The Ultimate Swimsuit Guide

Being out in the sun is so fun, but being in a swimsuit can bring about a lot of anxieties. Let’s put those to rest and find some clothes that help us embrace where we are today (without breaking the bank, cluttering up our closets, and buying a million things that don’t work first). I found A LOT of options out there but I am only showcasing the best. These are suits that I have either found + tried, endlessly read reviews on and have 4.5+ stars.

Before we get too far into the post, I wanted to outline all my findings for the one-pieces with specifics about the top, waistline, booty area and price so you can make the best pick for you. If you want the full resolution version to print out, you can download it here!

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

ultimate-swimwear-guide

I divided each of the suits above (plus some great two-piece options!) into one of four categories based on their best quality. Here is how I broke it down:

  1. Tummy Control = Does it offer a high-waist, ruching, compression, and/or waistline support

  2. Support for the Girls = Ties that offer lift, thick straps, halter style that actually stays in place, and/or adjustable straps

  3. Nursing Friendly = Can you breastfeed poolside without getting naked? Easy access without showing the world your goods

  4. All Sizes = Swimwear that fits a variety of body types and is just good all around. Small chest, curvy, big bust, and more.

tummy-control-swim

  1. Ruched High-Waist Bottom: This high waisted and ruched bottom provides compression and comes in a variety of cuts and colors (from full coverage to cheeky). It also pairs well with several tops that fit both big busts and small. I especially like this one (also linked below).

  2. One Shoulder: This is a higher price-point suit at almost $100 BUT it is also highly rated and appears to fit a variety of body types. The compression across the tummy is what most people rave about. If you are larger chested this provides compression but likely not the lift and support you may want.

  3. Square Neck Ruched One-Piece: An Amazon and budget-friendly favorite! This one has 7000+ reviews and another 4.5+ stars. I love the square neck and rouging across the belly. It comes in a variety of colors but I recommend the black because I’m me.

  4. Scallop High-Waist Bottom: I’m obsessed with this two-piece. Here, I am pointing to the bottoms that are high-waisted and full-coverage, but the top is also a winner and I included it below in the Best for Big Busts tops too.

  5. Leopard Tie One-Piece: This is another suit by the Summersalt brand (same as #2). The tie around the waist gives the appearance of a waistline AND there is built-in tummy control. This comes in a variety of colorways and the sizing seems to be spot on based on the reviews.

  6. Criss-cross One-Piece: Another Amazon find. This one offers compression, a waistline through the middle, full coverage bottom and adds a little sexy with the mesh stripes. The best part is its under $30. Hard to go wrong.

bust-support-swim

  1. Halter Wrap Top (+ Matching Bottom): Lots of support and pairs well with its matching high waist bottom. One thing to note is that reviews say it can be difficult to figure out how to put on. I found this to be true with another similar top.

  2. Full Coverage Black One-Piece: This swimsuit has 18,000 reviews and 4.5+ stars. This is the highest rated full-coverage suit out there…and its good looking. Full disclosure: I have not bought it myself, but it looks so cute across a variety of body shapes from customer photos. If I didn’t already have a black one piece (the Lulu’s one below) I’d totally check this one out.

  3. Pink Side Tie One-Piece : This is the same suit as the leopard tie in the first round. It has full coverage and people say it stays put too! Compression across the belly and ability to tie the girls into place are added bonuses.

  4. Full Leopard Wrap One-Piece: With the ability to adjust the straps and ties, this one can be as tight or loose as you need to support your girls. Order a size larger for additional bust coverage. So many women said this suit made them feel so confident. I ordered one too!

  5. Scalloped Halter (+ Matching Bottom): Thick straps, adjustable and oh so cute.

brestfeeding-swimsuit

  1. Plunging One-Piece: I have had this one piece for years and it is a favorite among gals of all sizes over on Lulu’s. I love that it has mid-rear coverage and looks sexy without being revealing.

  2. Red Ruffle One-Piece: I love the full coverage of this suit. The ruffle gives the appearance of a waistline too. This one comes in a longer length for the torso and although I do not have a long torso I needed it in this suit. Check the size guide before you order.

  3. Full Leopard Wrap One-Piece: Similar to the other tie suits, this one has spaghetti straps and is about half the cost of the other wrap one-pieces I shared. The tie across the middle provides tummy coverage and the illusion of a waistline.

  4. Halter Wrap Top (+ Matching Bottom): Also seen in the Best for Bust Support section. This top looks magical.

  5. Scalloped Halter: Here she is again. This halter comes in a variety of colors and pairs with bottoms in many different coverage options. Good all-around two-piece.

best-of-swim-2021

  1. Pink Side Tie: I like the tie waist and the deep neckline on this one. This would look great as a bodysuit/shirt to transition from the beach to the bar. Think throwing on a sarong or wrap skirt around your waist. Also comes in a long torso option and all black.

  2. One Shoulder: I saw a very popular influencer poll her audience for a high-waisted yet full coverage suit and this was BY FAR the biggest recommendation. One thing I did note is that when the suit does not receive 5 stars its often said something along the lines of “really sucks you in but not enough support for the girls.”

  3. Full Leopard Wrap One-Piece: The reviews say it all. Looking at pictures this suit is so cute across a variety of body types. Read sizing and reviews to find the best fit. I suggest ordering a size up and down since returns are free.

  4. Halter Wrap Top (+ Matching Bottom): My favorite bikini top. Adjustable for small and large busts. Pairs with a variety of bottoms for any body type and with a price point of around $30 its a sweet spot to land.

  5. Highlighter One-Piece: Not only will this make you look super tan; one mom even said “ I'm the mother of two kids, so I feel like this is appropriate enough to wear to the pool, and sexy enough to wear on the beach!” Some reviews said there was a little under-boob action but that could have been addressed by sizing up.

best-of-swim-2021.png


  1. Simple Sarong: If you are looking for added lightweight coverage at an affordable price ($13), this is it. I got this in natural (seen above) but there are a bunch of options. I love that it is lightweight and I feel like I can sit in the sand and play with the boys in it too (while enjoying some rear coverage).

  2. Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt: Love that this turns your swimsuit into more of a bodysuit. You can go from beach to bar easily.

  3. Classic Jean Shorts: These are my favorite pair right now. The are made to fit loosely which feels forgiving when I am not my ideal size.

  4. (Above) Paired with a Cute Tank: I love the added detail of the tie front in this one.

  5. Oversized Shirt: I love grabbing one of these from my husband’s closet or just buying a traditional lightweight button down in a size up. Make sure it covers your rear. Great for end of the day when you’ve had enough sun and for walks to and from the beach.

Key Takeaways:

  • Measure yourself and compare to the online size charts. I found this very helpful when trying to figure out what size I am right now.

  • Look at and read the reviews. Find people like you and see what it looks like on them. Amazon has great photos from customer reviews.

  • Buy a few different sizes if returns are easy. That way you can find the best fit.

Ideas for How to Wear It:

what+to+wear_+Swim.jpg
what-to-wear-swim-8
2 (2).png
4 (2).png
3 (2).png

Full try-on with what I ended up buying coming to Instagram stories soon!

xx

Caroline

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience.

Previous
Previous

3 Swimsuit Looks

Next
Next

10 Amazon Organizing Finds Under $35