types
- lots of colors and styles to choose from
- long torso-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- may not offer enough support for larger busts
YouSwim
Much like Hunza G, YouSwim’s designs use a super stretchy-yet-supportive material that allows the brand to sell just two sizes, Stretch I (roughly sizes 2 to 14) and Stretch II (roughly sizes 14 to 24). Despite first feeling skeptical, Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen has been majorly impressed with her Eva one-piece. “It’s so very comfy and lives up to the marketing—meaning it’s both stretchy and supportive.” She also finds that the coverage hits that sweet spot between dowdy and overexposed, with just enough cheek and clavicle to feel confident and cool. One reviewer writes, “This suit is literally amazing, so cute and simple and comfy! I struggle with weight fluctuation constantly and each summer I always end up buying new suits when my old ones don’t fit. I love that I can always grab this suit and don’t have to worry about whether it will fit or not, it’s drastically improved my confidence in swimwear.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: Stretch 1 (roughly sizes US 2 through 14) and Stretch II (roughly sizes US 14 through 24)
- Material: not listed
- Care Instructions: hand wash in cold water, lay flat to dry
Sexiest One Piece
9. Dippin Daisy’s Bliss One Piece
What We Like
- adjustable straps
- lots of color options
- made in the US from recycled materials
What We Don’t Like
- crisscross detailing is not adjustable
Dippin’ Daisy’s
PureWow Associate Editor Destinee Scott is a big fan of this sustainable swimwear brand. “I got the Bliss one-piece last summer and it’s so smooth and comfortable that I also wore it with shorts to attend a music festival and had no problems whatsoever.” She loves the sexy, lace-up front (though the crisscross detail can’t be modified), and the shoulder straps are fully adjustable to get your perfect fit. The brand describes the coverage in back as moderate, and although the front does have a plunging neckline, the cut of the bust offers a decent amount of coverage (on the sides and top, at least) even for those with larger boobs. According to Scott, the suit runs true to size.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to 3X
- Material: 85 percent recycled nylon, 15 percent spandex
- Care Instructions: not listed
Best Black Bikini
10. Skatie Kate Top and Scarlette Bottom
What We Like
- sustainably and ethically made
- lots of styles to mix and match
- lots of colors to choose from
What We Don’t Like
- reportedly runs a little small
Skatie
LaBarbera adores the brand Skatie for its super soft materials and flattering cuts. “I have three different suits from the brand and I am obsessed with them all!” she says. Skatie uses only recycled and upcycled materials to create their own soft-yet-supportive blend. Plus, it offers lots of different styles—from super-cheeky bikini bottoms to one-shoulder tops to full-coverage one-pieces—in a huge range of patterns and colors, so there is bound to be at least one swimsuit (if not three or four) you’ll adore. “I don't usually buy underwire bikini tops, but this is so comfortable, and I love the fun print. Fabric is very soft too!” says one reviewer. As for sizing, LaBarbera and most reviewers found most Skatie styles run true to size but if you’re between sizes you will likely be more comfortable sizing up.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Material: recycled polyester
- Care Instructions: not listed
RELATED
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying?Sign up for our shopping newsletterto uncover our favorite finds.
Abby Hepworth
Editor
Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...
read full bio
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.