Think one-piece swimsuits are out? Think again. The best one-piece swimsuits continue to be a staple that's well worth having in your arsenal, especially as designs are becoming bolder and more exciting. “Novelty embellishments are everything right now — from funky prints to beaded straps, there’s a lot of appetite for swimwear that helps you stand out,” says Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop. 

And, it's easy to see why fashion-forward celebs have been ditching their itty-bitty bikinis in favor of the more modest silhouette. Not only are one-piece swimsuits extremely flattering on practically every body type, but you can also layer the versatile pieces under skirts and pants to turn them into a cute top. 

Our editors individually tested 36 pieces of swimwear on various bodies and during different occasions, including at the pool and engaging in activities like jet skiing and beach volleyball, to see which held up for comfort, support, style, and coverage. We also tapped into editor and expert recommendations and product reviews, to find the best pieces for vacations ahead.

Best Overall

Andie The Amalfi

What We Love: Despite the straps being rather thin, they held up our E cups like it was no big feat.

What We Don’t Love: The leg cutout is rather high and shows off a good chunk of your hips.

Once we finally got our hands on this ultra-flattering one-piece, we never wanted to take it off — seriously, its shapewear-like fit made us look that good. We were able to choose between a smooth, ribbed, and patterned fabric, among eleven colors (and seven sizes!), so it was easy to find something that matched our individual tastes. Once on, we were delighted to find that the deceivingly thin, adjustable straps held up our E cups like it was nothing. Even while on waterslides (yes, we wore it to an amusement park), this suit stayed in place and kept everything concealed. It was one of those swimsuits we felt comfortable enough to run around in, eat in, and do more than just lie around and look cute (although we did look cute). Just be aware that the leg cutout does come up a little high. We found it rather flattering, but some might not like the amount of hip that’s being revealed. 

The fabric didn’t cling to us or feel soggy when it was wet, retaining its shape impressively throughout different dryness levels. And because we’re sometimes lazy, we threw this swimsuit in the washer and dryer — something that’s typically taboo. Still, the piece came back out again like new, revealing no damage done through the wash cycle. 

Size: XS–3XL | Colors: 12 | Padding: Yes | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Budget

Amazon Essentials Women's Thin Strap Scoop Neck Swimsuit

What We Love: With 11 colors and patterns to choose from and an affordable price, owning more would feel guiltless.

What We Don’t Love: We wish it had a low back for a bit more sex appeal.

For a no-frills yet still attractive bathing suit, turn to this Amazon Essentials one-piece, which fits sizes up to 3X and comes in 11 colors and patterns to choose from. (We're partial to this lively red leopard print, but knowing that's not everyone's cup of tea, you can't go wrong with any of the solid shades, like terracotta or violet.) The cut gives off more of a swim meet vibe, rather than a sexy day at the beach, so we would've loved to see a low back on it. However, this cut does offer a lot of support for those with larger breasts.

Size: XS–3X | Colors: 11 | Padding: No | Material: Nylon, elastane

Best Plus-Size

Daci Front Cross Plus Size One-Piece

What We Love: Adjustable shoulder straps make this a stylish suit that can double as a top.
What We Don’t Love: The front cross straps may move around during wear.

Daci designs some of the best plus-size one-piece swimsuits we’ve ever tried, and we're obsessed with this stylish cross-halter number. The modern silhouette features a ruching along the stomach and you can tie the halter straps in different ways for a customized look. The crisscross option is so eye-catching that we can see ourselves wearing it under a wrap skirt on nights out this summer. We’re not sure how well the straps will stay put if we’re slipping down water slides, but the affordable price means we’re willing to take the risk.

Size: M–28 | Colors: 33 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best for Small Busts

Mara Hoffman Emma One Piece

What We Love: The triangle-shaped V-neck flatters small busts and doesn’t cut so deep we’re worried about slippage. 

What We Don’t Love: We wish it came in more colors.

The Mara Hoffman Emma one-piece is not just a suit from a legendary designer, it’s a masterpiece, with a criss-cross back, V-cut front, and double-layered fabric that provides smaller busts with plenty of front coverage. The material itself stretches a lot giving us full mobility while wearing it. If you have a long torso, you’ll be happy to know that this fits our 5-foot, 9-inch tall body like a glove. We typically struggle to find a one-piece that fits our tall body, but this piece, combined with the adjustable straps, made it work like a dream. 

Because the one-piece is constructed with two layers — a textured outer layer and a smooth, seamless inner layer — it felt very substantial, and it’s evident that there’s little chance of it ever being see-through (or weathered down). The fabric also made it more sturdy, never changing in elasticity when wet. It withstood our intense wringing and did not show signs of stretching or damage. We loved it so much that we wished it came in more color options. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Padding: Yes | Material: Recycled polyester, elastane

Best Trendy

Staud Gossamer One Piece

What We Love: Delicate details like a structured bodice, bow accents, and ruffled balconette bra send this adorable one-piece over the edge.

What We Don’t Love: The vibrant orange hue may not please everyone.

We implore you to go forth and be bold wearing this bright, punchy orange-shaded beauty from Staud, who only launched its swimwear collection a few seasons ago and has already captured our hearts a million times over. Until further notice, we’ll only be envisioning all the places we can get away with parading about in this coquettish daydream of a one-piece swimsuit — it tastefully incorporates trendy details like miniature bows and subtle ruffled lining for a piece that feels very of-the-moment, but not stuck in time. We can see slipping into it for many seasons beyond this summer thanks to its classic, always in-season elements such as a corset-fitted bodice, a double strapped design, and a romantic balconette-style bra top. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Padding: No | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Tummy Control

Hilor Women's Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit

What We Love: The ruching on the belly combined with the sweetheart neckline creates a very beautiful silhouette.

What We Don’t Love: The material, albeit durable, isn’t all that soft.

While swimwear isn’t exactly shapewear, some bathing suits offer similar tummy-controlling properties. We found the ruching on this swimsuit to not only disguise our tummies but also cinch it in to create a beautiful silhouette. Combined with the criss-cross ruching on the chest that creates a sweetheart neckline, we loved how flattering this swimsuit looked while on.

The fabric of this swimsuit wasn’t the softest, but it felt very durable and high-quality, which was a pleasant surprise considering the affordable price. We felt comfortable swimming laps in this, thanks to its supportive grip on the body. And while it is a full-coverage swimsuit, it didn’t lack its feminine touch due to how it accentuated our figures. Especially on bustier women, the padding in the bra portion held everything up nicely to show off a well-supported, curvy body. 

Size: 6–18 | Colors: 11 | Padding: Yes | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Square-Neck

Stylest Sculpting Square Neck Swimsuit

What We Love: The square neck and built-in bra allow us to feel secure and covered no matter if we’re swimming laps or rushing around in the waves. 

What We Don’t Love: There’s no padding.

We can understand why InStyle Editor-in-Chief Sally Holmes loves this square-neck suit. At first glance, it may seem simple, but Stylest put a lot of thought into designing every inch of this swimsuit, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind piece you truly have to experience for yourself. Let us explain; built-in shapewear snatches waists to accentuate curves and turn straight silhouettes into voluptuous hourglass figures. Not to mention, each of the 11 rich-looking-hued colorways is stunning (though we’re partial to the captivating sapphire hue that camouflages well into fitting for any oceanic adventure). And, the colors remain vibrant after you’ve subjected it to sand, salt, and sun salty water and hours in the sun thanks to a chlorine and salt-resistant material and UPF 50+ protection.

Since the built-in shelf bra is lined we’re not too worried about the lack of padding and padding, either, and it still subtly lifts chests for enhanced support. 

Size: XS–2X | Colors: 11 | Padding: No | Material: Polyamide, elastane

Best Splurge

Eres Cassiopée Bustier One-Piece

What We Love: The beautiful strapless design serves a luxe and timeless look we’ll never grow tired of wearing. 

What We Don’t Love: The chest area runs a little small.

Over the years, we’ve racked up quite the bill buying new swimsuits for our annual sunny-side vacations, until, finally, we threw our hands up and decided to just invest once and for all in a swimsuit that wouldn’t disintegrate after a few pool dips. And, splurging on the Eres one-piece was a total no-brainer: Its classic silhouette cinched waists to create the illusion of an hourglass figure and we’re charmed by the romantic bustier neckline. (which runs a tad small, FYI). “It's lightweight and quick-drying, and snug in all of the right places,” says InStyle Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Hayley Prokos, who shelled out on the suit in the striking and rich-hued Jungle Green colorway for her honeymoon. Additionally, the non-slip band and gripped tape along the bustline ensure you can frolic and play in the strapless number and spend less time worrying about accidental exposure. 

Size: EU34–EU46 | Colors: 11 | Padding: Yes | Material: Polyamide, spandex

Best with Full-Bottom Coverage

Sovoyontee Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit

What We Love: It offers full coverage in an iconic vintage silhouette.
What We Don’t Love: Molded cups may cause gaping for those with smaller chests.

How adorable is this retro-inspired one-piece from Sovoyontee? Its vintage silhouette, halter top, and front ruching are just a few of the reasons why the suit is our new go-to when we want to feel glam by the pool. The boyleg design is great for those looking for a little extra coverage in the back, but the molded cups might be too cumbersome on those with smaller breasts.

Size: S–XL | Colors: 22 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best for Large Busts

Summersalt Swimsuit

What We Love: The adjustable straps, shelf bra, built-in cups, and compression support the bust without the digging and discomfort.

What We Don’t Love: It runs a size small, so consider sizing up.

Forget the halter tops, string bikinis, and everything else in between, this SummerSalt swimsuit flatters the silhouette, looks cute, and supports larger busts all in one. Take the straps, for instance: they’re adjustable, soft, and don't dig at the shoulders — a must for larger breasts. It helps that the one-piece also has a shelf bra with built-in cups for extra support, as well as built-in compression to keep everything in place, so consider this a win for your chest and back. However, it does run small, so consider sizing up one size for a more comfortable fit.

Size: 2–22 | Colors: 5 | Padding: Built-in cups | Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane

Best Halter Top

Smismivo Halter Neck One-Piece

What We Love: Ruching gives this one-piece a vintage vibe that’s flattering for all cup sizes.
What We Don’t Love: The thick straps will leave tan lines.

This sleek halter top one-piece from Smismivo features flattering ruching on the front and removable padded cups. Laura Paulino Rosenbaum, owner and designer of Novel Swim, says ruching is a great detail to look for as it flatters both small and large cup sizes. The suit comes in different colors and prints, ranging from classic solids to pretty florals to fun animal prints. But the thick straps will leave harder-to-get-rid of tan lines

Size: S–3X | Colors: 35 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Sustainable

Vitamin A Cosmo One Shoulder One Piece

What We Love: We felt better about our purchase knowing that the brand designed this cutting-edge, unique design with eco-conscious practices. 

What We Don’t Love: It may not provide enough support to larger busts.

Vitamin A is a USA-manufactured brand that whips up nearly all of its high-quality and statement-making swimsuits in California using recycled materials, like castor beans and water bottles, and conscious, fair-trade practices. This Cosmo Shoulder One Piece, which we fittingly opted to try in the Mother-Earth-approved green hue, scored high for its velvety-feeling fabric and durability. While this colorway gorgeously contrasts against the gold hoop accent and shows off the ribbed detailing more than the other hues, the Twilight shade features a stunning metallic finish that makes it a truly eye-catching piece.

Additionally, the fit was remarkable. “I’m tall, but my torso is an awkward length where cutout tops always hit me in weird, ill-fitting spots, but I was thrilled that this one piece sat snugly against my body so no matter how much I twisted and turned it showcased the cheeky, exposed bit of skin as intended by the triangle-shaped design,” says Irene Richardson, an InStyle commerce writer and co-author of this article. Although we’re concerned about how much support the lack of an underwire would provide larger chests, we do appreciate that the sturdy double-strapped design holds up the top half of the bathing suit. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 3 | Padding: No | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best High-Neck

Spanx Pique Shaping High Neck One-Piece

What We Love: With a figure-smoothing fabric and classic design, we’re living in the full coverage option in and out of the water. 

What We Don’t Love: It only comes in black.

Spanx may be the gold standard for crafting the most figure-flattering, comfiest, and modest clothing that doesn’t look dowdy — its butt-flattering pants are life-changing – and its high-neck one-piece defies the notion that full coverage can’t also be chic. A bit of cheeky coverage on the backside and exposed back give it a bit more of an alluring edge, and one you’ll feel fully confident wearing thanks to Spanx’s signature-shaping technology featured in the compressed midsection. It’s easy to jump in and out of, too, thanks to the easy-to-reach back clasp. While the deep black shade only does more favors for our figure, we’d be thrilled if we could parade around a couple of punchier hues, and hopefully, Spanx will consider expanding the color options soon.

Size: XS–3X | Colors: 1 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, elastane

Best Scoop-Neck

Hanky Panky Ruched Bow One Piece Swimsuit

What We Love: The tie bow details are not only an adorable design accent, but this adjustable feature also allows wearers to manipulate the swimsuit for the best fit. 

What We Don’t Love: You will likely have to size down.

Complete with a supportive soft scoop neckline and endearing bow straps, we’re beholden to the feminine, and functional, charm that accompanies this sweet little number. “I’m obsessed with how the one-piece has a seamless design and is double-lined so that it hugs my body and flatters my silhouette for an ultra-sleek look, but not at the sacrifice of showing, well, everything underneath,” says Richardson. Plus, she says its recycled nylon fabric is one of the softest materials she’s ever experienced from swimwear. “It’s like a mixture between silk and plush cotton,” adds Richardson, who says that trying the swimsuit on just for fun resulted in her hanging around her apartment in it for hours thanks to its loungewear-adjacent feel. 

Although the swimsuit runs a little large (we found ourselves dealing with a lot of extra fabric on the top half), its adjustable features still keep the top half securely in place. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 3 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, elastane

Best Shapewear

Miraclesuit One-Piece Slimming Underwire Swimsuit

What We Love: This vintage suit lifts and tones.

What We Don’t Love: The underwire in the cups can pop out.

How sleek is this suit from Miraclesuit? Along with draping around the middle to create an hourglass effect, the bathing suit also boasts a built-in underwire bra for added support. Its patented Miratex material provides a smoothing effect, while the brief-cut bottom gives you extra coverage in the back — it's like Spanx you can swim in. The underwire has been known to pop out, though, so take extra care of it when washing or storing it.

Size: 8–18 | Colors: 16 | Padding: Yes | Material: Nylon, Lycra spandex

Best Belted

Kate Spade Colorblock Belted One-piece

What We Love: We’re wrapped up like a present in the punchy-colored belted one-piece without feeling constricted or unsupported. 

What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t come in any neutral options.

Statement belts? Yeah, we can’t get enough of them — in fact, we’re even opting to wear them poolside now. This lively Kate Spade one-piece is one of the most tastefully done options we could find. Its signature and delightful mixture of preppy and modern design details features playful pastel hues and an adorable thin belt that incorporates everyone’s beloved bow trend gracefully. Additionally, adjustable straps allow us to customize the fit for longer torsos, and its scoop neck and removable padding ensure full coverage up top as well. 

We hope you’re ready to have as much fun as we do dipping and diving in the two-toned piece because you won’t find this suit in a black or brown colorway. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Lace-Up

Shekini Lace-Up One-Piece

What We Love: The lace-up front makes this suit customizable for your chest.
What We Don’t Love: There is no padding, and it is not available in size XS.

Strappy lace-up bathing suits are one of the biggest swimwear trends this season, so it makes sense that Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this Shekini one-piece. The sexy maillot has a plunging neckline with adjustable lace-up details that allow you to make it as tight or loose as you'd like. But it doesn't come in an extra-small size, so petite women might have trouble.

Size: S–XL | Colors: 12 | Padding: No | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Sporty

Skims Swim Zip Front Sleeveless One Piece

What We Love: It's a functional swimsuit that can be styled in various ways based on comfort.

What We Don't Love: The lining is thin in the bust area.

Looking to add a cute and sporty one-piece to your collection? Skims Zip Front Sleeveless One Piece will make every water activity look like a runway. Its high neckline keeps everything in place, while the medium coverage back and center zipper closure (which you can lower for a more revealing fit) adds a sexy flare. It's made from recycled nylon and spandex, so trust it will move and mold with you as you're lounging underneath the sun. However, we do wish it had a thicker (or double) lining to add more support to the bust.

Size: XXS–4X | Colors: 6 and 2 limited edition | Padding: No | Material: Recycled nylon, spandex

Best One-Shoulder

Summersalt The Sidestroke

What We Love: It’s a supportive suit with strong tummy control.
What We Don’t Love: The suit runs a bit small.

As the swimsuit that launched Summersalt to fame, this one-shoulder one-piece offers full coverage and compression for a snug, supportive fit. We were delighted to learn that the same swimsuit is available in a tall version (albeit in fewer colors), too, to fit longer torsos. Instead of being a typical one-shoulder design, the strap splits into two in the back, giving you an open, more unique-looking design. But you don’t lose any support with this design — just make sure you apply sunscreen to the cutout area.

We also noticed that there was double lining around the chest (although no padding), but only a single layer for the bottom. While it did help the top to be more covered, our nips poked through when wet. It wasn’t see-through in any way, but the texture was visible through the fabric. Otherwise, the piece stayed in place at all times, never slipping or sliding around the body. We felt safe engaging in physical activities in this, getting ample amounts of support from the single strap. 

Size: 0–24 | Colors: 14 | Padding: No | Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane

Best Prints

Tempt Me Printed Ruffled One-Piece

What We Love: Bold prints and a ruffled top are great at enhancing petite figures.
What We Don’t Love: The ruffle might feel heavy when wet.

If stylish prints are important to you, look no further than this Tempt Me one-piece swimsuit. With 34 different patterns — ranging from pretty florals to tropical prints — you're bound to find a style that you love. The ruffled off-the-shoulder silhouette will look great on all shapes and sizes, and the bathing suit also comes with removable straps to make it feel more secure. Just think twice before fully submerging yourself in the pool, though, as this is more a lounging suit, than one made for swimming. The ruffle might feel heavy when wet or awkwardly stuck to your arms. 

Size: XS–22 | Colors: 34 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best V-Neck

Madewell Ribbed Underwire Open-Back One-Piece Swimsuit

What We Love: Finally, a bustline with supportive underwear that doesn’t uncomfortably dig into our skin.

What We Don’t Love: There’s only one colorway.

We won’t lie, a V-neck swimsuit simply makes us feel irresistible, but gaping, revealing necklines and unsupportive busts can quickly diminish that newfound confidence. The Madewell Open-Back one-piece washes away our worst fears and grants our biggest wishes by designing a swimsuit design with a plunging neckline that holds larger chests in place with flexible underwire and thin, but sturdy, adjustable straps. Not to mention, while the low back reaches just far down enough to add some interest, we never found ourselves constantly tugging it up for fear of revealing too much. More than that, Madewell included thoughtful details such as double lining and UPF 50 sun protection for all-around protection.

Really, we don’t mind that it only comes in one colorway because the ribbed texture adds interest to the overall look. Plus, the black hue is versatile, elegant, and, oh, did we mention very sexy? 

Size: XXS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, elastane

Best Cheeky

Viottiset Ruched One Piece Swimsuit

What We Love: This adjustable suit has just the right amount of cheekiness — it shows off your booty without riding up.
What We Don’t Love: We wish it came in an extra small.

Of all the one-pieces on Amazon, this design stood out to our commerce writer Christina Butan due to its casually sexy design. You can adjust the high-cut fit thanks to the drawstrings on the side and the wire-free scoop embraces your curves without being uncomfortable. "I was pretty shocked by not only how comfortable the Viottiset swimsuit was when I slipped it on, but how flattering it looked, too," says Butan. "It doesn't feel suffocating or squeeze me in the wrong places, and the cheeky cut is just cheeky enough that it's super cute and won't get scrunched up in your derrière." While she appreciates the adjustable straps in the spaghetti strap design, you can also buy the one-shoulder version.

Size: S–XXL | Colors: 40 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Scalloped

Cupshe Knotted Scalloped One Piece Swimsuit

What We Like: The scallops and cutouts make this suit extra flirty.

What We Don’t Like: You may get some underboob action.

Scallops add a little pizazz to the most basic swimsuit, and this design by Cupshe is the perfect balance between simple and flirty. The knotted top is extra adorable but also provides the functionality of adjustable straps, removable pads, and back hook closure. Those with bigger breasts may have some underboob, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The silhouette isn’t too high cut for those that want more coverage and the scallops soften the lines so your legs never look cut off.

Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 4 | Padding: Removable | Material: Polyester, spandex

Best Off-the-Shoulder

Tempt Me Ruffled Bathing Suit

What We Love: Romantic ruffles play up your bust while cutouts show off some skin.
What We Don’t Love: The white lining may pop out during wear.

The benefits of this off-the-shoulder swimsuit are endless. You don't have to worry about awkward tan lines or the top slipping down. The ruffles play up your chest while hiding any trouble spots on your arms, and the design features one of the hottest swim trends of the season, cutouts. With all the vivid colors and high-quality materials, like durable nylon and spandex fabrics, you can easily wear this suit outside of the pool as a top and pair it with snazzy sunglasses to complete the look. Reviewers complain that the white lining pops out sometimes during wear, but it's an easy fix — just fold it back in.

Size: XS–22 | Colors: 36 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best for Long Torsos

Ulla Johnson Giordana Maillot

What We Love: Those with longer torsos can use the extra-long adjustable straps to get a better fit. 

What We Don’t Love: We’re a little worried about the straps coming untied with this slippery fabric.

Standing out among boring swimwear everywhere, this one-piece design does so much more than add a couple of inches of fabric. It’s made with a lightweight material with a lot of stretch and long, adjustable straps you can play with depending on your torso length and how far down you want the deep V-neck to hit. Beyond that, the whimsical mélange of florals and abstract shapes printed on the verdant fabric and romantic ruffles make this piece far too stunning to hide under a beach umbrella. As Maguire notes, “I love this bright, mixed print silhouette — and it comes with a matching cover-up that can take you from the pool to happy hour.”

Size: P–XL | Colors: Veridian | Padding: Yes | Material: Polyamide, elastane

Best Cutout

Becca Color Code Santorini One-Piece Swimsuit

What We Love: It combines the look of a bikini with the support of a one-piece.

What We Don’t Love: If you’re looking for modest coverage the high-cut design could be too cheeky.

Slipping into a bikini is all fun and games until you’re left yanking at slippery strings and tugging on a saggy bottom. The hack? This cut-out one-piece from Becca one-piece that marries all the flirtatious charm of your stringiest two-piece and layers on the coverage and support only a one-piece design can provide. Though its high-cut leg could mean you’re showing a bit more skin in the behind area, we’re fans of how this design choice lengthens the look of our legs, extending our silhouettes into a true modeled-like form. The three front cutouts stop just short of the belly button, but this party continues in the back with a strappy tie-back bow. 

Size: S–L | Colors: 2 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Racerback

Body Glove Smoothies Mylene One-piece Swimsuit

What We Love: We were able to do butterflies, sprints, and flip turns, and the piece kept up with our movements immaculately.

What We Don’t Love: It clings onto the body when wet, revealing everything underneath, including our belly buttons.

We really put this number's support to the test, by wearing it to a full swim workout routine, and color us impressed with how it held up. Despite the keyhole back, both sides of the body stayed comfortably covered, and never gaped or required us to adjust it awkwardly, even while doing butterflies, flip turns, and sprints. While it’s not exactly an Olympian’s swimsuit (you know, the ones that go all the way up to your neck and are skin-tight), this did allow us to engage in our full range of motion without ever worrying about exposing ourselves.

On top of that, the suit feels very lightweight while still providing coverage, so it was flexible to move around in both wet and dry conditions. When wet, it clings to the skin quite noticeably. We didn’t love how our entire front’s outline was visible (belly button and all) but with the built-in bra, at least our nipples were spared from poking through. It was also quick to dry while on, so it never occupied our minds for too long, and it remained opaque through it all. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 14 | Padding: Yes | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best for Lap Swimming

TYR Solid Maxfit One-Piece

What We Love: The durable fabric stands up to chlorine and offers sun protection for the regular swimmer.
What We Don't Love: The suit runs a bit small.

If you're looking to go all the way with a high-performance suit for laps in the pool, then check out this option from TYR. We especially love that the fully lined, odor-resistant one-piece accounts for outdoor swimming, as it boasts UPF 50+ protection to keep your skin protected from the sun's harmful rays. It's also made with a patented Durafast Elite fabric that is fade-resistant, specially designed to last for over 300 hours of use.

Size: 26–40 | Colors: 3 | Padding: No | Material: Polyester, spandex

Best Underwire

Panache Anya Riva Underwire One-piece

What We Love: Not only is the chest well-supported thanks to the cups, underwire, and back clasp, but the sweetheart neckline looks extremely flattering.

What We Don’t Love: For women five-foot-two and under, the piece is a little too long on the torso.

For our big-chested ladies, we finally found a swimsuit that fits (and looks gorgeous) on larger breasts, including K cups. We loved everything about this one piece, from the adjustable straps, ruched front, sweetheart neckline, and most of all, support. Yes, our big chests were not only properly fitted (you chose your size based on your cup size) but also held up comfortably thanks to the cupping and underwire. The additional back clasp, not unlike a bra, provides some additional support and lift as well. This option was great for when we wanted support that still felt sexy, as the lower neckline allowed us to get a nice chest tan (post sunscreen application, of course).

The swimsuit never retained a lot of water after we wore it in the pool. In fact, it dried up pretty quickly without ever weighing us down or leaving us feeling sticky. The material was constructed with precision and care, so we feel comfortable spending a little more on a piece that will likely last for many seasons to come. The only thing is that it’s a little long on petite women. If you have a shorter torso, you’ll notice some extra fabric around the tummy bunching up, as it did on our five-foot-two body.

Size: 30D–40K | Colors: 2 | Padding: Yes | Material: Polyamide, elastane

Best Strapless

Robin Piccone Aubrey Bandeau One Piece

What We Love: The material is next-level soft, sturdy, and lightweight, making us look and feel amazing in it. 

What We Don’t Love: There aren’t many color options.

We have one word to describe this swimsuit: wow. We give this piece ten’s across the board, from the coverage to the material to how flattering it is. If you want to look amazing, but still feel comfortable (especially around family members), this swimsuit offers full coverage around the chest and the bum. The side ties and ruching keep things lighthearted and flirty, and there’s even an included neck strap in case you find yourself wanting to switch up the style.

But we really can’t rave enough over the material. We don’t know how Robin Piccone engineered this piece, but somehow the material hugs and clings onto the body in an extremely flattering way. It felt so buttery soft and sturdy, while remaining lightweight and stretchy, even after being wrung out and hung up to dry. Simply put, wearing this had us feeling like a million bucks. If only it came in more colors we would have loved more options to choose from.

Size: 2–14 | Colors: 2 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Black

Miharo Cataleya One Piece

What We Love: The open cutout cross-over design sets the one-piece a world above your traditional black swimsuit.

What We Don’t Love: Rear-end coverage is extremely minimal.

There’s hardly another piece of clothing more elegant than a little black dress, and similar to our favorite LBDs, this high-cut swimsuit simultaneously makes us feel elegant, sexy, and extremely confident. Two front straps attach in an artistic crossover design, hooking with a golden clasp at the top of our left shoulder to complete the intriguing asymmetrical silhouette. Though it’s a sophisticated design, we wouldn’t wear this anywhere you don’t show a lot of skin because the thong-style back coverage is quite cheeky. However, this is all the more reason to double down on its wearability and pair it with a wrap skirt or high-waisted jeans for an everyday bodysuit. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Padding: No | Material: Polyester

Best for Petites

Aerie Keyhole Halter One Piece Swimsuit

What We Love: Available in four funky prints and colors and featuring flirty cutouts, you’ll never feel bored wearing this one-piece.

What We Don’t Love: The fabric doesn’t have a ton of stretch.

Whether we’re trying to rock jumpsuits or one-piece swimsuits, petites are often (and unfairly so) left out of the design conversation. So, you can imagine our excitement when we reluctantly tried another style and, instead of finding an awkward bunching of fabric in the middle like we’re accustomed to, this Aerie fit our shorter frames like a couture gown.

Sure, it’s not the most flexible fabric, but its body-hugging fit only pays our silhouette favors. Plus, the adjustable front-tie straps offer the opportunity to switch up the style: We can fasten them up around our neck, a plus for bigger busted girls who need more support, or behind our back. If you’ve got a wild streak to you like we do, you’ll swoon over the funky paisley print and radiant flamingo pink. However, there are more neutral color options, too, like a solid black shade and a black and white polka dot design. 

Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 4 | Padding: Removable | Material: Nylon, elastane

What to Look for in a One-Piece Swimsuit

• Material: Sometimes, your swim plans only consist of lying by the pool or on the beach. In those cases, you can’t go wrong with most swim fabrics. However, if you plan to swim regularly in chlorine or salt water, look for durable fabrics, like nylon and spandex, that have been proofed for chlorine and offer sun protection. These features, along with proper care, can help your swimsuit last longer. Today, you can also find swimwear with compression material that provides extra support to areas like your tummy and butt. 
• Padding: To pad or not to pad? Many swimsuits offer removable cups while others come with no padding whatsoever. Depending on your cup size, you may appreciate the extra shape and support of a built-in bra as well as the nipple coverage. Others may enjoy the more natural look and feel of no padding. “Swim padding is always a personal choice. Some people, myself included, don’t care as much and love a little side or underboob,” says Rosenbaum. “Others want their ladies locked in place. If you’re the latter, I would recommend a suit that at least has optional removable cups.”
• Lining: Have you ever come out of the water only to find that your suit has become practically see-through, especially in all the wrong places? That’s the pitfall of unlined suits, even if the fabric comes in a dark color. To avoid the mishap, double-check if the suit is double-lined, especially when browsing cheaper styles. Also note that some suits have a light inner lining, even when the outside shade is darker. The lining can pop out as you swim and move around, so if you think this mismatch will bother you, look for suits that are the same color on the inside and outside.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I shop for a one-piece when I’m different sizes on top and bottom?

One of the downsides of a one-piece is that you can’t choose a different size top and bottom, as you can with a two-piece. Don’t give up though. Rosenbaum offers a few tricks and features for finding the ideal-sized one-piece.

“I always recommend starting from the bottom and working your way up. You can often adjust the top of a one-piece, but the bottoms are usually a bit more rigid, So if you’re a medium on the bottom and a large on top, go for the medium suit, and shop a style that features a top that can be loosened,” says Rosenbaum. “Lean into your coverage preference. If you like less coverage, you won’t mind the added cheekiness and exposure of a smaller suit.”

Additionally, plus-size fashion influencer Jamie Hamilton says, “If you are different sizes on top and bottom, I always suggest fitting for the largest body part and having the rest tailored for a perfect fit.”

How do I style a one-piece so it feels modern and trendy?

Swimsuits aren’t just for the water. Whether you are going from brunch to the beach or dressing up for a pool party, a one-piece can easily become the foundation of a summer outfit. “Versatility is key,” says Maguire. “If a swimsuit has a matching coverup, we definitely see shoppers gravitate towards those styles too — everyone loves a head-to-toe look.”

And with all the stylish offerings today, you can wear your favorite one-piece as a body suit for a night out. All you need is the right accessories to complete the look. “I love piling on accessories like beaded necklaces, belly chains, and beach totes to pull together a whole look. A sheer coverup or pareo also elevates any swim costume,” says Rosenbaum. “Denim, whether it be high-waisted jeans or a ’90s style jacket, takes your one-piece to a whole other level for off-the-beach wear. And, if you’re feeling extra bold, you can style your favorite one-piece over a longer-sleeve top for a chic layered look.”

Additionally, Hamilton says that styling your suit is all about cut and color. “Buy trending colorways and patterns, consider a high-leg cut, cheeky bottoms, or even a swimsuit with sleeves,” she says, adding, “You can even get a peekaboo cut-out for a fun flair.”

Is it better to size up or down in a one-piece swimsuit?

Whether to size up or down often depends on a retailer’s specific sizing, but generally, Hamilton says that she always goes up one additional size in one-piece swimsuits. However, more importantly, she looks out for supportive design details to ensure the best fit. “Adjustable straps are a must for an optimal fit — it’s so annoying when straps fall,” Hamilton says.

Why Shop With Us

InStyle beauty and fashion writer Irene Richardson updated this piece with additional insights from Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop, Novel Swim designer Laura Paulino Rosenbaum, and Jamie Hamilton, plus-size influencer and digital creator, and editor-tested product picks.

Emily Cieslak is a former commerce editor at InStyle and has worked on many sides of the fashion industry, including as a stylist and fashion buyer.

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