We Combed the Internet for the Most Head-Turning One-Pieces, Bikinis, and Cut-Out Options — Here Are the 12 Best Swimsuits We Recommend

One-piece swimsuits typically stay in place better than bikinis if you plan to be more active rather than just lounging, Dr. McAllister says. Andie’s The Amalfi One-Piece Swimsuit can support you as you chase your kids around in the sand and also has an elevated, chic design. The brand takes a universally flattering, classic scoop-neck cut with medium leg and bum coverage and makes it even better with eco-friendly, compressive fabric that sculpts the body. Tight-fitting suits are also better for sporty activities, as they reduce drag in the water, Hislop says. The suit also has an elastic underband under the bust for extra lift. It comes in a variety of classic and fun colors and patterns — like cherry red, bright white, and leopard print — so you can snag a suit that flatters your skin tone.

Users overwhelmingly describe the suit as modest but very flattering and sexy. Because it offers medium coverage, you can feel good about showing off some of your curves without flashing too much to family members or worrying about it slipping off as you splash around in the waves. Just keep in mind that it’s not as compressive and shaping as some competitors’ suits. Also, the straps are on the thinner side, and wider straps tend to better distribute weight over the shoulders, McAllister says.

If you’re on the hunt for a sexy bikini to wear while splashing around in the pool, look no further than Monday Swimwear’s gorgeous pieces. The Cala Roja Top and Seychelles Bottom in particular give beach babe vibes while being well-constructed, well-designed, and made to stay put. We love the underwire top that lifts the breasts with a U-wire detail between them for extra flair. Wide shoulder straps and a ribbon-like tie in the back add comfort, style, and extra feminine details. Plus, as McAllister previously explained, wide shoulder straps help distribute weight evenly across the upper body.

Meanwhile, the bottoms are medium coverage and show just a bit of cheek. The bottoms can be worn in a medium rise or lifted to a high rise, giving your legs extra visual length. And the suit comes in fun colors like bright orange, green, and red. Just keep in mind that this suit is on the more revealing side, and an underwire top could feel constricting to some.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately. 

If a bikini isn’t your style, but you still like a two-piece with more coverage, we highly recommend a tankini (the top resembles a tank top, hence the name). The Everything But Water Dazzle Tankini features a loose fit, giving you room to move, whether building sand castles with the kids or just lying poolside with the girls. The straps are adjustable, allowing you to find a secure fit, and have a cute jewel bead in the front for added flair. We love the flattering round neckline that provides a modest, full-coverage look for those who prefer it, and the underwire support that gives you a nice lift without feeling revealing. While it’s pricey and only available in one color, we appreciate how this style offers flexibility without sacrificing style.

A good, comfortable, flattering plus-size swimsuit isn’t hard to find. How do we know? I tried the Torrid Wire-Free Slim Fix Plunge One Piece and love how it hugs my curves, smoothing areas where I’m not the most confident. The V-shaped neckline reveals only a little cleavage, while the bottom is cheeky enough to make me feel cute yet covered. The low-cut leg is a blessing because it provides coverage and doesn’t make the suit feel like it's riding up your hips (this is actually a hard feature to find in plus-size swimsuits, so it’s a top feature of this suit for us). I’m a true size 18, and bought the 2X, and it fit like a glove (maybe a little too much; it was slightly tight and didn’t stretch much). I really wish it was available in more than one color, but the red plum hue is equally classy and sexy.

If you’re looking for a one-piece that has a little more to it than many competitors’ options, this cute cut-out suit with elegant metal starfish details should be on your shopping list. It strikes the perfect balance of showing skin while covering up potential trouble areas (namely, the belly), and has a high cut that lengthens the legs. The suit also features medium to full coverage in the back — and while it doesn’t bare any cheek, it also doesn’t look overly matronly. The metal starfish details across the front add visual appeal and look classy, despite the suit’s very affordable price tag.

All of that said, given the low cost, it’s questionable whether this suit will hold up over time and whether the starfish will tarnish with exposure to water. Thin straps could potentially also dig into the skin, McAllister warns, so the suit may not be the best pick for aquatic sports.

We love that both pieces are made from colorfast, UPF 50 fabric that’s designed to move with your body without stretching out. Stretch-resistant fabric is ideal for a suit designed for athletic activities, McAllister says. We also love the criss-cross straps in the back — this style is highly supportive and allows for dynamic upper-body movements, McAllister says. What’s more, the bottoms have both an elastic waist and a neat internal drawcord to keep them snug and secure on your most active days. In our research, we found that customers loved how the suit stayed put during activities like waterskiing, cliff jumping, or chasing the kids around. However, some noted that the pads shifted around annoyingly. Others found the top complicated to get on and off.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately.

If you prefer a low-coverage bikini, Aerie’s Sun-Lover Bikini Top and Sunbun Bikini Bottom are stunning. The bottoms are Aerie’s cheekiest option and give minimal back coverage without being a thong. It also features a flattering low-rise front. The top is a classic triangle string bikini that gives moderate coverage and includes removable pads. Both the top and bottom feature ties to make them adjustable and get the perfect fit. Rings also add a bit of style and flair, while a color selection including leopard, brown, aqua, and more gives you options. In our research, users reported that the bikini is flattering and comfy despite being on the smaller side. If you’re looking for a supportive suit for activities like bodysurfing or swimming, you’ll want something with more coverage and wider straps to avoid putting stress on your upper body muscles, according to McAllister and Hislop.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately. 

If you’re most comfortable wearing a swimsuit with fuller coverage, Cupshe’s Paint the Town Red Bikini Set could be your perfect fit. While being a two-piece, the high-rise bottoms with low-cut legs give ample coverage and create a flattering shape. We also love the full coverage in the back, so you never have to worry about flashing any cheek as you walk the beach. The halter-top style can keep large breasts snug and contained, while ruffle details give the suit personality and style. Overall, it’s a very flattering, feminine, and sexy suit that will work well for all body types. 

Note that the suit comes in a beautiful shade of red, but unfortunately no others. Also, the extra fabric from the ruffles could weigh you down in the water — meaning it could slow you down if you’re swimming laps or even be dangerous if you’re swimming in the ocean, says Hislop.

Small-chested ladies, Boden’s Porto Bikini may just be your perfect match. This extremely vibrant, bohemian, well-crafted bikini is well-loved by women with smaller busts. The top features a deep V-neck, wide straps that distribute weight evenly over the shoulders, and light padding that lifts the chest, while the matching bottoms provide the perfect amount of medium coverage. In our research, we found that women with smaller breasts (think A or B cups) in particular found the suit to be very flattering. They also loved how well-constructed it is and said that it’s extremely comfortable. The bikini comes in gorgeous, detailed, multicolored, mosaic, and flower patterns that give it a high-end look. Do note that some women with larger breasts didn’t feel fully contained when wearing this suit. Also, the suit isn’t adjustable, so keep that in mind.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately. 

The Stylest DreamSculpt Square Neck Tank swimsuit can accentuate your already beautiful body and is flattering to a variety of shapes. The garment is designed to lift, tuck, and sculpt the body, helping you feel confident and look your best. According to the brand, customers report a 40 percent breast lift, and the sustainably made French fabric offers four times more compression than that of other suits. The piece lives up to its promises — in our research, women raved about the fit, saying it shaped them in all the right places while being comfortable, classy, and easy to wear. We’re happy to see that users were comfortable in the suit. According to McAllister, compression styles can be helpful for swimming laps, as they reduce drag, though an overly tight fit can compress the ribs and abdomen. We also appreciate that the fabric has a UPF 50 rating to keep you protected from the sun. Do note that some women with longer torsos didn’t like the fit. Also, at nearly $200, the suit is an investment.